General Questions

1. What courses should I take?

There are no course requirements or majors for admission to law school. You can take courses in literally any field and subsequently be admitted to a fine law school. Admissions committees are usually impressed by a rigorous course of undergraduate study; pass/fail grades present a weaker profile than letter marks. While no specific majors are recommended, applicants may be expected to intensely concentrate in one area, and supplement this study with courses from several other disciplines. For example, if you concentrate in the social sciences, you should also take courses in the humanities and the natural sciences. Some pre-law students may want to take a course that will expose them to legal materials or enable them to see what the law is and how it operates. Check course offerings in Political Science, English, Sociology and History, and others that are considered traditional paths to law school. In addition, a Philosophy course in logic is a good elective for a pre-law student (and may be helpful with certain sections of the LSAT). But don't be put off if your concentrations have been dance or music. There are successful law students who have taken non-traditional undergraduate classes.

2. How important are extracurricular activities?

Activities outside of the classroom are an important part of your educational experience and are considered by law school admissions committees. Choose these experiences—part-time jobs, internships and school activities—with care. They should be law-related or provide an opportunity for you to take on a leadership role and demonstrate an ability to work with others. A law-related internship can be of value in two ways: it can help you assess your interest and suitability for a law career, and provide experiences that can be utilized in your personal essay. Internships are of most value when taken during the first three years of college. Placements that are particularly helpful to pre-law students are listed in Career News as well as in our files. You can meet with the Coordinator of Internships and Fieldwork for assistance. The summer before your senior year is a critical time to work and gain first-hand experience of the day-to-day life in a law firm or a public defender's office. Competitive internships and fellowships are available, but will have early (fall) deadlines, well in advance of the summer, so plan accordingly. This effort to work in your field of interest will gain the attention of the admissions committee.

3. Why do law schools use the LSAT?

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) was developed to provide an additional measure of an applicant's potential for success in law school. The use of this standardized test grew out of the difficulty of evaluating on a comparative basis the grade point averages of students who took a variety of courses at different undergraduate schools. Increased use of the LSAT also stems from what many law school admissions officers sense to be a pattern of inflation of grades in undergraduate courses. In other words, the law schools have so many applicants with "B" averages, they feel the need for some other benchmark to supplement the grade point average as an indicator of an applicant's potential. You may feel that the LSAT is not a true measure of your potential, but law schools seem convinced of the validity of the LSAT in predicting success for the first year of legal studies. The Law School Admission Council is reevaluating this theory. For the present time, at least, you will be faced with the fact that the LSAT is very much a part of the law school admission process.

4. How do I register for the LSAT?

You can now register for the LSAT by mail, telephone or online. You must register for the LSAT in advance of the test date. Walk-in registration on the day of the test is strictly prohibited. You can pick up a current LSAT and LSDAS Registration and Information Book in the Office of Career Counseling.

5. When should I take the LSAT?

The LSAT is given several times during the school year. Most serious pre-law students take it in June after their junior year, or October of their senior year, giving them time to study over the summer. Some take it in December of their senior year, but this date may be too late for the more competitive law schools. It takes about four weeks to score and process the exam, so plan preparation accordingly.

6. Can I take the LSATs more than one time?

Yes, but most students (about 89 percent) take the LSAT only once. As with SATs, all scores will be reported to the law schools when you apply. Law schools handle multiple scores in different ways: some only consider the first score, some the last, and others average them. Check individual law school catalogs for their policy. The important thing to remember is that you should only take the test when you feel you can make your best effort. Under no circumstances should you take the exam to get a "baseline" for future efforts. Law schools view this strategy very unfavorably. Also, while it is reassuring to know that you can retake the LSATs, most students score about the same the second time around. Therefore, unless you took the exam under adverse circumstances, it is not to your advantage to retake it.

7. How should I prepare for the LSAT?

The only way to do well is to familiarize yourself with the test. Two hours of concentrated practice nightly for at least three months prior to taking the exam is necessary. Resources that provide information about the LSAT include the LSAT/LSDAS Registration Packet (free in the Office of Career Counseling), the Test Disclosure Packet, The Law Package, commercial preparation books (be sure they are recent publications), and commercial preparation courses. You might want to consider enrolling in a preparation course if you are not motivated to do intensive studying on your own. Ideally, you should supplement any course with outside study.

8. Do law schools require personal interviews?

In general, law schools do not require personal interviews for the purpose of admission. In fact, schools are now confronted with so many applicants that they no longer find it possible to schedule them. You may find an interview valuable if you can arrange one, but don't assume it will have a significant effect on the admissions process. It is generally better to have the school contact you for the interview.

9. When will I be interviewed?

Interviews can occur at various times throughout the year, although in general, schools grant interviews to their strongest candidates in the fall, and dig deeper into their applicant pool as the year progresses.

10. What should I expect on an interview?

There is no typical admissions interview. Some are informal conversations with a member of the law school faculty, while others can be quite stressful. You should be prepared for either approach by becoming at ease with questions concerning your background, interests, strengths and weaknesses, as well as your motivation to study law.

Also, be prepared with specific questions about the school and curriculum that cannot be easily answered by simply reading the catalogue. A meeting with the Director of Career Counseling to discuss and prepare for an interview is strongly recommended. You should also talk with faculty and anyone you know who has been through the process.

11. What programs are available for minority students?

Many law schools use special admissions criteria for minority students, and have financial aid programs especially for their use. As these programs are changing frequently, you should consult the law school catalogues for details. Also, the Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) provides some pre-law support.

Questions about Applying

1. What elements are considered for admission?

The basic criteria used by almost all law schools are the college record (courses taken, grades, and in some cases, strength of undergraduate institutions), the LSAT score, letters of recommendation and the information you provide on your application (i.e. personal statement).

2. How do I apply to law school?

Part of the application process is similar to applying to undergraduate college. Write to the law schools that interest you and request a catalog and application packet. In addition, you will have to register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS), part of the Law School Admissions Service (LSAS), which administers the LSAT. By requiring applicants to use this service, the law schools are able to have a standardized summary of your academic work. Once you have registered with the LSDAS (all the forms are contained in the Information Book available in the Office of Career Counseling), you must have an official copy of your transcripts sent from the Registrar's Office to the LSDAS. An analysis will then be made and sent to all the law schools to which you are applying. Your LSDAS analysis is done only once a year, and the registration fee is good for that year only. You should register during the summer between your junior and senior year or early in the fall semester to meet all law school deadlines. Your seventh semester grades, therefore, will not be included in the analysis. You may, of course, send an official transcript of these grades directly to the law schools if you feel they will be advantageous.

3. Where can I get a good summary of law schools and my chances of admission?

The Pre-law Handbook, available from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), can give you the most accurate and up-to-date information. For many of the schools there are charts that show the previous year's admissions records in terms of LSAT scores and cumulative averages. This can be very helpful in evaluating your own chances of being admitted to a specific school. It will also be of great value to talk with people in the field to get a take on the law schools you are considering. One of the services provided by the Office of Career Counseling, which can assist you in this effort, is the annual pre-law panel, where alumni serve as contacts and resource information. In addition, all applicants should attend the Law School Forums held in New York City every September. Finally, be sure to meet with the Director of Career Counseling well before you make your final decision regarding law school applications.

4. What factors should I consider in deciding where to apply?

Your first step should be to assemble a list of schools that interest you, based on geographic location, size, setting, general reputation and special programs. Current law school catalogs are available in the Office of Career Counseling. Then you should begin to consider those schools more carefully in terms of your admissions possibilities. It is essential you apply to a cross-section of schools: some schools that appear to be long shots (but not impossible), some that seem realistic, and some to which admission seems secure. Under no circumstances should you apply to a school that you would not want to attend. Doing so is a waste of time and money and will put you in an emotional bind should this be your only acceptance.

If at all feasible, you should try to visit each school before you apply, and certainly if you are accepted, before you make your final decision. You will spend the next two to three years there (and may remain in that community), so first-hand contact is essential.

5. Is there an advantage in applying to my state schools?

Generally, yes. All state schools (and some private ones) reserve a significant amount of places for state residents. The tuition for state residents is also much lower. In addition, some state schools (e.g. The University of Vermont) have contractual arrangements with other states and give preference to qualified residents.

6. How many applications should I submit?

Your financial means as well as a realistic evaluation of your chances for gaining acceptance should determine the actual number of applications you submit. The average number is nine applications per applicant.

7. What is my best strategy for applying to law school?

This is a difficult question to answer, as there are always some intangibles in the selection process. What we do know is the number of applications has increased significantly in the last decade. Given this situation, well-qualified applicants who have selected appropriate law schools and observed proper application procedures and deadlines will have the best chances for acceptance. Be honest in your application and essays and bring to light the extracurricular activities that are pertinent to your pursuit of law.

8. How should I prepare my application?

Your application should be prepared as carefully as any other document you submit. It should be meticulous. Unless the application specifically asks for a handwritten statement, you must type everything you submit. Typing makes the application neat and legible and creates a better impression in the mind of the reader.

9. When should I apply?

Most law schools require your complete application file by December 1st. Therefore, the best time to apply would be from mid-October to mid-November, though some schools suggest students apply as soon as possible after September 15th. Allow plenty of time for your recommendations to be sent, by requesting them no later than early November. Timeliness can play a significant role in your application's success. For specific deadlines, be sure to consult the schools to which you are applying.

10. Whom should I ask for letters of recommendation?

If letters of recommendation are to be valuable, they must include specific information about you that would not be communicated in any other form. Letters of recommendation can confirm the decision to admit a candidate and may be of real help to a borderline applicant. If you are approaching a member of the faculty, you should expect that s/he would be able to say something about your unique qualities as a student in his/her class. Reviewing your academic evaluation will help you determine the kind of recommendation s/he will write. Other people you may want to ask could be those who supervised your work as an employee, intern or volunteer. It is very important to give the writer plenty of notice. At least four to six weeks is recommended. A last-minute request may not only result in a less thoughtful recommendation, but it will give a negative impression to the very person whom you want to impress! In addition, make sure you follow all instructions for distributing your reference forms. Type the name of the writer on the form, if it is requested, and be sure to type the law school address on all pre-addressed stamped envelopes.

See The Student Credentials Guide.

11. How do I send my recommendation letter to law schools?

LSDAS now processes these letters.

12. May I see my letter of recommendation?

You have a choice as to whether you want to waive your right to see your letter of recommendation, although it is strongly suggested you sign a waiver since most law schools prefer a confidential recommendation. If you do not waive your right to see your recommendation, the Pre-law Committee will indicate this on their letterhead. Confidential Waivers are available in the Office of Career Counseling and must be signed at the beginning of the application process.

13. What should I say in my personal statement?

The most important thing to remember in writing your personal statement is what you say is just as important as how you say it. In fact, if you don't convey your message in a logical and grammatically correct way, not only will your credentials become suspect, but your message will be lost or misunderstood. Keep in mind the admissions officers do not know who you are. Your statement is their only contact with you. Through this statement, for better or worse, you will come alive to them. Your goal should be to convince the admissions officer of your interest and motivation for the study of law. This might be approached through a statement describing how and when you became interested in law school, and what experience you have had that makes you feel you would be suited for the legal profession. Some details of the college activities in which you participated might also give an indication of your motivation and maturity as well as of your abilities. The same is true of your work experiences. Try to point out things about yourself and your background that make you unique as an applicant and may not be brought out in any other form except your personal statement.

How to Decide

14. What should I do if I'm accepted?

When you're accepted, you will usually have two weeks to let the school know of your intentions, which usually means sending a deposit to hold a place. You should be able to withdraw later and have your deposit refunded if you change your mind. Accept your first school without question! If you get into another school you would rather attend, you can always withdraw from the first, but you cannot count on a second acceptance. If you are accepted at more than one school and are having difficulty making a decision, try to visit them again. A second look should help you make a well-informed decision.

15. What happens if I'm wait-listed?

All schools have wait-lists, and the chances are great that you will be wait-listed somewhere. If you are wait-listed at a school you want to attend, you should call the school to indicate your interest and to find out about their particular wait-list policy. Handle this call in an assertive, but polite manner; do not become argumentative or defensive. Of course you may continue to hold a place at another school until a final decision is made.

16. What if I'm not accepted?

If you find yourself in this unfortunate position, remember you are not alone and can re-apply. Use this opportunity to re-evaluate your credentials, your original choices of law schools, as well as your suitability and commitment to the law field. A frank discussion with your pre-law adviser, your don, or a member of the faculty is strongly recommended. If you really want to pursue law, don't give up. There is a school out there for you.