Deliberating law school options is much simpler when you know what’s most important to you. Prioritizing class size, alumni support, and location can help create an unbiased list.
Curriculum can become the focus, which makes research all the more essential.
1. Location
Location plays an integral role in shaping student experiences at law schools, from proximity to state capitals and courthouses, corporate headquarters, rewarding externship opportunities during 2L and 3L year, clinic connections being formed easily at clinics, broadened world views and positioning oneself for future career success post graduation.
Location can play an integral part in housing options, cost of living and campus culture. Some applicants might wish to explore new cities during law school while others prefer remaining close to home or family. It’s ultimately your choice: take stock of what matters to you when selecting schools from your list.
2. Culture
Law school is an intensive three- to four-year process and students should pay careful consideration when selecting their institution of choice in terms of culture and teaching methodologies, classroom dynamics and support services offered.
Some schools may foster an atmosphere that promotes competition for grades, class rank and internship or clerkship positions among its students; other schools might foster more of a collaborative culture centered around community support.
Gen Zers are calling for more social justice-driven legal education and don’t want to graduate into an environment defined by competition and ego-stroking. Law schools need to recognize these concerns by evaluating applicants based on their commitments to diversity, inclusion and collaboration as well as their applicants’ abilities within these frameworks.
3. Class Size
While your curriculum should remain your top priority in law school, you will also experience a new culture and social scene. Don’t overlook class size when making your law school list!
From Appalachian University with its 146 students to Georgetown University’s 1,790, classes range in size and can significantly impact your experience. If you prefer large schools over smaller classes, larger ones might seem preferable – though competitiveness in smaller classes could actually be an advantage!
Law school may differ from your college experience, but don’t be shocked to find many of the same student life atmosphere. From study groups and RA-organized game nights to creating strong support networks that will carry you through any challenges during law school, law students often need a little extra assistance when their workload increases exponentially.
4. Financial Aid
Law school coursework is certainly important, but students also face additional considerations such as moving to a new city and joining social scenes with their classmates. When making decisions regarding law school enrollment it is crucial that all these factors are taken into account when weighing all available options.
Cost is an inevitable consideration for students applying to higher education institutions. Some are independent wealth, while many applicants must rely on loans to fund their education.
Each law school must publish their estimated cost of attendance (COA), and you are eligible to borrow up to this amount. When considering your options for covering your COA while also optimizing academic opportunities, consult with law school financial aid officers in order to find the most efficient ways to meet them responsibly.
5. Career Opportunities
Your career opportunities depend on your interests and desired area of law practice. If your dream is to become the next Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Antonin Scalia, attending an elite law school may be your ideal path forward.
All interested students will want to compare the admissions criteria of schools they are considering with your academic credentials. One effective method of doing so is reviewing a law school’s admissions grid from its most recent admissions year and comparing your LSAT score and UGPA against that of previously admitted students.
Understand that attending law school requires both time and money investments – so make sure it is something that excites you genuinely, as this journey will be well worth your while!
