Law School Admissions: The Big Decision
Published: Jul 20, 2010
Many different factors go into choosing a law school. But even before you start visiting campuses, the first thing to do is to look at your undergraduate GPA and LSAT score (if you've taken it already). The reality is that these two numbers determine for which schools you're eligible. Comparing your scores to the average LSAT and GPA of law schools will quickly narrow down number of schools to which you can apply.
Now that you've figured out a range of schools for which you qualify, it's time to look at the individual schools. Location, academics, career services are a few of the important factors when deciding between schools. And after it's all said and done and your acceptance letters are in, there are even more programs, faculty and classes to investigate in order to decide exactly which school to attend. We asked almost 4,000 current law students and alumni how they made the big decision. The vast majority (84 percent) of respondents said that location was critical. Most other reasons for attending one law school over another fit into a few different categories. See what real students and alumni said were major deciding factors in choosing a law school.
Academics
The wonderful professors
Clinical experiences
Co-op program, liberal education
Study abroad
Environmental Law Certificate
Advocacy program
Commitment to intellectual engagement
Diversity, public interest commitment, international law opportunities
Focus on public interest and community service
The school's commitment to international law and international affairs
Professors and law and economics focus
Money
Tuition remission for employees
Full scholarship
Post-graduation employment
LRAP
Community
The faculty is extremely connected to the students and the alumni are more engaged than any I've ever seen
Collegial atmosphere; reputation for producing well-rounded graduates
Welcoming atmosphere and sincerity of the students, faculty and staff
Higher average age of students
Active LGBT student group/accepting climate
Better life experience here than at Harvard or Columbia, without a doubt