Consider several factors when selecting the law school that’s right for you and plan for what comes after graduating from law school.
Don’t put too much emphasis on ranking and prestige when selecting a law school; other crucial aspects should also be considered such as:
Location
Selecting your law school begins with choosing where you would like to live during study. After all, this decision could shape your experience significantly over three years of law school study.
Finding a school located in your desired field is one way to increase the odds that you’ll land your desired legal career after graduation, but curriculum also plays a vital role. Therefore, it’s crucial that both factors be carefully considered when choosing a law school and curriculum are considered when making this important decision.
NYU Law is widely considered one of the premier law schools, though admission can be more challenging than Columbia or Cornell. With a vibrant campus atmosphere and heavy workloads that must be fulfilled to excel there, this school makes an excellent choice for students interested in international or city law as well as disability advocacy, innovation and national security law.
Specializations
Curriculum is certainly an essential element of law school life; however, when selecting schools to apply to, it’s also essential to consider other aspects that make up this experience.
Some law schools specialize in specific forms of law that could prove useful for anyone interested in that specialization – for instance trust and estate law may be strong area for some law schools, providing an edge when looking for employment in this specialty field.
Other law schools provide unique offerings such as master’s degrees in alternative dispute resolution. This specialty aims to avoid litigation and encourage parties to resolve their differences outside the court system – an excellent choice for professionals wanting to work with the public and promote peace. With so many choices out there, creating your law school list may seem daunting at first. Take time to prioritize what matters most when creating your list.
Financial Aid
Most law schools provide financial aid based on demonstrated financial need, including scholarships, grants, Federal Work-Study opportunities and loans. Merit aid can be an important consideration when considering top law schools.
Consider what type of legal career you would like to pursue before choosing your school. Make sure that they offer courses, clinics and opportunities to help facilitate that path.
As part of your law school experience, it’s also important to consider its intangible aspects such as moving to a new city, joining a social scene and connecting with peers. Most applicants follow the threefold philosophy of dreaming a little while remaining realistic; with that in mind, using LSAC’s UGPA and LSAT Credential Search is an excellent way to assess your chances of acceptance at participating ABA-approved law schools, such as stretching schools that might not fit perfectly, realistic options or surefire bets so you can apply with certainty!
Social Life
Though many think law school will be all work and no play, the opposite can actually be true. While workload is certainly heavier than in undergrad studies, students who develop excellent study habits can achieve balance between their academics and social lives.
Law schools typically provide their students with numerous activities and events outside the traditional classroom setting, including moot court competitions, workshops, and legal clinics where they gain hands-on experience.
Alumni support and networking opportunities should also play an integral part in choosing the ideal law school. You can examine each specialty offered at law schools to get an idea of their alumni network strength; then consider connecting with former classmates via their specialty after graduating. When socializing at law school, aim for genuine interactions instead of making connections solely for career purposes – this way your friendships won’t seem forced.