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Welcome to the World of Law School Admissions!

Law School Admission Increasingly Competitive

Law school applications are hitting record highs. The LSAC expects the 2003-2004 admissions season to set further records, based on LSAT registrations. While this is unwelcome news for aspiring lawyers, it does make sense. The average starting salary for a top law school graduate going into private practice is $125,000. Moreover, law school provides students with 3 years of safe harbor in a slow economy.

The look of the applicant pool is changing, too. Many programs, such as Northwestern University, are seeking out older applicants with professional work experience. As a result, the applicant pool is swelling with applicants who are more mature and more articulate than brand-new B.A.s tend to be, and who have a longer track record to prove leadership skills. “Traditional” applicants will still gain admission to top law schools, but it will become increasingly important for them to show leadership potential through part-time employment and extracurricular activities.

Your Starting Point

Before entering the fray of law school admissions, make sure that law is the career for you. Ironically, many law school graduates quickly leave the field because they don’t like the work. This point is covered on our top 10 tips page. Do yourself a favor and check these tips out before you leave our website.

Even if you know that law is your calling, you should work on articulating why. A University of Pennsylvania admissions officer told us that approximately half of the applicants she meets cannot give adequate reasons for desiring a law education. Needless to say, these applicants receive rejection letters from Penn.

The Selection Process

Law programs vary enormously. We believe that the right program is out there, somewhere, for every applicant. Research different programs and what they have to offer – and think about what you want. Don't apply to Harvard if you are not going to be comfortable in an ultra-competitive atmosphere. It's not just a question of your happiness over 3 years. You will learn more and earn higher grades in a program that complements your tastes, interests, and career goals.

Still set on applying to schools based solely on rankings? Consider this: your admissions chances are indeed lower at schools where you would not be a good fit. Consider this quote, from an admissions officer at Northwestern¹:

"I very often refuse great applicants because I know that our school is just not the right place for them and that both of us would be happier if they went to one of their other choices. This does not mean that they are bad students; it just means that we think they would be better served elsewhere."

1. Quote supplied by AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.