It’s a very popular time to apply to law school … again.
Last year we saw near-record numbers of applicants. This year, so far, it’s happening again.
In the 20 years I’ve advised applicants to law school, I’ve rarely seen applications remain so high. It’s early in this particular law school application cycle. So it remains to be seen if this cycle will continue this way, but so far it is very busy.
So how can you succeed? There are many strategies you can try.
Timing of your applications
In a competitive cycle, it is important to apply early in the rolling admissions cycle.
“We are seeing more people applying to law school than ever,” according to Elizabeth Broccoli, the director of the Pre-law Institute at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. “We are encouraging them to apply earlier, especially for the most competitive schools.”
As most law schools operate on a rolling admissions cycle, October or early November might be a strategic time to apply, rather than waiting until closer to their application deadlines.
Networking with admissions offices
There are rarely interviews for law school, but there are plenty of opportunities to network with admissions, including touring the schools.
What if you don’t have the time or the funds to tour them right now?
“Take advantage of online office hours,” Broccoli said.
Many law schools offer them.
“Attend law school fairs,” she said.
LSAC offers a largescale law school forum in different cities and digitally throughout the cycle (check www.lsac.org for more information). Different colleges also hold their own law school fairs frequently.
While you are waiting to hear back from them once you’ve submitted your application, keep in touch with them.
“Continue to reiterate interest,” Broccoli said. “You can also email them and set aside a time to come visit.”
Perfecting your essays and your resume
In a competitive cycle, it is crucial to spend a lot of time on your personal statement, additional essays and on your resume.
“Read essay prompts closely,” Broccoli advises. “Don’t write the same essay for every school.”
Resumes for law school have also become more important in recent application cycles. Hiring patterns in law school have changed and are happening earlier. Thus, many law schools are now looking for applicants with law-related experience, whether it be through campus activities or jobs.
“Our most successful candidates are real leaders on our campus and have a lot of professional experience,” Broccoli said.
Other tips in a busy cycle include asking your professors or internship supervisors for your letters of recommendation early, as they may be asked by many for recommendations in a busy cycle and to try to submit your FAFSA as early as possible.
Applying earlier in the cycle could also potentially help with merit scholarship consideration.
Finally, if you are waitlisted, due potentially to the volume of applicants, keep in touch with the law schools to re-affirm your interest about once a month, and let them know if you have a new job to tell them about or an award or honor at school or any other updates.
Hillary Mantis is a law school admissions consultant working with applicants to law school, as well as a career consultant working with lawyers. She is the author of three books and has been advising prelaw students and law school applicants for 20 years. You can reach her at Hillary.mantis@yahoo.com.
