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How to Decide Where to Go to Law School
by Kimberly A. Smith
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Overview
You have solid undergraduate grades, a good LSAT score and an impressive resume of extracurricular activities and work experience. Choosing where to go to law school can seem complicated, but with more than 200 schools accredited by the American Bar Association, there is a law school that is right for you and your career goals. Focusing on what you really want to get out of the law school experience can help you narrow down the available options.
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Step 1
Decide whether you want to attend school in an urban area, a small town or something in between. While you will be spending a lot of time studying or in class, you will have time off too. Where do you want to live for the next 3 years?
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Step 2
Consider the specific type of law you want to practice. It is okay if you aren't sure what type of law interests you. However, if you know that environmental law or dispute resolution is your passion, you may want to target schools that are top-notch in that field.
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Step 3
Research the current law school rankings. U.S. News & World Report puts out yearly law school rankings. These include a general category and rankings on specific programs of study.
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Step 4
Think about where you want to practice law. The top 10 law schools are known everywhere. But with regional law schools, you will have an easier time getting a job in nearby areas.
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Step 5
Visit your top-choice campuses. There is an intangible quality about schools and cities that you can't know until you go there. Even though one school may be highly ranked, you may just not like it there. You will be spending 3 years at law school. Choose the campus that feels right.
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Step 6
Speak to current law students at your top-choice schools. Don't just count on tour guides; their job is to make the school look good. Spend some time talking to random students that you encounter. Scheduling your visit so it doesn't coincide with final exams will improve your chances of finding helpful students.
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Step 7
Be honest about your chances. Law is one of the more competitive postgraduate fields. Even some of the brightest students will be rejected from top-tier schools. Always apply to a few "safety" schools along with your top choices.
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- Follow your instincts. When you apply to law school, you may find all your friends and relatives have advice on where you should go. But in the end, you are the one that will be attending this school, so your opinion counts the most.
- Follow your instincts. When you apply to law school, you may find all your friends and relatives have advice on where you should go. But in the end, you are the one that will be attending this school, so your opinion counts the most.
