Law--Deciding
Where to Apply
A number of factors will go into your decision
about the law schools
to which you'll apply.
The most important
thing is to find
out as much as you
can about the various
schools on your list--learn
about their courses
of study and the
culture of the schools--so
that you can make
good decisions for
yourself once you've
received your acceptances.
Be sure to visit
the schools on your
list. Check their
websites--most offer “Open House” days during
which you can visit
with Admissions Deans, sit in on
classes, and talk
with current law
students.
Here are some of the common factors applicants
consider in drawing up their lists:
Law School Ranking--many Amherst
students and alumni
are interested in
applying to top-ranked
law schools. Having
attended a prestigious law school can, indeed,
open doors for you after law school is done.
However, it's very important to remember that
there are other good reasons for choosing a given
law school. Many applicants prefer to select
a school for other reasons – for
the programs it offers,
its geographic location
or the comfort level
a school provides
in day-to-day life.
Whether you're pursuing a top-ranked school,
or feel more comfortable choosing schools based
on factors other than rank, be sure to learn
as much as you can about the culture of a given
law school before making a decision to attend
it.
Geographic Location--this
is another major
factor in making
decisions about law
schools. Some applicants
want to be near family or friends, some want
to experience an area of the country in which
they've always wanted to live and others want
to choose a location which will help them make
career contacts. Often, applicants choose to
attend law school close to where they know they
want to practice law – this
can be helpful in
making contact with
potential employers
and building a network of colleagues.
Programs--often, an applicant
will choose to apply
to a law school because
of its strength in
his or her chosen
area of study or
because it offers
a particular dual
degree. To find law
schools in your area
of interest, try
the Peterson's
Guide, the Official
Guide to ABA Law
Schools, or do web searches
on your particular
field.
Cost--many applicants choose
to apply to law schools
which will cost them
less. Tuition and
fees vary widely – you'll need
to check individual
law schools to find
out their costs and
their own policies
on financial aid.
A few things to remember: In-state tuition for
state law schools is significantly lower than
for private ones. Some law schools offer special
scholarships or fellowships for their own students.
And some offer loan forgiveness programs for
graduates electing a career in public service
law.
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