THE LAW SCHOOL
OPTION
(A reference book for students
interested in knowing more about
how to prepare for and apply to law school)
ANA L. DROSCOSKI, Esq.
PRE-LAW ADVISOR & ASST. DIRECTOR
300 Garland Hall
410-516-4140
DAVID VERRIER, Ph.D.
DIRECTOR
Carolyn Mae Krause
LaTonia J. Sanders
Administrative Coordinators
Lena Harding
Administrative Secretary
www.jhu.edu/preprof
7/28/17
F:\SHARED|Wpfiles|Preaw|Law Tower\LawOptionMANUAL06
TABLE OF CONTENT
I.
Introduction
1
II.
Pre-law Preparation
2
A. Academic Record
2
B. Work/Internship Experience
3
C. Extracurricular Activities
3
III. A Suggested Calendar
4
IV.
5
The Application Process
A. The Law School Admission Test
B. Preparing for the LSAT
C.
V.
Law School Recommendations
6
7
7
Starting a Pre-law File
7
Pre-law File Checklist
8
D. The Art of Gathering Recommendations
9
E. The Essay
9
The Acceptance
10
A. Choosing a Law School
10
B. Early Decision
12
C. Deferred Admission
12
D. Delayed Application
12
E. Financial Aid
13
F. Bar Requirements
13
G. Joint Degree Programs
13
H. Placement After Law School
14
I.
INTRODUCTION
Whether you have decided to apply to law school or are just considering law school as one of
many possible options upon graduation, this booklet should be of use to you. What follows is a
discussion of the ways in which you can prepare yourself for law school, the mechanics of
applying and what you can expect once you are there.
It is possible that you have only a vague desire to attend law school but have heard that a law
degree is good preparation for almost any career. On the other hand, your personal ambitions
may be more refined, yet you still may be incorrectly assuming that law school is a necessary
stepping stone to your goals. There is a wide range of fields such as public policy, urban and
regional planning, criminal justice, international relations, social work and others that are lawrelated, but for which a legal education may not be necessary or the most appropriate training.
Why Law School? Before choosing law as a career, it is important to decide why you are
choosing to be a lawyer as well as to know what a lawyer actually does. If you have had a legal
internship, you probably have considered both of these issues.
You may realize that the practice of law involves a great deal of research and detail. Many
lawyers think of it as fitting pieces into a gigantic puzzle. A legal practice today is a business as
well as a profession. It involves billing in six minute increments, soliciting clients, working
successfully with support staff, associates and partners, marketing yourself and your firm, and
continually keeping abreast of the changes in the field.
You may not realize that the profession usually demands very long hours. If you want to have
ample time for leisure and family, law may not be the best choice for you. You do not, of
course, have to work 70 hour weeks, but if you do not, you may not climb the partnership ladder.
Know what is important to you. Being a lawyer involves much more than a large paycheck, and
depending on what field and practice setting you choose, it may not even include that. This
booklet is a starting place for learning more. We hope it will help you make an informed
decision about law as a career as well as give you nitty-gritty information about the application
process. For additional resources and discussion of your personal situation, see Ana L.
Droscoski, J.D.
The Law School Experience. It is difficult to generalize about the law school experience since
each school has its own identity. However, most law schools have a fairly standardized firstyear program that usually covers the study of torts, contracts, property, criminal law, and civil
procedure. Within the first year, there is little room for elective coursework, and most courses
continue for the full academic year.
During the second and third years of law school, the vast majority of the coursework is elective
and generally lasts a semester or a quarter, depending on the school’s system. It is during the
second and third years that clinical and internship experience may become available, and
electives may determine for you your future line of work.
Law school is not a place to specialize in the same way that you choose a major. However,
many students develop areas of specialization by taking a preponderance of courses in one field,
such as International Law or Environmental Law. For the most part law schools prepare you to
think like a lawyer and leave the preparation for the practice of law to on-the-job experience.
Because law schools have come under attack for being “too academic,” many have started
clinical programs designed to give students “hands on” experience. You will want to investigate
the clinical possibilities at the law schools that interest you.
In order to become better acquainted with life as a law student, plan to visit law schools, attend
classes and talk to as many students as possible. The Johns Hopkins University Pre-Law Society
and Office of Pre-Professional Programs & Advising sponsor the annual Law School Fair that is
attended by admissions officers from throughout the country. Discussing your plans and
interests with these admissions representatives can be very helpful to your decision making. Ana
L. Droscoski, J.D. can often give you names of Johns Hopkins graduates attending a law school
you are planning to visit.
II. PRE-LAW PREPARATION
One of the best features of pre-legal education is that it contains absolutely no requirements or
restrictions. You can major in literally any field and take any course or program offered, and
subsequently be admitted to a fine law school and become a topnotch lawyer. The key factor is
to challenge yourself to do well. Many pre-law students major in political science, international
studies, history or English. This is only advisable if you like one of these areas of study. Those
who major in the traditional pre-law areas will neither be helped nor hindered in the admissions
process. What counts, of course, is how well you perform in your chosen field of study.
A. ACADEMIC RECORD
A strong academic record is very important in the law school application process. Johns
Hopkins University is well known as a rigorous, academically challenging institution. It is
important to demonstrate your capacity for success within a competitive institution. Once again
the old adage to “do what you enjoy, and you will do well” appears to hold true. Although a
heavy course load does make an impression on admissions officers, it is still more important to
take an average number of courses (+/- 15 credits) and do your best. Completing your degree
requirements, a semester or a year early, or double majoring, is not in itself seen as a benefit.
In evaluating a candidate's undergraduate academic performance and resultant undergraduate
cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.), law schools look very carefully at the trends in a
student's academic record. A student who has earned high grades in a large number of analytic
and advanced courses but whose G.P.A. has been lowered by a few low grades in less
demanding or introductory courses taken during the freshman year may be regarded as a stronger
candidate than the student who has earned a high G.P.A. by taking numerous introductory
courses during the junior and senior years.
2
Law schools will tend to forgive a weak freshman year and/or the ravages of the sophomore
slump, provided the student shows real strength in the last two years. Law school admissions
committees, however, will be concerned about a candidate who shows real strength in the first
year and then shows a decline in G.P.A. each successive year.
You may be tempted to take “law-related” courses. While such courses offer students an
opportunity to test their academic interest in law, law schools urge undergraduates not to take
these courses in such numbers that they prevent them from taking a broad range of courses in the
liberal arts. Many admissions officers also advise against taking too many courses on a pass/fail
basis. Although there are exceptions, courses taken pass/fail represent one less opportunity to
accurately evaluate a student's academic performance. Many times a pass in a pass/fail course is
looked at as a “C.”
Students frequently ask what effect, if any, study abroad for a semester or year will have on their
admission to law school. Some resources indicate that although foreign study itself will not
contribute significantly to a candidate’s acceptance or rejection, law schools are interested in
recruiting students with diverse and enriched educational backgrounds. Students are cautioned,
however, to apply to reputable, academically strong study-abroad programs. It is also important
to realize that study abroad grades will be calculated into the Law School Data Assembly Service
G.P.A., even though those same grades may not appear on the Hopkins transcript.
B. WORK/INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Although a law-related work experience or internship is not a requirement for law school
admission, such “field experience” offers students an opportunity to test their interest in law.
This type of position may involve real responsibility in a legal environment: interviewing clients
and gathering salient facts, legal research, writing memoranda, counseling, and negotiation.
Employment in a job not law related may play a role in an admissions committee’s decision if
such work shows significant entrepreneurial ability or involves situations where employers have
given the applicant real responsibility in a company's operations. If a student has found it
necessary to work in order to pay for college tuition or expenses, it is important to bring it to the
attention of the admissions committee. Demonstrating maturity in accepting responsibility for
college expenses and learning to balance employment and academic commitments can have a
positive impact on an admissions officer.
C. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Law schools neither require nor are impressed by long lists of extracurricular activities.
However, admissions committees are looking for significant leadership ability and activity, and
a commitment to something other than a high undergraduate G.P.A. Whatever the activity, it
needs to indicate meaningful community involvement, leadership, and responsibility in order to
have a significant impact on the admissions process.
3
Note of caution: We wish to warn pre-law students not to make choices concerning courses or
majors, work or internship experiences, and extracurricular activities simply to impress law
school admissions committees and thereby improve one’s chance of admission. It is impossible
to second-guess admissions committees. There is disparity among law schools about the
comparative weight put on a candidate’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
Remember: Do what you feel comfortable and happy about doing. If you are interested in what
you are doing, you will be successful.
III. A SUGGESTED CALENDAR
Freshman and Sophomore Years
Section II on Pre-law Preparation primarily relates to freshmen and sophomores. Keep in mind
the general advice to do what you enjoy, since most of us are successful when we truly enjoy
what we are doing. Beyond that, it will be beneficial to participate in Pre-law Society activities
where you will be able to get to know other students interested in the law. The Office of PreProfessional Programs & Advising is available to you for advice and counseling. You may also
want to begin reading books about law and lawyers as you have time (see pages 16-22). It is also
important to ask questions about the profession to anyone you know — faculty members,
parents, friend’s parents, employers, etc. It is not too early to begin gathering information.
*See Timeline and Check Sheet for Law Professions Applicants, for more comprehensive
recommendations throughout each of your four years at Hopkins, as well as the application
process. Available in the office tower, or online at web.jhu.edu/prepro.
Junior Year
- Discuss plans with Ana L. Droscoski, J.D.
- Study LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book or the LSAC website at
www.lsac.org
- Attend the Pre-law meeting for juniors in the spring
- Register for LSATs well in advance of deadline date (June test date recommended). This
will also register you with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS)
- Request recommendation letters from faculty
- Become comfortable with the application process and expectations for applicant
Summer After Junior Year
-
Take LSATs in June, if they were not taken previously
Start researching law schools which interest you; check out websites
Visit law school campuses
Discuss legal careers with friends and acquaintances who are attorneys
Read suggested pre-law book(s)
Begin thinking about personal statement essay on application
Review transcript and, if accurate, submit to LSDAS
4
Fall - Senior Year
- Complete pre-law file as soon as possible
- Discuss law school matching with Ana L. Droscoski, J.D.
- Try to mail all applications by the first week in November
- Early decision applications need to be mailed by the first week in October. Always check
individual school deadlines
Early research about the programs and requirements of individual law schools will simplify the
application process for you. Law schools will consider LSAT scores, your G.P.A., honors,
internships, job experiences, recommendations, your personal essay, and other information in
deciding whether to admit you. Since each school weighs these factors differently, utilize the
Official Guide to U. S. Law Schools (or another compilation) and confer with an advisor.
Ideally you will identify several schools which are close matches to your qualifications as well as
a few which are “reaches” and a few where you feel relatively sure you will be admitted. A good
rule of thumb is to identify two or three “safe” schools, where your numbers indicate 70% or
more of the applicants are admitted and two or three “good match” schools where 50% or more
of the applicants are admitted.
Spring - Senior Year
-
Check to make sure the law schools you have applied to have the materials they need
Visit schools where you have been admitted or wait-listed
Start making decisions about where to attend
Let other schools know your plans
If you are wait-listed at a school of your choice, consider forwarding new information to
the admissions office, i.e., fall semester grades, thesis, other recommendations, etc. to
indicate your very strong interest in the school
- Keep in touch with the Pre-Professional Programs & Advising Office
IV. THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Do It Early/Assume Nothing. Our conversations with law school representatives lead us to
believe that it is in your best interest to apply as early as possible to law school. Even though
stated application deadlines fall anywhere between January 1 and May 1, it is advisable to get
your application completed and in by the first week in November. This will insure a careful and
thorough reading of it before admissions officers are faced with the thousands of applications
that they have had to deal with in recent years. Many law schools have rolling admissions
procedures, allowing those applicants who apply early a better opportunity; October 1 is not too
early for competitive schools with rolling admissions.
The law school application process is long and complicated. There are many opportunities for
mistakes to be made. Start early to allow for delays and assume nothing. If you don't hear
from LSDAS or a law school to which you have applied, call and verify that your application or
registration has been received. You are in charge of your own destiny. The Office of Pre-
5
Professional Programs & Advising, your faculty, parents and friends will offer support,
encouragement and information, but you, and only you, can complete the application process.
A. THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST
What is it?
As the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book explains, “The LSAT is designed to
measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: the reading and
comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of
information, and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it; the ability to reason critically;
and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and argument of others.” The Law School
Admission Test continues to be regarded by law schools as the single best predictor of first-year
law school performance. It is a half-day standardized test with five 35 minute sections of
multiple choice questions. Four of the five sections are scored; the fifth is used to pretest new
items. A 30-minute writing sample is administered, but is not scored, although it is sent to all
law schools to which you apply.
The LSAT: How to Register and When to Take It. Registration forms for the test are found in
the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book, as well as on the lsac.org website. The
book is available in the Pre-Professional Programs & Advising Office and contains important
information concerning the LSAT, the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS), sample
test questions, publications available to help you with the application process, financial aid
information and other resources. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK VERY CAREFULLY.
It is best to register online, otherwise, registration for the examination must be postmarked
almost five weeks in advance of the test date. It is important to register early to insure you
obtain the test center of your choice, especially if you want to take the LSAT at Hopkins. An
additional week is provided for late registration, with a late fee. On the day of the test be sure to
take your LSAT admission ticket and a form of identification that includes your signature and
descriptive information; a photo driver’s license should be acceptable.
It is a good idea to take the LSAT in the summer between your junior and senior year. This
gives you plenty of time to get the results back and develop a clear picture of where to apply. It
also lets you know whether you should take the test again. Retake the LSAT only if you feel
there was some definite reason why you did poorly the first time (you didn't feel well, you
forgot to guess, etc.) and you feel that you can improve your score substantially. Data indicates
that the average retest affects the score three points either way. Although you should attempt to
get the best LSAT score you can, and in certain instances, retesting might be important, LSDAS
will average multiple test scores.
Individual law schools react differently to a retake of the LSAT; most will average the scores,
some will take the most recent, some will take the highest. Before you decide to retake the test,
analyze where you made your mistakes and identify a strategy to improve.
6
B. PREPARING FOR THE LSAT
It is imperative that you are well prepared for the test. The real question is: “How do I prepare
for the test?” Preparation will help you improve your score as well as develop a relaxed and
confident attitude toward taking the test. The best way to improve your score on the LSAT is to
familiarize yourself with the test using old test questions and reviewing as frequently as you
think necessary. Put yourself in a simulated test setting, time and score yourself. Then analyze
your mistakes and develop strategies to improve.
Preparatory courses such as TestMasters, Kaplan, Princeton Review, or specialized courses on
local campuses are another option. You must be the judge of what kind of course best suits your
study habits and personality. Many students prefer the regimen of a course rather than
depending on their own self-discipline to practice the test. There are prep books for sale on the
LSAC website. In addition, several publishers offer books on preparing for the LSAT. Barrons
has been recommended by several students, but check the bookstore for other publications. The
key point to remember is the importance of the test score. Admissions officers often give
equal, if not more, weight to the LSAT score than to your GPA.
The Law School Data Assembly Service. The Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) is
a subscription service which provides a standardized summary of your academic work. Once
you have registered with the LSDAS you need to have an official copy of your transcript sent to
LSDAS from the Registrar’s Office of every college or university you have attended. A profile
report will be sent by LSDAS to all the law schools to which you apply. LSDAS calculates your
G.P.A. slightly differently from your JHU transcript. Use the LSDAS grade conversion table in
the Registration and Information book to know how your GPA will be affected. You should
forward subsequent transcripts to LSDAS when they become available.
LSDAS has initiated a Letters of Recommendation service. Many law schools require receipt of
recommendations through Law Services and that you use the Letters of Recommendation
Service. Check with individual schools to which you apply. The Office of Pre-professional
Programs and Advising recommends that you opt to utilize the Letters or Recommendation
service and acquire a total of three letters of recommendation. *See Letters of Recommendation
Guidelines: Law School Applicants for further comprehensive information, available in the
office tower or online at web.jhu.edu /prepro.
You may now check the status of your LSAC file on line. Simply log onto their website at
www.lsac.org. Click on “online services,” then select the option “LSAC file status.”
C. LAW SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS
Starting a Pre-law File. There is no magic starting date for establishing a pre-law file; but as
with everything else that has been discussed up to this point, the earlier the better. Ideally, a file
should be started your freshmen year. If you are uncertain as to whether to pursue a legal career,
make an appointment with an advisor. Once you have decided law school is for you, obtain a
copy of the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book, read it and set your schedule to
meet admissions deadlines.
7
As previously discussed, a Letter of Recommendation service is offered by LSDAS. LSDAS
will mail your recommendation letters directly to law schools. If you elect to use this service, it
is important to follow the rules set out in the LSAT/LSDAS Information and Registration book.
The Information book states that, “When using this service, the letter from each recommender
must be sent by him or her directly to LSAC along with the Letter of Recommendation Form.”
The following warning is also included, “Only if this form is fully completed and returned with
the letter will LSAC be able to assure matching the letter to your file. You must complete the
upper portion of this form and provide it to each recommender. The recommender completes the
bottom portion and sends it to LSAC along with his or her letter of recommendation.” You
should submit three letters to be forwarded on your behalf to the law schools which you apply.
You are also encouraged to have your letters sent as soon as possible after you have subscribed
to LSDAS.
Pre-law File Checklist:
1.
Letters of Recommendation - Request recommendation letters from faculty members,
employers, etc. Most law schools require at least two general letters of recommendation.
Although LSAC will hold up to 4 general letters, we recommend you obtain 3, preferably
from faculty members. Provide each person writing a recommendation with the
information and items required by LSDAS and this office. Most schools are now
participating in the LSDAS Letter of Recommendation (LOR) process. LOR requires a
Letter of Recommendation Form to be completed by each recommender and mailed
directly to LSDAS with each recommendation letter. A copy of the letter of
recommendation and a completed Law Professions Recommendation Waiver Form
should be forwarded to this office. Be sure to use the Recommendation Guidelines and
Law Professions Recommendation Waiver Form which can be found in the pre-law
section of the tower in the Pre-Professional Programs & Advising Office library or on our
website at web.jhu.edu/prepro.
2.
Fill in and return the Law Professions Questionnaire form
3.
Sign and return your Warning Statement
4.
Updated Resume
5.
Updated Transcript
6.
Submit a copy of your personal statement when it is complete, if you would like it
reviewed. Personal statements can only be reviewed once by the office.
Have your LSAT scores reported directly to Johns Hopkins (check item 17 on the LSAT
registration form) or bring in your scores after you receive them. It will also be helpful to
bring in your LSDAS Master Law School Report that shows your transcript information. Space
is provided on the Law Professions Questionnaire to list the schools to which you are applying.
This list is a discussion point with the Pre-law Advisor.
You will be responsible for completing online (or mailing) your applications to law schools and
ensuring that your recommendations are forwarded to Law Services.
8
If a school you are applying to requires a “Dean's Statement” form, it will need to be processed
by the Office of Pre-Professional Programs & Advising. Submission of a completed Law
Professions Questionnaire, a current resume, a current transcript, and completed Dean’s Report
are required to prepare the “Dean's Statement.”
D. THE ART OF GATHERING RECOMMENDATIONS
For many students, it is a rude awakening to reach their junior or senior year and suddenly
discover, “I don't know any professors.” Throughout the campus community, you hear the
echoed refrain: “Who am I going to ask for a recommendation?” Only you can answer this
question, but there are steps you can take to make the search less painful.
One thing you can do is to look back over your record and pick out courses where you did well
and had some interaction with the professor. Law schools are looking for recommendations
from people who have observed you in classroom situations and can comment on your
intellectual abilities. How well do you express yourself? How do you approach problem
solving? What about your integrity? What is the quality of your written work? A
recommendation that can cover the points in detail, citing specific examples, will be appreciated
by admissions committees.
Choose someone who knows your work. It makes much more sense to ask for a
recommendation from an assistant professor or legislative assistant who knows you well
than a department chair or Congressman who doesn’t know you.
Remember the admonition, “Don’t assume anything.” This is the time to keep it in mind. For
instance, don't assume that a recommender has enough information about you just from
classroom encounters. Supply the writer with a list of your activities, a paper from the class, a
copy of your resume and a copy of your transcript. Make an appointment with the recommender
to discuss your interest in law school.
Be fair to your recommenders. They are busy too. When you talk to them be clear about your
deadlines. Request recommendations by early to mid-spring semester junior year, so that they
have spring semester, and the entire summer if necessary, to complete the recommendations by
early fall.
How much do recommendations actually count in the admissions process? The answer is a
multiple choice ranging from quite heavily to not at all. If the numbers are not there, some
schools don’t even bother to read the recommendations. Other schools make a point of reading
everything you submit and pay close attention to recommendations, particularly when you fall
into the middle range of applicants. The point is, you never know how they will be viewed, so
it's better to be safe than sorry.
E. THE ESSAY
Law schools have only two ways to look at you as a person instead of just another set of
statistics: your personal essay and your recommendations.
9
The essay is the sleeper of the whole admissions process. All too often, candidates waste this
golden opportunity to communicate directly with the decision makers at law schools. Both form
and substance are important; your personal statement will be judged for clarity of expression and
general writing ability as well as for its content. There are a few general mistakes to avoid:
DO NOT*
1.
Do not write an essay on social conditions;
2.
Do not tell the work you will do when you get a law degree, unless your past
experiences have been a motivating force in your decision to go to law school;
3.
Do not use the creative writing approach (i.e., sending a videotape of yourself or
writing your essay in verse);
4.
Do not write a travelogue of where you’ve been and what you’ve done, (unless you can
show how you learned something from it about yourself);
5.
Do not write assertiveness essays (I’ve always been successful, therefore have
confidence in me).
For a better personal statement, DO:
1. Do give examples of how you think, critically, systematically and analytically;
2. Do tell something interesting about your insight into yourself;
3. Do be fairly modest (not apologetic), describing adversity, interruption, failure. Be
personal, write something about yourself, not designed to impress. Show your insights.
4. If your LSAT and G.P.A. don't match up, explain it (without bitterness, anger or
defensiveness). This explanation is better handled in a separate addendum entitled
“explanation of LSAT score” or “explanation of G.P.A.”
*Notes from “How to Write a Personal Statement” - a lecture by Professor Robert Condlin,
University of Maryland School of Law.
V.
THE ACCEPTANCE
A.
CHOOSING A LAW SCHOOL
Choosing where to go to law school can be even more difficult than deciding where to apply.
Many students feel that the hardest part of the admissions process is selecting a school to attend
once acceptances have been received. There are many factors to consider when it comes time to
making a choice. For instance:
10
Consider the geographical area of the schools — will you be happy in a large city for the next
three years? Do you want a school which emphasizes the law of the state in which it is located?
Is the law school connected to a university? Are there opportunities to work in the area? Will
you want to work in this area after law school? Your network of friends and professors as well
as your placement office will provide you with referrals in the area after graduation.
Consider the cost — how expensive is the school? How easy is it to procure a loan? How much
financial aid is available?
Consider the law school faculty — their backgrounds, both educational and extracurricular. Are
they big names or will they teach? Check the catalog course schedule and find out how often the
courses you are interested in are offered.
What is the student-faculty ratio? How accessible are the professors?
Consider the student body — how large is it? Are they all from the same general area? What
schools do they represent? How competitive are they? What size is the law library?
Consider the law school placement office — how active is the office on behalf of students?
What percent of graduates are placed in jobs? Where do they go? How many recruiters visit the
school each year? Are they accessible to each student, or only to the top 10% of the class?
Long term, this aspect of the law school is extremely important.
Consider the housing — are you on-campus or off-campus? How much assistance will the
school provide in obtaining housing?
Consider the curriculum — do you have the opportunity to take electives in areas that interest
you? Are there clinical programs? Are there joint degree programs available? Can you take
courses in other areas of the university?
For some of these questions there are no easy answers. The first place to look is the law school
website. Although the websites become repetitious after awhile, they do provide a great deal of
specific and useful information about faculty and staff, the law school curriculum, financial aid
and admissions procedures. A much more condensed version of the same material can be found
in The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools available through Law Services Publications
215.968.1001, by using the order form in the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book,
ordering on-line at www.lsac.org or purchase in your local bookstore. There are also several
one-year old versions in our office library for your perusal.
While both of these sources are excellent, often, they do not go far enough to satisfy the curiosity
of most students. They do not give a feel for the all-important “atmosphere” which can make a
difference in the student’s law school experience. This kind of nitty-gritty material must come
from people who have actually attended a particular school. Where possible, it is important to
visit the campus and talk to students. Especially once you have your acceptances and are making
final, matriculation decisions. Ask to sit in on a class. Once you have been accepted, a law
school should accommodate your questions. If their attitude is warm and hospitable during this
period it is probably a fair indication that it will be a warm, hospitable environment for you as a
student. If it isn’t you may not want to go there. During the fall, many law school admissions
officials visit the Hopkins campus. The annual Law School Fair hosts over 60 admissions
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representatives. These representatives are extremely valuable as a means to learn more about a
given institution. Also consider contacting Hopkins friends and acquaintances that attend law
schools you are interested in. They may be your best resource. Ana L. Droscoski, Esq. also
should be regarded as a resource, having had personal experience as well as contact with both
pre-law and current law students and admissions representatives.
B. EARLY DECISION
Several law schools encourage applicants to apply early. In many cases the deadlines for Early
Decision or Early Action are in October. As opposed to undergraduate early decision rules,
many law schools do not view an early application as binding, if the applicant gains acceptance.
There are exceptions to this rule. For example, the Early Decision application to Columbia
University School of Law. If you apply to that program, you are making a commitment to attend
Columbia upon acceptance. Applying early benefits the applicant in many ways, the most
important is the opportunity to get a thorough reading of the application while admissions
personnel are fresh. Generally, it is of more concern that applicants complete the application
process by the first week in November rather than meet Early Decision/Action deadlines. Please
review the application material carefully for other requirements if you are interested in the early
decision option. Several schools do not allow the September/October LSAT for early decision
applications.
C. DEFERRED ADMISSION
If you are admitted to law school and suddenly discover that you have won a fellowship to study
abroad for a year or you have gotten a job offer you can't refuse, can you defer admission? That
depends on the policy of each school to which you apply. The general rule is that law schools
like students to apply for the year when they plan to matriculate. However, they are also
interested in having students who have varied experiences. If you wish to request a deferral after
acceptance, write to the school and explain why the other opportunity seems most appropriate.
The admissions committee will either grant your deferral request or require that you reapply in
the future.
D. DELAYED APPLICATION
Is it advisable to take one or more years off from school before entering law school?
Often students wish to delay entrance to law school for a year or two. They are tired of the
academic grind and wish to work before they begin to study law. This will certainly not hurt you
in the admissions process, and may well be a plus. Many law schools prefer an applicant with a
year or two of employment, volunteer work, foreign travel, or even graduate work. Such
applicants tend to be more mature and successful in their law study. You also will have the
advantage of having your senior year grades counted in your LSDAS-computed G.P.A., and
these grades are usually higher.
You should not be afraid of delaying your law school applications for one or two years because
you desire to do something else worthwhile. You will probably be better off for it. Some feel
that people who take time off after college are better prepared and perform better than their
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classmates just out of college. Keep in mind the average entering age for law school is almost 26
years old.
E. FINANCIAL AID
Money for law school is available, in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.
Most students finance their education through loans, either from the federal government or
private sources. The amount of aid you receive and the form it takes is largely determined by the
law schools; therefore, the law schools to which you are applying should be your primary source
of information. Review the brochure Financial Aid for Law School: A Preliminary Guide,
published by Law Services, for a broad summary of financial aid information. Additional
resources are also listed in that publication. Or visit their website and their informational
financial aid link: http://www.lsac.org/Financing/Financing-menu.asp.
Also, if you receive a monetary award, double check with the school to ensure that it is perpetual
throughout your law school career. Some awards are made on an annual basis, and, as such, are
subject to annual review – and possible decreases.
When applying for financial aid, file all the required financial aid forms and pay close attention
to deadlines. Most schools will not look at a file until it is complete. A good deadline to
consider is December 1. Be sure to check catalogs to find out exactly what is required by the
schools to which you are applying for financial aid. In an effort to attract a balanced,
competitive student body, many law schools may offer grants or financial assistance as an
incentive for your attendance. It is important to weigh all your options when your letter of
acceptance is received.
F. BAR REQUIREMENTS
Another step in the decision-making process is determining the bar requirements for admission
to the bar in the state in which you wish to practice. Some states require individuals to file a
statement of intention to study law shortly after starting classes. To find out about registration
requirements for particular states, write to the Supreme Court of the state in question, or to the
National Conference of Bar Examiners, Suite 1025, 333 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago,
Illinois 60601. Once you enroll in law school you will be advised about meeting standards for
admission to the bar. Most law schools will readily give you information regarding their
students' success in passing the bar examination.
G. JOINT DEGREE PROGRAMS
Joint programs involve the simultaneous pursuit of two separate courses of graduate study under
a combined degree arrangement. Law schools have developed structured programs within their
own university or in conjunction with another college or university. Programs at the master’s
level are numerous. A few select schools offer joint programs at the Ph.D. level as well.
Generally, applications for joint degree programs must be made to each of the schools involved,
and admission is based on acceptance by both schools. A student may be accepted at the start of
law school or at the beginning of the second year. Normally about four years are required to
complete the requirements for joint programs at the master’s level. Extensive listings of joint
degree programs are available in The Book of Lists in the Pre-Professional Programs & Advising
Office Library.
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H. PLACEMENT AFTER LAW SCHOOL
In choosing a law school it is wise to inquire about that school’s placement services. Many
schools try to accommodate employers who wish to interview on campus, and several also offer
individual and group counseling. Some placement offices also handle summer and part-time
jobs. Also check: 1) the number and range of employers who interview students from private
law firms, the public sector, and corporate or business organizations; 2) the number of judicial
clerkships awarded to its students, and 3) a student’s accessibility to employers.
The Office of Pre-Professional Advising gratefully acknowledges the following institutions for information
referred to in this booklet: the Northeast Association of Pre-law Advisors, the LSAT/LSDAS Registration
Book, and The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools.
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