1. For students who are considering law school, are there summer and postgrad experiences you would recommend? How can people test their interest in the law?
Think about what skills you will need to succeed in law school and find ways to test those. It doesn’t need to be in a legal capacity either. You can test your interests through a variety of means – jobs/internships, school clubs, or through events hosted by law schools.
2. If students know they want to go to law school, what should they do to prepare and what should they consider when deciding if they want to take time off or go straight?
Get to know faculty for your recommendation letters. Keep a journal for when law school ideas pop into your head -things like why law school, what you want to do, etc. It also can be helpful to talk to lawyers about their work and visit law school classes. If there is something that you’re excited about, feel free to explore it. Law school will always be there. It is a significant commitment of your time and money so you will want to be sure that it’s the right path for you.
3. What do you look for in law school applicants and what is your advice for current applicants?
Law schools are looking for more than just your GPA and LSAT/GRE score. The application is looked over holistically. You will want to make sure your personal statement is communicating your personality and that you are advocating for yourself. Make sure to look at schools’ websites to see what they are looking for from applicants.
4. What factors should students consider when deciding what schools to apply to and attend?
Connect with student ambassadors (or just students at the law school) and ask questions. You can also think about the alumni connections the school provides, how excited you are to attend that school, and the return on investment. You can also decide on schools after you have been admitted. There are also important financial considerations such as scholarships packages and financial aid (which may be negotiable).
5. Additional Advice?
Make sure to read the instructions for essay prompts closely. Essays have changed so make sure you are addressing the substantive demands of essays. Lastly, reach out to pre-law advisors, and check out the resources available on the law school websites.
-Sydney Bloch ‘25