History & Government Law School Admission Process Email the Prelaw Advisor Many students are intimidated by the law school application process and may be overwhelmed at the prospect. Applying to law school requires research and decision making that can only be undertaken by you, the student. The faculty of the Department of History & Government, however, are willing to offer assistance to students interested in legal careers. You will also need to obtain official catalogs and application materials from the schools to which you are applying along with the necessary registration material for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). Some of these materials are available through the History & Government Department or online. Please check with your faculty or pre-law advisor regarding any questions or concerns. In general, the application process involves four major stages. The first step toward attending law school is to earn an undergraduate degree. Your preparation begins with selecting a major and fulfilling the College’s graduation requirements. Ideally, by the time you reach your Senior year you will have positioned yourself to be competitive in the law school market with a strong G.P.A. (Grade Point Average), a solid educational foundation, and the analytical, writing and communication skills necessary to law school success. As you move toward your Senior year you will need to proceed to Stage II, preparing for and taking the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). As you will read, performance on this test is very important and this stage should be taken extremely seriously. Upon taking the test you should already have some idea as to the law schools you intend to apply. Thus, Stage III, researching and applying to schools of your choice, and Stage II will overlap. Securing letters of recommendation and preparing your personal essay are critical and we have some specific advice on these important steps that you may find useful. The last step in the application process is making a final determination of where to attend. Stages in the Law School Application Process I. Background Preparation Majors and Pre-Law Programs II. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) The Exam Preparing for the LSAT III. Researching and Selecting Potential Law Schools Researching, Selecting and Applying to Law Schools Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) III - A. Letters of Recommendation III - B. Application Letters and Personal Essays IV. Making a Final Decision.I. Background Preparation I. Background Preparation There is no single course of study required for admission into law school. Very often, students intent on a legal career will major in history, political science, public policy or economics as undergraduates. Law schools, however, accept applications from virtually all majors and every discipline. Indeed, a broad and varied undergraduate education is often viewed as the best pathway to the legal profession. Many colleges and universities offer pre-law programs that are designed to maximize exposure to the law. Students in many of these institutions must closely follow their school’s required pre-law curriculum in selecting classes. While such a structured course of study has some advantages, majoring in pre-law or legal studies is not necessary for admission into law school. In fact, some admissions officers will tell you that law schools are increasingly looking for students with broader educational backgrounds. Moreover, law schools are interested in promoting student diversity. As such, many institutions actively recruit nontraditional students and individuals who have applied experience in a wide variety of fields. Rather than narrowly focusing on students who have completed a particular undergraduate degree, law schools will be interested in any candidate who demonstrates: -a solid academic record -professional commitment -maturity and intellectual ability -experience and purpose -strong skills in analyzing, advocating, counseling, writing, speaking and negotiation. For these reasons, Daemen does not have a required pre-law curriculum. Instead, Daemen offers an individualized course of study that emphasizes competencies and skills. At Daemen, you may major/minor in any subject you wish and should choose your degree based on your own particular abilities and interests. Rather than forcing you to take a specific sequences of courses, our pre-law program includes classes that are recommended for fostering the necessary abilities you will need in law school. For students who desire knowledge-based preparation, the College offers a variety of classes dedicated to legal topics, such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Justice and Business Law. In addition, Daemen College has advising and support for those who are interested in a legal career. Pre-law Advising is housed in the Department of History & Government and prospective law students, regardless of major and year, are encouraged to contact the Pre-Law Advisor for information and assistance. Whether you are a freshmen or a senior, once you have made the decision to pursue law degree, we recommend that you consult the College’s pre-law literature for suggested classes and competencies. The best background preparation for law school is to develop the skills that you will need to succeed both in law school and as a practicing attorney. Your ultimate goal as an undergraduate is to build a solid educational foundation, building and engaging critical thinking skills as you complete your chosen degree. Once you reach the stage of submitting your applications, the best preparation will have been to cultivate a general understanding of the process and an appreciation of the level of research and commitment that are necessary to the task. As with all important decision in life, you should consult a variety of sources and give careful consideration before adopting any specific advice. A Note of Caution: We also suggest that as you start applying to law schools that you consider carefully whether law school is, in fact, right for you. Many students are attracted to the option because law is perceived as a lucrative and prestigious career. Others choose the path simply because they do not know what else to do upon completing the undergraduate degree. Indeed, there is a proliferation of lawyers in the United States and law school applications continue to rise. As such, we simply remind you that law schools are highly competitive environments and a juris doctor degree (J.D.) is a three year commitment. Earning the J.D. is hard work, but it is only one step in the process of becoming a lawyer. After graduating from law school, those who wish to become practicing attorneys must be admitted to the bar of the state(s) in which they intend to practice. Admittance to the bar requires intensive preparation, including bar review courses, and the taking of the state and multi-state bar exam. Every year, many individuals who successfully complete law school fail the bar or have to retake the exam. Individuals must pass this exam in addition to other reviews of ethical integrity before they are able to become practicing lawyers. Additionally, continuing law education classes (CLEs) are necessary to remain a licensed attorney. While practicing law can be a lucrative profession, bear in mind that there is currently an overabundance of attorneys. In 1997 alone, the ABA reported more than 56,000 new admissions to the bar. Many lawyers begin their careers working long hours in relatively low paying positions after having incurred substantial law school debt. Of course, not all individuals who attend law school intend to practice law. In addition to private practice, many law school graduates work for businesses or public interest firms, assume judicial clerkships, seek government employment or embark upon academic careers. Before investing time and money in applying to law school it is recommended that you carefully consider the costs and benefits of a legal education as it pertains to your individual circumstances. You may want to consider paralegal studies, criminal justice administration, law enforcement, or employment in related government or legal aid services as alternatives to a law school education. II. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Any person wishing to attend law school must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Admission to law school will be based largely upon the candidate’s performance on this particular test. While not all schools give equal weight to LSAT scores, for most institutions your score will be the single most important criteria for admission. In fact, some schools will not consider applications from students who do not have a predetermined, minimum score on the exam. General Information on the LSAT The LSAT is a standardized test which measures reading comprehension as well as analytical and logical skills. The test is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and official scores are be reported to prospective law schools by this organization. (See also the section on the LSDAS in Part III below). Scores on the exam range from 120 to 180. Most law schools have highly competitive standards for admission, basing acceptance on a formula which places the heaviest emphasis on LSAT performance. Scheduling the LSAT The test should be taken at least one semester in advance of the application deadline. It is, however, recommended that you take the exam two semesters before you plan on attending law school. The test is administered four times a year (June, October, December, and February) and results are ready to be mailed a little over a month after the test date. The test is given at select locations and only early registration guarantees that you can register for the location most convenient for you. There is a fee for registration (currently $90.00) and extra charges for late registration or change of testing centers will be assessed. There is a fee waiver policy for students who can demonstrate financial need (check the LSAT registration booklet for eligibility requirements). Applications for this waiver are available in the History & Government Department. The LSAT is strictly administered. The LSAT registration booklet explains the rules for registering and taking the exam as well as the policies for special accommodations. You may pick up an LSAT booklet at almost any college advisement or career development office or you may contact the LSAC at www.LSAC.org. Copies are also available through the Daemen College Department of History & Government. Repeating the LSAT The LSAC has strict policies on the cancellation of test scores. Law schools will receive notice that the student has been exposed to the questions but that the score has been canceled at the student’s request. In the event you receive an unsatisfactory score, the test may be repeated, although currently, you cannot take the LSAT more than 3 times in a 2 year period. However, initial scores will be reported along with any secondary scores and may be taken into account in admission decisions. (Law schools vary in the treatment of repeat scores; however, most elect to average the scores from the first and second LSAT). Preparing for the LSAT Given the LSAT’s importance it is absolutely necessary that you prepare carefully for the exam. Under no circumstance should you take the LSAT without the benefit of preparation. The LSAT is not like a standard I.Q. test. In other words, it does not test basic knowledge or intelligence in such a way that renders preparation irrelevant. Instead, the test employs questions of a type and structure that requires familiarity for optimal performance. Practicing for the LSAT dramatically increases performance scores so you should practice regularly. The official LSAT registration catalog contains sample questions which explains the format and content of the exam. This limited exposure, however, is insufficient. At minimum, you should invest in LSAT preparation materials available at any bookstore in order practice in advance. Check your local bookstore for available preparation materials or contact the LSAC for official preparation materials and study aides that are available for purchase. In addition to self-study, many students elect to take commercial LSAT preparation courses. There are a variety of these services. The cost for these courses, the length of study and the intensity of preparation vary by provider. Among the more reputable providers are Kaplan’s, Princeton Review, HomeLSAT, and LSAC provided services. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a LSAT preparation course in order to maximize performance on the LSAT. III. Researching and Selecting Law Schools Applying to law school requires a significant amount of research. You should plan on spending several weeks investigating the potential schools to which you intend to apply. Each law school has its own application forms as well as institutional-specific criteria for admission. Most charge an application fee and have specific deadlines for the submission of application materials. More importantly, the overall cost of attending law school (tuition, board, living expenses, etc.) varies greatly. Step 1: Research the Options There are many factors to consider and you must determine which factors are most important given your unique situation. In general, however, there are some common factors that should be considered in selecting law schools. Factors to Consider: Cost: Remember that beyond tuition you have to take into account the cost of room and board, expected living expenses for that location, and additional costs like study aides and books. Consider too the reputation of the law school in relation to the expense. Most law schools disclose information on placement statistics – the rates at which their graduates pass the bar exam and average alumni salaries. It is highly recommended that you fully assess your financial situation and prepare for the management of debt in selecting a law school. Remember that full time study and the necessity of doing well in law school will limit your ability to engage in additional employment. Availability of financial assistance: Scholarships for law school are generally few and very competitive, but some schools do have scholarships, grants or assistance programs like federal work-study. Contact the individual schools for a complete listing of available financial aid. You may also want to contact the schools’ career development offices for information on paid research, part-time and/or summer employment opportunities. Most law schools recommend that first year students not hold any outside employment and emphasize that it is unrealistic for students to work more than 20 hours a week while in the J.D. program. Many students rely on federal or private loan options to finance their legal education. Always research the conditions and terms of a student loan. Thinking ahead about the financial ramifications of your choice is sound planning. Admission criteria: When debating schools keep in mind that the criteria on which each institution bases admission will differ. In other words, there is no uniform formula. Some schools have pre-determined standards for eligibility (i.e. a minimum LSAT result). Thus, these schools will not even consider applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria. Remember that there are typically hundreds of students applying for a single slot and the strength of your application may be judged relative to other applicants. Not all schools make immediate decisions; rather they will grant admission to some students, placing others on a “waiting list” for admission. The standards for admission and decision making policy should be stated in the schools’ admission catalogs. For official clarification consult that institution’s admissions office. Although the formula will be different for each, schools typically base their admissions decisions on some combination of the following factors: LSAT Scores G.P.A. (Grade point Average) Letters of Recommendation Admission Letter/Personal Essay (written statements by the student which accompanies his or her application) Class ranking and College attended Background and experience (or strength of the applicant) Extra-curricular, professional and leadership activities Citizenship, race or ethnicity You should assess the probability of your being admitted to this school based upon a realistic assessment of your academic record and test scores. The goal should be to identify institutions that best meet your needs and offer a fair probability of admittance. Law School Ranking/Reputation: The American Bar Association (ABA) is responsible for granting accreditation to law schools and is a good source of information regarding the curriculum and facilities of approved law schools. The LSAC also offers an “Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools.” There are numerous alternative rankings of law schools and these various guides are typically available in the legal section of most bookstores. Additionally, publications such as Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report offer annual evaluations of law schools. There is no single, agreed upon ranking system. Law schools do, however, have established reputations. Generally speaking, the “better” the school, the more competitive the admissions standards. Beyond the reputation and ranking of a school, consider the factors that are most important to you, including class size, faculty access and faculty to student ratios. Program Specialities: Many law schools offer concentrations or special programs in specific areas of the law (such as environmental law or criminal justice). Additionally, many schools allow students to pursue joint degrees (such as a joint J.D./M.A. or J.D./Ph.D.) or advanced legal degrees such as the LL.M. (Masters of Law). Some institutions offer part-time enrollment, evening classes or clinical programs which may be attractive. Depending on your goals or interests, your decision may include schools that match your areas of interest or desired expertise or which allow program flexibility. Location: A very basic consideration should be the location of the school. Out-of-state tuition increases the cost of a legal education and location will affect associated expenses as well (i.e. travel and cost of living). For some individuals, the environment will strongly influence the overall experience. You may also want to consider long-term plans. Many students opt to study law in the state in which they plan to take the bar. Other Factors of Importance: Because every situation is unique, there may be additional factors for consideration. Try to identify all of the factors that matter specifically to you. Take the time to look for schools which meet your most important criteria. Where to Obtain Information About Individual Law Schools: Official Guides to Law Schools: There are commercial publications which distill relevant information such as the location, size, admission criteria, application fees, program specialities and pass rates (the percentage of graduating students who passed the bar exam). There are several publishers that offer these guides and are available through most bookstores. Additionally, many guides have a companion cd-rom version which includes the admission forms for each school. Online: Virtually all law schools have web sites which include basic information and online admission information/materials. Most of these can be found via a name search using any commercial search engine (i.e. Yahoo! or Excite). You may also want to try www.LSAC.org (the Law School Admission Center) for links to law schools and law school guides which are available for purchase. Writing to the Law School: You may also call or write the law school directly to request admissions catalogs and materials. Contact with a school, whether in person or by phone, is a good way to get a better “feel” for the place. Consider too visiting the school or talking directly with an admissions counselor as a way to obtain more information about a particular institution. Ask Around: Talk to individuals who have gone to law school. Check the alumni registry of your undergraduate college for names of individuals who have attended a particular school. Ask the admissions officers whether their school provides any contact sources for prospective students. Department of History and Government: Daemen’s Department of History & Government has a number of admissions catalogs from various schools available in the department’s suite area (Room 235 Duns Scotus Hall). The Department’s pre-law advisor will also have copies of the LSAC’s “Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools” and “Law School Directory” available for student research. The Department will continue to make available new and updated catalogs and materials for student reference. Step 2: Choosing the Schools to Which To Apply It is recommended that you narrow your choice of law schools based on your particular situation. Begin by identifying schools which meet YOUR selection criteria. When it comes time to submit applications, remember that each application takes time and there is usually a fee (anywhere from $15.00 to $90.00, depending on the school). It is highly recommended that you apply to a range of schools. Even if you have your heart set on a particular school you should give yourself options and prepare for the possibility that you will not be admitted to your first choice. Most students apply to 6-12 schools as a way of increasing the probability of gaining admittance. You may want to prioritize and divide your final selection into tiers. Include one or two schools that reflect your “dream choices.” You should not necessarily avoid applying simply because you recognize admission is a “long shot.” You should, however, concentrate your efforts on solid choices. The bulk of your applications, in other words, should be to schools that are a strong match for your criteria and record and for which you have a realistic chance of admission. You should also apply to one or two lower tier or “safety schools” (schools which would not be your first choice but to which you know you have a high probability gaining admittance). Step 3: Submitting the Application All schools have their own individual application forms, requirements for material to be submitted, and deadlines for submission. IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU MAKE A SCHEDULE OF APPLICATION DEADLINES AND REQUIREMENTS. Failure to have a complete file to the school by the specified date will result in your automatic rejection. You must therefore keep close track of what information the schools require and the deadlines for submission of those materials. Most schools require that your application include: A Completed Application Form: The form is provided by the school and is usually included in the admission catalog. Many schools have their forms available online as well. The form must be completed in its entirety and will provide directions for the submission of additional materials. If you have difficulty in obtaining the form or have questions on the information and materials required, contact the law school’s admissions office for official clarification. LSAT Scores: Because your LSAT score is an important factor for selection you should have prepared for and taken the LSAT well in advance of admission deadlines. (See section II in this booklet on the LSAT). The LSAC keeps records of your LSAT score(s) and provides them directly to the law school upon request. (See also the section on the LSDAS below). Refer to the LSAT registration booklet for guidelines and regulations regarding the reporting procedures and policies for delivery of LSAT scores. Transcripts and G.P.A.: You will be required to submit formal transcripts of every undergraduate, graduate and professional school you have attended. The requirement is almost always for “official transcripts” (transcripts sent directly by the issuing school). You should check with each of the schools you have attended for that institution’s procedures for obtaining transcripts. Typically, you must pay a fee to the issuing institution and provide them the office/address to which the material is to be directed well in advance of the deadline (minimum of 2-3 weeks usually). For law schools that require you to utilize the LSDAS, transcripts will be submitted to directly to that service rather than to the law school. (See the section on the LSDAS below). Most law schools do not accept unofficial transcripts (i.e. reproduced copies or copies which have been forwarded through the student). Letters of Recommendation: You will also be asked to submit letters of recommendation, typically from 3 different recommenders. At least one of these sources should be an individual familiar with your academic work. (See the section on Letters of Recommendation below). Admission Letter/Personal Essay: Most schools also require that you write a letter that introduces you to the admission committee and relates your purpose and intent in attending law school. Many schools also require a “personal essay” in which you present your reasons for pursing a legal career and convey personal aspirations or information. Admission letters and essays are an important way a prospective student can buttress the application and distinguish him or herself in the selection process (See the section Application Letters and Personal Essays below). The Law School Data Assembly Service An increasing number of law schools are requiring that students submit application materials via the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). This is an organization that collects and prepares material for law school admissions. There is a fee for subscription to the service. Once you have subscribed to the LSDAS you will be asked to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essay directly to the LSDAS. Follow the directions for each law school’s application requirements in submission of materials. Consult the LSDAS catalog/webpage for specific directions for submission, including the forms that must be submitted along with recommendation letters. Information submitted to the LSDAS will be forwarded to the law schools you indicate along with an LSDAS prepared summary. This service is preferred by many law schools and saves you a considerable amount of time. Schools requiring use of this service will not process your application if materials are not handled by the LSDAS. In subscribing to the LSDAS, you may also elect to join the Candidate Referral Service (CRS). This service makes your information available for recruitment by other law schools. In other words, schools to which you have not applied may access and contact you based upon the information available through the CRS. To subscribe, contact the LSAC at www.LSAC.org or call (215) 968-1001. Or you may fill out the appropriate application in the LSAT booklet. You do not have to subscribe to the LSDAS at the same time you register for the LSAT, but you should subscribe well in advance of pending application deadlines to ensure that your file will be handled in a timely manner and is available to the law schools when needed. The LSDAS subscription is good for one year from the date of registration. Some More Words of Caution: If applying to law schools over an extended period of time, remember to regularly update your application materials, letters of recommendation, resume and personal essay to include the most recent and correct information. Generally, materials should be no more than one year out of date. Please Note: Misconduct or irregularity in the application process is carefully monitored and will have serious repercussions. Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: the submission of false or altered transcripts, tests scores, and/or recommendation letters; impersonation; false or misleading statements of record; or improper conduct in taking the LSAT. Reports of misconduct are retained indefinitely by the LSAC and will be reported to any institution to which you apply. Findings of misconduct can prevent admission and – even when discovered after the fact – can result in dismissal from law school or disbarment. III-A Letters of Recommendation Whether applying to law school or graduate school, you will be asked to submit letters of recommendation. In requesting such letters there are some general rules of etiquette. Most faculty are happy to write a recommendation. You should, however, be aware that writing a letter takes a good deal of effort. The recommender is doing you a favor. Beyond taking his or her time to prepare the evaluation, this person is putting his/her name and reputation behind a statement endorsing you as qualified or competent. Always be considerate of this fact when you ask and treat the recommender as someone fulfilling a favor rather than meeting an obligation owed to you. Whom should you ask? Ideally, you should ask for letters of recommendation from those familiar with you and your work. Letters of recommendation can be powerful statements that provide detailed evaluations of your abilities to the admission committee. A letter prepared by someone who does not really know you or your strengths will likely be vague and generic. An ambiguous letter like that can convey a poor impression of you as a candidate as readers may assume it was simply written without enthusiasm. You should only request letters of recommendation from those people you are confident will give you a good evaluation. In approaching a professor for a letter, it is perfectly acceptable to inquire whether he/she would be willing to write you a generally positive recommendation. Normally, faculty will inform you if they are unable to provide you with a favorable statement. If you are not comfortable asking, or are less than confident as to what a particular recommender is likely to say about you, you should consider asking someone else. It is also perfectly acceptable to inform the recommender of any particular points you would like emphasized in the letter. For example, if your are looking for someone to attest to your writing ability, or would appreciate having any involvement in extra-academic activities emphasized, inform the reviewer of this fact. Generally, it is a good idea to make certain the recommender knows the specific purpose/audience for the letter so that remarks are addressed appropriately. A letter supporting your application to become an on-campus R.A., for example, may include different information than a letter in support of law school admission. When should you ask? You should approach a recommender well in advance of the deadline. Ideally, you should give the recommender at least 2-3 weeks notice. Most recommenders will not take that long, but it is both inconsiderate and unwise to request a letter on short notice. Remember, recommendation sources are doing you a favor and may be busy or unavailable at certain times. A lack of planning on your part should not leave the recommender with a last minute emergency task. You do not want a letter that has been written by someone who was rushed or annoyed by trying to meet a last minute request. In the event that you are working under a tight deadline, however, and are forced to give short-notice, you should definitely adhere to the following basic guidelines. Basic Guidelines When asking someone for a recommendation, you should submit to them the following: Your name and contact information: In the event that the recommender has questions or difficulties he/ she should be able to easily reach you for quick clarification or discussion. The recommendation forms: Many applications have pre-printed recommendation forms for you to give the evaluator. All information except that pertaining to the actual recommendation should be filled out by the student in advance. Make certain that you complete the basic information portions of the form, including your name, social security number, and date. This seems trivial but it saves the recommender time and minimizes delay in sending out the recommendation. Information and support materials: When asking faculty, you should also include a list of all classes you took with that person, including the semester you took each course. This allows the recommender to quickly access records and ensures that the he/she does not inadvertently overlook any classes you took. A formal resume is not necessary but if you have one, include it. If not, write down some basic information about yourself for the recommender. Do not assume that writer will either automatically recall or will research the classes you took and the specifics of your academic record. You may also want to include a partial transcript or summary. The more specific the evaluation, the more favorably it will be viewed by the admission committee. It will be easier for the recommender to write a detailed letter if the information is at his/her fingertips. Remind the recommender of your performance in past classes by submitting copies, if available, of any graded work from classes taken under their instruction. If you have some examples of your work from outside classes, it is acceptable also to include a copy for the recommender to quickly review. Clear instructions on the deadline and where the letter is to be directed: You should take care to provide the address to which the letter is to be directed. You should include pre-addressed envelopes and provide any necessary postage when appropriate. For law school admission, letters sent to the LSDAS will not be accepted without an accompanying form. Under normal circumstance, letters of recommendation should not be given to the student directly. If, however, the school requires you to forward letters as part of a single application package, request that your recommenders enclose the letter in a sealed envelope that is signed across the flap. This removes any questions about the letter’s authenticity and saves the delay of having to resubmit materials. Waiving Your Right to See a Recommendation Many law and graduate school admission forms require the student to sign a statement either waiving or reserving one’s right to see the recommendation. You have the choice, but the recommender should be aware if you have not waived your right. As such, the waiver section should be filled out and signed before being given to the evaluator. Many recommenders feel more comfortable writing a letter when confidentiality of their statements is ensured. This is not an indication that they are including unfavorable information, but rather allows uninhibited review. A letter might be more generic (and thus less effective) if the writer knows the student has access to the statement. Refusal to waive inspection rights may be interpreted as a lack of confidence on your part. The decision to waive or not waive is yours. However, if you are not certain that you will be positively evaluated by a particular recommender you should probably ask someone else. III-B Admission Letters and Personal Essays As part of the application, prospective law students will often be asked to submit an application letter and/or personal essay. These statements serve multiple purposes: they introduce the student to the admission committee, present the student’s individual strengths, demonstrate the student’s writing ability and convey a sense of uniqueness and individuality. These statements are a direct reflection on the student’s abilities and qualifications for attending law school and should be carefully prepared and presented. Every person’s letter or essay will be unique, but there are some general guidelines in preparing a personal essay or admission letter: Appearance matters This statement is the primary contact between you as the applicant and the admission committee. You should use high quality materials and the final product should be of professional quality. Do not use bold or brightly colored paper or ink, the presentation should be of professional quality. Mistakes are unforgivable, so proofread carefully. If possible, present the letter to a friend, family member or advisor to critique and review. Unless the letter and/or essay is a general one which is presented to the LSDAS, tailor it to the individual school, including specifically addressing it to the committee/persons indicated on the application. Length matters Consult the schools’ application materials for specifications on the proper length and format of these statements. Where no criteria are specified, the rule of thumb is that the letter or personal essay should not exceed two pages (single spaced) in length. Statements beyond a certain length will not be carefully or fully read. Use also a reasonable font size, type set (avoid hard to read fonts which have the appearance of script). Content matters Your letter/essay should be a direct, clearly written and cogent explanation of your qualifications and suitability for a legal career. The essay is an opportunity to emphasize your individual strengths and to offer some insight to you as a person. Some individuals will include a brief biography, or convey a story which illustrates their reasons for pursuing a legal career, including examples of adversities overcome or past success in meeting life’s challenges. Many effective essays are provocative, even bold efforts designed to capture the attention of the committee. The style you choose and the information you relate should reflect your personality and ambitions. You should also attempt to tailor the admission letter and/or essay to emphasize information relevant to each school. While it is acceptable to be unique or to share personal information, avoid being “gimmicky,”or including overly personal or sensitive information that might be considered inappropriate. Remember there is a fine line between provocative and outlandish – avoid going for “shock value.” You may also want to use the essay as a means of mitigating some weakness in the application. While it is not wise to draw attention to one’s deficiencies, you may take the opportunity to buttress the application by emphasizing improvement in your record or explaining any weakness of performance that may have resulted from a crisis or a troubled period. In general, the statement should be confident and direct without falsely embellishing or misrepresenting your record. The LSAC’s “Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools, (2001 Edition)” says the following about personal essays: Each candidate to law school has something of interest to present. Maybe you’ve had some experience, some training, some dream that sets you apart from the others. Law schools want to recruit men and women who are qualified for reasons beyond grades and scores. The essay or personal statement in your application is the place to tell the committee about yourself. In general your evaluation of actual experiences and past accomplishments has more value to the committee than speculation about future accomplishments. Also, if you have overcome a serious obstacle in your life to get where you are today, by all means let the admission committee know about it. Any noteworthy personal experience or accomplishment may be an appropriate subject for your essay; however be sure to do more than just state it. Describe your experience briefly but concretely, and why it had value to you, whether it is a job, your family, a significant accomplishment, or your upbringing. You are simultaneously trying to add information and create structure. Be brief, be factual, be comprehensive, and be organized. You are a story teller here. You want a living person – you – to emerge. The statement is your opportunity to be vivid and alive to the reader, and it is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to write and present a prose sample in a professional manner). IV. Making a Final Decision Once you have sent your applications you should contact the schools to check on the status of your application. It is recommended that you do so early in the process to verify that your materials are complete. Many schools allow you to submit postage paid, filled out cards to notify you of the receipt of your materials. Once every thing has been properly submitted, you have to simply wait. Schools vary in how and when admission decisions are made. For schools with rolling-admissions, candidates are evaluated and admitted on a continuous basis. When rolling admissions are used, early applications are desirable. Other institutions make decisions by simultaneously ranking all prospective candidates. The judging of applicants is generally relative. There may be hundreds of applications for a single seat. You may receive notice that you have been wait-listed. This means that the school has initially admitted a limited number of students, leaving the final decision on others pending until the responses from the first round of selected applicants are received. Being wait-listed means that, for some students the decision to admit is delayed. And notice of admittance may come quite late, sometimes weeks or even days before the start of the semester. As you receive notification from the various schools, you may have to make your final choice based on your individual circumstances and the status of all your applications. You may be asked to submit non-refundable deposits on admission or housing pending the final decision by the law school. Most schools require written confirmation of your acceptance and/or a NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT to retain your seat. They may additionally require that your registration or that payment of tuition and/or deposits on housing be made in order to secure admission. Keep careful track of acceptance and registration requirements. Once you have made a decision you should immediately set about making final arrangements, including living arrangements. Before the semester officially starts you should have obtained class materials and books and checked for the advance posting of assignments that are typical in law schools. Take advantage of orientation meetings and other events sponsored by the school. Remember, law school is dramatically different from undergraduate study; you should have all incidental concerns resolved well before the semester begins so that you can devote your first critical week in law school entirely to your studies. Most first year law students will tell you that you cannot afford to fall behind in the first week. Many bookstores include publications specifically related to surviving one’s first year of law school. Do your best to anticipate and prepare for the demands of your first year of law school.