In this special admissions episode, Jon and Dave focus on nontraditional applicants: essentially anyone whose resume doesn’t fit the “normal” model of law school in their early-20s, straight out of college. So whether you’re applying several years post-grad, or with a family in tow, or with motivations for pursuing a degree beyond the typical career in Biglaw, this episode will instruct you on exactly how to present your nontrad credentials in … [Read more...]
Is My Dream Law School Too Expensive?
Finally! Your LSAT’s done, essays have been written, applications submitted, and you’re in at your top choice. But with one caveat… no scholarship. Let’s assume that you’ve employed the negotiation tips from previous blogs and podcasts and the school just won’t budge. You’ve got some other great offers, but the entire process you’ve been dead set on attending XYZ school. What should you do? Working Backwards The first step is to work backwards … [Read more...]
How Many Law Schools Should I Apply To?
If one thing is certain from this blog series, you should expect the answer to be: it depends. There is no perfect number of schools to apply to. I applied to over twenty schools and sat in class next to students who submitted one ED application. Hopefully, this blog will help you determine whether you’re a mass applier (like I was), a targeted applicant (5-10 schools), or an applicant focused on one or a handful of schools. As a general rule, … [Read more...]
How Do I Write My Personal Statement?
You’re ready. You’ve graduated college, taken the LSAT, and started your applications. But you’re stumped: how do I write a personal statement?First, there’s no formula for perfecting the personal statement (like taking the LSAT). Rather, the personal statement is highly subjective and need not be about any specific topic. What matters most is that you show a side of yourself that is personal, vulnerable, and genuine. AdComms read hundreds of … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 132: The 2024 US News Law School Rankings
After weeks of mixed messaging and false starts, US News has finally released its controversial 2024 law school rankings. In their latest episode, Jon and Dave break down this year’s revamped ranking metrics explaining what caused such volatility from top to bottom, and then run through the big winners and losers as schools moved up and down the list! … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 131: 8 Tips For The Law School Scholarship Reconsideration Process
With the application cycle in full swing and admissions decisions finally finding their way to eager applicants, one topic on everyone’s mind is financial aid. In Episode 131, Dave and Jon cover the delicate process of scholarship reconsideration requests, highlighting the do’s and don’ts that can make all the difference when it comes to what you’re offered! Register for the upcoming Crystal Ball: Revisited - The June 2023 LSAT webinar with Dave … [Read more...]
When Should I Take The LSAT?
You’ve always known you wanted to go to law school. Like Rachel Zane on Suits, taking the LSAT and going to law school has been your calling since before you can remember.Or you’re completely unsure. Law school sounds fun, but you have no interest in being a litigator, and you’re not sure whether it’s worth the time and financial investment. Either way, there is long-term and short-term planning that goes into taking the LSAT. Consider both … [Read more...]
What Undergrad Classes Should I Take if I’m Thinking About Law School?
It’s just about time to register for fall classes and you’re stumped: how can I best prepare for law school? What should I take?There are several things to consider, but the bottom line is: study what you love, try out a law class, and focus on maximizing your GPA. Study What You Love It may sound obvious, but studying what you’re most passionate about will do two things for you: first, it will help your GPA. You’re more driven to study … [Read more...]
Top 100 Law School Application Deadlines and Latest Acceptable LSAT: 2023 Edition
The LSAT you take—or retake—can have a great impact on your admission chances. Some of you may be asking, “Is the January LSAT too late? Are the February or April LSATs too late?” We survey top law schools yearly with those exact questions to find out admissions deadlines and the latest LSAT each school will accept.Many of the top law schools are still requiring a January LSAT deadline. But, as you’ll see in the chart below, the February and … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 123: Breaking Law School News – Opting Out of Rankings and Going LSAT-Optional
A pair of landmark announcements rocked the legal world this past week, as several top-ranked schools declared that they would no longer participate in US News’ annual law school rankings, and the ABA passed a motion recommending that the LSAT no longer be required for law school admissions. In Episode 123, Dave and Jon explain precisely what each of these shocking revelations entails, and how they’re likely to affect you and your plans going … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 109: The New LSAT-Optional Proposal—Has the ABA Lost Its Mind?
A surprising new policy has just been proposed by the ABA that would make the LSAT (and all other entrance exams) optional for law schools, paving the way for a future where applicants no longer need test scores for admission. In episode 109, Dave and Jon break down these developments, exploring where things stand, what’s likely to follow, and what it all means for applicants going forward! … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 107: Student Question Mailbag: Law School Admissions Part 3
The third admissions-centric episode of Dave and Jon's popular Student Mailbag series is here, tackling the supremely slow admissions cycle and what to do about waitlists, how and when to write addenda (including Letters of Continued Interest), the rise of the GRE, and more! … [Read more...]
Podcast Episode 106: The 2023 US News Law School Rankings
The 2023 US News law school rankings are officially out, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for a deep dive into the latest results! In Episode 106, Jon and Dave explain the divisive methodology behind the rankings, the notable winners and losers as schools rise and fall (including some historical highs and lows in the top-10), and how students should view these new standings when making application decisions. … [Read more...]
2023 US News Law School Rankings Released!
The 2023 US News Law School Rankings are out! We’ll break down some of the big news from the new rankings in a moment. But first, here’s our standard disclaimer about rankings. Please keep in mind that these rankings are just numbers put through an arbitrary formula that was created by a magazine that makes millions of dollars off of them, so use them at your own risk!The list below is numbered according to the new rankings, and the order … [Read more...]