I just got accepted to three law schools. Do I go with the one that is ranked the highest? Or the one that is offering me the most tuition? I’m especially worried about the job market, and I’m so confused. How can I get more information about the schools I got into, and the job prospects after graduation?
— E.
Dear E.:
These days there is so much information available to incoming law students. Given that law school can be as expensive as buying a house, it makes sense to learn as much as possible before you buy.
To learn more about where their graduates have worked, start by looking at the employment statistics for the law school’s most recent graduating classes. You can view them on the website of each law school, or on the ABA website, at employmentsummary.abaquestionnaire.org.
Look at not only what percent of the class is employed, but where they are employed. Public sector or private sector? Big firms or small firms? Are they employed in the state in which you want to work, or mainly out of state? After you research the statistics carefully, you will be ready to make a more informed decision. Check out the bar pass rate for each school as well, since that’s an important factor.
Attend all open houses that you are invited to by the admissions offices. In addition to taking the tour, try to strike up a conversation with a current student or two, as well as with professors, and administrators. The cafeteria is always a good place to meet students — or try sitting in on a class and talking to the students afterwards.
How do they like the school? What are the pros and cons? If you can talk with alumni, that would be helpful. Were they happy at the school? Are they satisfied with their careers? You can also schedule a meeting with a career services counselor once you are admitted to ask more questions about the job market.
The intangibles matter too — it’s not all about statistics. Can you see yourself at the school? Do you get a good vibe from it? Is it in a part of the country where you would like to live, not only now, but after graduation? For many schools, it’s likely that there will be more job opportunities in state.
Does your gut tell you that you would be happy there? Once you do the hard-hitting research and find out the facts, you have to pay attention to your intuition as well. Only by visiting in person can you really answer those questions, so if possible, spend time at each school.
Hillary Mantis
Hillary is a Pre-Law Advisor and Legal Career Consultant who works with pre-law students, law students, and lawyers. She is a Director of the Pre-Law Program at Fordham University, and the author of Alternative Careers for Lawyers. You can write to Hillary at altcareer@aol.com
Hillary Mantis Esq.
Hillary Mantis consults with pre-law students, law students and lawyers. She is the Assistant Dean of the Pre-law Program at Fordham University and author of career books for lawyers. Admissions questions? You can reach her at altcareer@aol.com.
Join thousands of law students - it's free
Accepted: Now how do you choose which school is best?
Accepted: Now how do you choose which school is best?
Dear Hillary:
I just got accepted to three law schools. Do I go with the one that is ranked the highest? Or the one that is offering me the most tuition? I’m especially worried about the job market, and I’m so confused. How can I get more information about the schools I got into, and the job prospects after graduation?
— E.
Dear E.:
These days there is so much information available to incoming law students. Given that law school can be as expensive as buying a house, it makes sense to learn as much as possible before you buy.
To learn more about where their graduates have worked, start by looking at the employment statistics for the law school’s most recent graduating classes. You can view them on the website of each law school, or on the ABA website, at employmentsummary.abaquestionnaire.org.
Look at not only what percent of the class is employed, but where they are employed. Public sector or private sector? Big firms or small firms? Are they employed in the state in which you want to work, or mainly out of state? After you research the statistics carefully, you will be ready to make a more informed decision. Check out the bar pass rate for each school as well, since that’s an important factor.
Attend all open houses that you are invited to by the admissions offices. In addition to taking the tour, try to strike up a conversation with a current student or two, as well as with professors, and administrators. The cafeteria is always a good place to meet students — or try sitting in on a class and talking to the students afterwards.
How do they like the school? What are the pros and cons? If you can talk with alumni, that would be helpful. Were they happy at the school? Are they satisfied with their careers? You can also schedule a meeting with a career services counselor once you are admitted to ask more questions about the job market.
The intangibles matter too — it’s not all about statistics. Can you see yourself at the school? Do you get a good vibe from it? Is it in a part of the country where you would like to live, not only now, but after graduation? For many schools, it’s likely that there will be more job opportunities in state.
Does your gut tell you that you would be happy there? Once you do the hard-hitting research and find out the facts, you have to pay attention to your intuition as well. Only by visiting in person can you really answer those questions, so if possible, spend time at each school.
Hillary Mantis
Hillary is a Pre-Law Advisor and Legal Career Consultant who works with pre-law students, law students, and lawyers. She is a Director of the Pre-Law Program at Fordham University, and the author of Alternative Careers for Lawyers. You can write to Hillary at altcareer@aol.com
Hillary Mantis Esq.