Choosing a Law School

You must weigh a variety of personal and academic factors in establishing a list of potential schools. You first must make a realistic assessment, based in large part on your LSAT score and undergraduate performance, of your chances of being admitted. In addition, potential law students cannot overlook financial considerations. The cost of attending law school, especially when combined with undergraduate debts, can be substantial. This factor alone may narrow applicants' lists to public schools in their state of residence. Many applicants also are restricted to a particular geographic region because of family obligations. While there is a hierarchy of law schools based on the GPAs and LSAT scores of the first-year class, notable faculty, and the prestige of the parent institution, no official ranking authority exists. In fact, the American Bar Association disapproves of any rating system, and prospective students should view with caution any attempt to rank law schools. While the curriculum, faculty, student aptitude, library facilities, and career services all contribute to a law school's quality and reputation, these factors are difficult to quantify.

If you are admitted to and attend a highly competitive, prestigious law school, you certainly will receive a superb education. You may have an edge in your search for employment, and your starting salary may be higher than the national average. At the same time, the quality of education at such a law school is not necessarily any better than that at other schools. This country has many excellent law schools. You must feel comfortable with the school's geographic, intellectual, and social environment. Some students find that the intense competition of some of the so-called top schools prevents them from doing their best work. In addition, many students prefer to practice in their home state or region and simply are not concerned with practicing law at a large firm in a major city.

After assessing your personal interests and needs, you ultimately should choose the school that is best for you. The school you choose will be your home for three years. Consider the campus atmosphere, the surrounding environment, and your overall enthusiasm for the school. If you grew up in a rural town and are uncomfortable with a fast-paced urban lifestyle, choosing a law school in New York or Chicago would likely be unwise. Keep in mind that approximately three-fourths of graduates accept jobs within the region where they attended law school. Thus, consider where you eventually would like to practice as you evaluate law schools.