Visiting law schools before making a decision? Forum

[kpuc]

I know it's common for prospective undergrads to tour the colleges that have accepted them, but is it common for law school applicants to do the same as well? Would you recommend it?

[BioEBear2010]

Most (all?) law schools have admitted student programs. There isn't much of a point in touring a school until you have been accepted.

[CyLaw]

I know it's common for prospective undergrads to tour the colleges that have accepted them, but is it common for law school applicants to do the same as well? Would you recommend it?

Yes. And without a doubt yes.

For me, I narrowed it down to two schools I wanted to attend and then went to admitted students days at both schools to see how I liked the school and city. I think it leads to a better informed decision on where to go. Also most schools (at least the ones where I was admitted) would pay for at least part of the trip to their school if you are attending one of the admitted student days.

Edit: Sorry, I thought you meant after being admitted. If you are still an applicant and not admitted yet, I don't see much benefit in visiting the school.

[dabbadon8]

Most (all?) law schools have admitted student programs. There isn't much of a point in touring a school until you have been accepted.

The only exception is touring a school before deciding to early decision.

[kalvano]

It's not as common, but it happens a lot. I found it very useful. A school I thought I would love, I didn't.

Wait until you have acceptances and are trying to narrow it down between 2 or 3 schools.

For admitted student days, a lot of schools will reimburse some travel expenses.

[kpuc]

Yes, I meant AFTER acceptance.

Also, how many law schools do most people apply to? Is it similar to undergraduate applications (5-10)?

[kalvano]

I applied to 18. Fee waivers FTW.

[BioEBear2010]

Also, how many law schools do most people apply to? Is it similar to undergraduate applications (5-10)?

It varies by one's scores (LSAT/GPA) and risk-seeking behavior, but a good number of students will apply to 10-20 schools. Fee waivers often get applicants to apply to schools they otherwise would not have otherwise considered.

[kpuc]

Is it worth applying to HYS, even if you don't think you'll get in and you don't even have much interest in going? Would that entail that much more application work?

[Dany]

Is it worth applying to HYS, even if you don't think you'll get in and you don't even have much interest in going? Would that entail that much more application work?

Depends on numbers. If there's a chance you could get in (or waitlisted) it might be worth it. If your numbers are pretty far off, AND you don't have any outstanding 'soft' factors, there's really no point in wasting the money, especially since you don't have much of an interest in those schools. The application for Harvard will probably not be different from the other schools you apply to (so probably no additional app work other than filling out the general application), Stanford does require some additional certification form (don't know much about it since I won't be applying to S), and for Yale you would have to write an additional 250-word essay.

[kpuc]

Depends on numbers. If there's a chance you could get in (or waitlisted) it might be worth it. If your numbers are pretty far off, AND you don't have any outstanding 'soft' factors, there's really no point in wasting the money, especially since you don't have much of an interest in those schools. The application for Harvard will probably not be different from the other schools you apply to (so probably no additional app work other than filling out the general application), Stanford does require some additional certification form (don't know much about it since I won't be applying to S), and for Yale you would have to write an additional 250-word essay.

I see. Thanks!