Law school is a life-changing decision. It’s where you will spend most of your day for the next few years. So how do you choose the right one? Forums are a great place to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to choose a school that’s right for you.
Every year, the Law School Admission Council hosts free recruitment forums throughout the United States. These forums allow you to scout out schools and attend valuable workshops and discussion groups where you can ask questions, educate yourself, and meet key school officials, professors and other prospective students.
“Forums often help students find and apply to more schools they would have never thought of,” said Wendy Margolis, Law School Admissions Council Director of Communications. “It’s a convenient way to shop for schools and break down the different aspects of applying to law school; it becomes less complex.”
Prospective students can talk to LSAC representatives and get information they need about admissions, financial aid and the LSAT. Forums offer a one stop shop for ABA approved schools where students can speak face-to-face with representatives, which is the most important activity of a forum. Forums are also a great place to get advice about the law school admission process.
“Even though these forums are free, pre-registration is highly recommended so you don’t have to wait in a long line,” said Kelly Fragiacomo, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of La Verne College of Law. “While you’re there, take advantage of the day and sit in on scheduled workshops. A good idea is to research the law schools you are interested in before hand, and then come with questions so you can really take advantage of the many opportunities available to you that day!”
Forums will help you answer:
- How does the admission process work?
- What is the best way to prepare for the LSAT?
- How can you finance your legal education?
- What law school opportunities are available for members of minority or special interest groups?
So remember, come prepared, ask questions, do your due diligence and make sure you walk away from the forum with all the tools you need to choose the school that’s right for you. Ask for business cards, grab information from the schools you’re interested in and attend workshops that are relevant for you.
The Brief:
- Meet face-to-face with Admissions Officers from ABA law schools.
- Learn about the admissions and financial aid process for experts
- Pre register to avoid long lines and gain the most from the day
- Plan your day; forums are open-house style so you can plan accordingly and arrive and leave whenever you want.
- Make a list of schools you want to visit, have a set of questions handy for reference and do your research about schools that interest you.
- Attend workshops that will help you.
- When you get there, scan the forum map and circle the numbers for the schools you want to visit.
- Follow up your forum visit by linking to school Web sites where you can gather more information.
- Take your time and don’t rush, really take advantage of the opportunity and talk to school representatives. Remember you’re the one with the choice and these schools want you to choose them.