Students should be completely prepared – seeking all kinds of advice – before deciding which law school to go to, second-year law students said Saturday during a panel discussion.
Student were able to ask how important grade point averages and law school admissions tests were in the admissions process when the Pre-Professional and Post-Baccalaureate Studies Office has panel guests available.
The panel, which included students from the Black Law Student Association and the Hispanic Student Association, agreed the first step figuring out all potential law schools.
"The financial, emotional and time commitment is too great, so you have to be sure it is what you really want to do," said panelist Deterrean Gamble, second-year law student.
Students and the panelists also discussed how many law schools each student should apply to.
"Ideally, counselors will tell you to ‘shoot for the stars’ with your first school choice, then select two ‘maybe’ schools, and finally have a backup school, where you know that all you need to do is sign your name and you’re accepted," said second-year law student Tianna Sanford.
Students should also have some idea on what kind of law they want to practice and choose law schools accordingly, said Goerginna del Valle, third-year law student.
"If you have not yet decided on your field, then apply to the best overall law school you can, where you will be able to choose from a number of specializations," del Valle said.
Law students also have many online resources at their disposal such as www.prelawhandbook.com and www.lsac.rog, which offer law school rankings and other tools to help students prepare.
"I would also recommend you use lsac.org to make your applications," del Valle said. "They integrate the whole process for you to apply to any school online with places for your letters of recommendation and personal statement."
Students should preferably get letters of recommendations from professors who are very familiar with their work ethic and character.
"Ask for your letters as soon as possible, since professors are usually very busy and you do not want to withhold an application because you are wailing on a professor’s letter," Crump said.
The most important part of the application process is a student’s personal statement because it can "set students apart" from others, Crump said.
"Talk about your experiences and not just your work experiences – life experiences – anything that you have overcome in your life," Crump said.
Students will be able to mull over law school requirements again at 10 a.m. this Saturday at the JW Marriott Hotel, 5150 Westheimer Road, with admission representatives from over 100 law schools and attend workshops.
For more questions, students can make an appointment with pre-law career counselor Marilyn Wade by calling (713) 743-5100 or through e-mail at [email protected].
