 Other Aspects of the
Application
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| If you
feel that you are one of the many that cannot decide between a
law degree and a Masters degree, there may be a simple
solution. Some students are considering a combined
degree program where you receive a J.D. and another degree
such as an M.B.A. or a Ph.D. The most common joint degree, the
J.D./M.B.A. is completed in four years rather than five. The best time to
start heavily considering a joint degree program is the fall.
Although this program sounds intriguing, it will still be very
challenging. Not all schools offer such programs and
they are still relatively uncommon. To become part of
this program you can apply for the joint degree the fall of your senior year as you apply for law
school, or you can apply during your first or second year at
law school. Though financially the joint degree program
may not seem practical, it can be of a
great advantage when seeking a job at a law firm that
concentrates in business or if you seek employment in a legal
department of a corporation. Just remember, if
you feel a joint degree is not for you, corporations and
investment banks still seek lawyers who did not obtain their
MBAs. |
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Some law
schools require that applicants have an interview
after they have submitted their application. Considering the
influx of applications that admissions committees now receive
most do not find it possible to offer such interviews. If you
are given the opportunity to have a personal interview make
sure to tell the interviewer about yourself in a way that makes your
qualifications for admission to their school stand out.
You want the admissions officer to look back at the interview
positively and remember you above all other applicants when it
comes time to evaluate your application.
To ensure this, be prepared for whatever direction the interview may
take. Interviews can be on the aggressive side or more
casual, depending on the interviewer and school During the interview
take the time to ask detailed questions about the law school that
cannot be found either in their catalog or on their website. |
| Some
schools require a résumé while others do not. Either way you
may send one along with your application if you feel that it
will benefit your file. When creating your résumé, list your
experiences in chronological order, starting with your most
recent employment and working backwards. You should never
leave any unexplained gaps in your work experience, and it is
always best to distinguish between college and post-graduate
work. You may feel that you held some jobs in the past
that may not be important enough to include on your résumé.
Whatever your reasoning for taking the job, you must explain
your position in a way that shows you believe it to be a valuable aspect
of who you are. |
| If you
are in need of financial aid, money can be made available to
you through scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.
Most law students who do need assistance receive it through
loans, which are available through the federal government or private sources.
The amount you will be able to receive for your tuition depends
on the law school you choose to attend. Because of
this you need to heavily research each school to which you are
applying and acquaint yourself with their financial aid
policies. To find more information on the actual financial
aid process and common questions such as: What does the
process of securing financial aid involve? How is eligibility
for financial aid determined? What goes into a financial aid
package? And what can you do ahead of time to improve your
chances of getting financial aid? consult
www.LSAC.org
or
www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm. |
| Just
about every school offers some sort of scholarship, consisting
of both need-based and non need-based. To find out what
scholarships are offered consult each school’s catalog. Most
scholarships require an additional application process. Some
schools offer merit scholarships that upon applying you are
automatically considered and do not require any additional
work. Either way, there are plenty of opportunities to
receive an academic scholarship if you desire. |
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1Boston University Pre-Law Advising Office,
Pre-Law Registration Packet (2001). |
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2Princeton Review, Considering a Joint Degree
(2003). |
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3Encarta on MSN, Beyond the Application: Essays,
Interview Tips, and More (2003). |
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4Boston University Pre-Law Advising Office, The
NAPLA Pre-Law Advisor's Guide (2001). |
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5Law School Admission Council, Financial Aid for
Law School: A Preliminary Guide (2003). |
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