(Post updated September 14, 2023)

One of the most frequent questions I get is how Seton Hall Law handles law school applications with multiple LSAT or GRE scores, whether someone should include an addendum explaining an increase or decrease in score, and whether they should retest. Before we get there, let’s talk about exam choice.

Many law schools, Seton Hall included, accept both the LSAT and GRE for consideration, but you should choose one test and stick with it. Often, if the law school is presented both BOTH a GRE and a LSAT, the LSAT will control consideration of the application because the ABA mandates that is what we report regardless of which score we use in the decision process.

(Post updated September 14, 2023)

One of the top questions Admissions Counselors are often asked is whether there is an optimal time to submit your law school application. The answer depends upon the deadlines of the particular law schools to which you plan to apply. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider as you begin your application process and map out all the deadline dates.

(Post updated September 14, 2023)

Now that you have written a superb personal statement, let’s focus on another aspect of your law school application – Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are another way that an otherwise average application may rise above the pack.

Although you do not have control over what your letter writer(s) may write, you certainly have control over the process. This includes ensuring that you select the individual(s) with the most relevant and positive things to say and that you provide them with all the information they need so that they can speak thoughtfully to your strengths and, if necessary, address any weaknesses your application may reveal.

(Post updated September 14, 2023)

There is no doubt that there's just a little bit of pressure on you to write the best personal statement you can. After all, there's no other component of the law school application that you can control as much as this one. And...a well-written personal statement can really help to set you apart from all the other applicants since this is essentially your interview on paper. So, how do you write a personal statement for law school? I'm hoping that I can offer some thoughts to prevent you from dreading the personal statement and instead embrace it as an amazing tool to share your story!

Prior to law school, I heard rumors about how competitive law school would be – like classmates ripping pages out of books to make sure you do not get ahead of them. As a first generation law student, these rumors terrified me. While law school is competitive, the community at Seton Hall Law School is nowhere near the rumors I heard.

(Post updated September 14, 2023)

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

After all the hard work that goes into completing and submitting a law school application, it can be disappointing to find out that you have been waitlisted at one of your top choice schools. Being waitlisted can be particularly troubling for people used to being proactive, so we often get questions about the process moving forward.  Here are some things to keep in mind:

This seems to be an age-old question! In order to answer it, I will try to help you determine what has and hasn’t changed with regards to law school admissions and standardized testing requirements without taking you too far into the weeds of law school accreditation.  There has been quite a bit of discussion and media reports of law schools seeking alternatives to the use of the LSAT.  What is happening?

During my second semester of law school, I attended the New York City Bar Association portrait unveiling of Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. As I rode the PATH train into the city, I thought about the slim chance of meeting one of my personal heroes. I thought about what I would ask her, if given the opportunity.

It is the day of your interview! You are excited, you are prepared…REWIND!

What about the preparation it took to secure that interview? That is where your cover letter comes into play! Legal cover letters are an extremely important part of the internship and job application process, and it is imperative to become familiar with their purpose to put your best foot forward when drafting them.

So, you want to go to law school?  You already know you will need to complete the LSAT exam, as well as the LSAT Writing requirement.  LSAT Writing is a thirty-five minute writing assignment requiring you to assess a hypothetical problem, select between two possible solutions and write a persuasive essay advocating for one side.  While the essay is not scored, it will play a role in admissions committees’ evaluation of your application so you will want to make the best possible impression.