20 Questions

Questions to Ask Law Schools

Strategic questions to evaluate law schools, understand admissions requirements, and assess fit for your legal education and career goals.

1

What are the key requirements for admission to this law school?

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Why this works

Clarifies the specific criteria you need to meet and helps you understand what the school is looking for in applicants.

2

What's the typical timeline for completing the JD program?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the program duration and plan for your academic and career timeline.

3

What are the core courses and curriculum structure?

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Why this works

Reveals the academic content and structure, helping you assess if the program aligns with your interests and goals.

4

What are the faculty's areas of expertise and research interests?

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Why this works

Helps you understand the faculty's focus areas and assess if they align with your academic interests and career goals.

5

What are the career outcomes for graduates of this law school?

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Why this works

Shows the school's track record and helps you understand potential career paths and opportunities.

6

What funding and financial aid opportunities are available?

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Why this works

Clarifies financial support options and helps you understand the cost of the program and available funding.

7

What are the program's strengths and unique features?

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Why this works

Helps you understand what makes this law school special and how it might benefit your legal education and career development.

8

What are the biggest challenges students face in this program?

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Why this works

Reveals potential obstacles and helps you assess if you're prepared to handle the program's demands.

9

What are the program's expectations for student involvement and engagement?

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Why this works

Clarifies the level of commitment and involvement expected from students.

10

What are the program's connections to the legal profession and bar associations?

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Why this works

Shows the school's professional network and potential career opportunities.

11

What are the program's requirements for internships and practical experience?

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Why this works

Shows the program's approach to practical experience and career preparation.

12

What are the program's expectations for academic performance and progress?

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Why this works

Clarifies the academic standards and helps you understand what's expected for success.

13

What are the program's expectations for professional development?

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Why this works

Shows the program's approach to career development and professional growth.

14

What are the program's expectations for student collaboration and teamwork?

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Why this works

Reveals the program's approach to collaborative learning and teamwork.

15

What are the program's expectations for student leadership and initiative?

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Why this works

Shows the program's approach to leadership development and student initiative.

16

What are the program's expectations for student innovation and creativity?

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Why this works

Reveals the program's approach to innovation and creative thinking.

17

What are the program's expectations for student global perspective and cultural awareness?

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Why this works

Shows the program's approach to global education and cultural awareness.

18

What are the program's expectations for student ethical development and professional responsibility?

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Why this works

Shows the program's approach to ethics education and professional responsibility.

19

What are the program's expectations for student community engagement and public service?

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Why this works

Reveals the program's approach to community engagement and public service.

20

What are the program's expectations for student diversity and inclusion?

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Why this works

Shows the program's approach to diversity and inclusion in legal education.

Best Practices for Law School Applications

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Research Thoroughly

Research each law school thoroughly to understand their programs, culture, and what they're looking for in applicants.

Ask Specific Questions

Ask questions that demonstrate your research and interest in the specific program, not generic questions that could apply to any school.

Show Your Interest

Demonstrate your genuine interest in the program and how it aligns with your career goals and academic interests.

Question Sequences

The Program Assessment

1
What are the key requirements for admission to this law school?
2
What's the typical timeline for completing the JD program?
3
What are the core courses and curriculum structure?
4
What are the faculty's areas of expertise and research interests?

The Career and Support Evaluation

1
What are the career outcomes for graduates of this law school?
2
What funding and financial aid opportunities are available?
3
What are the program's connections to the legal profession and bar associations?
4
What are the program's requirements for internships and practical experience?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Ask Questions You Can Find Online

Avoid asking basic questions that are easily found on the school's website. Focus on deeper insights and personal experiences.

Avoid Generic Questions

Don't ask questions that could apply to any law school. Ask specific questions that show your research and interest in this particular program.

Don't Focus Only on Rankings

While rankings can be helpful, focus on fit, culture, and how the program aligns with your career goals.

Conversation Templates

The Comprehensive Evaluation

1
Step 1: Start with: "What are the key requirements for admission to this law school?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What are the core courses and curriculum structure?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "What are the faculty's areas of expertise and research interests?"
4
Step 4: Conclude with: "What are the career outcomes for graduates of this law school?"

Further Reading

"The Law School Admission Game" by Ann Levine
"Law School Confidential" by Robert H. Miller
"The Complete Guide to Law School" by Paul Bergman
Law School Admission Council (LSAC) resources

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