Choosing a prospective law school will always be a leap of faith, as you can never foresee what your experience will be like there. That said, you don’t have to fly blind. A lot can be learned from visiting a school, from the specifics of a school’s offerings to intangibles like its culture and environment.
When to Schedule a Law School Visit The timing of a law school visit depends on where you are in the process. As you begin to decide where to apply to law school, summer visits to law schools may elucidate what makes each school unique and what factors matter most to you. During a fall visit, you may be able to attend classes and speak with students for a first-hand perspective on the law school experience.
If you have already applied, a winter or spring tour can help you decide among the schools you’ve been admitted to, especially when their cost of attendance differs. In late spring or early summer, visiting law schools that have placed you on the waitlist can inform your letter of continued interest and help you decide how aggressively to pursue admittance. [Read: What Decisions Do Law Schools Give Applicants?] Why Visit Law Schools?
Visiting a law school helps in a few ways. Admissions offices track visits and attendance at events, although they tend to care less about demonstrated interest than their undergraduate counterparts. Of course, admissions officers understand that applicants are busy and may be unable to visit in person.
This is why they host online and in-person events off campus, as well. Second, visiting a law school can help you understand what draws you to a specific school, from its campus culture to its clinics, programs and student activities. These details can help you sincerely articulate your interest in a school in your essays or in an update email after submitting your application.
[Read: When to Expect Law School Decisions] Third, you may be able to meet with students or admissions officers who can provide valuable insights. Do your research ahead of time and be prepared to ask questions. Making a positive and professional impression can help you build relationships that distinguish you from other applicants.
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