Common Law School Application Myths

MYTH: Completing your application early will have no effect on your chances for acceptance to law school.
REALITY: Submitting your application early in the application cycle may actually help you receive favorable consideration because there are fewer applications to measure it against. Many law schools operate on a rolling admissions basis, meaning that they begin reviewing applications as soon as they arrive, and offer seats as qualified candidates apply.

MYTH: Don’t worry about your personal statement or letters of reference because law schools are really more concerned with grades and LSAT scores anyway.
REALITY: Very few law schools offer the opportunity for applicants to interview with admissions personnel. Therefore, components of your application such as your personal statement and letters of reference provide the committee information in addition to grades and LSAT scores. It helps the admissions staff see you as a well-rounded and complex individual, beyond your “numbers.”

MYTH: U of M Law School doesn’t like to accept many U of M undergraduates into their program.
REALITY: The University of Michigan Law School is a highly competitive program. Yet, in 2006, 92 UM graduates were admitted into UM Law School and 47 actually matriculated. That’s a high percentage from one institution!

MYTH: If you can’t get accepted into a top tier law school, forget it.
REALITY: There is a saying that “there’s a law school for everyone out there.” It’s true. Students from all law schools find jobs in the legal field. The idea is to find a program that is a good fit for your learning style, professional goals, and personal circumstances. In 2006, UM students were admitted at 170 law schools and matriculated at 126 law schools across the country (source: LSAC 2005-06 Pre-Law Advisor Report, based on UM graduates who agreed to have such information released).