Does the undergraduate college you attend affect...?

Question

what law school you get into?

For example, if you go to a low-cost state college instead of an expensive private or even ivy league for undergraduate study (not because you can't get into the more expensive schools grade-wise, but for financial reasons you pick the low-cost one). Will this make a law school applicant less competitive looking?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, when entering the legal profession they do judge you on the education you have. I cannot speak for the American education system, but in the UK if you have a law degree from say Oxford you stand better chance of employment than a degree from a less prestigious institution. But in terms of acceptance, it will vary from law school to law school. If I were you, I would just go for the college you like the look of, and worry about the cost (if there is any) later.

Answer 2

It isn't necessarily whether you are at a public or private school, but the students at prestigious private schools do have some advantages. For instance, one of my kids went to a top private school. In four years he only had one multiple choice test, but he had literally thousands of pages of papers that he wrote. So, he had a pretty big advantage in learning how to write a really good paper, compared to someone who went to Gigantic State U. and took a lot of classes that had multiple choice or fill in the blank exams. Laws schools are alert to this sort of thing. If they take a student from that school, they know that the kid can write English effectively and knows how to reason and plead the evidence.

Answer 3

Law school or otherwise...

Only to an extent. The most important factor is that you excel where you are and build a lot of good contacts. Be an excellent person, student, and worker. Demonstrate good character. Work hard and rise to the top of your class.

A lot of people in all industries and occupations correctly realize that ivy league schools are overrated. There's plenty of room for you at the trough if you're willing to hustle.

Answer 4

It really depends on the situation. Of course graduating from Harvard gives you an edge, but as long as you took a diverse and challenging course load i think you'll be fine. The only reason those other schools are held up so highly is because they are wealthy and they give their students access to top notch opportunities. But as long as you took full advantage of your education you shouldn't have a problem. But if you have any doubts, writing a killer essay is the best way to show your worth. Not only does it give your schools a writing sample, but its a way for you to show them that you have just as many strengths as any of those other students. Hopes this helps.. Good luck

Answer 5

It can. However, there are things you can do to make yourself more attractive to a law school. You can make yourself standout by your extracurricular activities. On campus you can get involved in student activities, clubs, and honor societies. You can also sign up for multiple internships or practicums to get real life experience. You can also look for volunteer opportunities in your community. Some things that come to mind for law school are mediation programs, advocacy programs for children, abuse victims, rape crisis, etc wherever interests you. All of this shows passion, initiative, and ambition.

Answer 6

some not as much as grades and other activities like being on the school paper or in the debate club