I'm applying to law school and everyone says don't pay attention to the rankings and numbers. Well without the numbers or rankings what am I supposed to do? I can't visit all 200 schools.
BTW, I'm not completely lost. I have my list of schools and am currently applying. I would just like to hear from others what they think is important or how they made their final decision.
2006-11-01 07:13:56 · 3 answers · asked by surielder 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Take a close look at the rankings again.
I want you to concentrate on three numbers:
Percent with jobs at Graduation
Percent with jobs nine months after graduation
Percent who pass the Bar exam.
For a school like Stanford, the numbers are 99%, 99%. 92%
For a fourth tier school, the numbers are more like 37%, 43%, 58%
What these numbers don't tell you are that the 99% from Stanford are all making six figures and the ones with jobs from the fourth tier schools are making $30,000.
Next time someone tells you that the rankings don't matter -- tell them these numbers. The rankings are extremely important.
My advice to anyone going to school for any program is always the same: Go to the best school that you can get into.
2006-11-01 07:38:25 · answer #1 · answered by Ranto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are many factors your need to consider such as place, specialization, distinguished alumni, network opportunities, job placement and last but not least - money (how much is law school going to cost?) Public schools are usually cheaper than private schools. Among excellent law schools in public universities you can find UCLA, Ohio State, Michigan and the University of Maryland, however private schools such as Yale University, Harvard University, NYU and Georgetown University are consistently ranked as the top universities for law. You must decide what is important to you and then work on a strong application.
2006-11-01 07:43:13 · answer #2 · answered by Atena4ever 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You won't go wrong with a degree from Harvard. The contacts alone will provide a life long "cushion" to fall back on. I think Oxford also....
In this case you truly will get what you pay for and the law degree is a bonus....not that the US needs even one more attorney!!!
2006-11-01 07:19:14 · answer #3 · answered by Capt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋