For all you super-nerds out there, the first Law School Recruitment Forum of the fall is fast approaching. The first one is in the 305 at the end of the month, but there will be a forum in many major cities across the country. If you’ve never attended one of these things, you probably want to make the most of it and also avoid looking like an idiot. You’re in luck.
Here are the “dos and don’ts” for a fruitful and enjoyable law school forum experience.
Do register in advance.
Although it’s not required, you can register in advance on the LSAC website. Doing so will save you time and you’ll able to breeze through the door in the VIP line as your peers look on in envy.
Don’t get your wallet ready.
Admission to the forums is free — unlike most other things related to law school applications.
Do your research.
If you’re just beginning to think about the law school application process, you probably have a lot of questions. However, many of your questions can be answered by looking at the LSAC website or at the website for individual schools. While you can ask basic questions at the Law School Recruitment Forum, it would be a better use of your time to do your research beforehand. Comb through the LSAC website and the websites of schools you’re planning on speaking with at the forum; take a look at the information that’s available there; then think about any additional questions you have. Those are the questions you want to ask at the forum. Also, check out which law schools will be at the forum (here’s the list at Miami).
Don’t ask about your chances of getting in.
While the law school representatives are there to help, they cannot discuss your chances for admission. They can talk about the general profile of an accepted student – but they can’t comment on whether you specifically will get in (or whether “your friend” with X GPA and Y LSAT score might get in), so don’t ask. Likewise, the representatives can’t read your résumé or personal statement for you.
Do take a look at the schedule for workshops.
In addition to a chance to chat with law school representatives, the forums offer workshops on a variety of topics, including “Financing a Legal Education” and “What Do Lawyers Do?” You’ll want to plan ahead so that you can attend any workshops that catch your interest, so take a look at the schedule beforehand.
Do attend even if you’re not applying this fall.
The forums are intended to be useful for people at any stage of the law school application process, including those of you who aren’t applying for a couple years, so you’re certainly welcome to attend even if you’re just beginning your law school application journey.
And what a long and enjoyable journey it will be!