Should I work with a law school admissions consultant?
I believe most law school applicants should consider working with an admissions consultant.
Those with lower LSAT scores or GPAs might benefit from the advice of an admissions consultant to help prepare stronger application materials.
Even candidates with high LSAT scores and GPAs can benefit from working with an admissions consultant as application materials have gained further importance, given significant increases in the population of applicants with a high LSAT and GPA in recent application cycles.
This is because of the numerous ways a good admissions consultant can add value, including:
1. Building a law school list tailored to you
Many prospective law students rely heavily on the US News rankings of law schools. While these rankings can be informative, they should not be the sole determinant of where you apply. Admissions consultants familiar with a variety of law schools can provide recommendations on schools to add to your list based on employment outcomes, geographic focus, culture/campus feel, and many other factors.
2. Framing your application
Simply writing essays and going through the motions to complete a law school application will not yield the best admissions outcomes. Instead, framing your application, or tying together various parts of your application through the various components, should be the goal. By assisting with this process, an admissions consultant can help you find your “edge” as you present yourself to law schools.
3. Strategizing your essay topics
Law school applicants often struggle with brainstorming essay topics that are not overdone, cliché, or bland. A good admissions consultant will help you reflect on multiple aspects of your background to identify essay topics that are genuine and will help you stand out in the admissions process.
4. Editing your writing
Working with a skilled writer can add immense value to your application. While there are many writing styles that can be used in a successful law school personal statement, most candidates can benefit from at least some editing or polishing of their drafts.
5. Being a sounding board
Having someone to gut check your actions or approaches as you navigate the law school admissions process can be invaluable. Whether it be through reviewing emails to admissions offices, helping you negotiate scholarship offers, or guiding you as you decide between multiple offers, admissions consultants can help you take strategic approaches and make informed decisions.
6. Helping you navigate the highs and lows of a cycle
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, law school admissions consultants should be there to support candidates as they grapple with the inevitable ups and downs of the application process, including waiting on responses from law schools, dealing with waitlists, and celebrating acceptances and scholarships.
While there are countless benefits to working with an admissions consultant, the cost may understandably be a concern to many.
Considering the financial cost of attending law school, I encourage you to view admissions consulting as an investment in your future, especially when outcomes like acceptance to your top schools or scholarships are on the line.
Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation if interested in Kalaria Consulting’s law school admissions consulting offerings.
Regardless if you choose to work with me, another admissions consultant, or nobody at all, I wish you the best in the application process!
Sincerely,
Parth Kalaria
