February is here! And good news – per the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, we only have to endure a few more weeks of winter. So to make sure you can enjoy the early spring promised by the groundhog – time for all of you applicants to wrap things up. First and foremost – if you still haven’t submitted your applications, do so ASAP! For those of you who have already filed your applications, now is a good time to think about a few things.
- Admitted Student Days Many of you have been admitted to several law schools and are in the process of deciding where you will go next year. Most law schools offer “Admitted Students” days or weekends. We encourage you to try to attend these events for the law schools where you are still considering attending. Remember: you will be spending the next three years of your life there. It is important to determine if the school is a good fit, both in terms of your classmates and the school’s location BEFORE you accept an admissions offer. There is no substitute for a campus visit.
- Declining Admissions Offers Those of you who have already accepted an admissions offer should notify the other law schools to which you applied that you will not be attending their law school. This allows those schools to plan and to offer admission to another applicant so is the right thing to do.
- Financial Aid and Housing Once you have accepted an admissions offer, you should touch base with the Financial Aid office to make sure that you have submitted all of the necessary paperwork to secure your scholarship/financial aid package, including your FAFSA. In addition, it is a good idea to reach out to the admissions office to find out the best way to begin researching your housing options. Some law schools actually maintain lists of housing options with reviews by law students.
- Negotiating Scholarships If you are still deciding among multiple law school admissions offers and wondering how to negotiate additional scholarship funds, plan on attending our Negotiating Scholarships Workshop, Tuesday, February 26, 6pm, Room 1002 Lincoln Hall, featuring:
Ann Perry, Associate Dean for Admissions, University of Chicago Law School
Rebecca Ray, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Illinois College of Law
