Admitted Students Days and Law School Visits
Admitted student days are typically day-long events and programs that are held by most law schools for admitted students only. These events allow you to visit and see the school. If you are unsure about your decision, an admitted student day can help make your decision a little easier.
When choosing a law school, it is important to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Admitted student days are the best way to learn about the school(s) you are considering. These events are a preview to what the next three years will be like.
Travel expenses are also reimbursed for many schools if you are traveling a certain distance for the event. Some schools will cover up to $300-$400 in travel expenses. Check with the school for more information.
Here are some tips for admitted student days:
- Dress professionally.
- Business casual dress is a good idea for an event like this.
- If you meet professors, deans, and other important people, you want to look the part.
- At the very least, be cognizant that you will be making many first impressions this day, you want to dress appropriately.
- Check with the school and see if they have a dress code for the day – some schools will be more formal than others.
- Try to write down your thoughts after the admitted students day.
- Did you like the way the school was set up?
- Is there anything unique about the school that made you more inclined to go there?
- Is there anything you didn’t like?
- What was your overall impression of the students?
- If you go to more than one admitted student day, try to remember how the students interacted with one another – could you see yourself fitting in at this school?
- Ask questions!
- Talk to the current students about employment, externships/internships, job placements, bar passage rates, and what they think of the school. Current student perspectives can be an asset for the decision process.
- What type of extracurricular activities are they involved in? Or what clubs? What programs are best for a first year law student to join?
- How often are there networking events at the law school?
- If you are concerned about finances, ask students if they work at law firms or are paid research assistants? Are there any ways to off-set the costs early on?
- Explore the surrounding area.
- What is the average cost for rent? Where do most law students live? What is the month that most leases start?
- How close are grocery stores and malls? Are there other libraries nearby besides the library in the law building?
- Do you need a car for this school? What does it cost to park near the law school or to take public transportation?
- What is it like to travel to this town or city? Some schools are more difficult to get to than others. Keep in mind the trip you will need to take to back for school vacations and breaks.
- Are there nearby courthouses and law firms where students can work?
- Refrain from bringing guests to an admitted student day.
- While it is great to have your parents supporting you, you should be attending this event on your own and the decision you make should be for you.
If you cannot make a formal admitted student day or you get off a wait list after an admitted student day, try to visit the law schools you are seriously considering. Law school is busy enough – the first time you step on campus should not be the first day of school. If you are waitlisted at a school and are highly considering it as an option if you get in, try to visit during spring break or when you have the time now.
Consider joining “Admitted Student” Facebook pages (if the school has one) and/or other social media accounts if you are looking for a roommate, or trying to meet more people before you start school. Some schools have roommate matching programs in place for the incoming classes. If you know any alumni or current students at the law school you are visiting, check in with them to see the advice they have in mind.
If you cannot make the formal event, try to visit over spring break or over a weekend before the next seat deposit is due. Law school is a big investment for both time and money – you want to make sure it’s the right fit for you!
Also, consider attending Pre-Law Advising Services’ “Transitioning to Law School Event” on April 10th to learn more about what you can do to prepare for the start of your law school career!
Here are the dates for some admitted student days for schools in Illinois:
Chicago-Kent: Admitted Students Weekend is: Friday March 31 and Saturday April 1; Other visit days for Admitted Students are: March 10th and 24th, April 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, and May 5th 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DePaul: Wednesday, March 22, 2017 (5:30 PM), Saturday, April 8, 2017 (10 AM), Saturday, May 20, 2017 (10 AM)
Loyola Chicago: Saturday March 25 and Friday April 28.
