Pre-Law Guide

Pre-Law Advising Services

Pre-Law Advising at Binghamton is a campus wide service that assists current students and alumni
interested in a career in law. Advising appointments are available year-round for students of all
standings and majors. However, please note that working with the pre-law advisor is not a
substitute for meeting with a faculty advisor or general advisor for degree planning.

Fall semester meetings with Pre-Law Advising are available to Freshmen as capacity allows;
however, it is strongly advised that freshmen wait to until the spring semester to schedule their first
meeting. This will ensure that the pre-law advisor can provide effective and timely advising to
those advisees who are currently in the process of applying to law school—which could be you one
day! If you are anxious about waiting until the spring for an appointment, please email
prelaw@binghamton.edu for support. We may be able to help clarify any pressing questions so that
you can confidently continue making the most of your first semester.

Pre-Law Concentration

The pre-law concentration complements your existing major's degree plan, giving you the flexibility to
pursue your academic interests while preparing for law school. After you submit the form, a concentration
will be added to your student record and you will be added to the pre-law listserv.

You can have the concentration removed from your record and your name taken off the listserv at any time
by emailing prelaw@binghamton.edu. 

Listserv

The listserv gives you access to announcements and the pre-law newsletter, which includes a calendar of
upcoming events, internships, and other opportunities. You do not have to submit the Pre-Law Concentration
form to sign-up for the listserv.

Events

Pre-Law Advising hosts workshops, alumni panels, and other events every fall and spring semester. All
Binghamton University students are welcome to attend.

Library

The Pre-Law Advising office includes a library with material about legal careers, LSAT preparation (including
full practice tests), and more. Make an appointment to browse the books or make scans of the tests.

Assistance with Law School Applications

It is best to schedule an appointment to discuss your application materials when your first LSAT
score is available. Use the online scheduling tool on the pre-law website if you are a current
student, or contact the pre-law secretary to schedule an appointment if you are an alumni.

Please send your resume and personal statement to prelaw@binghamton.edu at least 24 hours
before the meeting if you would like to receive feedback. No writing feedback will be provided via
email without an appointment scheduled.

If you need a template to get started on your resume, check out the sample law school resumes
included here and review the general guidelines in the Fleishman Center Career Guide.

Exploring Your Interest in Law

Why go to law school? A law degree (J.D.) is a professional graduate degree that enables its recipient to
practice law, upon passing the state bar exam and meeting the character and fitness requirement for
admission to practice in a given state.

Some believe a legal education is a good choice whether or not they intend to practice law. However, while
it is certainly true that successful people in many areas of life (business, entertainment, politics, etc.) hold a
law degree, these represent an extremely small portion of law graduates. Furthermore, the success of these
individuals is often due to factors completely extraneous to their legal background (such as artistic talent or
ownership of an existing successful business) or may have come only after a period of successfully
practicing law in a particular area or industry.

The reality is that most successful law graduates either currently practice or have practiced law, and, absent
extraordinary circumstances, it is generally a poor idea to plan to attend law school unless one intends to
practice law and is committed to and passionate about doing so.

Thus, it is crucial to address the question of “why should I go to law school” before you apply, or even start
preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and to take time before applying to explore the legal
field through shadowing, internships, summer jobs and talking to as many lawyers as possible.

You, and only you, can decide if law is the right calling for you, and the best way to decide this is through
practical hands-on experience and networking with current legal professionals.

After graduation, gaining work experience is a good way of finding out if legal work will suit your
personality and interests. Many college graduates take time off before going to law

Preparing for Law School

The American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any undergraduate majors or groups of
courses to prepare for a legal education. In other words, there is neither a required “pre-law” major
nor required coursework for undergraduate students who want to go to law school. Therefore, you
are strongly encouraged to select a major that interests you and appeals to your strengths.

The best preparation for law school is a challenging undergraduate program. However, keep in
mind that a double major is not necessarily a positive factor in the admissions process. Admissions
officers are primarily concerned with how well you did in the major(s) you chose to pursue.

Law schools are looking for students with diverse academic backgrounds who can demonstrate
reading comprehension, analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and strong writing skills.
Choose undergraduate courses that interest and challenge you, and require you to use research and
writing skills. Public speaking experience is valuable in many areas of practice as well. The ABA
website gives further information on preparing for law school.

Students are admitted to law school from almost every academic discipline. Law-related classes
may allow you to get a feel for law as a general subject, but they neither cover the material in the
same depth nor embody the intensity and rigor of law school. Therefore, they are not especially
accurate indicators of your ability to succeed in the study of law or whether you will enjoy it.

However, in some fields of law it can be important to have certain knowledge or skills. For
example, an undergraduate science, computer science, or engineering background is required for
admission to the Patent Bar. A science background is also helpful in environmental law. If you are
interested in international law, fluency in one or more foreign languages is important. Courses in
accounting, economics, managements, and business are helpful if you are interested in tax,
securities, or corporate law.

Overall, the variety and depth of your coursework will be considered by admissions committees as
evidence of your interests and motivation. Strive to maintain a high GPA. Meet with your general
advisor and faculty advisor regularly to ensure you are keeping up with your degree requirements.

Pursue Law-Related Activities

Participating in campus or community organizations that are meaningful to you could present
you with opportunities to boost your professional skills (organization, research, public speaking,
and/or working with the public) and build confidence in your decision of whether or not to pursue a
legal career. However, it is important to keep your focus on maintaining coursework and preparing
for the LSAT/GRE, as GPA and exam scores continue to be the foundational factors in determining
law school admission.

Talk with lawyers currently practicing in a field that interests you and ask them what background is
helpful. Consider enrolling in HARP 300: Current Issues in Legal Practice, a winter course that
gives students from all standings a unique opportunity to learn about current issues and a variety of
legal practices through interaction with very successful Binghamton University law alumni in the
NY Metro area. Attend pre-law events, such as the annual Bonzani Memorial Law Lecture and
workshops with alumni, to hear different perspectives about law school and practicing law. You
can also check out books on legal career development from the pre-law library for insight on the
different areas of practice.

You can gain knowledge and experience as an undergraduate by shadowing or seeking
internships. Law schools value students who can demonstrate motivation and ability to work
successfully in a non-academic environment, whether in a law-related or other field. Additionally,
many law graduates find employment after law school through former employers or internships.
The Harpur Law Council sponsors competitive Public Interest and Private Sector Internship
Programs that provide students with a generous stipend. Make an appointment with the pre-law
advisor to receive help finding an internship and/or preparing your application materials. Harpur
Edge and Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development likewise help students find
internships, prepare their applications, and secure funding for unpaid positions.

What is the LSAT? How is it structured?

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the exam most often required for admission to an ABA-
accredited law school in the United States. It is administered by the Law School Admissions Council.

Alongside the undergraduate GPA, an LSAT score is considered to be a reliable predictor of an applicant's
performance in the first year of law school, and for that reason it is one of the most important factors
considered in the admissions process.

Unlike a number of other graduate-level entrance exams, such as the MCAT or even the GRE, the
LSAT does not have any actual content for a test taker to memorize in advance. Instead, it is a
skills-based exam meant to test the sorts of skills that are required in law school.

The LSAT is administered in two parts. The first part consists of four 35-minute sections of multiple-choice
questions. The second part of the LSAT consists of an unscored writing sample. There is a registration fee
for the LSAT, which you can learn about here. This fee, along with other associated costs such as CAS
reports (discussed below), can be waived for qualified applicants. For information on the fee waiver
application, visit this page.

The multiple-choice portion of the test consists of two scored Logical Reasoning sections and one
scored Reading Comprehension section, plus one unscored section of either Logical Reasoning
or Reading Comprehension that is used to validate new test questions for future use. Test takers
who do not have a previous writing sample on file must also take LSAT Argumentative Writing,
a proctored, on-demand writing exam that is administered online using secure proctoring software
that is installed on the candidate’s own computer.

Test takers will complete LSAT Argumentative Writing separately from the multiple-choice
portion of the test, at a convenient time and place of their choosing. LSAT Argumentative Writing
becomes available in candidates’ online accounts eight days prior to their test administration. The
LSAC will not release your LSAT score to law schools until you have a writing sample on file, so
it is advisable to complete the writing portion as soon as possible. Applicants only need to
complete the LSAT Writing once, even if they decide to retake the LSAT.

Most test takers have the choice of taking their test in an online, live remote-proctored
environment, or in person at a digital testing center, such as Binghamton University. LSAC gives
test takers the choice of whichever option works best for them. The exam is approximately three
hours for test takers without accommodations, including a 10-minute intermission between the
second and third sections. During the intermission, you can leave your testing area to have a snack
or use the restroom.

When to Take the LSAT

Plan to take the LSAT at least fifteen months before you will start law school. In most cases, this
means taking your first LSAT in June so the score is available for review as early as possible
during the rolling law school application season. Your application will not be considered complete
until you have a reported LSAT score and writing sample on file with LSAC!

Law schools begin accepting applications each year on or around September 1 for admission in the
following year. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, which means that schools will begin
reviewing them as soon as they are received. As the cycle progresses into January, most of the seats
and available scholarship dollars for the incoming class will already have been given away.

Therefore, students should aim to take the LSAT for the first time during the spring (June) or
summer (August) of the application year. Taking the test before the beginning of the application
cycle leaves time for an applicant to retake the test, if necessary, and still apply on time, ideally
before the end of November. For students still enrolled in classes during the spring semester, the
summer test may be more convenient, as it allows for dedicated study time after classes have
ended. Taking the test in June also provides an opportunity to use the summer to research law schools,
and to retake the test in the fall if necessary.

The LSAT is currently offered nine times per year. Please note that applicants typically must
register for an exam more than a month before the actual test date. Please see this page for a
schedule of upcoming LSATs, including registration deadlines.

Note: You may take the LSAT more than once, but no more than five times in an application cycle,
including tests for which the score is cancelled.

Preparing for the LSAT

You should prepare for the LSAT as though you will only take it once. This advice is not meant to
make what is already a very stressful test even more so, but rather, it is meant to put the emphasis
on preparation. The test is expensive and multiple scores can create a complicated picture for law
schools. It is simpler and cheaper to prepare well enough in advance that you can count on a
favorable outcome.

Of course, you can retake the LSAT if you feel that you need to. Make an appointment with your
pre-law advisor after you receive your first score if you would like to discuss your options. You
may take the LSAT five times in a single application cycle and seven times total in your lifetime.
You should only retake the test if you feel that there is something materially different that you can
do with regard to preparation, or if other factors impacted your performance on the day of the test.
Research has shown that individuals who maintain the same study regimen and retake the test
hoping for a higher score are often disappointed. Most, indeed, find that their scores change only
by a few points, and some find that their scores actually decrease.

Study Strategies and Resources

Because the LSAT is an aptitude test, there is no finite body of knowledge that will be tested. A
solid undergraduate program that emphasizes reading, analytical thinking, and logical reasoning
skills will help you prepare for the LSAT, but you will also need to dedicate extensive time to
studying the specific elements of the test itself.

To get started, take a practice LSAT exam to determine if you need additional tools or study
resources. After you work through a few practice tests, you will be able to identify areas where you
will need to improve. Law School Admission Council research indicates that diligent practice on
previously administered LSATs (practice tests), in conjunction with some sort of self-directed
structured study program, is the most effective preparation strategy.

There are a variety of study materials and courses available to help students prepare for the LSAT.
Think about how you have prepared for previous standardized tests, such as the SATs. What
worked well, and what didn't work? Your own learning style, time management habits, and budget
are very important in this decision. Some students find that they learn best in a group (class)
setting, while others work better on their own.

The key to success is giving yourself enough time to prepare. Work at it regularly for several
months leading up to the exam! Set aside time each week that you can devote to studying, develop
a plan that will help you to make the most efficient use of that time, and be consistent. Treat this as
an opportunity to develop the time management skills that you need to be a successful law student.

Whether studying on your own, in a group, or through a course, try to work in as many timed
practice tests as possible before you register for your first exam. Taking full practice tests will help
you to develop the endurance that the exam requires, as well as give you ample opportunity to
identify areas that you find challenging. Here are some ways to access official practice tests:

• All registered LSAC users have access to a free LawHub account that contains four full
  LSAT practice tests, which allow you to review your answers and familiarize yourself with
  the actual testing interface of the LSAT. Using these practice tests, you’ll be able to do
  everything you can do during the actual exam—eliminating and selecting responses,
  highlighting passages, setting screen preferences, and more. Additionally, LawHub
  includes free drill sets focusing on specific types of Reading Comprehension and Logical
  Reasoning questions, as well as sample prompts for the Argumentative Writing section.
• The pre-law library includes numerous LSAT practice test books that are available to
  students by appointment.
• If you exhaust these free testing options, 54 full-length practice tests are available through
  LawHub Advantage for a fee.

Overall, remember to approach purchasing test prep as a good consumer. Consider how you learn
most effectively. Once you take a practice test and have an idea of the sort of support that would be
most helpful, seek out the resources that can provide it. Research the available methods, materials,
and courses, and choose the one that best suits your needs. Please note that prep courses and private
tutors are among the most expensive LSAT prep options. The LSAC provides a list of officially
licensed providers, including books and other services. It is strongly recommended that students do
not look for materials outside of this list, as it could be out of date.

Your LSAT Score

If you established an online account at LSAC, you will receive your score by e-mail about three
weeks after the test date. Your LSAT score is reported to the law schools in your Law School
Report (see CAS below) and to the university.

Please check YES to authorize LSAC to release information to your pre-law advisor!  This will help provide accurate statistics to future law school applicants from Binghamton University. Personal information is always kept confidential.

LSATs are scored on a scale that ranges from 120 to 180, with all questions weighted the same.
Test-takers are typically notified of their scores within a month of having taken the test. Some law
schools place greater weight than others on the LSAT. A low LSAT score will hamper your
chances for admission, particularly at the most competitive schools; however, most law schools
make a genuine effort to evaluate all your credentials.

A good LSAT score is the one that not only gets you into your school of choice but also helps you
qualify for a merit-based scholarship. To determine this, you need to look at the LSAT score ranges
accepted at that school, which are reported on the ABA Standard 509 Reports. This information is
also provided by Law School Transparency, a nonprofit organization. A good initial goal is the
median LSAT score for your schools of interest.

Law schools to which you apply will receive all of your LSAT scores, and while they are only
required by the ABA to report the highest, internally they may consider those scores as they
wish. If in retaking the exam you find that your score has changed dramatically (+/- 5 points), you
should consider including an addendum with your application to address the difference.

Test takers may choose to cancel their scores within six calendar days after the test, for whatever
reason they feel is appropriate. If they choose to do so, they will not receive a score, and the exam
will appear as "Cancelled" on any score report sent to law schools. When registering for the test,
test takers may opt to purchase a "Score Preview" option, which allows them to see their scores
before deciding whether to cancel. Make an appointment with your pre-law advisor to discuss your
options if you are unsure about cancelling your score.

LSAC does not inform law schools of an applicant’s registration to take/retake the LSAT in the
future. It is your responsibility to note on your law school application all dates on which you have
taken or are planning to take/retake the LSAT.

LSAT Accommodations

Accommodations may be available for individuals with documented disabilities who wish to take the
LSAT. For more information, read the information on accommodated testing and download the
Accommodations Request Packet online at www.lsac.org.

Be sure to review all requirements WELL IN ADVANCE of the LSAT registration deadlines. Check
LSAC’s website for updates. LSAC encourages candidates who need accommodations to register and
submit all required documentation as early as possible! Allow time for submitting additional documentation, if
needed. You must be registered for the LSAT in order for your request for accommodations to be processed.
If your request is granted, LSAC will make arrangements with the test center and confirm these with
you. If your request is denied, you will be registered at a standard administration of the LSAT.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report

The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is a central clearinghouse for information about law school applicants. Nearly all law schools require that applicants use this service. Your CAS registration is valid for five years. We recommend you register for CAS no later than early fall of the year in which you are applying to law school. The CAS report is sent to all law schools to which you are applying.

After you register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), you must have a separate transcript sent to LSAC directly from each undergraduate and graduate institution you attended in the United States, its territories/associated states, or Canada. This includes all universities that you have taken courses for credit, including study abroad (list the home-campus instituion) and other transfer credits. The full list of required transcripts is available here. It is your responsibility to request an official copy of all required transcripts to be sent to LSAC directly from each institution you attended, even if you didn't complete your degree.

After you submit your applications, each law school will request your Law School Report from LSAC. You are required to pay for one CAS report for each school. This can be done when you apply to a school electronically, through your online account. You do not need to send LSAC the names of law schools to which you are applying.

Your CAS report includes:

• biographical information
• an undergraduate academic summary, including overall distribution of grades and a year-by-
  year grade and credit summary
• copies of all transcripts submitted to LSAC
• your adjusted cumulative GPA reflecting work at your home institution and all other institutions you have attended
• your LSAT score(s) and an average score if you have multiple scores on file
• your LSAT writing sample
• the mean LSAT score and GPA of students at your undergraduate school who have subscribed to CAS and your percentile graduation rank among those students

Law School Applications + Fees

Applications for all ABA-approved schools are available online at www.lsac.org. This service is provided as part of your CAS registration fee and is the most efficient way to apply to law school.

Application-Related Fees

• LSAT registration fee
• CAS registration fee
• LSAC Law School Report for each school (CAS reports)
• Application fee for each law school

Fees and additional services are posted at www.lsac.org .

You can find a sample budget template for law school applications here.

When to Apply

As a general rule, plan on submitting all of your law school applications before Thanksgiving. Although law
schools have different schedules for reviewing applications, many begin as early as November with a "rolling
admissions" policy. Therefore, it may be to your advantage to have your application available for review at the
beginning of the season, when most seats are open and more funding is available.

Law schools do not consider an application complete until all required information is available,
including the LSAT score(s), letters of recommendations, transcript(s), dean's letters, etc. Allow plenty of
time to prepare the required items. If you take the LSAT by June or August preceding the applications
process, the score will be available for review early in the admission season.

Some schools offer early action or early decision programs for students who apply by an early deadline. If you
are considering this option, be sure to carefully read the applicable rules. Early decision programs generally
bind the applicant to enroll at the law school once accepted; early action programs are not binding. If you want
to consider all possible options for admission and financial aid, do not choose a binding early decision
program. The pre-law advisor is available to discuss your options.

Letters of Recommendation

Many law schools ask for letters commenting on the applicant's background and preparation.
Letters in your LSAC file will be sent to law schools to which you apply, as part of your Law School Report (CAS). Online account
holders assign between two and four letters to specific law schools, depending on their requirements. Read carefully each law
school’s admission requirements regarding letters of recommendation. A list of the number of letters required and accepted by each law school is posted in your online services account at www.lsac.org.

As a general rule, seniors or recent graduates should obtain on average 3 letters of recommendation: 2 academic and 1 professional. The best recommenders are faculty with whom you have worked closely. The guiding principle should be "who knows you best?" Ask your faculty first if they can write a positive recommendation. If a professor says "no" or seems hesitant, it is best to ask someone else who is familiar with your academic performance, such as a Teaching Assistant.

If you have work experience that is relevant to your potential as a law student, such as an internship, a letter from your supervisor is of interest to law schools. For college graduates, letter(s) from employers are even more significant. If you have been out of school for some time and cannot obtain faculty letters, law schools are usually willing to accept employment-related letters instead.

A good letter of recommendation willshow that the writer knows the applicant well enough to make an informed judgment and that the writer is qualified to make comparative judgments about the academic potential of the applicant. The letter should
provide relevant and specific details to support general statements about the applicant. Give your recommenders plenty of time to write the letters—at least four weeks.

LSAC only accepts letters sent directly from the recommender. Ideally you should request
recommendations by the end of your junior year, if you are planning to apply to law school in the
fall of your senior year. If you plan to apply to law school after graduation, request letters of
recommendation before you graduate!

How to Ask for Letters of Recommendation

If possible, make an appointment with the person you would like to write a letter. In your initial meeting or email, be sure to ask
them, “Do you feel you know my work well enough to write a positive letter on behalf of my application to law school?”

Specify in your request that law schools value letters that address a student's writing, class participation, research, analytical and other academic abilities. They are especially interested in a professor's assessment of a student’s growth and how the student compares to other students s/he has taught over the years.

Provide the writer with the following:

• tentative timeline for when you plan to submit
  your applications
• your unofficial transcript
• your resume
• your law school personal statement
• a list of courses you have taken with the faculty
  recommender OR a list of positions you have
  held with the employer recommender
• a paper written in their class that reflects your best work
  
  

Remember to write a thank you letter to your recommenders!

Personal Statement

The personal statement is a very important part of your application. If a candidate is otherwise
qualified, the personal statement can be a deciding factor in the admissions decision. It is your
chance to provide a more nuanced and personal picture of yourself, highlighting your academic
strengths and noteworthy experiences that relate to your decision to apply to law school. Only a
few law schools include in-person interviews as part of the admissions process. Take this
opportunity to frame yourself in a positive light and emphasize your strengths.

Overall, law schools will be looking for evidence that you can write a coherent statement. There
should be introductory and concluding paragraphs; each paragraph should begin with a topic
sentence; and there should be a clear line of development/narrative through the statement. Ideas
should be supported with concrete examples. Your essay should not merely repeat information
supplied elsewhere in your application or resume.

Allow plenty of time to write and rewrite your personal statement, observing any specific law
school application instructions. Edit your essay to approximately two pages, double-spaced.
Because admissions committees are reviewing thousands of applications, more writing is not better
in this case. Have multiple people read your essay to ensure the organization, grammar, sentence
structure, and presentation are absolutely perfect before you submit it!

As a general rule:

• Do not use the personal statement as the place to apologize for or explain poor grades or test
  scores or a disciplinary record. It is better to attach an addendum to your application to
  address these issues.
• Do not focus on your high school activities or accomplishments. Focusing on achievements
  in high school can draw attention to a lack of similar achievements in college.
• Do not be overly dramatic about your experiences or reasons for applying to law school. It
  sets the wrong tone for the essay. For example, instead of proclaiming that you hope to
  change the world, describe your particular area(s) of interest in advocacy.
• Do not spend too much time talking about someone else. The focus of the essay should
  always be on you, your passions, your experiences, and your motivations for applying.

Getting Started

Each school may phrase their personal statement prompt differently, so it’s helpful to check the
language the school uses before drafting your statement. In general, if no prompt is given, the essay
should address two overarching questions: 1) Why do you want to become a lawyer? and 2) What
makes you a good candidate for law school?

Start by free-writing your answers to these questions, then try to find a core idea or theme around
which the essay will be centered. What do you want the admissions committees reading the
statement to know about you? The main takeaway of the essay should not simply be a list of your
experiences or accomplishments. Instead, it should concern something deeper: personal growth or a
key lesson you have learned; your intrinsic motivations and passions; the impact of certain
experiences on your decision to apply to law school; or your key qualities/skills that demonstrate
your preparedness for law school.

You might select one or more personal experiences that shaped your decision to apply to law school.
Remember, each example that you include in the essay should highlight your qualifications as an applicant,
professional experience, and/or reasoning for pursuing a career in law. If you have been out of college for some time,
you should consider showing how your post-undergraduate experience has motivated or prepared you for law school.

If you are having difficulty developing a topic for your personal statement, consider these brainstorming strategies:

• Describe yourself in 6 words. Make a list of personal experiences that either shaped or
  challenged these characteristics.
• Review your resume and think about the impact of each experience on your personal growth
  and journey to law school.
• Write down memorable episodes from your life, including minor events, experiences, or
  obstacles. Reflect on which episodes reflect the skills, qualities, and abilities that you might
  want to convey to the admissions committee.
• Think of a strong belief or opinion you have and then write about a time when you took
  action in service of that opinion or belief.

Writing Tips

Be specific and concise! Personality, character traits, and relevant skills such as analytical thinking
or public speaking can be demonstrated in a personal statement by giving specific examples or
anecdotes that show (and don’t tell) the law school how you developed the particular qualities.

Do not be afraid to show your personality! Aim for a more conversational (but not casual) tone so
that the statement flows easily for the reader. An easy way to make your personal statement stand
out is to open with an anecdote about yourself that sets up the framework for the rest of the
statement. For example, if you are discussing why you want to enter the legal field, you might
begin by describing a scene from a defining moment in your life that inspired your interest in
practicing law. A well-told, concise anecdotal story can immediately capture readers’ attention and
draw them into your worldview. Even if you don’t include an anecdote in the introduction, the
essay should, in a sense, tell a story about yourself in a way that captures and keeps the reader’s
attention while explaining your decision to apply to law school.

Make a different personal statement for each law school application. The admissions officers
want to see that you have put time and effort into researching why their school is a good fit for you.
Vague statements asserting that a law school is a good fit without any supporting evidence or
explanation are not helpful, so do your research and work on articulating the reasons for your
interest in each school.

Consider listing a few of the specific factors that have drawn you to that law school in the
concluding paragraph of your essay. You can review a school’s website to determine what you like
about that school, but avoid simply regurgitating information from the website. They want to know
how that information is relevant to your specific interests and/or goals. However, this sort of
personalized touch is less relevant to top-ranked schools (typically, top 5 or so)—they generally
know why you would like to attend. Save the school’s name in the title of each document to help
minimize the chances of sending schools the wrong version of the essay.

Some schools have a separate “optional” essay allowing you to discuss why you want to attend that
school. If that is the case for one of your schools, write the separate essay, and omit the personalized
paragraph from your personal statement. If the school offers this additional essay prompt, you should
treat it as a required statement and put effort into developing reasons supporting your desire to attend that school.

Optional Essays

Many law schools invite additional “optional” essays to provide more detail on topics including
obstacles or setbacks you have overcome, how you may contribute to the diversity of the school,
significant accomplishments or experiences, and more. We recommend applicants take advantage
of this opportunity to provide more personal information!

Addendum

An addendum is an explanatory statement used to address an issue or perceived weakness within an
application package, often to proactively provide admissions offices with additional context that
may answer questions they have during the course of their review. For applicants with issues
associated with character and fitness, an addendum is required. See the section below on character
and fitness for more information. Other circumstances that might call for an addendum include:

• LSAT (for example, a jump of 5 points or more or a high number of cancellations/absences)
• GPA (for example, a noticeable dip in grades during a specific term)
• Reapplicant

If you have questions or concerns, the pre-law advisor is available by appointment to help you
determine if you should write an addendum.

Writing Feedback

The pre-law advisor can help you brainstorm topics for your personal statement, help you make an
outline, and/or review your personal statement during a 30-minute appointment. You can also
receive feedback on your optional essay(s) and addendum, but the meeting must be separate from
the discussion of your personal statement.

Alumni applicants should call Harpur Academic Advising to schedule a Zoom meeting to review
their writing materials.

Please send your essay(s) to prelaw@binghamton.edu at least 24 hours in advance of the
scheduled appointment. No writing feedback will be given via email.

For more intensive feedback on your writing, such as help with grammar or refining your sentence
structure, please make an appointment with the Writing Center.

Dean's Letters

Some law schools require a Dean's Letter (Dean's Recommendation, Dean’s Certification, or College
Questionnaire...) as part of the application. The primary purpose is disciplinary clearance. The pre-law advisor
is responsible for Dean’s letters for applicants from all Binghamton University schools. The advisor will
review your university file and prepare a letter for the law school. Please do not send forms to any of the Dean's Offices
or to the Registrar.

Dean's Letters Requests

If you have a dean's letter form that you would like to have completed, please submit it either in hard copy to the
Pre-Law Advising Office or email prelaw@binghamton.edu, along with the following additional documentation:

• Please complete this release of information form and return it to the Pre-Law Advising Office, either electronically
  or in hard copy.
• Please complete this electronic form to receive a copy of your student conduct report. Please then forward that report to the Pre-Law Advisor (prelaw@binghamton.edu).
• If it is not already included on the Dean's Letter form, please provide an address, electronic or mailing, where you would like the form sent.
• If you plan to mail materials to the office, provide a cover letter with contact information.

Review the instructions for each law school. Be mindful of deadlines and allow two weeks processing time.

Disciplinary Information

Most law schools, including those requiring Dean’s letters, ask questions in their applications about academic and disciplinary misconduct during college, and about criminal charges or convictions. When you apply to law school, you are initiating a process that will continue beyond law school to bar admission and your legal career. Failure to disclose required information is
considered a serious form of applicant misconduct! If you have academic, disciplinary, or judicial information to disclose, keep copies of your law school applications so you will have this information on hand when you apply for bar admission in the future. Update your applications if circumstances change.

Character and Fitness

Law school applications and bar applications typically include questions related to "character and fitness"—that is, having to do with any disciplinary violations an applicant may have incurred while in college (including academic honesty violations), as well as any prior criminal charges or convictions. The wording of these questions varies from school to school and among jurisdictions, but all are seeking a complete and honest statement of an applicant's record. Not all violations will prevent an applicant from attending law school or pursuing a legal career; law schools and bar associations are most concerned with serious lapses in judgment or patterns of concerning behavior.

In short, applicants are strongly advised to disclose everything that may be relevant within the scope of the questions posed, including any records that have been sealed or were expunged. Failure to disclose, even for violations that might not by themselves be disqualifying, can result in serious consequences, including revocation of an offer of admission, expulsion from law school, denial of bar admission, or disbarment. Full disclosure is essential to having a successful career in law.

Resources for Diverse Applicants

A diverse learning environment that represents communities across social and personal identities
— such as racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ statuses, disabilities, age, geographic regions,
socioeconomic status, and nationality — strengthens our justice system and expands legal access.
LSAC provides a list of resources on their website to assist candidates with diverse identities and
backgrounds to pursue a legal education.

It is to your advantage to provide the law schools with any information in your application that you
feel will add to the diversity of the law school class. Law schools recognize the importance of diversity in
the legal profession. Many law schools consider factors of racial, ethnic, economic and educational
disadvantage in their admissions process. Personal and educational background are considered, in
addition to numerical credentialssuch as GPA and LSAT scores.

Directories for scholarships can be found at the following sites:

• The AccessLex scholarship directory allows you to filter your scholarship search by applicant attributes
  such as religion, disability, race or ethnicity, gender, first generation status, and more.
• The LGBTQ Bar lists external scholarships that are relevant to LGBTQ+ law students.

Some law schools offer programs where admission is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-
enrollment program. For a list of some of the schools with conditional admission programs, visit this page.
Interested students should contact the law school for individual program eligibility and requirements.

Pre-Law Diversity Pathway Programs

These are short programs, usually over the summer or over spring break, that allow students who have not had the opportunity to gain exposure to the law to learn more about the legal profession, law school, and the admissions process. These programs
are usually offered for free or at a very low cost and may sometimes include an LSAT prep course or other financial resources for applying to law school. Some programs may even be remote, allowing you to find programs outside of your geographic area.

Start researching early to determine when to apply. Some programs only take students in their sophomore or junior year of their undergraduate study.

Here are links to help you begin to identify programs of interest:

• AccessLex Diversity Pathway Program Directory
• LSAC PLUS Programs
• LexScholars by AccessLex
• Yale Law School Launchpad Scholars Program
• Harvard’s Future Leaders in Law Program
• CLEO’s Pre-Law Summer Institute
• CLEO’s Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP)
• Pre-Law Summer Institute for American Indians and Alaska Natives

You can find a list of additional summer opportunities here. Eligible students are encouraged to apply. Students who would like help with their applications are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the pre-law advisor at least a week before the deadline.

Find the Right Law School

Finding the right law school is time consuming and challenging. You want to set realistic
expectations for yourself to ensure the investment of time and money pays off. Start by making a
list of schools that would be likely to accept you as a student. Your LSAT score(s) and GPA
are very important in this initial determination. Make a list of criteria that are important to
you in choosing a school. It might be especially helpful to make a budget to decide how many
applications you can afford.

Your List of Schools

Binghamton seniors have been sending an average of 9 to 10 applicationsin recent years. Alumni
average 7 to 8 applications. After researching law schools and thinking about your own criteria for
choosing a legal education program, you are now ready to finalize your list of law schools. In making
your list, you are balancing competing considerations to match your interests and needs with those of the law
schools. Competition for admission to law school variesfrom year to year and by school, depending on
the size and qualifications of the applicant pool. By applying to a range of schools, you will have more
options at the end of the admission season.

Your final list of law schools should include:

• safe schools – where your credentials place you in the 75th percentile of applicants and you are likely to receive full or partial funding
• target schools – where your LSAT/GPA are in the middle range and you are likely to receive full or partial funding
• reach schools – where your credentials place you in the bottom 25th percentile of applicants and you are unlikely to receive funding

Where to Get Information

Pre-Law Advising has a small library of information you may find useful, including statistics on outcomes
for Binghamton graduates applying to individual law schools.

A searchable online edition of the ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA- Approved U.S. Law
Schools, including links to all ABA-approved law school web sites, is available at www.lsac.org.
Law school web sites offer extensive information about the academic program, physical facilities,
faculty, admission requirements and procedures, and location of each school.

Many law schools announce programs for prospective students on their web sites. Visit schools you are considering,
and seek opportunities to talk with law students at each school. You may ask Pre- Law Advising about Binghamton University alumni contact information.

Binghamton University offers the annual Law School Admissions Fair and Networking Breakfast in early
fall. Representatives and admission directors from law schools across the US come to provide information
about their programs. Thisis a good time for students, especially seniors, to ask questions about the
admissions process, financial aid, programs offered by individualschools and other information.

Additionally, LSAC holds law school forums in major US cities. The New York forum is held each fall,
featuring a law fair, workshops on financial aid and other topics. Go to www.lsac.org to register for the
forums, and for more information.

Employment Trends

The National Association for Law Placement (nalp.org) provides overall employment statistics for law
graduates, while a variety of organizationsincluding ABA, law schools themselves, and non-profit groups
provide information regarding individual law school’s employment outcomes. The Standards and Rules
of Procedure for the Approval of Law Schools requires law schools to disclose a variety of
consumer information on its website.

Check the Standard 509 Information Reports of the American Bar Association. See also the ABA
employment summary reports, which are available for all ABA accredited law schools here. You
can compare employment trends for each ABA accredited school on Law School Transparency.

Rankings

Various organizations rank or group law schools according to a variety of criteria. One way to compare
schools is the USNews law school rankings of top law schools. It is important to note that rankings
from whatever source reflect a particular set of assumptions and criteria. Remember that you are looking for a
school that meets your needs and criteria, some of which may not be represented in the ranking criteria.

Financing Your Education

Law School is expensive, particularly if you attend a private institution. Moststudents finance much of their
education through loans. It is not uncommon for studentsto come out of law school with $150,000 or more
in loans. Law school debt will claim a significant portion of your income as a lawyer. Therefore, it is
important to think about your goals after law school.

Many lawyers find their salary is not sufficient to repay a large amount of debt. To keep debt at a minimum,
consider less expensive, state-supported law schools, or schoolsthat might offer a merit scholarship or
grant. Loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPS) can help law school graduates working in the public
interest to repay their law school debt.

A new Income Based Repayment (IBR) option for federal loan repayment and the Federal Loan
Forgiveness Program began in 2009. The IBR will allow any federal education loan borrower the
opportunity to make low monthly payments on their federal loans. The Federal Loan Forgiveness Program
allows borrowers who work in government or nonprofits the opportunity to make payments under the IBR,
then have their outstanding balances forgiven. For more information, check with law schools or visit
www.abalegalsservices.org/lrap or www.equaljusticeworks.org.

Check your credit status to determine if there are any discrepancies or errors in your file. Under Federal law,
you are eligible to receive a free credit report annually under the FACT Act of 2003 (Fair and Accurate
Credit Transactions). To order a free report go to www.annualcreditreport.com. If you have any credit
problems it is wise to clear up any discrepancies or errors before applying for law school loans.

Apply early for financial aid! Assoon as possible after January 1 of your application year, prepare
your federal income tax return, and keep a copy of your tax return. Complete the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA), online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA form requires information from your federal income
tax form from the previous year,so it cannot be completed before January 1.

Schools vary in how they distribute their own funds. Some schools have separate applications for
financial aid, while others use the law school application or the FAFSA. Each law school may require
additional information or forms for institutional funds it distributes. Check with each law school web site for
deadlines and financial aid procedures. Many schools have very early filing deadlines.
If you have special circumstances, provide this information to the law school financial aid office.
This can be critical for law students who have been working full-time in the prior year or who have
unusual medical or family expenses.

DO NOT wait to complete the FAFSA until after you are admitted to a law school. You can list up to ten
law schools where you want reports sent, and update the list with additional schools. If your federal tax
return will not be ready until later in the spring, you can estimate your prior year income on the FAFSA.
Parental income is not considered in determining eligibility for federal loans to graduate students, but
some law schools may still ask you to provide them with information regarding your parents’ finances.

Earnings

The American Bar Association setslimits on the number of hours a first-year law student may work per
week. After first year, many law students obtain summer employment and part-time employment during
the school year. This can help reduce the amount of money borrowed. Many students choose to work
for one or more years before entering law school. They use the time after college to save money, repay
college loans, and to focus their goals. Whatever your situation, a sound financial strategy towards law school
should include saving as much money as you can.

Frugality and Family Support

It is often said, “If you live like a lawyer in law school, you will live like a law student once you graduate.”
Frugality can be your best friend. If possible, set aside your own funds to help pay for law school. Talk
with family members about whether they can help with law school expenses. For example, some students
choose to live at home to avoid paying rent.

Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are offered by law schools based upon criteria set by the school, which can
include academic merit, financial need, ethnicity, specific talents, residency or other qualifications. Research
each law school early in the application process for information on their scholarships. Law schools may
offer merit scholarships to highly qualified applicants with an offer of admission. When law schools
consider your financial need, they may require family income information even if you are considered
independent for tax purposes, or for federal education loans. Some states provide limited grants for law
school; there are no federal grants for law students. Certain national foundations and organizations offer
grants and scholarships for law school through a competitive application process.

Federal Loans

Many students rely primarily on federal loan programs to finance law school. Federal aid is
available to cover (but not exceed) the law school’s student expense budget, which includes tuition and fees,
room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses. Because you are applying for graduate 
study, you are considered independent of your parents for these loans.

Applicable federal loans include:

• (Unsubsidized) Federal Stafford and Direct (Ford) Loan – students may borrow up to a combined total of
  $20,500 in unsubsidized loans.
• Graduate PLUS Loans for Law Students – students with an absence of bad credit may be eligible for these loans.
  Many law students are choosing Grad PLUS instead of private loans to cover their remaining financial need beyond
  the $20,500 available through Stafford loans.
• Federal Perkins Loans – these low interest loans are available at some schools. The student’s award is determined
  by the school, based on the student’s FAFSA.

Private Loans
Credit is an important factor in securing private loans. Interest rates, fees, and terms of repayment vary significantly.
Private loans are not eligible for income-based repayment and should only be considered
as a last resort. It is best to work with your law school financial aid office BEFORE making a decision
about loans for law school. Beware of direct marketing from private lenders. It is possible to finance
your legal education entirely through Federal Stafford and Direct Loans along with Graduate PLUS
Loans, which are regulated by the federal government and typically have lower interest rates.

Applying for Loans
The job market for law school graduates is very competitive. Although high paying jobs (large
firms in big metropolitan areas) will continue to be available to the most competitive law school
graduates, many graduates choose jobs in smaller firms and public sector settings. Keep a realistic
view of your post-law school earning capacity when you make decisions about law school costs
and financial aid.

After completing the FAFSA and law school financial aid forms, you must still apply for the loans.
Your law school financial aid office will help you identify the correct process for securing loans.
Compare fees and repayment terms for all your loans, using loan calculators available on financial
aid websites. It is very important to keep accurate records for each loan you receive. Since the
terms and conditions of loans may change, these records will help you manage repayment
schedules. It may be possible to consolidate your loans after graduation. If possible, pay the interest on your
loans while you are in school. This will prevent the interest from being included in the principal
amount in future years.

Admission Decisions

Because law schools admit on a rolling admissions basis, applicants can receive decisions as early
as late fall and as late as the first day of class. Many applicants are faced with a choice among
schools. Plan for time in the spring to visit schools you are considering. Talk to law students about
their experience. Ask questions about employment, program, faculty, housing, location, facilities,
and other opportunities. Ask the pre-law advisor to connect you with BU grads in law school
who are willing to share their perspective.

A common dilemma is a choice between a generous financial package at one school, and an offer
of admission without a scholarship at a school with a “better” reputation. Going to a more prestigious
school can give a competitive edge for certain jobs, especially those in large law firms
paying top salaries. These firms often recruit from the most selective law schools, or from the top
of the class at other schools. On the other hand, it may be harder to achieve high grades and class
rank in a more competitive class.

There are many considerations in finding “a good fit.” The best approach is to consider which
school meets your personal goals and criteria. Compare your net costs at each school and consider
the amount of debt you can afford, given your future plans. Remember that most graduates practice
law in the region of their law school, finding jobs through campus interviews, work experience,
clinical programs, alumni networks, and the assistance of the law school career office.

Some applicants face the frustrating situation of being placed on a waiting list at a school they
want to attend. Chances of being admitted from a waiting list vary by school and year, and are
influenced by national application volume. If you are placed on a waiting list or hold list, contact
the school to learn more about your admission prospects.

If a law school asks for a decision or deposit that is due before April 1, notify the pre-law advisor
and request an extension. LSAC’s Statement of Good Admission Practices states: Except under
early decision plans, no law school should require an enrollment commitment of any kind, binding
or non-binding, to an offer of admission or scholarship prior to April 1. Admitted applicants who
have submitted a timely financial aid application should not be required to commit to enroll by
having to make a nonrefundable financial commitment until notified of financial aid awards that
are within the control of the law school (2008 ABA LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law
Schools).

Once you make a decision, send in your deposit and notify other schools that have accepted you.
This will make the admission process work better for everyone. We do not advise making deposits
at more than one school; if you change your mind after paying a deposit, inform the first school
that you are withdrawing. A law school is not required to maintain an offer of admission if it
discovers that the applicant has accepted an offer at another institution. Beginning in June of each
year, law schools may receive information concerning enrollment commitments to other law
schools made by applicants who have paid deposits. Applicants should verify the policies on
multiple deposits set by schools to which they have applied.

Reapplying Later & Taking Time to Prepare
If you are not accepted at a law school you would like to attend, consider retaking the LSAT if you
feel you can improve your score. You could alternatively revise your list of schools if you decide to
reapply. Working for a few years can make a difference in the admissions process and can also
provide exposure to another career field that could shape your career development.

Many college graduates take time off before going to law school; only around one-third of law
school candidates nationwide apply as seniors. Taking time off before entering law school,
sometimes called taking a “bridge year” or “gap year”, can give you more time thoughtfully
prepare your law school applications and demonstrate your professional abilities through work
experience.