1. What is the cost going to look like over the duration of your degree?
Regardless of what school you decide to attend, it’s no secret that your law degree is going to be an investment. After you apply you’ll really be able to dive into financial aid packages and scholarship awards to get a better idea what law school will actually cost you out of pocket. A good first step is to calculate the total cost for a degree at each school.
Looking at the running total of each program is especially important when comparing programs of different lengths or paces. When factoring in scholarships, don’t forget to note whether awards are for your first year, or if they apply every semester through law school. If the latter, confirm what standards have to be met year to year for you to continue to receive your scholarship. New England Law’s Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Honors Program full-tuition scholarship for example is guaranteed through the duration of your degree without caveats.
2. Is the school based in an area where you can see yourself after graduation?
In addition to the financial investment, law school is also an investment of your time and energy. Throughout law school you’ll develop professional connections through your professors, internships, fellowships, and the projects you’re involved in. After graduation, those connections can help you get your foot in the door at an organization where you’d like to work, or connect you to your next big opportunity. You’ll be at an advantage to leverage these connections if you end up staying around the area where you went to law school. Recent grads in the Boston area have the benefit of living and working in a state with over 14,000 law firms (and counting!) as of 2021.
3. Are the school’s alumni in the type of positions that you can see yourself in after graduation?
A great way to judge how well a law school prepares students after graduation is to look at some of the former students themselves! As you're contemplating which school you’d like to attend, keep aneye out for networking events, panels, and other opportunities to get to know a school’s alumni. We’ll give you a head start on getting to know ours:
4. What types of experiences, programs, or groups do you see enhancing your personal law school experience?
Most law schools today offer international study abroad and semesters away experiences. There are a growing number of programs providing additional support for first-generation, minority, and diverse students. Those keen on improving their research and writing abilities can apply to join a law review, and future lawyers with a competitive spirit can lead their team to a mock trial win. Aside from all of that, there’s also bound to be a student organization for everyone these days. Rather than overloading yourself with information about every offering, try to focus on what opportunities will give you the law school experience that you’ve been envisioning. Pay close attention to which schools are emphasizing those options.
5. What school colors will you be proudest to sport?
We’re partial to royal purple and gold.
Still having trouble making a decision? Take a deep dive into - Everything You Need to Consider in a Law School.