Law school interviews can be an unforgettable experience. Interviewers could include faculty, admissions representatives, alumni or more – making each interaction unique in its own way.
Overall, they aim to gain an understanding of who you are as an individual and assess whether you will become an engaged student within their community. They use interviews as an opportunity to evaluate your passion for law and career goals.
1. To get to know you
At an interview, law schools will ask questions about you and your experience, giving you the chance to demonstrate who you are as an individual and why they should select you for their program.
Your interview may be conducted by members of the admissions committee or representatives from your prospective law school; sometimes interviews will also take place with alumni of that law school. It’s essential that you know in advance who and when will conduct your interview so that you can prepare yourself appropriately and deliver answers on time.
Your goals for the future and how a law degree will help you meet them must be discussed at length during an admissions interview. In addition, any challenges or difficulties encountered along your path should also be brought up as they help shape who you are today. Admissions committees want to see that you have made commitment to reaching your goals with plans in place to overcome any hurdles that might come your way.
2. To see if you’re a good fit for the school
Interviewers want to see if you would fit well within their school culture, and will ask you questions that help them assess that fit, such as how you plan to contribute to the community or collaborate in high-pressure situations.
Some interviewers may inquire into your personal and professional goals, including where you see yourself in your long-term career and which area of law you intend to practice. Furthermore, they’ll want to know which legal issues interest you the most and whether or not you have experience dealing with these matters.
When interviewers ask about your specific plans or career aspirations, use information you provided in your application to include this in the interview – such as why you applied to their law school and why your passion for law hasn’t subsided since joining. Show that it’s genuine by giving an example from when applying. This gives an opportunity for them to select you over other candidates.
3. To see if you’re a good fit for the school’s culture
Law school admissions committees strive to create an environment in which everyone feels at home; your interviewers will want to assess your level of interest in legal studies as well as any commitment you show towards social or environmental causes.
They will also inquire into your career goals and the programs at the school that may assist with them, which demonstrates your long-term commitment to legal profession and willingness to put in hard work.
If you don’t feel that you are an ideal candidate for any law school, don’t panic! It is common for students to interview poorly and make mistakes during interviews; just remain professional and try your best to show that the school environment suits you well – this will increase your odds of admission into law school, making choosing an ideal program one of the best investments you’ll ever make in yourself and future endeavors.
4. To see if you’re a good fit for the school’s environment
Law school interviews provide applicants, particularly those without legal experience, an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate leadership or other characteristics which might otherwise be difficult to convey in their application. It provides a chance to discuss an experience you took on that was challenging or working with teammates with different work styles.
An interview can also provide you with an excellent opportunity to ask any pertinent questions about the school and what it has to offer you as an individual. Doing your research before an interview will allow you to ask informed questions that demonstrate serious interest from both parties involved. Whether an interview takes place one-on-one or in groups, its impactful nature cannot be understated: be ready, dress professionally and be yourself–your dean will appreciate this effort on your behalf!