Do the 2024 Law School Rankings Matter?: A Conversation with Mike Spivey
By Sydney Montgomery, Executive Director
If you’re in tune with the law school admissions world, you know that when the law school rankings come out each spring, it’s a big deal. But should it be?
When it comes to law school admissions, rankings have long been a significant factor influencing applicants' decisions. As long as I’ve been in admissions, however, I’ve always advised students to take the rankings with a grain of salt, remembering that they only have value insomuch as we assign value to them.
To delve deeper into this topic, I had the privilege of speaking with friend and admissions expert Mike Spivey, Founder of Spivey Consulting Group. Mike brings extensive experience in law school admissions and offers valuable insights into the intricacies of rankings and their impact.
Read some of the highlights from our conversation below! To watch the full video, click here or listen to Break into Law School® wherever you get your podcasts.
Changing Perspectives on Rankings
In our conversation, Mike highlighted a noticeable change in the relevance of rankings. Citing a Kaplan survey of admissions deans, he noted that 51% of respondents believed that rankings had lost their appeal. This sentiment is echoed in the legal community, where applicants and prospective students are increasingly focusing on other factors, such as employment outcomes and debt load, rather than relying solely on rankings.
Breaking Down Barriers
One of the key issues with traditional rankings is their tendency to perpetuate prestige-based biases, which can disadvantage applicants from diverse backgrounds. Mike emphasized the importance of breaking down these barriers and creating opportunities for all applicants, regardless of their LSAT scores or undergraduate institutions.
He shared a compelling story about Justin Ishbia, a successful lawyer who was initially waitlisted with a lower LSAT score but went on to achieve remarkable success in his career and be labeled “the billionaire next door.” This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder that metrics like LSAT scores do not necessarily dictate an individual's potential or future success in the legal profession.
Looking Beyond Rankings
Mike encouraged applicants to take a more holistic approach to the law school application process, advising them to consider factors beyond rankings. He emphasized the importance of finding the right fit based on individual goals, rather than solely focusing on the perceived prestige of a school.
The Future of Law School Admissions
In discussing the future of law school admissions, Mike envisioned a scenario where rankings become less influential, paving the way for a more decentralized system. He suggested that alternative metrics, such as employment outcomes and specialized programs, could play a more prominent role in shaping applicants' decisions.
Empowering Applicants
Ultimately, Mike's message to applicants is one of empowerment. Regardless of their background or circumstances, he encourages aspiring lawyers to take control of their own journeys and make informed decisions that align with their goals and values.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while rankings may continue to hold sway in the realm of law school admissions, it's clear that their relevance is evolving. By challenging conventional norms and embracing a more nuanced approach, applicants can chart a course that leads to success, regardless of where they fall on the rankings.
For other information regarding law school rankings and how to navigate them to your benefit, check out our previous videos and articles: