Mastering Your Law School Admissions Interview: Six Best Practices
by Cynthia Rivera, Director of Development and Partnerships & Admissions Advisor
As a law school admissions advisor specializing in assisting first-generation and minority applicants, I've witnessed the transformative power of preparation and confidence during the interview process. Today, I'm excited to share six best practices that can help you ace your law school admissions interview and leave a lasting impression.
1. Research Your Law School: Before your interview, dedicate time to thoroughly research the law school you're applying to. Familiarize yourself with their programs, faculty, clinics, and any recent developments or achievements. Even if you've already submitted a tailored essay, be prepared to discuss why this specific school aligns with your goals and aspirations. This process is as simple as looking through your law school of choice’s website.
2. Know Your Application Inside Out: Become intimately familiar with every aspect of your application, from your resume to your personal statement and any optional essays or addenda. Expect questions about your experiences and be ready to elaborate on your achievements, challenges, and growth. If you are not confident or uncertain, we provide essay editing support to further develop your application.
3. Practice Common Questions: Engage in mock interviews and practice answering common questions without resorting to canned responses. Reflect on your experiences and have anecdotes ready that highlight your skills, teamwork abilities, and resilience. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate your authenticity and ability to think on your feet.
4. Demonstrate Professionalism: Approach your interview with the same level of professionalism you would bring to a job interview. Arrive on time, dress appropriately (business casual is a safe choice), and ensure your interview space is clean and organized, whether it's in person or virtual.
5. Connect Authentically: Forge a genuine connection with your interviewer by sharing personal anecdotes or interests that illustrate your compatibility with the school's culture. Don't be afraid to discuss hobbies or passions that may not seem directly related to your legal career—they humanize you and make you memorable.
6. Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Finally, be ready to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the school. Avoid inquiries easily answered by a quick visit to the school's website and instead focus on topics that showcase your curiosity and engagement.
In conclusion, approaching your law school admissions interview with thorough preparation, authenticity, and professionalism can significantly enhance your chances of success. Remember, this is an opportunity to showcase not just your intellectual prowess but also your unique personality and potential contributions to the school community. Embrace the process, be yourself, and best of luck on your journey to law school success!
Your success is so important to us. We're doing some fantastic things this year with law firm partnerships, public interest organizations to help make sure that you are career ready even before you get to law school. We are here to support you! Whether it's through personalized one-on-one counseling, our Essay Editing Support, our free Essential Guide to Applying to Law School, or our now available Essay Boot Camps, there is definitely something we can do for you to help make this process a little bit easier.
As always, feel free to reach out to us at hello@barrier-breakers.org with any of your questions! You can also submit a question to be answered on our weekly Break Into Law School® Podcast, streaming wherever your favorite podcast service is.