Congratulations, Future Law Students!

Your offer letter or email will typically include instructions on how to accept admission to a program. This often comes with a deadline, so carefully read your offer letter. Otherwise, it is courteous to stay in touch with a law school admissions office and let them know you are excited, finalizing plans, and will contact them as soon as you have made a decision.

Law schools vary in how they consider deferral requests. Your reason for wanting to defer admission is often the biggest factor. Some students may need to defer admission for family or personal health reasons. Others may have had other opportunities like a fellowship, an AmeriCorps VISTA position, or acceptance to a master's or professional degree program at the same university. However, your first step is reaching out to a law school admissions office, briefly sharing your circumstances, and asking for additional information.

Funding your legal education is important, and law schools understand this. From time to time, law school admissions offices may offer additional financial aid like a grant, scholarship, or fellowship to applicants. These requests are sometimes referred to as "scholarship negotiations." However, law schools are not obligated to offer additional aid.

It is important to carefully consider your personal finances and how much additional aid would make a significant difference. Law schools may want to know if you have been accepted to other programs and their offers. Some Law schools also offer need-based scholarships and may request additional information to determine eligibility. Most importantly, you should approach these conversations professionally and courteously. If you have been accepted, a law school is interested in you being part of their community. However, they may be limited in what scholarships or funding are still available.

When comparing multiple law school offers, it's important to consider which program best aligns with your career goals, the unique resources and opportunities available, the support the school provides, and whether the financial aid offers align with your needs.

1. Financial Considerations: Look at the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Compare the financial aid packages, including scholarships and grants, and what loans you may need to take out. Factor in the long-term debt you might incur, as student loan interest begins accruing as soon as it's disbursed for graduate/professional degree programs. Consider how comfortable you are with the potential financial commitment.
2. Career Outcomes: Research each law school’s employment rates, bar passage rates, and the types of jobs graduates land. Law schools accredited by the American Bar Association are required to report this data.
3. Location: Think about where you want to live for the next few years. Most law school graduates find their first job in the state they graduate from. Consider the school’s location with potential job opportunities, your lifestyle preferences, and whether you’re interested in staying in a particular region after graduation.
4. Campus Culture: Each law school has its own unique community and culture. Consider factors like class size, student support, and how students interact with faculty. You may want to visit campuses or connect with current students to get a feel for the campus culture.
5. Program Strengths: Some law schools may offer specialized programs or clinics in areas that are important to you. Use a law school's website or visit their campus to better understand the academic offerings and resources available to see how they align with your career interests.

Take your time to weigh each factor and don’t hesitate to reach out to a law school's admissions office for more information. You should choose the law school that feels like the best fit for your professional, financial, and personal goals.

Yes, it’s courteous to let a law school know if you don’t plan to accept their offer. Not only is it professional, but it also helps the school manage its waitlist and make offers to other applicants who may be waiting for a spot.

Some law schools may request your decision by a certain date, but a polite email is often sufficient. You can thank them for the opportunity and let them know you have decided to pursue other options. You can be brief and polite, and this helps you maintain a professional relationship with them. Sometimes law students visit other schools for a semester, and a small number of law students transfer schools.

Many law schools will let you know what financial aid, like scholarships or grants, you are being offered when you receive your offer letter. Sometimes this happens shortly afterward in a separate letter or email notifying you, but you usually do not need to submit an additional application.

However, you should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), once you've decided to attend a particular law school. Some law schools may use this information for need-based scholarships. Most students will complete a FAFSA to apply for federal student loans, so be sure to check each law school’s specific requirements and deadlines.

Some law schools offer additional scholarships for current students, usually after your first semester. These scholarships may be based on academic performance, need, or other factors, so it can be helpful to visit your law school's financial aid office.

Yes, visiting a law school after being admitted is often helpful. Many law schools offer special admitted student events, like tours, open houses, or networking opportunities, which are a great way to meet future classmates, faculty, and current students. Keep an eye out for these events, as they help you understand more about your next steps or help confirm if this law school is your best fit.

If possible, visiting for a day or even a weekend can also give you the chance to explore the surrounding area. It's important to think about more than just law school during your visit. Take time to explore on-campus housing for graduate/law students and off-campus housing, local shopping and grocery options, public transportation, entertainment opportunities, and lifestyle amenities. Law school will be a big part of your week, but how do you want the rest of your time to look? Making sure the community feels like the right fit for you outside of the classroom can be just as important as the academic experience itself.

If you change your mind after accepting an offer, you should let a law school know as soon as possible. Most schools will understand that circumstances can change, but it’s professional and courteous to inform them sooner.

If you were admitted through a special admissions category, such as an early decision or binding commitment program, withdrawing may be more complicated. For regular admissions offers, law schools are generally more flexible if you decide to attend a different institution. However, you should notify a law school admissions office promptly. When you reach out, explain your situation clearly, and ask about the next steps. Depending on timing, you may forfeit any scholarships or financial aid offers.

Most law students fund their legal education through scholarships and loans.  Here are some common ways to help finance your education:

1. Law School Scholarships and Grants: Many law schools offer merit-based or need-based scholarships. These are sometimes called grants, which can significantly reduce the cost of tuition. Oftentimes, your law school application will cover both admission and financial aid. However, be sure to apply for any scholarships or grants offered by the school, and check with the financial aid office about opportunities for current students. Some scholarships may only be available after you start your program.
2. Private Scholarships: There are many external scholarships available through organizations, foundations, and law firms. These can be a great way to help reduce your costs each semester. Your law school may keep a list of local and national scholarships, and there are many law school scholarship databases online. 
3. Federal Student Loans: After submitting your FAFSA, you may qualify for federal student loans, which typically have lower interest rates and flexible repayment options. Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans are common choices for law students. These loans can help cover tuition and living expenses. Federal loans are also eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness if you plan to work for a non-profit or government agency.
4. Private Loans: If federal loans don’t cover all your costs, you may need to consider private loans. Interests vary and are often offered at higher interest rates, but they can be an option to make up the difference. Be sure to compare rates and terms carefully.
5. Work-Study and Part-Time Employment: Some law schools offer work-study programs, or you may be able to find part-time work either on or off-campus. Keep in mind that balancing a job with law school can be challenging, so many programs limit off-campus employment for law students.
6. Externships and Clerkships: Some law schools allow their students to receive academic credit for paid externship programs or clerkships with law firms, government agencies, or nonprofits. These positions can give you valuable work experience while helping to offset your costs.

Remember, managing costs is an ongoing process. Make sure to create a budget before you go to law school, consider your options for deferring or minimizing debt, and speak with a law school's financial aid office. Reducing or managing your financial costs can often help reduce the stress you may experience in law school.

Now that you’ve been accepted, there are several steps you can take to help you prepare for law school. Many successful law students have found the following steps to be helpful:

1. Pay Your Seat Deposit or Accept Your Offer: Your law school may require a deposit to be paid to confirm your decision to attend or some other official acceptance agreement. You should submit this as soon as you have made your final decision.
2. Finalize Your Financial Aid: If you haven’t already, complete your FAFSA and any other required financial aid forms. Look into student loans, scholarships, and grants, and be sure to accept your financial aid package. You should also create a new budget based on your expected tuition and fees, living costs, and other expenses.
3. Plan Your Housing: Start thinking about where you want to live during law school. Research the local housing market. Decide whether you plan to live on-campus, in nearby apartments, or with roommates. It’s a good idea to visit the area to get a sense of neighborhoods and housing options.
4. Register for Classes and Orientation: Law schools often have pre-orientation materials and course registration instructions for admitted students. You may do this before orientation or as part of your law school orientation experience. You should also put your law school's orientation on your calendar as soon as possible.
5. Review Your Reading List: Some law schools send out reading lists to admitted students closer to the start of the semester. These may be helpful for you to understand the American legal system. Reviewing these can help you get ahead of the curve and feel more confident once classes start. Even if there’s no official reading list, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some legal concepts or skills, but don't feel like you need to read all of your textbooks before the semester starts. Consider finding a law podcast that helps you get some exposure to law but doesn't overwhelm you.
6. Connect with Your Future Classmates: Consider joining social media groups or attending admitted student events to meet your future classmates. These connections can help you feel more comfortable, find potential roommates, and see some familiar faces in your first few classes.
7. Take Care of Personal Matters: If you’re relocating, make sure to take care of any personal matters, like changing your address, updating your voter or vehicle registration, or setting up health insurance. Consider taking a break before law school starts to rest and recharge. Setting up good habits that prioritize your emotional, physical, and mental health is most important.

By preparing now, you can reduce stress and feel more confident when your first week of law school comes. It's an exciting time, so take advantage of the resources available to you and enjoy the excitement that comes now that you've been accepted!