When do you encourage applicants to apply?

We encourage applicants to apply as soon as they have a completed application, as well as one that is strongly representative of their abilities.  Applications are accepted between September 1, 2004, and February 15, 2005.  Applicants who submit supporting materials (such as letters of recommendation and LSDAS reports) after March 1 may be at a considerable disadvantage.

Are there any specific characteristics that you target in the applications to help you identify the 'best fit' candidates?

Each application file is reviewed individually.  We are interested in those individuals with a strong academic performance, research background, and LSAT performance; a history of leadership; a  history of and commitment to service; and a commitment to community.  That said, there is no one perfect profile of a Michigan Law School applicant; while we admit only students whom we are confident can succeed here, we seek as much variety in the entering class as we can possibly find.

What should the large percentage of applicants with professional work experience most heavily emphasize in their work history?

Applicants with professional work experience should be able to discuss the relevance of their work to their employers and to their personal aspirations.  Long-time professionals should be able to discuss lucidly their decision to transition to the legal profession.  In the end, the particular field of professional endeavor is not so important as how the applicant has engaged in it.

How important is an applicant's LSAT score and what advice do you have for applicants who struggled with this exam?

The LSAT score is one of many factors reviewed in an application file.  That being said, the LSAT median for the class of 2006 is 167, with a 25^th – 75^th percentile range of 164 to 169.

What is University of Michigan's policy regarding applicants who take the LSAT multiple times?

The University of Michigan Law School's review policy for LSAT scores is, generally, to take the LSDAS report average.  However, all the LSAT scores are examined and exceptional scores are noted.

How important is the personal statement in the application review process?

The personal statement is the primary means for the applicant to introduce him or herself to the file readers.  We look both for skill in writing and expression as well as insights into the individual seeking admission into the University of Michigan Law School community.

Are there any common mistakes that applicants tend to make with their personal statements?

Applicants should avoid overly careful or overly clever statements.  The personal statement is the main opportunity in the application to present yourself as an individual.

Does your staff offer evaluative interviews?

No, we do not offer evaluative interviews.  We do encourage prospective applicants to visit us and arrange to meet with an admissions counselor, sit in on a class, tour the facilities, and otherwise be in contact with us regarding their interest in the Law School and the admissions process.