University of Michigan Law School (cont'd)
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 25th – 75th 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.
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