Visiting is Vital

One thing the experts emphasize is visiting the school before you make a final decision. I couldn't agree more. A school could look really nice on paper, but it's the intangibles that can really make or break a decision.

Tips for Visiting:

• Call ahead and set-up an official time
• Leave early 
• Dress professionally
• Come with questions
• Talk to the students
• Take time to explore the surrounding area if possible
• Write thank you notes after the visit 

My Visiting Experience:

I went on one law school visit and was considering it as a viable option. But from the very beginning the tour was unorganized and the building looked like a prison (not somewhere I want to spend 3 years of my life in!). The library was small and did not have much study space available, and the overall impression did not make me want to add it to the top of my pro/con list. But if I hadn't gone and visited I would not have been able to see all those factors because they weren't available online.

Likewise, I've had great experiences as well. One in particular I thoroughly enjoyed because not only was the visit day organized superbly, I ended up making a friend. I happened to be getting there last minute (because surprise, I got lost) and sat towards the back next to this girl. We got to talking during a break, and ended up having a lot in common! If I decide to go to that law school, I could even have her as a potential roommate now. I was also able to talk with students that day and get their impressions of the school, things they liked and internships they had as well as getting to talk with some of the faculty.

One thing I've realized throughout this is that I'm not alone. Friends and family are eager to help me with the process. For example, I had one friend mention she had a friend who went to a law school I was considering. She talked with him, and I was able to meet up with him when I visited the school and get a good feel for the school from a student's perspective (who was not a paid tour guide). Use those connections whenever possible because they can offer valuable insight! Likewise, I hope to be able to return the kindness everyone has shown me someday to prospective law students.