If I got a dollar for every time I was asked, “How did you get into Harvard Law School,” I would already be a millionaire. In fact, I have been asked this question so many times that it has evolved into what is now my career as an educational consultant: traveling around the nation giving seminars and coaching others on how to achieve their own academic goals.
Do not be fooled: the rubric for success has changed in this economy. What worked in the 80’s and 90’s just won’t cut it anymore. Unlike most others who speak and write on this topic, I was in applicants’ shoes only a few years ago, and I know what it takes now—in this day and age—to get into the most selective law schools.
Here are a few tips to winning in the modern game of law school admissions:
Be Different
Just to give you an idea of the numbers: in 2010, every ‘top ten’ law school received at least 15 applications for each spot in its first-year class. Those who do what everyone else does will get what everyone else gets.
Distinguishing your application from the pack is key. Legally Blonde was right about that much: so maybe you should not spray your resume with perfume, but the gist still holds true.
Bottom line: I advise my clients to always craft their application (particularly their personal statement) with one primary question in mind: How many other people can say the same thing?
(I elaborate on finding and capitalizing on your uniqueness in my book, Daring to be Different: 25 Tips for a Life of Success, available online everywhere that books are sold.)
It’s Business, Not Personal
An admissions committee accepts a person because it feels that he/she will bring value to the school in the near future (e.g., money, notoriety, resources). It is not about them ‘liking’ you or not; even if they appreciate your story, you will not be accepted if the admissions committee does not see value in it for them.
Never forget law schools are businesses first (and educational institutions second), and admissions committees are making business decisions. You have to market yourself as any clever salesmen would.
Bottom line: I advise my clients that their application should be primarily an appeal to the interests of the admissions committee, not to their sympathy.
This article will be continued in Part 2…
To hear clips and get your own copy of Darrell’s life-changing series for law school applicants (available as a CD and manual), Make Your ‘Dream’ Law School a Reality: A Step-by-Step on How to Win in the Modern Game of Law School Admissions, visit www.DarrellBennett.com.
This is a guest post from a friend of the site, Darrell Bennett. He recently graduated from Harvard Law School and is currently living and working in New York City but traveling around the world. Check him out here.
I also went to Harvard with Darrell. I completely understand what he is saying. Law schools, particularly the best ones, want the applicant to show their value, not just give them some drawn-out story. Furthermore, I just want to say. Some of the criticisms people might read about Darrell on the internet is just jealousy. Unfortunately, it was that way when we went to school together as well. Some people just cant stand to see a peer being successful.
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