I've Been Accepted!

First of all, congratulations on your acceptance! But you may still have some important choices to make about when and where to go.

I Have Multiple Offers. Where Should I Go?

Receiving multiple offers gives you the chance to explore your options and decide which law school feels like the best fit for you. You can compare the schools that admitted you based on a variety of factors, such as their prestige, location, academic programs, and overall cost—including scholarships and financial aid packages.

Often, these factors compete with one another, and it’s natural to weigh them differently depending on your goals. For example, you might choose a less expensive school over a more prestigious one, or prioritize a program that aligns closely with your interests. Instead of relying too heavily on rankings or any single factor, aim to find the school that offers the best overall fit for you, all things considered.

I Was Waitlisted. What Now?

If you’ve been accepted to one or more schools but waitlisted at the one you prefer, you still have good options. It’s often wise to submit a deposit to hold your place at a school that has admitted you, even while you remain on the waitlist at your top choice. This keeps your options open in case you’re later admitted.

I Was Only Accepted to My "Safety School." Do I Go?

If you were accepted only to your “safety” school, you still have important choices to consider. You might begin law school this fall, or you might decide to take time, strengthen your application, and apply again next year. As you weigh your options, it can be helpful to look at the school’s bar passage rate—what percentage of its graduates pass the bar exam required to practice law. 

A low bar passage rate may prompt you to think carefully about whether the school will provide the preparation you need. At the same time, remember that you don’t need to attend a top‑ranked law school to have a successful legal career. Law‑school reputations vary widely, and many graduates from a broad range of schools go on to thrive in the profession.

How Do I Pay for Law School?

The financial aid offices of the law schools where you have been admitted are the best sources of guidance about your specific financial aid options. Be sure to submit all required financial aid applications, including the FAFSAs, by each school's deadline in order to be considered for institutional aid.

Most law students rely primarily on student loans to pay for law school. They may supplement loans with savings or other limited sources of income. If you enroll as a full-time law student, be aware that many schools restric the number of hours students may work each week. These limits are designed to ensure that your primary focus remains on your academic responsibilites. More information about financing law school can be found here.

Law school debt commonly exceeds $100,000, so it is important to enter law school with a clear plan for financing your education and minimizing debt where possible. While enrolled, maintaining a realistic budget and living as frugally as possible can make a meaningful difference.

When estimating the total cost of attendance, be sure to include cost-of-living expenses, which vary significantly by location. A school with lower tuition in a high-cost area may ultimately be as expensive - or more expensive - than a school with a higher tuition in a lower-cost region. In addition, many students need to borrow funds to cover bar exam preparation and licensing costs, which should also be factored into your overall financial plan. 

After graduation, several loan repayment options are available, particularly for gradautes pursuing public interest or government careers. More information about these repayment programs can be found here.