Order Your Academic Summary Report Now

I've been talking to big groups of law school applicants recently, and when I ask for a show of hands to find out how many people already have their Academic Summary Reports, very few hands go up. Sometimes none.

So today's post is in the spirit of a public service announcement: Send your transcripts to LSAC now so that they can process your Academic Summary Report sooner rather than later.

That's for a couple of reasons:<!

Law School Waitlists and Holds

Around this time of year, many applicants have been hearing back from law schools. While a final decision is usually welcome (even a rejection eliminates the frustration of waiting...), there are some situations where a school's response does nothing but add to your uncertainty.

Typically, these "limbo" responses from schools fall into two categories: waitlists and holds.

Cleaning Up Your Social Media Profile

Today’s Boston Globe ran an interesting story that you should read if you are hoping to secure a job in the future. So that means pretty much everyone.

The takeaway: your online footprint is easy for people to discover, and potentially very dangerous for your future.

It’s great to hear that schools like Boston University, Boston College, Brandeis, and Northeastern are taking the issue seriously.

Should You Go to Law School, Part II

An article from last Thursday’s Atlantic Monthly — "Law School Applications Are Collapsing (as They Should Be)" — has caught the attention of a lot of people in the legal profession. I’ve had it sent to me by a half dozen friends and colleagues since it came out, and discussed it with attorneys who are practicing in private firms and the public sector.

If you’re even considering the possibility of applying to law school, you should read it too.

Avoid the 7 Deadly Sins on Your Personal Essay!

Working on your personal essay for the Common Application?  Want to avoid the critical mistakes that too many applicants make?  Then steer clear of what I call the 7 Deadly Sins! 

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Sin #1.  Your personal essay is not your work.

Your essay is expected to be your work, and if an admissions officer figures out that your essay is not your work, she will reject you.