Decision Time Is Almost Here

For law school applicants across the country, April is decision time. This is when most law schools will require a seat deposit to secure your place in the fall class (UF Law’s deadline is April 20). Here are some tips to help you make the ultimate decision:

Gather information – Visit the school and talk with current students, faculty and staff. Events like Admitted Students Day are useful for gathering large amounts of information at one time. If you cannot attend, schedule a tour or phone appointment with someone in Admissions. See if it’s possible to speak with a current student or faculty member to gain a different perspective. Ask schools if they offer travel assistance to help facilitate a visit.

• UF Law’s final Admitted Students Day is Friday, April 13.
• Tours can be scheduled here.
• UF Law offers travel stipends for admitted students – contact Admissions for more information.

Weigh the alternatives – Ask yourself:

• Which school will best help me achieve my goals and be successful? Things like reputation, specialized programs (joint-degrees, clinics) and alumni network can be important.
• Where do I feel comfortable? Consider the diversity of the student body and faculty, class size, opportunities outside the classroom like extra/co-curricular activities and campus life in general.
• What will be the true cost? This is more than just scholarships and tuition. You should also consider bar passage, employment rates, cost of living and student loan debt. UF Law was rated the 3rd Best Value Law School in the nation based on factors such as these.

Decide with confidence – After gathering information and weighing your alternatives, it is time to decide. Waiting until the deadline date can cause unnecessary stress. If you have done the work ahead of time you can make your decision with confidence. Pay your deposit early and rest easy knowing you have secured your place in the class of 2021.

Good luck with the decision-making process in the weeks ahead!