blackbearyjam '22–'23 app cycle Class of 2026 class year

Applying
Truly, apply anywhere you want to go (finances willing). You don’t want to leave any stone unturned- If you can, try to have a least two safetys

• Nothing is guaranteed in this process. Most schools do not admit in a predictable pattern or timeline and even if they do, you can always be surprised.
• When I applied to school, I truly doubted that I would be admitted anywhere (hence the 29 applications). You just never know until you try.
  Financials
  Don’t forget to sign up for Candidate Referral Service. Many fee waivers are available!- Request a fee waiver from every school you can. You might be surprised.
• Try to negotiate scholarship amount even if you read online about a policy of non-negotiation. I was success in negotiating at least one additional amount. A small one, but every penny counts.
  Choosing Schools
  Don’t let U.S. News rule your decisions- Be sure to check on law schools’ specific programs and ranking systems other than US News.
• Many people told me that it is often important to go to school where you want to live to take advantage of local networks, so that played a large role in my decisions.
• Other ranking systems:
• Shanghai: https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/gras/2022/RS0503
• Pre-law Magazine: https://nationaljurist.com/prelaw/
• Scholarly Impact: https://ir.stthomas.edu/ustlj/vol17/iss4/19/
• Times Higher Ed: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/subject-ranking/law#!/
• Princeton Review: https://www.princetonreview.com/law-school-rankings/best-law-schools