Gain a New Perspective on Law School Admissions
October 12, 2001

Thinking of applying to Law School? Think like an admissions officer, advises Eric Abrams, Associate Dean of Admissions at Cal's Boalt Hall School of Law.

Abrams states, "When you are working on your application, put yourself in our shoes. Last year we received over 5600 applications for the 270 places in the first year class. If reading those applications were your job, what would you look for?" For a perspective on this question and more, read our complete interview with Eric Abrams.

Career Center (CC): What is the most important thing Cal students can do to prepare for the study of Law?

Eric Abrams (EA): The most important thing a Cal student can do is to dedicate themselves to their undergraduate work. We have no preferences in terms of major, but we do look for students who have demonstrated academic excellence, as well as a passion for something outside of themselves. Intellectual curiosity is also something that we look for; we like to see that students have challenged themselves and succeeded.

CC: What tends to be a strength of UCB students in the law school admissions process? A weakness?

EA: Letters of recommendation are often a challenge for students at large public institutions, simply because many students fail to get to know professors well. It's important for students to realize that recommendations from GSIs carry as much weight as those from faculty. Those considering taking time off before law school should get their recommendations before they graduate.

Cal students tend to be well-prepared for law school; they know that they are in charge of their own education, and they know how to be persistent. Sometimes students at smaller institutions expect to have their hands held in law school. Admissions professionals know that Cal is one of the best institutions in the world, and that Cal is not necessarily an easy place to pursue an undergraduate education. When we see that a Cal student has really taken advantage of all of the opportunities available here, we are impressed.

CC: What can Cal students do to stand out in the admissions process?

EA: There are many different ways. For one, it may be having a truly outstanding academic record. For another, it may be his/her leadership in campus organizations, and for another it may be their solid academic record while working full-time and being a parent.

We look for students who can excel academically while making unique contributions to the intellectual diversity of our student body. The personal statement is an important part of this--we look for people who write well, but also for people who have a story to tell.

CC: Do internships and other experiences outside of the classroom help a student's chances for law school admission? What types of experiences are most valuable?

EA: Internships can help, but only to the extent that they are part of a compelling package. Simply working as a paralegal will not distinguish one in our applicant pool. Students who pursue these types of opportunities should not do so because it will help their chances of getting into law school; they should do so because they have found something that they are passionate about.

CC: If students have questions during the admissions process, what should they do?

EA: Students who have more questions should feel free to come to one of our weekly applicant information sessions; they are held on Monday afternoons here at Boalt. I am happy to speak with students who drop by, and I'm even happier to speak with those who make an appointment. I also enjoy speaking with Cal students in small groups; if clubs or organizations would like to have me come to a meeting and speak about the law school admissions process (or grad admissions in general; I've also worked in B-school admissions) they should contact me.