For if we don't find the next whiskey bar, I tell you we must die

I'm in love with that song. I get like that, with things. I just keep listening to that fantastic Doors song over and over and over again. I can't get it out of my head. I think I'm about to drive my mother and brother crazy because I keep replaying the song over and over again in their presence. But really, that wasn't what I was going to write this blog post about, at all.

I had intended to write about law school choices. And here's the thing kids... well, there are a few things actually. In choosing the schools I applied to, I applied to safeties in which they were the only school in their city, and preferably, their area. Why? because I thought that would mean better job prospects. For example, I didn't apply to any 3rd Tier schools in New York City because my rationale is that I'd have to compete against all the 1st and 2nd Tier schools already there. Instead I picked 3rd Tier schools in states I could practice in, like Michigan and other states. Also, I only applied to a couple of safety schools. Mostly because, here's a big piece of advice,

I applied early.

I truly believe that makes a difference. I've already been accepted into a couple of schools where my LSAT is below the median score. I honestly believe that by applying in late October/early November, that helped me be accepted into these schools. Had I be applying now, maybe I'd still be accepted into them, maybe not. Mind you, these were target/slight reach schools as well. I applied to many of those. I followed the same rule with them too - meaning I applied to schools that were the only one in their city or region, and if not the only school, at least one of the top ones. It's important to go to a school that has a good reputation and try to discover that as best as you can. I was fortunate, my dad knows a lot of attorneys and talked to them about some of the schools I was more serious about to discover their reputations. That's important, I believe, in terms of job prospects after graduation. Why would you go to a school with a poor reputation? That doesn't make a lot of sense, so try and discover a school's reputation if you can. Honestly, the ranking of the school is probably, at least, somewhat indicative of the reputation...

Also, I applied to schools that had strong specialties in areas that I am interested in. Like I applied to a few schools that have nationally ranked and recognized environmental law programs and dispute resolution programs. To me, it seemed to make sense to at least apply and consider schools that are nationally known for something, if anything, that gets the school's name out and probably enhances their recognition and reputation.

Of course, I am only a 0L, so if you're a future 0L and stumbled upon my blog, take this advice with a grain of salt. A big grain. Investigate as much as you can. Research, research, research. It is so important in your law school quest (yes, quest). Know as much as you can about the schools you are intending on applying and perhaps, even attending. Afterall, you'll be investing a bunch of money and three years of your time in these schools.

So, yeah, if a 0L or future 0L is reading this, I hope my advice has helped some and good luck!