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Explain Reasons for Applying to Specialized Law Programs

By U.S. News & World Report

Over time, law schools have developed specialized programs in response to the growing number of niche practice areas in the legal industry. Such programs help law students gain the training, tools and network they will need to focus on particular issues like cybersecurity or entrepreneurship.

These specialized programs may also offer scholarship awards — some even covering full tuition. However, competition is stiff, and these selective programs may require separate or supplemental applications.

If you apply to law school and the specialized program at the same time, often program administrators will evaluate the supplemental application. Admissions committees will still determine your acceptance to law school, but the program administration will decide whether you are among the few elite students who gain access to their resources.

[Learn how to apply to specialized law school programs.]

While admissions committees assess your application holistically and legal experience is not necessary for admission, specialized programs do want to see concrete evidence of your commitment to their field.

Here are three questions you will need to consider when developing your application responses.

1. Why are you interested in this program? Applicants admitted to specialized programs have a passion for a particular legal issue or practice area. Whether prompted or not, be sure to establish through concrete examples where your passion for this field comes from.

Did you start your own nonprofit or publish your thesis on human rights violations? Have you volunteered in women’s shelters or launched a successful startup?

Formatting restrictions for your responses can vary wildly. For example, you only have 500 words to express your interest in one of New York University‘s programmatic scholarships. In contrast, the University of California–Los Angeles‘ Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy allows for four double-spaced pages.

Regardless of length, identify why you are interested in pursuing a career focused on the program’s particular emphasis.

[Research to find law school concentrations, scholarships.]

2. What special abilities will allow you to contribute to this program? Applicants admitted to these programs will have an extensive track record in the specialized field.

Remember, you are not competing with the general pool but rather against other like-minded , committed individuals. How will you distinguish yourself from these impressive candidates?

Elaborate on accomplishments that are listed on your resume to highlight what unique skills or perspective you have gained. And don’t ignore experiences that may not be documented. Perhaps you escaped an abusive relationship and that informs your work in domestic violence.

Sometimes programs will have requirements for special abilities. Applicants to Georgetown University Law Center‘s Global Law Scholars Program, for instance, must demonstrate “proficiency in a language other than English” and complete a foreign language evaluation form.

Language skills, personal insight, specialized research and certifications or graduate degrees are all examples of ways you can contribute.

However, identifying these abilities is only the first step. Be sure to then connect your background with how you will be an asset to the specialized program. Perhaps you have native fluency in three languages and are proficient in a fourth that enables you to facilitate cross-cultural communication, a skill that would be useful to human rights work that a program does in multiple countries.

Keep in mind that these programs are trying to assess how you will fit into a select group of both like-minded and diverse peers. What can you offer your fellow classmates?

[Do three things when choosing a law school specialization.]

3. How will this program help you achieve your career goals? Articulating your goals is as important as establishing your background. Look to the future.

Where do you see yourself after graduating? How will your involvement with the specialized program position you to succeed in these endeavors?

This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have researched the program and understand the benefits, as well as to express your enthusiastic commitment to any academic or professional requirements.

Indeed, many programs will require you to fulfill certain obligations, if admitted. For example, students in the University of Chicago Law School‘s Doctoroff Business Leadership Program must complete courses in the business curriculum and secure a business internship in the summer between their first and second years.

Graduates of NYU’s Latinx Rights Scholars Program are committed to at least two years of public interest work — or a judicial clerkship — or they must repay their scholarship. Before applying, make sure you are aware of any requirements you must meet.

In your application, do not simply reiterate perks and responsibilities listed on a program’s website. These programs know what benefits students will gain and any conditions to meet. Instead, translate this research into terms particular to you.

When my clients fall into the trap of generalizations — such as “students get access to unparalleled resources” — I encourage them to use a first-person point of view and explain why those exceptional resources will position them to succeed in their individual careers.

Have questions about how to apply to specialized law programs? You can reach me at lawadmissionslowdown@usnews.com.

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Explain Reasons for Applying to Specialized Law Programs originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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