According to Dean Z.’s latest post to her blog, the A2Z Admissions blog, discovering that other schools were so far ahead in terms of their library offerings prompted her to send an email to the Michigan Law library’s director, asking why Michigan was so “far behind the times.” As Dean Z. explains, the library director rolled her eyes, though did respond with a polite email explaining that, though Michigan Law offers an extensive array of books and publications in the library, in no way, shape or form was the library planning to provide students with a “comfort dog” anytime in the near future.

As Dean Z. explains, the email from the library director got her thinking – perhaps helping Michigan Law students decompress shouldn’t be a matter handled by the library. Instead, Dean Z. proposes that Michigan Law make history by becoming the first law school to offer “comfort babies.” Inspired by a couple who met at Michigan Law who are now the proud parents of an “adorable toddler,” Dean Z. suggests that the school reach out to parents of infants and toddlers to see if they’d be willing to loan out their children to overwhelmed law students in need of stress-relief. Dean Z. signs off, saying, “I think we could pull this off and make history. Check out the new SFF auction booklet, Item 119, wherein Professor Laura Beny generously offers up a playdate with her one-year-old. Maybe she will allow multiple bids—de-stressification for all!”

Head on over to Dean Z’s admissions blog to read the whole story.

According to Shealy, part of the reason why she’s so excited to meet the new students each year is because of the wide range of experiences, perspectives and interests they bring to the table. In William & Mary’s Class of 2013, for example, the students represent 126 different colleges and universities. Over a quarter of the entering students have studied abroad in the past, and, in addition to the international students in the 1L class, these individuals bring with them a number of diverse global perspectives. Shealy is quick to point out that the students are not only academically accomplished, but have also pursued a number of unique and colorful extracurricular involvements, as well. Some of the entering students have served in the AmeriCorp, while others were recognized as Eagle Scouts. One student even completed a 3,000 mile bike ride on the Continental Divide.

From Shealy’s discussion, it’s clear that William & Mary looks to admit candidates who possess not only impressive academic credentials, but who are also interesting and engaged in their communities – a fact to which that applicants at all law schools should take note. As Shealy aptly points out, the fact that the school year has begun indicates that this year’s admissions cycle is also now in full swing. For guidance in getting started with your law school applications, make sure to check out the Admissions Tips section of this blog.

According to Asha, a personal statement essay that highlights only one aspect of an applicant’s candidacy is often humorously referred to as “The One-Trick Pony Essay.” She goes on to use a metaphor involving Michael Phelps to illustrate her point. Michael Phelps – a gold-medalist swimmer – should obviously highlight the successes he’s experienced. Clearly, the admissions committee will be impressed by an individual who has received so many awards and recognitions. That being said, Asha explains, while reading Phelps’ application (a situation that she takes care to explain is of course purely hypothetical), she would also be extremely interested in hearing about the other details of his life. What are his other interests? What involvements has he pursued that are perhaps surprising? In the end, it’s these smaller details that will ultimately round out his application, and demonstrate that he is a colorful applicant with a number of unique passions and attributes.

All applicants in the process of applying to law school should keep this metaphor in mind while completing their applications. While major accomplishments and talents should of course be mentioned in one’s application and personal statement, keep in mind that the admissions committee wants to know as much about you as possible, and focusing on only one accomplishment or interest will not necessarily convince your readers that you’ll be a colorful and contributing member of the program’s student body. For more advice from Asha, check out the (203) Admissions Blog.

Zearfoss – and many of the students impacted by these actions – interpret the reluctance as a sign that law schools disapprove with students who hope transfer elsewhere. In fact, some law programs are even more direct in their actions to dissuade students from transferring. For example, Zearfoss argues, programs have been known to withhold ranking students until right before the start of the 2L year. Professors, too, have been known to establish personal policies against writing letters of recommendation for potential transfer students.

Despite the roadblocks a program may erect, however, Zearfoss wants students who are considering transferring to not be intimidated. As she explains, though it’s perhaps understandable that a law school would be slightly offended by a student’s decision to look into a transfer, transfers are not uncommon and are an inherent element of the law school process. If an administrator gives a student a hard time, the student should remember that he or she is most definitely not the only student interested in transferring, and the anger he or she feels is not necessarily directed at him or her on a personal level – all of the individuals approaching the administrator probably picks up on the feelings of disapproval.

Additionally, Zearfoss explained that some of the more direct tactics used by law schools to discourage transfers are not necessarily reasons to decide against submitting a transfer application. At Michigan Law, she indicates, the admissions committee can look a student’s GPA, extracurricular activities and awards and achievements – though a class rank is helpful, it is not imperative. Zearfoss is considering to all individuals considering a transfer, regardless of their reasons and any negative they encounter along the way.

To read Zearfoss’ entire blog post, visit the A2Z Admissions Blog by clicking here.

This marks a departure from her approach to the blog during its last two summers of existence.  Where previously (203) went un-updated between May and September, this year Dean Rangappa intends to provide advice to new applicants to make them aware of the dos and don’ts of law school admissions.  Mainly, this advice will take the form of a Personal Statement Bootcamp, in which Dean Rangappa hopes to introduce applicants to a few of the errors and unwise rhetorical decisions that she frequently encounters in the personal statements she reads each year.

In addition to the Personal Statement Bootcamp, Dean Rangappa also mentioned her interest in starting a virtual bookclub on the blog.  The bookclub, which should be of interest to all blog readers – not just applicants – would likely focus on law-related books, but Dean Rangappa hopes to cover books on other topics.

With all of the activity on the (203) Admissions Blog and other resources that are updated all year, such as the Clear Admit Law School Admissions Blog, law school applicants should have plenty of reading material to keep them entertained and educated throughout the summer as they work on their application materials!

Each dean contributed well thought out and detailed responses to questions such as “What do you look for in a personal statement?” and “What can applicants do to set themselves apart from their peers?,” providing future applicants with a snapshot of exactly what the law school adcom looks for when they read an application.  Plus, their responses to the “mini-forum,” as Dean Iwerebon called it (Dean Deal likened it to speed dating), reveal the personalities of each dean, which, in addition to being fun, serves to affirm the humanity of the applicants’ audience and thus might make the application process seem less intimidating to law school aspirants.

To read all of the deans’ responses, applicants will need to visit the YLS, SLS, CLS and Michigan Law admissions blogs, as each dean posted just two or three questions on her blog.

Previous admissions-related posts have addressed common applicant questions, offering tips for the personal statement, letters of recommendation, and the optional essay.  The blog has also provided guidance for transfer applicants as well as advice for applicants who are unhappy with their LSAT score from the September administration.

Non-admissions related posts have covered academic offerings, such as skills immersions for third-years and opportunities in transnational law.  Entries discussing student life include news on the student leadership of law school journals and the moot court executive board.

Previous posts on this blog have covered admissions tips on attending law school fairs and forums as well as writing the personal statement.  Shealy and Faye have also discussed William & Mary Law School’s moot court victories, family-friendly environment, and students’ involvement in transcribing early drafts of the Constitution through the Constitutional Sources Project.  The blog has also featured a post by guest blogger, student Matt Flyntz, who outlined what the first semester of law school has in store for incoming students.

Students who have additional questions about William & Mary Law School’s application process or everyday life are encouraged to submit them to the blog, as Shealy and Thurston try to address applicant questions in their blog posts.

Previous posts have covered tips for writing the personal statement and offered an explanation of CLS’s Early Decision notification process, as well as cautioned applicants from believing everything they read in unofficial sources.  The blog has also featured an interview with Eulas Boyd, the Director of Admissions at Columbia Law, in which he explained when and why applicants might hear from the admissions office during the application season, as well as his favorite parts of New York City.

For additional information about Columbia Law School, be sure to check out Clear Admit’s Guide to Columbia Law School.  Inside you’ll find information on student body demographics, curricular offerings, and public interest recruiting opportunities.