��Vlog: Graduate School Blog

9 Personal Statement Tips for Law School Applicants

2026-04-25T12:21:16.147389-04:00

This blog originally appeared on New England Law | Boston's website.

You are so much more than your LSAT score, undergraduate GPA, and extracurricular activities. That's why your personal statement is a critical part of your law school application: it's your chance to address the law school admission committee directly and show them your character, what’s important to you, and why you’re a great fit for the school. So don’t let it go to waste!

1. Focus on you

This may seem obvious, but law school applicants sometimes miss this important point: your personal statement needs to be about you. Not the people or work that influenced you. You. Think about your strengths, defining characteristics, and values—especially the ones that might come into play as a lawyer. Are you thoughtful, analytical, empathetic, service oriented? How do you spend your free time? What motivates you? Once you’ve zeroed in on some qualities you want to highlight, it's time to brainstorm anecdotes from your life that demonstrate those things.

2. Brainstorm broadly

The personal statement often gives you lots of freedom in what you write about, so feel free to brainstorm broadly about possible topics. Not sure what to write about? Good law school personal statement ideas often come from:

Extracurricular activities
Meaningful obstacles or challenges
Professional activities
Accomplishments
Hobbies or other unique interests that are important to you

Handy tip: Update your résumé before you brainstorm personal statement topics. Even though you definitely don’t want to just repeat your résumé in your personal statement, you’ll be forced to remember all the things you’ve been involved in since you became an undergrad.

3. Be genuine

You don’t need to be a superhero to impress the law school admissions committee. You can show your passion, dedication, and law school readiness in lots of everyday anecdotes from your life. You can even write your personal statement about a mistake or a weakness—just make sure you turn it around to show how you ultimately overcame that mistake or weakness. Finally, this may go without saying, but don’t stretch the truth (ahem) in your personal statement. We can tell. And we will check

4. Just write

Once you have a personal statement topic in mind, set aside some time to write—and just let yourself go. Give yourself permission to bang out a crummy first draft. Don’t worry about making it sound good; just focus on getting your ideas on the page. This will make the process much easier when you go back to edit the application essay later.

5. Remember your “why”

You want to go to law school to work in the legal field. But why is law school a critical next step in your career path? While you don’t necessarily need to spell out why you want to be a lawyer, your underlying reasons for going to law school should be the foundation of your personal statement. For example, maybe you want to be a lawyer because you want to correct the injustices you see in the world around you. You might write your personal statement about a memorable protest you once participated in as an undergrad, and how it made you want to do even more to help people.

6. Be specific

Don’t try to fit your life story into your personal statement. Keep your essay focused on a particular theme, thesis, or even moment in time. Part of the challenge is that you’re limited in space, so you have to be both succinct and efficient with your writing. And whatever you do, don’t just rehash other information that’s elsewhere in your application. You’re only going to be able to highlight one or two things about yourself, so be thoughtful about what those things are.

7. Grab their attention

Unlike your undergraduate application essay, you may need to be more straightforward with your personal statement for law school. You still want to tell a story that allows the admission committee to get to know the real you and remember you in a sea of applicants. Start with an attention-grabbing anecdote, a surprising fact, or an intriguing line of dialogue. That being said, write like you normally would—don’t write in a style you haven’t mastered.

8. Know what makes the school tick

You probably already did lots of research to determine which law schools really fit you (you did, right? Right?!). So by the time you’re drafting the personal statement portion of your application, you should have a good sense of what your intended schools are all about. If you don’t, then you don’t know the law school well enough to write a great personal statement. So read the school's mission statement, news and blogs, and social media feeds. Get a sense of what’s important to the institution, and then try to weave those values into your personal statement.

9. Polish it up

Competition is tough, and you want your application to be as strong as it can be. Plus, there’s a lot of writing in law school, and you need to prove that your skills are up to snuff. Carefully proofread your personal statement—not to mention the rest of your law school application—before you send it in. Did you fully respond to any given prompt? Did you adhere to any special formatting or submission criteria? Have you used the right law school name? Finally, ask others to review your personal statement too, like an undergrad professor, mentor, or that good college friend who aced English 101. You can also take your essay to the writing or career services office at your undergraduate school.

You don’t need to be the next George R.R. Martin to craft a great personal statement for your law school applications. Just follow these tips, and you’re sure to write an essay you can be proud of.

Read the full article here, and start searching for law schools on ��Vlog.

Quick Advice for Future Law Students, From Law Students

2026-04-25T12:21:16.144154-04:00

This blog originally appeared on New England Law | Boston's website.

The time between submitting your law school application and arriving on campus for first-year orientation will fly by. Before you know it, you’ll be a full-fledged law student, taking classes, crushing clinics, and working with faculty on cases that feel like something out of a movie. So how do you make the most of it all? Following this advice from law students who’ve been there is a good place to start.

Be thoughtful

“Sit down and really think deeply about what drives your desire to be a lawyer. Your first year is daunting, humbling, and eye-opening. Remember to prioritize self-care and mental health. Law school is a high-pressure environment, and you can easily forget to take care of yourself when you’re constantly putting your energy in other things.” — Czara Venegas, New England Law Class of 2018

It’s a full-time job

“Treat the first year of law school as more than a full-time job, but do not abandon your family or friends. Study hard and be intentional so that when you recuperate, you feel like you earned it.” — Ben Strobeck, New England Law Class of 2019

But you can make work…work

“I’m going to completely contradict everything everyone else tells you…but you can have a job and be successful in law school (even during 1L year!). Time management is key. If you’re like me and holding a job is important to your identity, you can make it work.” — Abbey K. Young, New England Law Class of 2019

Don’t give up

“Keep pushing! You will always feel like you do not understand some of the material as well as you should or that you aren’t capable, especially the first year of law school. But at the end of the day, you have to tell yourself that you made it this far, and you would not have been invited to attend the school if the admission committee didn’t think you were capable. So keep pushing—you will get through it.” — Chevelle Allison-McIntosh, New England Law Class of 2018

Enjoy it!

“Although law school can certainly be stressful, you will become part of a tight-knit community where there will always be someone to study with or just have fun with.” — London Lundstrum, New England Law Class of 2019

We can’t say that this advice will magically make law school easier, but it does show you how much you’re capable of—even when you doubt yourself. Keep this quick advice close to your heard as you go about your academic endeavors. Law school will be worth it in the end, even if you struggle a bit along the way.

Read the full article on New England Law | Boston's website, and start searching for graduate schools with law programs on ��Vlog.

5 Easy Ways to Own Your Online Graduate Courses

2026-04-25T12:21:16.140906-04:00

It’s tough being a working professional while pursuing your graduate education online. There’s a lot going on. Like, a lot a lot—not only do you have to go to work eight hours every day, make dinner, tidy up, feed the cat, walk the dog, catch up on that show you’ve been meaning to watch, and get some sleep, you also have to find time to get homework done and sit down for class, whether it’s prerecorded or a live session. Calling it a mess is an understatement. And you hope it will pay off in the end, but you kind of wish it would pay off right now too. It’s okay. You’ll survive this—epecially with these five tips to help you master your online graduate courses.

Get organized

Sure, there’s a lot going on in your life, but it gets easier to manage once you get organized. Especially since you’re not physically going to class anymore, it can be more difficult to keep track of things. Start by investing in a wall calendar. Having everything in your phone’s calendar is convenient, but it’s difficult to read all at once. If you have a live class session to attend, start by putting that in your calendar. If you don’t have a live session, choose a specific date and time each week to watch the prerecorded sessions. Once you know when your classes are, you can arrange other events around them, like getting your homework done or hanging out with friends.

Stay updated on course material

The syllabus is your best friend. The second the course opens on Blackboard or Canvas or whatever platform, go in and look at the syllabus. If you have any large projects due, put those dates in your calendar immediately. If your professor neglects to provide a detailed syllabus (unfortunately common), log on to the classroom portal and check out the assignments and discussions to see what due dates are coming up. Some portals will give you a handy to-do list that breaks down what’s due when, but some professors will put assignments in weird places where the date won’t register for reasons unknown. This practice normally isn’t done with malicious intent. Your professor might be new to the software and may have accidentally placed the assignment somewhere they didn’t mean to. If you have issues, reach out to the professor. They can tell you where to find what you need or email the materials to you if they’re really MIA.

Do your homework (on time)

As a full-fledged adult, you have a lot going on. Your life is nothing but moving parts at this point. You have responsibilities at home, at work, and—now—at school. Just because you’re electing to take on the burden of these courses doesn’t mean the homework is elective though. And getting it in on time is imperative, especially if the work is collaborative.

Many online courses are largely discussion based, so if students wait until the last minute to post their responses, others can’t complete their homework. Not to mention, even in an online class, you’re trying to expand your professional network, and consistently submitting homework late shows a lack of respect for deadlines, which doesn’t make you look too good. The best way to avoid this is to set aside time in your schedule to complete the homework the same way you set aside time to take the course. If you’re really pressed for time, try getting your homework done during your lunch break at work. This way you lack the distractions you normally have at home. Plus, by finishing your homework during lunch, you have extra time at home to do whatever you want.

Talk to your professor

That being said, there are times when life just gets in the way. Meetings pop up that keep you from taking a break, the kids get sick, the dog gets sick, business trips come out of nowhere, deadlines at work take precedence over deadlines on homework. If an emergency happens, email your professor about it. Most online courses are built to accommodate working professionals. Your professor probably has a full-time job on top of this course too, so they’ll do their best to work with you when something prevents you from getting the work done. But you have to talk to them about it or they can’t help you.

Take care of yourself

Grad school can be stressful, which is why self-care is so important as well. It may seem difficult, but find time to do something nice for yourself somewhere in your schedule. That could mean something as easy as turning your cell phone off one weekend night or not setting an alarm for one morning that you aren’t working. It could mean putting on a face mask while you do your homework or spending an extra 20 minutes in the gym because you finished your homework a day early.

Don’t forget to turn off sometimes too. If you have class on a Thursday and work a 9-to-5 schedule Monday through Friday, make Friday or Saturday night yours. Block it off in your schedule and do something that has nothing to do with school or work.

Online graduate courses may be the bane of your existence, or they might not seem so bad. Either way, they’re definitely important to furthering your education. Stay on track and don't forget to find the right balance between work, school, and home. You'll have your advanced degree in hand before you know it!

For more practical advice to help you survive your grad program, check out our Graduate School section.

How to Deal With Law School Stress in Healthy Ways

2026-04-25T12:21:16.136804-04:00

This article originally appeared on New England Law | Boston's website.

Too much stress—especially the long-lasting kind—is not good. It can lead to everything from headaches and weight gain to heart disease and depression. It can also hurt your memory and cognitive abilities, which is the last thing you want in law school, not to mention as a professional lawyer. First, take some comfort in knowing that what you’re feeling is normal. Everyone is trying to play it cool in law school…and everyone has moments of doubt, struggles with the material, and feels like they’re in over their head sometimes. Second, you need to learn how to deal with your stress in healthy way—and the sooner, the better.

Luckily, there are lots of good coping mechanisms and habits you can develop now as a law student. Best of all, if you learn how to take care of yourself in law school, “you’re going to be a superstar when you get out,” says Barbara Bowe, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who works with Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in Massachusetts. Here's how you can start finding some relief.

Take 10 minutes

A 10-minute break can make a world of difference, especially if you’re stuck in a rut. Here are some quick and easy things you can do to shake off the stress:

Go for a quick walk or jog
Write down or review your to-do list
Stretch
Meditate (check out apps like Headspace, Calm, MyLife, and Aura)
Listen to your favorite music
Look at funny things (like memes, videos, jokes—anything that makes you laugh!)
Talk to someone you care about
Take a shower or bath
Hang out with a pet
Just close your eyes and breathe

Don’t be afraid to get help

You don’t need to go it alone, you don’t need to pretend everything is fine if it’s not, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed asking for help when you need it. It’s also important to remember that getting professional treatment for mental health and even substance abuse does not appear on bar fitness results. Your law school should have mental health resources available to you. There are also free mental health resources like hotlines and local support groups. And, of course, your friends, family, faculty, and mentors want to help you too, and a short conversation can go a long way in making you feel better.

Treat it like another school assignment

You carve out time to do your classwork; why not schedule time for breaks and stress-relieving activities too? Think of it as an important part of your training for the rigors of being a lawyer. Developing healthy coping mechanisms and stress-busting habits requires work, but it’s an effort that pays off in dividends. Law students who are willing to look at themselves and do a deep dive into their mental health and coping mechanisms are better off.

Prioritize the basics: sleep, diet, exercise

This is basic advice but it bears repeating: getting enough sleep, eating right, and squeezing in some exercise is critical in law school. Granted, finding time to do so may feel impossible, but these are the building blocks for good overall health and worth prioritizing. Always. So bust out those time management skills and do your best to get a little more sleep, do a quick workout, or run to the grocery store for some wholesome goodies.

Don’t make big decisions

When you’re in a tough situation and stressed out, it’s the worst time to make an impulsive decision, Bowe says. You’re not thinking clearly. Give yourself 24 hours to think things over, talk it out with a trusted friend, write a pros and cons list—whatever you need to do to feel like you’re approaching the decision from a rational place.

Write in a journal

Think journaling is just for kids scribbling “Dear Diary”? Think again. Regular journaling can be a powerful tool for processing your emotions and identifying both good and bad patterns in your behavior. It doesn’t have to take long either. The most important part is sticking with it. Apps like Day One, Penzu, and The 5 Minute Journal can make journaling a breeze.

Keep your eyes on the prize

Why did you want to go to law school in the first place? Whether it’s providing a great life for your family, accomplishing your professional goals, or enacting policy changes, let it motivate you. After all, in just a few short years, you'll graduate from law school and a new adventure will begin.

In law school—and in life—it’s important to remember that you can’t control your stressors. But you can control how you deal with them. Focus on knowing yourself and finding ways of relieving stress that work best for you. With a little time and effort, you’ll learn to manage your stress in healthy and productive ways.

Check out the full article at New England Law | Boston, and find more advice for grad students in our Graduate School section.

4 Impressive Ways to Boost Your MBA Application

2026-04-25T12:21:16.131914-04:00

Getting accepted to an MBA program is a prestigious accomplishment, and you may be looking for advice to ensure that happens. With a top-notch application and successful interview, you’ll be placed above the competition while presenting yourself as a more self-aware, well-rounded candidate. This will not only make you more competitive during the application process but will also increase your wisdom and discretion in logistics and people skills—essential traits in the business world. If you’ll let them, these traits can launch your business career and your personal life toward success. So, here are some unique things to consider to help improve your résumé, essay, and other areas of your MBA application.

1. EQ test results

Many MBA programs require applicants to submit GMAT test results to gauge their candidates’ competency and readiness. However, many Business programs—especially those focused on employee management—are now encouraging students to take an Emotional Quotient (EQ) test as well. An EQ test makes the candidate more self-aware of their natural traits and shows the admission committee who’s most likely to consider the needs of their teammates and employees before their own. Candidates who score higher on the EQ portion of the application usually have a greater success rate of being admitted to these programs. However, it should be noted that students who score lower on the EQ test are not excluded from entry into schools. If these students demonstrate a recognition of their need for growth and outline how they believe the program will help them develop emotional awareness and intelligence, they’ll still be considered for admission into the program.

2. Your best essay

The personal statement or essay is the place to highlight your personal story—your drive, your “why.” What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? What makes you passionate about what you do? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What do you intend to do to turn these weaknesses into strengths? The list goes on. Grad school essays allow you to introduce yourself to the application committee. While you should maintain a professional air—appropriate vocabulary, structure, and stories—the essay is your 600-word opportunity to discuss who you are, where you come from, and what you believe you will gain from and contribute to a university’s program. An important aspect to capture in your essay is humility. Be sure to create a balance between your attributes and your areas for growth. The application committee wants to see if you’re coachable, and coachability is a make-or-break facet of any MBA program application.

3. A strong résumé

Your essay is where you talk about your “why”; your résumé is the chance to talk about what you accomplished for your “why.” Discussing not only the jobs and work you’ve done but also what you contributed to your cause is paramount to standing out to the admission committee. This is where your GMAT and EQ test scores come into play. It doesn’t matter how intelligent or emotionally affluent you are—you need to be able to apply it in order to succeed. Your résumé showcases the application of your skills and traits and demonstrates to the admission committee your dedication and competency to achieve your goals. Once you’ve finished your résumé, send it to trusted peers, teachers, or mentors to make sure you don’t have any errors and that you’ve portrayed yourself in the best light possible.

4. An impressionable interview

This tip is true for essays, but it’s especially true during the interview process: Be willing to ego-check yourself. Be true to your accomplishments as you’re speaking with the interviewer, but remember that they’re human and so are you. Discuss some of the places where you feel you’re vulnerable and be willing to connect with them on a deeper level. This will leave them with an impression of your coachability as well as your competence. Interviewers hear the cocky people all day long, so someone with genuine humility is a rarity that will stand out with them more than anything else.

Ultimately, the traits you demonstrate throughout the MBA application process will launch you toward your path in life, but the most important thing to remember is if you’re not accepted in the initial process, continue to work on these four traits for your next attempt. As you continue to develop these humble skills, your success in life is guaranteed to improve.

Have you already found the best program for your goals? Use our Grad School Search tool to ensure you've considered all your options!

Is Now the Right Time for You to Go to Grad School?

2026-04-25T12:21:16.126939-04:00

The pandemic disrupted traditional higher education, and new data shows that colleges and universities are experiencing an impact on enrollment rates due to its ongoing effects. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, postsecondary institutions experienced a 4.9% enrollment drop among undergraduate students compared to spring 2020. However, during this same period, graduate school enrollment climbed by 4.6%. Although earning a graduate degree has potential benefits—like higher earning potential—there are considerations to mull over before taking the leap.

Is grad school right for you?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an advanced degree have a lower unemployment rate compared to those with a bachelor’s degree. But that’s just one of the more obvious benefits of going to grad school. Your dream profession might require a master’s degree to qualify for an entry-level position in that field. For example, high school teachers in some states are required to earn a master’s degree and be licensed to teach. A counseling- or psychology-related profession, like a marriage and family therapist, also requires a master’s degree.

Conversely, completing a graduate program might open up a promotion opportunity at a current job. You may want to gain business management knowledge if you’re an engineer looking to advance to an architectural manager position. In this situation, a master’s in Engineering Management, Technology Management, or Business Administration makes sense for your career goals. Your desire might also be driven by personal development and acquiring deeper knowledge about your field of study. Regardless of your motivations for pursuing grad school, you need to assess if the long-term benefits outweigh the realities of going back to school.

Should you go to grad school right after undergrad?

Like the decision to get an advanced degree at all, when you should go to grad school is also a personal choice to seriously consider. Some students choose to transition immediately into a graduate program after earning their undergraduate degree. Here are a few pros and cons of going straight into a graduate program.

Pros to starting grad school right after college

Smooth academic transition: Going straight to grad school after completing undergrad can feel like a natural next step in your educational journey. Your academic momentum is still churning without other life events—like an established career or starting a family—affecting your ability to complete your program.
Done with school faster: The sooner you start grad school, the less drawn-out your program will feel. Plus, the sooner you finish school, the faster you’ll jump into the job market with a competitive degree on your résumé.
Your academic network is still current: Your undergrad faculty relationships with mentors, counselors, and academic advisors will still be easily accessible. Tapping these connections shortly after your undergraduate career ends can be helpful for academic support, letters of recommendation, and more.

Cons to starting right after college

No time to save money for tuition: The average cost of a master’s degree at a public college is $30,000 per year, while the average annual tuition at a private institution is about $40,000. Without taking a few gap years between your undergrad and grad programs, you won’t have an opportunity to save money toward high-cost classes.
Additional student debt: With increased tuition rates and additional years of school and without time to save up for it, many grad students take on additional student loan debt. Having to manage multiple student loans during grad school and afterward can affect your financial stability after you’ve graduated.
Loss of real-world experience: Going directly to grad school means losing out on professional experience in the job market. For some programs, this knowledge is a plus on your grad school application. You’ll also lose the chance to try out a full-time job in your prospective field before committing your time and money to it. You might find the industry you thought you’d love isn’t a good fit for you.
Might delay other life goals: Going to grad school typically takes a minimum of two additional years with a full-time course load; if you plan to pursue a doctorate, it can take between five to seven years. That’s a lot of time to put other personal life milestones—like buying a home, starting a family, or building your career—on hold.

Some students may see grad school as a way to get temporary relief from student loans while figuring out what to do next in their professional lives. If this is the only reason you’re going to grad school, it’s worth doing your homework to see the principal and interest levels you’ll eventually owe overall. Grad school can offer a return on investment that makes the time, rigorous academic work, and cost worth it. However, it’s not for everyone and might not be necessary depending on your long-term professional goals.

If you’ve decided now is the right time to apply to a grad program, find the right one with our Graduate School Search tool.

6 Quick Tips to Help You Ace Your Grad School Interview

2026-04-25T12:21:16.121780-04:00

Your graduate admission interview is your chance to show grad schools you’re not only the perfect fit on paper but also in person—because meeting admission representatives in person allows you to showcase how you could add to the school’s community. During the interview, you can also learn more about the school and ask any important questions you may have. While not all grad schools will offer interviews, it’s essential to take the time to prepare if the opportunity does arise. Here are a few tips to help you through the grad school interview process.

Before the interview

Leading up to your interview, there are a few things you should be doing to ensure you’re ready to discuss yourself, the school, and your goals for the future.

Do your research. Whenever possible, you should find out who your grad school interviewer will be. Often, it’s an admission counselor or representative, but it could also be a current graduate student or professor. Doing some research on the interviewer can help you tailor questions to fit their background or discover mutual interests to discuss.
Nail down why you want to attend the school. While you can likely talk about your activities and accomplishments at length, a harder question to answer off the top of your head is why you want to attend the particular program you’re interviewing for. Take time to learn about the school, program, and faculty as well as how these elements fit your needs and can help you achieve your goals. You should also read through the program’s coursework so you can pick out a few interesting highlights to mention.
Practice! Either with someone else or in front of a mirror, review common interview questions. Record yourself to see how much you fidget and to hear the tone of your voice and how confident you sound. This will help you see if there’s any room for improvement. Here are some common interview questions to prepare:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to attend this program? Why are you pursuing an advanced degree?
• How will you contribute to this program?
• What are your career goals? How can this program help you achieve them?
• What’s your proudest achievement?
• What are your research interests?
• How have your experiences helped you prepare for this program?

During the interview

Now that you’ve done the work preparing for your interview, there are a few things you should focus on while you’re in the thick of it.

Be confident. Whether the interview is in person or via Zoom make eye contact and act as natural as possible. Find a good positioning between sitting too stiffly or too relaxed. Take note of the name(s) of the interviewer(s) when they introduce themselves to reach out to them later.
Showcase your personality. At this point, the interviewer knows you’re academically qualified; now, they want to see if you’re a good fit for their school and program’s community. Grad schools are competitive, making interviews seem overly serious, but it’s okay to show your personality (when appropriate). It might help make you more memorable!
Ask questions. This part of the interview is critical to showcase your interest in the program and what your priorities are on campus. You can ask things like:

• What type of student tends to succeed in this program?
• What are alumni doing a year after graduation? Where are they working?
• What are things people find surprising about this program?
• What type of work can I do as a research assistant? When can students do teaching assistantships?

After the interview

Once the interview is over, you’ll likely feel relieved! But your work isn’t done yet. Write a quick note to your interviewers to thank them for taking the time to interview you and reiterate your interest in the program. The grad school interview is just one step in the admission process, but it’s critical to your success. If you properly prepare, demonstrate your interest in the program, ask insightful questions, and follow up to showcase your determination, you’ll be on the right track to getting accepted to your dream program.

For more tips to ace any college interview, check out Moon Prep’s College Interview Guide or explore the tag “admission interviews” on ��Vlog.

Top 7 Tips to Help You Prepare for the MCAT

2026-04-25T12:21:16.117761-04:00

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is one of the many hurdles aspiring Pre-med students need to overcome before applying to medical school. The MCAT aims to assess whether Pre-med students have the analytical skills to succeed in med school. Split into four sections, the exam covers:

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

Properly preparing for the MCAT can take months of effort, and successful matriculants to med school earned a score of at least 511 for the 2021–2022 academic year. Here’s everything you need to know to study hard and get the score you need.

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses

Before you begin a test prep course or study on your own, it’s a good idea to do a full-length practice test so you can see your baseline score before you’ve put any work in. This will help you focus your time on covering subjects that are a bit weaker for you rather than starting with a comprehensive prep and wasting time on things you feel confident about. After taking a practice test, write down a list of the areas you struggled with and tackle those first before anything else.

2. Give yourself time to study

Most students spend more than 200 hours studying for the MCAT over several months. This is not an exam that can be crammed for in a short amount of time, so give yourself plenty of time to prepare to take the test without stressing. Most medical schools won’t review your application until they’ve received your scores, so you want to ensure you aren’t cutting it too close when the applications open in late spring. However, you also don’t want to take it too early—wait until you have taken all your prerequisites before tackling the exam.

3. Be strategic with test prep

The MCAT covers such a wide variety of topics that it might seem overwhelming. However, remember each subject is not equally tested, so you won’t be required to go into great detail for each topic you’re covering. Savvy test-takers concentrate on finding out which topics are commonly covered in the MCAT. You should also create a schedule for your study blocks, with specific things you plan to study and when. You want to have blocks that have attainable and specific goals so you don’t find yourself trying to overcome an unrealistic mountain of work.

4. Simulate test day conditions

The MCAT is a marathon of a test—it lasts seven and a half hours with optional breaks between the four sections. Work on your mental stamina and focus during your practice sessions to ensure you can handle such a long exam. The exam starts at 8:00 am, so you’ll be finishing up in the afternoon. Be sure to do some practice exams in the early morning to ensure you’ll feel awake and refreshed, and take advantage of official test prep materials to study effectively.

5. Focus on quality over quantity

Doing as much prep as possible isn’t always the best technique—you’ll burn out even before you take the exam. Instead, strategic test-takers should do practice tests as well as review explanations and think about the content. It’s key to know the information outside the context of the exam because it’s information you will need when you get into medical school. The review process can be just as valuable as doing practice tests!

6. Have a good study balance

While you might be obsessed with studying for the MCAT because you’re worried about nailing the exam, schedule downtime where you can mentally recover from all the hard work you’ve been doing! This recovery time can help you bounce back quicker from a tough study session and help you go into the test with a clear, less stressful mindset.

7. Only take the exam when you’re ready

It’s never a good idea to sign up for an official MCAT without being 100% prepared. If your practice tests aren’t in your target score range, you probably aren’t ready to take the exam. Some schools will see all your MCAT scores, so it isn’t a good idea to take a test that won't help you on your path to medical school.

The MCAT is a huge step on your way to medical school and your future career. It should be taken seriously, but you also shouldn’t let yourself get overwhelmed. With these tips and other online resources, you can prepare well for your exam and get a great score on test day. Good luck!

Do you know what medical school you’re applying to yet? Start finding grad schools to send your exam scores to with our Graduate School Search tool.

Important Things to Know About Changing Law School Admission Trends

2026-04-25T12:21:16.114574-04:00

Law school admission is difficult—there’s no doubt about that. The whole process can be overwhelming and stressful but ultimately worth it for those who love law. But the coronavirus pandemic has radically changed the landscape of law admission for future students. If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed by recent changes to the LSAT—the official exam for law school admission—and other shifting trends, you’re not alone. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of these changes as well as what you need to know going into the law school admission process.

The pandemic’s effect on law school admission

In 2021, there was an exponential increase in the number of law school applicants in the US. Economic uncertainty led to a heightened interest in law, which resulted in more qualified candidates making their way to law school. A more competitive atmosphere led to higher-than-average LSAT scores for competing applicants. According to LSAC.org, there was a 35% increase in the number of applicants with scores in the 85^th percentile or higher.

Changes to the LSAT

One of the biggest changes for law school applicants is the LSAT, which is no longer taken in a testing center. Instead, it’s administered online through your computer. Now, you can take the exam in the comfort of your own home or any other location that works best for you.

In response to the effects of the pandemic, the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) also decided to replace their standard five-section test with the new three-part LSAT-Flex test. Although the LSAT-Flex exam is much shorter than the original LSAT, the LSAC states this isn’t the reason for a dramatic increase in average test scores. Instead, they cite the preparedness of test takers. The pandemic left of us with more free time on our hands. Many law school hopefuls wisely chose to use this time to prepare themselves for their upcoming exams, resulting in higher-than-average test scores.

Current law school admission trends

As of February 2022, admission representatives have noted a sharp decline in the number of law school applications, resulting in a less competitive cycle. But seeing as 2021 was one of the most competitive years ever, it’s likely admission will still be more competitive in upcoming years than it was pre-pandemic. Last cycle’s record-breaking year will continue to impact the competitiveness of this cycle. Law schools will be under pressure to make more admits to keep up with last year’s larger class sizes.

These factors all contribute to some competitive run-off from last year’s admission cycle amid a less competitive admission atmosphere in general. But the good news is that if you’re a strong applicant with a high LSAT score and an impressive GPA, chances are high that law schools will make room for you in their programs. It’s anticipated that law schools will be offering more prospective students these newly available slots on their waitlist.

Increasing your chances of admission

So, how can you make your law school applications stand out during another competitive admission cycle? Here are a few tips to help increase your chances of being admitted to law school.

Prepare for the LSAT

Your LSAT score is one of the most important factors that can make or break your law school application. According to LSAC.org, the top-scoring students who took the June 2020 LSAT spent an average of 252 hours studying for the exam. This equates to about three hours per day every day for three months straight. If you want to make sure you nail the LSAT and get into the law school of your dreams, do yourself a favor and get back to studying!

Apply to multiple schools

One of the best ways to increase your chances of being admitted to law school is to apply to multiple institutions. This might seem like a no-brainer, but plenty of people overlook the importance of sending applications to a wide range of schools. To boost your chances of success, it’s a good idea to apply to eight to 10 different law schools. You should select three highly competitive schools a bit above your LSAT scores and GPA, three realistic options that fall in line with your scores, and three safe options with acceptance averages below your scores. Using this as a guideline, you’ll boost your chances of being accepted by one or more institutions, and you might even land an appealing scholarship!

Polish your application essay

Another important factor that can make your law school application stand out is taking the time to craft the best possible admission essay or personal statement. Reflecting on your life experiences is a great way to help admission committees get to know you better. Make sure your essays feature what it is that makes you unique as an individual. When it comes to writing a solid application essay, you should use language that’s vivid and descriptive to ensure you captivate your audience.

The law school admission process is a long and arduous one, but it’s worth it. By taking the time to prepare for the LSAT and keeping up with current admission trends, you’ll ensure you’re well prepared for the application cycle and more likely to gain admission to a top school. No matter what happens along your journey to law school, stay motivated and remember your end goal.

Ready to find the law school of your dreams? Use our Graduate School Search tool to discover the best-fit program for you.

Top 6 Reasons You Should Pursue Graduate School

2026-04-25T12:21:16.110869-04:00

Whether or not to pursue an advanced degree remains a debate as old as time. Many employers have shifted to skills-based hiring, while others still require candidates to meet combined education and experience requirements. This might leave you questioning if graduate school is worth your time and money—but trust us, there are many reasons why you should consider attending. Beyond career motivations, you may be interested in deepening your subject expertise or honing your skills. Is grad school in the cards for you? One of these six reasons could be your deciding factor.

1. Increase your salary potential

If you’ve been working in your current role for some time and want a salary boost, a graduate degree can likely help you get it. In 2021, earning potential was 21% higher for those with a master’s or doctoral degree than with a bachelor’s—a difference between $61,600 and $74,600. Higher earnings go a long way, especially with rising inflation and today’s economy. You’ll be able to better afford the essentials with a livable income and still leave plenty for investments or big purchases.

2. Climb the career ladder

At least 36 occupations require a master’s degree for even entry-level roles. For instance, nurse practitioners, school counselors, and speech therapists are fields with the most job openings through 2029 that require applicants to be master’s degree holders. Meanwhile, lawyers, doctors, and university professors must receive a doctorate before pursuing their fields. Those interested in these career paths must attend graduate school, as it may be the only way to obtain work.

3. Grow professionally and personally

Many college students finished their undergraduate education during the pandemic but missed out on crucial takeaways from in-person learning. The outcome has made adjusting to their respective fields difficult, meaning ongoing education and training could deliver a pathway to excellence and success. After earning a master’s degree, you can contribute your newfound professional and personal development toward your work.

4. Get noticed by employers

Employers may have eased education requirements more recently, but many jobs still require a specific degree. A graduate degree helps companies sift through viable applicants for various positions more quickly. According to research from the Association of American Colleges and Universities, nearly 67% of employers are more confident hiring candidates with higher degrees, while 87% say it’s worth investing in. A graduate-level degree still looks good on paper if you want to appeal to more businesses and significantly boost your chances in a tight job market.

5. Pursue other interests

Are you interested in changing careers? Maybe your current position isn’t the right fit for you. It’s typical for your interests and passions to change over time, but it becomes complicated when it trickles into your day-to-day work. Going to grad school could pave the way for a much-needed career change. Students who meet admission requirements should have no problem pursuing a program different from their undergraduate studies.

6. Gain deeper expertise

Sometimes the simple love of learning draws people back to the classroom. You may just want to learn more about your field. Attending grad school allows you to explore your interests further and become a master in a particular subject area. Your time in class is also a chance to network with others. You never know what will come of those connections, which could prove beneficial when seeking new jobs.

Obtaining an advanced degree takes a lot of work. And while it requires an ample amount of time, money, and effort, completing a grad program is always a promising investment in your future. Learn something new or fill in knowledge gaps within your current role. Whether you’re looking for a leg up on the career ladder or want to broaden your industry knowledge, grad school could be a great fit.

Start your search with our featured grad school lists, which allow you to explore great programs across the country and request more info with a click of a button!

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