A Guide To Law School Internet Forums

Credible information is critical when it comes to researching law schools.

For many law school applicants, forums provide a useful resource to hear other applicants or students’ thoughts on a law school.

But what exactly is the best way to comb through forums?

Gabriel Kuris, the founder of Top Law Coach and contributor at US News, recently discussed how applicants should read law school forums and what they should avoid.

WHERE TO LOOK

Kuris says it’s important for applicants to seek out credible sources online.

This can be tough when looking at forums as anonymous posters tend to saturate discussions.

“For more credible and well-curated resources on the internet, look to the Law School Admission Council, law school websites, prelaw counselors, and clubs and nonprofits geared to aspiring lawyers,” Kuris writes. “For-profit test preparation companies and admissions consultants provide plenty of free materials like blogs and videos. Be sure to review a range of sources.”

BE SPECIFIC

When browsing forums, you can find answers to a number of questions from what an application process is like to what classes you should take.

There are times, however, when you won’t be able to find an answer to your question. In these cases, Kuris says, it’s important to be specific in your question.

“Make your information request short, direct, and actionable,” Kuris writes. “You might turn up a straight answer from someone with relevant knowledge or spark a constructive conversation among people with similar concerns.”

FILTER

While forums contain a wealth of useful perspectives and information, the internet can have its fair share of opinionated commenters.

Kuris recommends applicants to take things with a grain of salt.

“Law school forums are full of braggarts doling out advice about how they aced the LSAT or nailed an interview or drove a hard bargain in scholarship negotiations,” Kuris writes. “Even if they truly have the results to back up their bluster, such big talkers may be making false assumptions about what worked for them.”

Sources: US News, Top Law Coach