William & Mary Law School, the oldest law school in the United States, has consistently earned top rankings from prestigious publications and organizations. Its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and vibrant student life have solidified its position among the nation’s leading legal institutions.
National Rankings
- U.S. News & World Report (2023): #20 (tied)
- Above the Law: #17 (2023)
- National Jurist: #21 (2023)
Specialty Rankings
In addition to its overall national ranking, William & Mary Law School excels in specific legal disciplines:
- Environmental Law: #7 (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
- Dispute Resolution: #9 (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
- Tax Law: #10 (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
- Health Law: #14 (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
Faculty and Scholarship
The faculty at William & Mary Law School are renowned scholars and practitioners who are deeply committed to teaching and research. They regularly publish in top legal journals and contribute to the advancement of legal scholarship.
Student Life
William & Mary Law School offers a vibrant and supportive student life experience. With over 90 student organizations, students have ample opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of William & Mary Law School are highly sought after by employers in the legal profession. They consistently achieve high rates of employment and have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in a competitive job market.
Key Figures
- Acceptance Rate: 29.4% (Fall 2023)
- Median GPA: 3.78 (Fall 2023)
- Median LSAT Score: 168 (Fall 2023)
- Bar Passage Rate: 97.6% (July 2023)
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Underestimating your chances of admission. William & Mary Law School is a highly selective institution, but don’t let that discourage you from applying. A strong application can stand out even if your credentials don’t perfectly align with the medians.
- Not visiting the campus or attending an information session. Getting a feel for the school and meeting with current students and faculty can help you determine if William & Mary Law School is the right fit for you.
- Not highlighting your unique qualities. The admissions committee looks for candidates who have more to offer than just their grades and LSAT score. Emphasize your unique experiences, interests, and accomplishments in your application.
- Procrastinating on your application. The earlier you submit your application, the more time the admissions committee will have to review it and make a decision. Don’t wait until the last minute to start working on your materials.
FAQs
Q: What is the most popular degree offered by William & Mary Law School?
A: William & Mary Law School offers the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, which is the traditional law degree required to practice law in the United States.
Q: What are the costs of attending William & Mary Law School?
A: The total cost of attendance for the 2023-2024 academic year is $77,796 for in-state students and $95,838 for out-of-state students.
Q: What is the average salary for graduates of William & Mary Law School?
A: According to the National Association for Law Placement, the median starting salary for graduates of William & Mary Law School in 2023 was $170,000.
Q: Can I apply to William & Mary Law School if I have a background in a non-law field?
A: Yes, you do not need to have an undergraduate degree in law or a related field to apply to William & Mary Law School.
Q: What is the deadline for applying to William & Mary Law School?
A: The priority application deadline for the Fall 2024 semester is March 15, 2024. The final application deadline is April 30, 2024.
Q: What are some of the unique programs offered by William & Mary Law School?
A: William & Mary Law School offers a variety of unique programs, including the Joint Degree Program with the College of William & Mary, the LLM in International Business Law, and the LLM in Health Law.
Conclusion
William & Mary Law School ranks among the top law schools in the nation, offering an academically rigorous, supportive, and rewarding legal education. Its commitment to excellence is evidenced by its national and specialty rankings, faculty expertise, student life opportunities, and career outcomes. If you are considering a career in law, William & Mary Law School deserves careful consideration.
