Frequently Asked Questions How should I prepare for the LSAT? Can you recommend a preparation course? The method of preparation (commonly self-study or commercial preparation course) often varies depending upon the applicant’s learning style, finances, and schedule. You should review the test instructions and become familiar with the types of questions asked. The LSAT is a test of aptitude rather than knowledge, and it is taken under timed conditions, so preparation and familiarity are essential. One rule of thumb is to plan to spend time equivalent to at least a two-month, part-time job studying and taking practice tests. The 160+ hours can be spent studying LSAT preparation books, taking an online or in-person course which range in length, getting individual help from a tutor, or a combination of the above. Different methods of study work for different types of learners; we do not endorse a particular method of preparation.
When should I take the LSAT? We strongly recommend that first-year applicants take the LSAT no later than February of the year in which they hope to enroll, but we will accept a score from the June administration of that same year. LSAT scores are reportable by LSAC for five years from the time of testing. Applicants must have a reportable LSAT score in order to be considered for admission. Is a minimum LSAT score required for admission? No. Though predictors of academic success are an important part of the application review process, we do not use LSAT or GPA cut-offs in our application review process. We read and consider every application we receive. Our current student profile has information about the median LSAT score and GPA of the most recent incoming class to help you gauge where you might stand in relation to other applicants with respect to these two academic indicators.
Does William Mitchell average multiple LSAT scores? No. The highest LSAT score among multiple scores will be considered for admission and scholarship-awarding purposes.
who know you in a professional capacity and can attest to the characteristics described above. You should avoid asking family members and friends because they are understandably biased. In addition, you should avoid the “token” lawyer or judge (essentially, family friends who work in the legal profession who do not know you in a professional capacity).
How long will it take the Admissions Committee to make a decision on my application? The Admissions Committee will typically render a decision on your application four to six weeks from when it becomes complete. You should note that the date on which an application becomes complete is not necessarily the date on which you submit it electronically. The Office of Admissions will inform you via e-mail when your application has been received. You can check the status online after the application has been received.
What things are most important to the Admissions Committee when it is reviewing an application? The threshold question the Admissions Committee is trying to answer when reviewing an application is always, “Will this applicant be successful in studying the law at William Mitchell?” Thus, the Admissions Committee will look carefully at your LSAT score, undergraduate GPA, the nature and rigor of your undergraduate course of study, trends in academic achievement at the undergraduate level, and the quality of the writing through an application. The Committee will also consider an applicant’s predicted first-year average (PFYA). The PFYA is calculated using both your LSAT score and GPA and represents what we believe the you will receive as a GPA in your first year of law school. The Admissions Committee is also interested in applicants who will contribute to the “Mitchell Mix.” To that end, it will look for evidence of factors in an application that include, but are not limited to, diversity of background and experience, work experience, leadership abilities, international experience, emotional maturity, commitment to public service, overcoming hardship or obstacles, and evidence of passion.
Who should write my letters of recommendation? Recommenders should know you well and be able to assess your personal qualities and potential for success in law school. They should describe at least some of these characteristics: academic ability, including analytical aptitude, critical reading abilities, oral and written communication skills, and creative problem-solving abilities; leadership and interpersonal skills; motivation and self-discipline; and demonstrated ethics.If you are currently in school, or graduated less than three years ago, you should ask your professors. If you graduated more than three years ago and a past professor isn’t an option, you should ask work colleagues, preferably those in supervisory positions, or fellow volunteers
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Frequently Asked Questions Does William Mitchell interview applicants? No, but we are always happy to meet with you to discuss your questions and concerns about anything related to the admissions process, law school, or William Mitchell.
How much time should I expect to spend studying outside of class? Expect to spend an average of two to three hours per credit.
Where do William Mitchell students live? All students live Does William Mitchell offer scholarships? Yes. Many William Mitchell students receive scholarship assistance. Scholarships are awarded based upon a variety of factors including previous academic excellence, professional experience, service and leadership experience, personal experience, and interest in specific areas of law. All applicants are considered for scholarships at the same time that they are considered for admission; no separate application is necessary. Scholarship recipients are notified of their awards at the time of their acceptance. Scholarships are awarded as a percentage of tuition and are renewable each year based on a student remaining in good standing.
Does William Mitchell offer academic tutoring or other academic support resources? Yes. The Academic Achievement Program at William Mitchell helps students master the skills necessary to succeed in law school and on the bar exam. The program eases the transition to law school by introducing students to key skills in a systematic way. Its programs include individual academic tutoring, skills workshops, and special courses.
When can I visit William Mitchell? You are welcome to make individual appointments to visit with an admissions counselor, tour the school, and visit a class. You are also welcome to attend any one of the Information Sessions we host throughout the fall and spring terms to meet us, current students, alumni, and faculty, and to learn more about the first-year curriculum, the admissions process, financial aid, and student life here at Mitchell. Registration is online. Can I work and go to law school? Yes. The American Bar Association limits the number of hours full-time students can work to 20 hours a week, while school is in session. Part-time students’ work hours are not limited. Thus, if you plan to work more than 20 hours a week, you should consider attending William Mitchell part time. Can a student switch from a part-time program to a full-time program and vice versa? Yes. You may move freely between full-time and part-time enrollment as often as each semester. This flexibility allows you to manage changing responsibilities in other areas of your life, as well as law school.
off-campus. There is an abundance of rental housing available near the school. Good places to start looking for rental housing include our housing bulletin, an informally maintained list of available area rental properties, Craigslist, and Apartments.com. William Mitchell is located in the Summit Avenue/Grand Avenue/ Victoria Crossing neighborhood of St. Paul. There are many affordable neighborhoods within walking distance of Mitchell and a lot of our students also live in Minneapolis.
Is parking available for first-year students? Yes. Free parking permits will be provided to all first-year students who request them. These parking permits will allow you to park in any available space you find in the Grotto Street Lot, two blocks east of William Mitchell. Free parking is also available for first-year students on the streets surrounding the school within posted parameters. On the weekends only, first-year students with a parking permit may also park in the lots adjacent to the school.
When will I find out my class schedule? All incoming students will be assigned to a section and receive a copy of their section assignment and course schedule in mid-June. During your first year, you will take all of your classes for the entire year with the same group of people—your “section.” Although all incoming students will take the same courses in the first year, the days and times at which these courses are taken will vary slightly from section to section. Full-time students will be in a section that meets during the day and will be enrolled in four classes (14 credits) each semester. Part-time students will be in a section that meets in the day or the evening and will be enrolled in three classes (10 credits in the fall, 11 credits in the spring). Part-time students will be contacted in late spring about whether they would like to enroll in a day or evening section. Information about first reading assignments will be available in August. What should I do to prepare for the start of law school? It’s not necessary to do anything in particular to prepare for the start of law school. However, we do offer an optional program in mid-August in which many incoming students participate. The Academic Preparation Workshop (APW) offers incoming first-year students the opportunity to gain knowledge about how to be a law student, including how to study, how to acquire basic skills that first-year students need, and how to put the skills and information learned in the first year into context.
Frequently Asked Questions When is orientation for new students? Orientation for new students consists of two parts: a four-hour small group session in mid-August and the opening week orientation in late August. Students receive information about orientation in July. Further questions about orientation should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs and Student Life at 651.290.8642 or studentservices@wmitchell.edu.
Why Mitchell? William Mitchell is an independent law school that offers a unique approach to teaching the law that has to do with teaching students from the start how to actually do the work of a lawyer as they learn the theory behind the law. This is done in many different ways through many different avenues, from Mitchell’s highly respected clinical program, externships, and residencies to the college’s active centers and institutes, such as the Intellectual Property Institute and Center for Law and Business. In addition to this, we have an alumni network in the surrounding area and around the country that is more than 11,000 strong. They are very dedicated to the school, and this usually shows in their involvement with current students. Many of our alumni work with students as mentors, teachers, and employers through the clinics, mentor programs, externships, and networking events. For students who take advantage of this resource, it can be a great leg up during and after law school.
What areas of study does William Mitchell offer? Mitchell offers courses for students interested in many different types of law. In order to help students navigate the various types of courses offered, we have a website dedicated to Pathways to the Profession of Law. It has links to various areas of law including criminal, environmental, family, international, and business law. This website also includes information about the various activities and organizations offered at Mitchell that allow students to supplement their classroom learning with networking and practical experience. Mitchell also has seven diverse centers and institutes that help students connect to different areas of practice.
How does William Mitchell help students find jobs during and after law school? The Career and Professional Development Office offers a lot of resources for students to connect with employers and attorneys to build their network and ultimately find fulfilling work. The office assigns each student their own JD-credentialed career advisor who works with students to craft a legal resume and cover letters in the first semester of the first year. They also work with first-year students to craft job shadowing experiences in the state tailored
to their possible areas of interest. The majority of first-year students also take part in the Mitchell Mentors program. After the first year, students can participate in many different networking and skill-building opportunities, including the apprenticeship program, clinics, and externships. The Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity to be placed with a judge or lawyer to explore a particular area of interest. The experience requires 50 hours of field activities and is tailored to a student’s interests.
What is the difference between a clinic and an externship? Clinics are courses that offer students an opportunity to provide legal services to real clients, right on campus. Externships offer students the chance to earn credit while gaining practical experience outside the law school setting. Through the 13 clinics and more than 400 externship placements, as well as the new Residency Program, Mitchell offers students a wide range of ways to gain experience while in school.
What is the Mitchell Mentors program? Mitchell Mentors is a group-mentor program that provides you with the knowledge, support, and advice you need to succeed as a law student.