Admissions question

[OldTimer]

Now that the Oct LSAT is behind us I'm beginning the application process. Can anyone give me some advice as to the number of schools I should apply to? There really is only 1 school that will work with my career, family and business obligations, however I've heard multiple times I should apply at several schools to give me leverage for the financial negotiations should I be accepted. I have somewhat of a moral dilemma possibly playing schools against each other knowing in advance that there really is only 1 option, however I also have a spousal dilemma paying full tuition. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Dave Killoran]

Hi OldTimer

Thanks for the questions! Here are some thoughts for you:

Now that the Oct LSAT is behind us I'm beginning the application process. Can anyone give me some advice as to the number of schools I should apply to? There really is only 1 school that will work with my career, family and business obligations, however I've heard multiple times I should apply at several schools to give me leverage for the financial negotiations should I be accepted.

This is indeed a legitimate strategy, as long as the other schools you apply to are either ranked similarly, or are somewhat ranked higher. In other words, you can't use the 75th ranked school to negotiate with the 25th ranked school, nut you could use the 60th ranked school to negotiate with the 75th ranked school.

I have somewhat of a moral dilemma possibly playing schools against each other knowing in advance that there really is only 1 option, however I also have a spousal dilemma paying full tuition. Any advice would be appreciated.

I understand your dilemma, but let me add this thought: if the positions were reversed, the schools would have no qualm about charging your the maximum they can. This isn't a moral question in my opinion, but simply cold hard financial facts. If you go $300K into debt, the school won't be there to pay it off, so it's actually your obligation to do anything within your power (that's legal) to minimize your debt. And who knows, maybe you fall in love with one of those other schools and find out that is where you were meant to be. So, in short, I greatly respect you thinking about the issue from a fairness/moral standpoint, but to be entirely honest I think you do yourself a disservice to not "play the game" the way every one else does (including the schools).

I hope that helps. Thanks!

[Adam Tyson]

Hey there fellow OldTimer! Given that the law is a profession that, more than most, relies heavily on conforming to strict ethical obligations, I lean heavily towards being completely honest in your entire journey, including in your applications. If you are going to use an app to another school that you KNOW you won't be going to as leverage with the one school that you can attend, you will at some point have to fib along the lines of "I'm considering attending XYZ and they have offered me $$$." You already have determined that this doesn't quite pass the "smell test" for you. I think I would just apply to the one program that is within reach, rather than put yourself in the uncomfortable position of having to do something that smells bad.

But you can still negotiate! If they want you, you can set the guidelines for what it takes for them to get you, including "if you can't do X, I can't join your program." You can wait until next year and see if circumstances change enough to open up other programs for you, or if you find yourself better able to afford what they offer, and you can retake the LSAT if you like to boost your score and make you even more attractive to that one school. You do not have to just take what they offer!

Do what you believe is the right, honest, ethical thing to do, and also what is best for you and for your family, including your financial well being. Law school is a huge commitment of time, effort, and probably money (even with a full ride, there are costs involved. Books ain't cheap!) Don't get pushed into anything you aren't prepared to accept.

Good luck, you can do this!