It is not a secret that an interview is a stressful experience for any person. Moreover, if there’s a lot at stake, the process will become even tougher. How to have a successful law school interview? Here are some tips from admission experts on how to get prepared for possibly one of the most important interviews of your life.
What is expected from law school interviewees?
If you want to study art, during the interview you will be required to showcase your creative skills.
A pursuit of a scientist career implies proving that you are capable of conducting a thorough research.
In case your goal is to become a law school student, analytical skills are the qualities, which admissions coordinators will look for. Critical thinking and intellectual flexibility are what makes a great lawyer. Being able to clearly distinguish one thing from another, specify the relevance and make a credible conclusion is important for a future law professional.
How to prepare for the interview?
Many students think that they need to have prepared answers for the questions of the admission interviewers. As a result, these answers look like a complete academic essay that they cannot remember at all. Besides the fact that it is almost impossible to predict what exactly you will be asked, there is a huge possibility that you will miss the point. It is important to hear what the question really is at this particular moment. Avoid giving prepared answers, think carefully and express your true response here and now.
There is no need to worry about whether you gave a correct answer or not. You can always tell that you have changed your mind or you simply need time to think it over. Displaying the intellectual flexibility and the strong capacity of analytical thinking is required for the desired outcome of the interview.
What to do if you feel too nervous during the interview?
If your nerves get the better of you, it is a good sign for the admissions coordinator. It means that you really care and becoming a student of the law school is exactly what you want. The interviewer knows that you are under pressure so asking if you can just sit for several minutes and try to calm yourself down can be very understandable. In fact, if the interviewee is too calm and gives immaculate answers, there is a reason for suspicion. Maybe the candidate just doesn’t care about whether he will be accepted. As a result, the additional questions might follow from the admission officer.
Does it matter what the candidate wears?
As a general rule, it is important to look respectful, especially if you have a law school interview. However, the most important thing for the interviewer is to find out how your brain works. If you wear an uncomfortable suit that hinders your thinking process, avoid wearing such unsuitable clothes and opt for more convenient attire. Do not allow your look distract you from what you have been asked about and better concentrate on giving spot-on answers. Dress smart but comfortable so that you are not distracted from the interviewing process.
What are the mistakes that interviewees often make?
The candidates have erroneous assumption that they will be tricked with tough questions and, as a result, they overcomplicate the whole process. This is one of the biggest mistakes since putting pressure on the person is not the aim of the admission officer. The situation is stressful enough and what the interviewer wants is simply a direct answer to a similarly simple question. There is a reason for each question and confusing candidates is not one of them. Displaying the best of your thinking is what expected from the successful candidate.
What are the questions asked?
For a law student, it is important to have a reasoning ability. You might be asked to select an issue and express what you think of it. Explain why you agree (or disagree) and support your point of view with valid explanations. Show that you can effectively handle the argument by correctly applying law concepts, rules and principles.
Basically, understanding what law is about and why the society needs it will help you come up with correct answers easily. Another important aspect is your genuine interest in studying law together with the determination to bring justice to whatever you deal with in your future career of a law professional.
