Q&A with UB Law: Scheduling a Successful Law School Visit

For our first Q&A, we asked our Assistant Director Of Admissions, Amber Melvin to give us her take on some common questions you have about scheduling a successful law school visit.

Let’s hear what she has to say!

At UB School of Law, we schedule visits all year round. It really is whatever is most convenient for you. If you want to sit in on a class and get a tour from a current student, scheduling a visit during the semester (September to November or February to May) Monday through Thursday is your best bet. 

We also have 3 Open Houses throughout the fall/winter which are usually in October, December, and February. Those are more convenient for people who work because they are mostly scheduled on Saturdays.

At UB, we have an online form that you can fill out to schedule a visit. We do accept walk-ins but do not recommend you come in without an appointment. We like to be prepared for our visit with you, so scheduling is the best way to visit.

You should definitely speak to someone from admissions on your visit. You may have gotten information from friends who applied, or pre-law advisers, but the Office of Admissions of the law school you are applying to will have the most accurate and up-to-date information about applying to their school. 

It is good to get the specifics of the application process from admissions. Not all schools look for or require the same things, so make sure you are taking note of the different requirements for your applications. 

It is also a good idea to speak to a current student. They have gone through the application process and are taking classes, so they have great information for you as a prospective student.

The library, dedicated law student study spaces, classrooms, and of course where the FOOD is!

First and foremost, come prepared with questions. Just showing up to say you visited is not the best use of your time, or ours. 

Any questions about our programs or application process are great. Prior research on our website is not required, but having a basic understanding helps us to give you the most pertinent information. 

Note: A law school visit is NOT an interview, and we typically do not have prepared questions for you. Whether your questions are general or very specific, we are happy to give you all the information you need to make a decision about applying or attending our law school.

At UB, you are not required to bring anything to your visit other than yourself and your questions. If you are applying, we will receive your personal statement, resume, and additional documents in your application file. 

We do not need copies of your transcript. We can generally give advice about what we are looking for in your documents, but we cannot specifically edit or give specific feedback about your documents.

We do not require you to dress up, but looking well-kept and office appropriate is expected.

You are welcome to bring any supportive guests like a parent, sibling, or significant other if you like. You are also welcome to come by yourself. Note that if you bring a guest, it is best that they are there for support and not leading the questions and conversation.

Visiting the law school communicates to the admissions office that you are interested and have made an effort to check us out. We do keep track of visitors. 

If you do not visit, we will not hold it against you, we recognize that not everyone has the ability or the time. If you are unable to visit in person, schedule a phone call or send an email with your questions. 

We hope Amber could help clear up some of the common questions you have about scheduling a law school visit! If you have more questions, you can contact Amber at adiem@buffalo.edu.

Stay tuned for more of our Q&A with UB Law blog series!