Making the Most of Your Law School Visit

If you want to sit in on a class and see student life, visit during the fall or spring semester, when first-year classes are in session and hallways are active. Summer visits are great for one-on-one conversations, though you will see fewer classes. If weekends work best, look for Open House dates, which typically include a tour, a class visit, and short panels.

If scheduling details are not clear from a school’s website, reach out and share what you hope to do: meet with admissions, tour the building, or sit in on a class. Mention if you will be traveling from out of town so the school can help you make the most of your visit. While walk-ins are sometimes possible, a scheduled visit maximizes your time and ensures staff and students are available to meet with you.

During your visit, make time to speak with both admissions representatives and current law students.

Admissions staff can clarify details about the application process, financial aid, and program options. They can also point you toward clinics, journals, or experiential learning opportunities that align with your goals.

Current students remember exactly what it felt like to be in your shoes and can offer the kind of insight that only comes from experience. They can tell you what day-to-day life feels like, what helped them adjust to law school, and how they chose this community.

Every visit is an opportunity to imagine yourself as part of that environment. Explore classrooms, study areas, and common spaces. Sit in on a class to observe how professors and students interact, and picture yourself in that seat.

If possible, I also recommend taking a short walk around the broader campus or surrounding neighborhood to see where you might spend your time outside class (and where to find lunch between classes, which is equally important)!

Generally speaking, you do not need to arrive with any documents or resumes unless the school specifically requests them. Instead, bring curiosity, questions, and a notepad or phone to jot down answers and impressions.

If you have any particular interests, like environmental law or family law, read a bit about those areas on the school’s website beforehand so you can ask more specific questions about the current offerings and how they could benefit your future goals.

A law school visit is not an interview, but it is your first introduction to the community you might join. Dress neatly and in a way that helps you feel comfortable and confident.

After your visit, take a few minutes to write down what stood out, both positive and negative. Sometimes your instinctive reaction tells you as much as any brochure could. A law school should not only meet your academic needs but also feel like a community where you can grow and thrive.

At the University at Buffalo School of Law you can explore all of our in-person and virtual opportunities on our website. We share upcoming Open Houses, bi-monthly virtual information sessions, and unique webinars throughout the year. You can also schedule a personalized visit, whether that means sitting in on a class, touring the law school with a current student, or meeting one-on-one with a member of our Admissions team. We are always happy to help you explore your next steps toward law school.