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What to Ask Law Schools: A Guide to More Meaningful Conversations

Published November 13, 2025

Benjamin Rogers.

Benjamin Rogers is the Associate Director of Admissions; and Director of 3+3 Programs at the School of Law.

From busy LSAC Forums and campus law fairs to quiet coffee chats and virtual info sessions, opportunities to speak directly with law school admissions representatives are everywhere and are more valuable than most students realize. These interactions are not just about picking up viewbooks or asking for deadlines, they are a great way to understand the application process itself, build your confidence, and ask the kinds of questions that prepare you for what is ahead.

If you want to walk away with advice that actually helps you move forward, whether in your application or in your understanding of law school, go deeper than “how many letters of recommendation do I need?” or “what’s your median LSAT?” Those details are important, but they are already easy to find. What helps most is asking the kinds of questions that show you how a law school actually works, what it cares about, and whether it feels like a place where you can see yourself.

Six Questions That Spark Real Conversations

Here are a few thoughtful questions to bring to your next admissions conversation, and why they matter. 

1. “How does your school help students who are undecided about their career path find direction?”

Why ask this: Many students start law school unsure of where they want to land. This is a great way to get a sense of how the school supports students as they figure things out, whether that means offering workshops, career guidance, or providing the space to explore different directions.

2. “What have you noticed about students who tend to perform well on the LSAT, and how do they usually prepare?”

Why ask this: While admissions offices do not run LSAT prep programs, they see patterns in who succeeds and who struggles. This question can reveal practical habits, timelines, or prep strategies that strong test-takers tend to share. 

3. “Which concentrations are most popular among students, and which ones tend to be underutilized?”

Why ask this: A school may list ten different areas of study, but that does not mean all ten have the same energy behind them. This question helps you see where the real investment, faculty expertise, and student engagement are happening.

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4. “What makes a personal statement or letter of recommendation stand out to your committee?”

Why ask this: It is one thing to know what is required. It is another to understand what actually resonates with a committee. This question gives you insight into what makes these materials strong, how different elements are reviewed, and what separates a solid application from a standout one. You can also ask who makes the most effective recommender and whether optional statements are worth submitting. 

5. “Can you give an example of how recent alumni are staying involved with your students and school?”

Why ask this: Alumni connections matter, especially when it comes to mentorship, clerkships, or simply building community. This question helps you see whether the alumni base is still engaged or if the relationship ends at graduation.

6. “What should I be doing now to become a stronger applicant later?”

Why ask this: If you are still early in your journey, this is one of the best ways to get actionable advice from someone who has seen a wide range of applications. Whether it is gaining experience, strengthening your writing, or exploring extracurriculars that stand out, this question shows you are thinking ahead and can prompt new ideas for building a stronger foundation for law school study. 

Asking the Right Questions Is Part of Becoming a Stronger Applicant

At the end of the day, admissions events are not just about a school learning more about you, they are your chance to ask the kinds of questions that make the process feel more approachable and less overwhelming.

Whether you are just beginning to explore law school or actively working on your application, purposeful questions can give you direction, highlight next steps, and help you feel more prepared for what is ahead.

Pro tip: End every conversation by asking, “Is there anything I didn’t ask that you think I should know?” It shows that you are intentional, and it often leads to insights you would not have expected.

Benjamin Rogers.

Benjamin Rogers is the Associate Director of Admissions; and Director of 3+3 Programs at the School of Law.

CONTACT US

Office of Admissions
University at Buffalo School of Law
408 O'Brian Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260
716-645-2907
law-admissions@buffalo.edu

Request an appointment:

Learn more about the law school admissions process and School of Law community through an individual meeting with one of our staff members.

[Learn More]

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