Graduate School Fair & Law Day Tips

Considering further education? Learn why you should attend graduate school fair or law day, and how to make the most of these events!

Graduate School Fair Tips

Why go to a Graduate School Fair?

A Graduate School Fair is a great opportunity for you to educate, discuss, and explore the many graduate degree programs available at numerous schools.  It is also a time to make connections with the schools recruiters and learn what sets each program apart.  Attending a Graduate School Fair can seem intimidating, but remember representatives from each school have traveled to come speak to you.  This is the time to find graduate school programs that match your interests and career goals.  

How to prepare: 

  • Research the schools attending the fair and their programs
  • Compare factors such as school values, curriculum, and cost
  • Decide which schools you are most interested in and rank them in order of preference
  • Make sure you have the appropriate business casual attire to wear.  You want to make a good first impression.  
  • Review your resume and other professional materials that may be needed

What you do when you get there: 

  • Make sure to arrive early, review the map of the fair and plan your actions
  • Visit your top schools first and after learn more about schools that you are less familiar with
  • Bring a notepad to write down information such as contacts 
  • Collect lots of informational material and contact cards
  • Bring enough printed professional materials, such as your resume, to hand out to each school 
  • Be ready to talk about your experiences and goals, and answer questions such as “What your are looking for in a graduate school?” and “Why/when do you want to attend?”
  • Ask informative questions (examples below)

What questions to ask at the fair: 

(Ask questions about costs, financial aid, program requirements, course offerings, facilities, location, student life, faculty, and program reputation)

  • What are the admission requirements (GPA, undergraduate coursework, entrance exams, experience, interview)? 
  • What is the average entrance exam score and GPA of students who are accepted? When is the application deadline? 
  • Is there an early admission deadline? 
  • What is the application process/timeline (application materials, interview)? 
  • Are students admitted in both the fall and spring semester?
  • How important is it for applicants to have extracurricular activities, volunteer and/or work experience? 
  • Are there any recommended courses in addition to the stated prerequisites? 
  • How much does the program cost (tuition, student fees, housing)? 
  • What types of financial aid are available (fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, loans)? 
  • Is it possible to work full-time and complete the degree as a part-time student? o Will I complete an internship as part of the program? 
  • How much choice will I have about where I do my internship? 
  • How many faculty members are there and what are their areas of research? 
  • What do you think is unique about your program? 
  • How many years on average does it take students to complete the program? 
  • Is a thesis, dissertation, or comprehensive examination(s) required for completion of the degree? 
  • Will I be able to take electives to pursue other areas of interest? 
  • What is the projected size of the entering cohort? 
  • Do you reserve spots for in-state residents? 
  • Do you provide joint degrees? 
  • Where are graduates of the program employed? 
  • What percentage of your graduates are employed in a relevant field within six months to one year of graduation? 
  • Could you tell me more about the facilities (libraries, labs, offices, gyms)? 
  • Could you tell me more about student life on campus (diversity of the students, student organizations, housing, and campus support services)? 
  • Do you have open houses or information sessions? 
  • Would it be possible for me to arrange a campus visit in which I could meet with admissions representatives, current students, and faculty? 
  • May I contact you if I have additional questions? 

What to do after: 

  • Send a follow up email to show your interest in the school
  • Review information and pamphlets that you received and do further research online
  • Figure out what the dates are for future on-campus visitation days
  • Find out if there are summer research programs on campus that will allow you an in depth experience prior to applying

 

Law School Fair Tips

Why go to a Law School Fair?

A Law School Fair is a great opportunity for you to educate, discuss, and explore the many programs available at numerous schools.  It is also a time to make connections with the school’s recruiters and learn what sets each program apart.  Attending a Law School Fair can seem intimidating, but remember representatives from each school have traveled to come speak to you.  This is the time to find law school programs that match your interests and career goals.  

How to prepare: 

  • Research the schools attending the fair and their programs
  • Compare factors such as school values, curriculum, and cost
  • Decide which schools you are most interested in and rank them in order of preference
  • Make sure you have the appropriate business casual attire to wear.  You want to make a good first impression.  
  • Review your resume and other professional materials that may be needed

What you do when you get there: 

  • Make sure to arrive early, review the map of the fair and plan your actions
  • Visit your top schools first and after learn more about schools that you are less familiar with
  • Bring a notepad to write down information such as contacts 
  • Collect lots of informational material and contact cards
  • Bring enough printed professional materials, such as your resume, to hand out to each school 
  • Be ready to talk about your experiences and goals, and answer questions such as “Why do you want to attend law school?” and “When?”
  • Ask informative questions (examples below)

What questions to ask: 

(Ask questions about costs, financial aid, program requirements, course offerings, facilities, location, student life, faculty, and program reputation)

  • What is your community/student body like?
  • How engaged and accessible are the faculty?
  • What kinds of students are happiest at your law school?
  • What is the most unique experiential learning opportunity you offer?
  • What are you looking for in law school applicants?
  • What is your policy for evaluating multiple LSAT scores?
  • What scholarships are available and what’s the application process?
  • How do you prepare students for the bar exam?
  • How can I get in touch with current students or faculty for informational interviews?
  • I’m interested in [fill in the blank] law; what might my path look like at your school?
  • What kinds of support services do you offer students?
  • Why did you choose to work at the school?
  • Why did you choose to attend the school? (Admissions reps are sometimes alumni themselves! And this is the perfect question to ask them.)

What to do after: 

  • Send a follow up email to show your interest in the school
  • Review information and pamphlets that you received and do further research online
  • Figure out what the dates are for future on-campus visitation days