Getting into a top law school can change your life. Getting rejected can set you back a year…Or crush your dreams.
That’s why some applicants turn to admissions consultants. But are they worth the cost?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What admissions consultants actually do (and don’t)
- When hiring one makes sense—and when it doesn’t
- Red flags to avoid
Let’s dive in.
What does a law school admissions consultant do?
How exactly can a law school admissions consultant help you?
Well, as you may be aware, law school admissions statistics prove that getting into a top law school is tougher than ever.
For example, the median GPA among T14 law schools is around 3.91, and the median LSAT score is about 172.
This means that even the strongest applicants need to stand out.
And that’s where a consultant comes in.
Together with a consultant, you’ll create an application that highlights your achievements, strengths, and goals, increasing your chances of getting into a top law school
Services typically offered
You’ll find that the services offered by law school admissions consultants vary.
Some only help with writing personal statements or editing a single essay.
But others like myself offer comprehensive services tailored to your needs.
For example, I support my clients every step of the way with:
- Brainstorming and editing your personal statement
- Planning for your letters of recommendation, diversity statement, and addendum (if you need one)
- Unlimited edits for ALL of your materials
- Strategies for choosing which schools to apply to
- Preparation for interviews, getting off of waitlists, and scholarship negotiations
- Getting ready for 1L
Still wondering, “Is a law school admissions consultant worth it?”
Well, I’ve helped hundreds of students get into their dream schools – with scholarships.
And that means I can help you, too.
Difference between a consultant and a pre-law advisor
Now, you may be questioning the difference between a consultant and a pre-law advisor.
Put simply, pre-law advisors help students understand the prerequisites for law school and how to apply, but a consultant offers more personalized, in-depth guidance.
Because of this tailored support, they’re typically more expensive.
Speaking of… let’s talk about the costs.
How much do law school admissions consultants cost?
Law school admissions consultants can be a big investment.
But to be able to answer “Is a law school admissions consultant worth it?”, you need to have a clearer understanding of the costs.
Typical price ranges
Prices typically range from $1,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on the level of support you choose.
There are three types of rates:
- Hourly, which costs about $150 to $500 per hour
- Flat-rate packages, which typically focus on one element of your application, cost about $200 to $500 per package
- Comprehensive packages include full-cycle support and cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 or more
What are you really paying for?
Before choosing a package, you’ll want to double-check what you’re getting for your money.
A great consultant offers insider admissions knowledge, strategy, and accountability – plus support during a high-stakes process.
They can also help with scholarships, interviews, and more.
What each consultant offers varies.
But when it comes to what I offer, it’s not just about editing essays. It’s about navigating the entire admissions process with confidence.
Of course, we should also look at both the positives and the negatives. I’ll talk you through these in the next section.
Are law school admissions consultants worth it? (Pros and cons)
So, is a law school admissions consultant worth it?
Let’s weigh the pros and cons.
Pros
- Expertise and attention: Consultants get to know you and your goals, background, and dream schools, meaning they can provide you with a tailored approach.
- Less stress, more time: Applying to law school can feel like a full-time job. A consultant understands the process and helps you navigate every step.
- Boosts your overall confidence in your application: Expert feedback on your essays, law school resume, and overall strategy will make you feel confident that you’re submitting a high-quality application.
Cons
- High cost: Comprehensive packages can run anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 or more. Even hourly rates get expensive after multiple rounds of edits! It’s a big investment, especially if you’re also paying for test prep or application fees. However, the right consultant can help you land significant scholarships that you otherwise wouldn’t necessarily get. Those scholarships can help you offset consulting fees.
- No guaranteed results: Unfortunately, even the best consultant can’t promise that you’ll get into your dream school.
- Inexperienced consultants: There are consultants out there who don’t have a lot of legal or admissions experience. You don’t want to waste your money on a poor-quality service.
Still wondering whether to hire a consultant? Let’s dive a bit deeper.
Who should (and shouldn’t) hire a law school admissions consultant?
Ultimately, the answer depends on you and your goals.
You might benefit if you…
- Are applying to T-14 law schools
- Have an element of your application that might need context or strategy to overcome, like a non-traditional background, low GPA, or low LSAT score
- Struggle with brainstorming personal statement topics or writing and structuring essays in a way that highlights your strengths and motivations
- Don’t have reliable access to good pre-law advising or mentorship that can help you through the process
You might not need one if you…
- Are applying to schools where your scores, experience, and background already make you a great candidate (these are also called safety schools)
- You simply don’t want to or can’t afford the extra cost
Want to see the kind of thing a consultant can make possible??
I’ll show you in the next section, so keep reading!
Success stories and real results
Here are a few stories from real clients that show how the right guidance can make all the difference.
These should help you answer, “Is a law school admissions consultant worth it?”
With my support, D.C. got into Georgetown, E got into the University of Michigan, despite low GPAs, and T was admitted to three T-10 law schools before she’d even finished applying!
On top of that, I’ve helped clients receive thousands in scholarships.
For example, David received THREE admissions offers and two scholarships.
And S earned a full-ride to a T-10 school!
It just goes to show that with the right consultant, you can do it.
But if you want to explore other options before making a decision, keep reading. I’ll tell you what’s available next.
Alternatives to law school admissions consultants
You DO have other options.
University pre-law advisors can help with basics like application timelines and law school resume feedback.
Plus, LSAC has free guides, application tips, and LSAT prep.
If you’re looking for crowd-sourced advice and essay feedback, go have a look at Reddit’s r/lawschooladmissions.
Just keep in mind that while these are helpful, they won’t offer the same personalized guidance or results that a consultant would.
Want to work with a consultant? Then let’s look at how to choose one.
How to choose the right law school admissions consultant
Picking the right law school admissions consultant can make all the difference.
So don’t make a snap decision!
A good consultant should be transparent, experienced, and genuinely invested in your success.
Think about it.
If you’re paying for guidance through one of the most competitive application processes out there, you want to make sure it’s top quality and suited to your needs, right?
With that in mind, here’s what to remember when making your decision.
Red flags to watch out for
- Consultants with no legal or admissions background. They might not fully understand the application process or what schools are looking for in an application.
- A lack of testimonials or case studies. Can they back up their claims when it comes to real client success?
- Overpromising results. Remember, no consultant can guarantee that you’ll get an acceptance letter.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Who will I be working with? Find out if you’ll be working directly with the consultant or handed off to someone else.
- What’s your admissions success rate? Don’t accept vague claims – ask for specific data.
- How many clients do you take on at a time? This will give you an idea of how much attention you can expect.
What’s next?
So, is a law school admissions consultant worth it?
For many applicants, the answer is yes.
But, ultimately, the decision is all down to you and your situation!
If you DO decide to invest, be sure to choose a consultant who’s experienced, transparent, and aligned with your goals.
Want to learn more about how I can help? Discover what it’s like to work with me here.
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