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Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 1/3/24
Understanding which law schools interview applicants can be a game-changer. It helps you know what to expect and maximize your application.
Although not all law schools require interviews, they can be crucial to your acceptance. This article will explore why law school interviews matter, which schools use them, and why it's essential information for prospective law students.
By understanding the role of interviews, you can confidently navigate the admissions process and boost your chances of securing a spot at the law school of your dreams. Let's simplify the topic of law school interviews to help you on your path to success.
Here is a list of 32 law schools in the United States that interview applicants during their admissions process.
Yale Law School is continuing its interview program, which started in the 2022-2023 application cycle. As part of its evaluation process, they'll select a few applicants for interviews.
If you are one of the lucky ones, the admissions office will contact you to give you all the details. But don't worry; it won't hurt your application if you don't get selected for an interview.
During the Harvard Law application process, some applicants may be chosen for interviews. These interviews are conducted for regular J.D. applicants throughout the admissions cycle, starting in November. If you are selected, the J.D. admissions office will reach out to schedule the interview.
It's crucial to know that an interview with the J.D. admissions office is a mandatory step in the admission process at Harvard Law School. However, not all applicants will receive interview invitations initially. Regardless, all admitted candidates will eventually need to complete this interview as part of their admission procedure.
The University of Chicago Law School has an exclusive interview program as part of its application process. These interviews allow the admissions committee to learn more about your background, personal story, and potential contributions to the school community. Invitations for interviews are selective and are conducted via Zoom, usually lasting around 20 minutes.
At Columbia Law School, interviews can be part of the admissions process, typically through video conferences. These interviews serve a dual purpose. They give you a chance to get to know the school better and help the Admissions Committee understand your interests and what motivates you.
It's essential to remember that you can't request an interview; it's something the school initiates if they want to learn more about you. So, if you get that interview call, make the most of the opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm and why you'd be a great fit for Columbia Law!
Interviews with the admissions committee at NYU Law are not part of the regular application process. So, you won't be getting an interview invitation during that phase.
Instead, NYU Law encourages applicants to turn to their published and online informational resources for answers to any questions. It's all about ensuring you have access to the information you need to develop a strong application. If you've got questions, their resources are your go-to!
UPenn Law doesn't conduct evaluative interviews as part of its admissions process, so interviews won't directly impact your application. However, they may sometimes request interviews for select students. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the school, campus, and Philadelphia by attending Information Sessions at various times during the year.
While these sessions won't influence your application, they provide valuable insights into UPenn Law and its environment. So, if you're interested in the school, attending an Information Session is worthwhile.
The University of Michigan Law School does not conduct evaluative interviews as part of their admissions process.
UC Berkeley Law Interview Guidelines
UC Berkeley Law has a high volume of applicants every year, which unfortunately means they aren't able to conduct individual interviews.
UVA Law takes a proactive approach to interviews. They reach out to select applicants and invite them to interview with one of their admissions committee members.
It's essential to note that these interviews are by invitation only, so applicants can't request them. If you're one of the lucky ones to get an invite, they'll let you know their decision soon after the interview.
Duke Law offers scholarship applicants the opportunity to participate in online video interviews, providing flexibility in scheduling and time zone adjustments. After scheduling, a confirmation email with a Zoom link is sent, and the 20-minute interview covers your experiences and scholarship details and allows for questions.
It's advisable to schedule at least one day in advance to ensure ample preparation. These interviews are for admitted scholarship applicants.
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law offers optional admissions interviews, and they take pride in having one of the country's longest-standing interview programs.
You can participate in the interview process as part of your application. If you opt-in, you'll receive instructions for an online video interview, which the Admissions Committee will consider alongside your application. It's a chance to enhance your candidacy.
At Cornell Law School, interviews are different. They only happen when the Admissions Committee explicitly requests one. In other words, it's not something you can initiate yourself. If they ask for an interview, they'll contact you directly. So, if you find yourself in that fortunate position, prepare well and make the most of the opportunity!
Georgetown Law offers interview options to help the Admissions Committee learn more about applicants. These interviews are by invitation only, and they have two programs to choose from: Alumni Interviews and Group Interviews.
If you receive an invitation, it's a great chance to showcase yourself and connect with the committee. Keep an eye on your inbox for that special invite!
In the UT Austin Law application process, the admissions committee might extend an invitation for an online interview as part of their evaluation. These interviews are by invitation only, so don't worry about scheduling one alone. If you're selected, they'll contact you with all the details on completing the interview. Keep an eye on your inbox for that special invite!
UCLA Law keeps things straightforward when it comes to interviews. Typically, they don't include interviews as a standard part of their admissions process. However, in some cases, the Law School Admissions Committee may request an interview if they feel it's necessary.
So, while interviews aren't the norm, don't be surprised if they want to chat with you to learn more about your application.
Vanderbilt Law encourages applicants to have an admission interview with one of their alumni.
Sending your resume to the interviewer beforehand can help guide the conversation. It's worth noting that interviews won't delay your admissions decision.
At WUSTL Law, students may be asked to interview to provide additional information or documentation.
Regarding USC Law's admissions process, interviews aren't required. The Admissions Committee doesn't conduct interviews as a standard part of their evaluation. So, while your application speaks volumes, you won't have to worry about interview preparations in this case.
Interviews aren't mandatory at The University of Minnesota Law. However, they strongly encourage applicants to participate in their pre-recorded interview process. It's a chance for you to make a lasting impression on the committee.
If you decide to go for it, keep an eye on your email about a week after submitting your application. They'll send you all the details you need to know. So, consider this as your opportunity to shine and introduce yourself to the folks making the decisions.
Notre Dame Law School interviews candidates, but it's not something you can request. The admissions committee decides if and when interviews happen. They might contact you before or after you apply, and the interviews can be done on the phone or through Zoom.
So, they'll be in touch with all the details if they want to chat. Just remember, they can't accommodate interview requests from applicants because they have a lot to handle.
UC Law San Francisco doesn't do those typical formal interviews, but they're open to you chatting with someone from their Admissions team. It's a great way to get to know the school better, and you can set up a meeting in advance if you want, but it's not a must-do.
At George Mason University, all applicants must have an informal interview. You can do this in person at the Arlington campus or remotely. These interviews are informational and typically last 15-30 minutes.
Wake Forest Law makes no mention of interviews in their JD application process.
The University of Wisconsin Law School conducts interviews for applicants, where all candidates are asked the same questions. This standardized approach ensures fairness and consistency in the evaluation process.
At the University of Colorado Law School, the admissions committee occasionally interviews a select group of applicants as part of their evaluation process. This is an internal procedure; if you are among the chosen applicants, you will receive direct communication from the committee regarding the interview.
Washington and Lee Law School recommends interviews but doesn't make them mandatory. These interviews are informal conversations where applicants can talk about their achievements, thoughts on the college application process, and interest in W&L. It's also a chance to ask questions and get insights into W&L and the admissions process.
Students can participate in on-campus, virtual, or alumni interviews.
Baylor Law offers optional interviews for applicants. These interviews, conducted by admissions office leaders, last around 20 minutes. They provide an opportunity for Baylor Law to get to know you better and for you to ask questions about admissions or the school.
After the interview, a report is added to your admissions file for the committee's consideration. Remember, choosing not to interview won't penalize your application.
After submitting your application to Maryland Carey Law, you might get an invitation for an interview with an admissions counselor, faculty member, or alum. The goal is to get to know you better and see if we're a good match. Interviews can be as short as 20 minutes, so here are some tips to make the most of that time:
Interviews are not mandatory for admission to the University of Utah Law School.
Villanova Law has added interviews to its application process. They want to know more about applicants and how they can contribute to the school. Interviews are by invitation only, but not being invited won't hurt your chances. All applications are reviewed equally.
St. John's University Law School offers an optional video interview to allow applicants to share more about themselves. It consists of responses to three questions that will enable you to highlight personal attributes not covered in your main application. After you submit your primary application, you'll receive details about this optional interview.
Lewis & Clark Law School does not mention interviews in its application process.
If you need help preparing for your interview, meet with a Juris Education admissions counselor. With over 15+ years of experience, they know what it takes to deliver a successful interview.
Keep reading to learn which law schools interview candidates to better understand their applicants and make more informed admission decisions.
Many top law schools, including Yale, Harvard, and Columbia, conduct interviews in their admissions process. However, not all applicants will be invited.
Harvard Law School doesn't interview all applicants. Interviews are conducted for regular J.D. applicants, but not everyone receives an invitation initially. All admitted candidates eventually need to complete an interview.
Columbia Law conducts interviews through video conferences as part of the admissions process. Applicants can't request interviews; the school initiates them.
Cornell Law School only interviews applicants when specifically requested by the Admissions Committee. Applicants can't initiate interviews themselves.
To wrap it up, quite a few prestigious universities incorporate interviews into their admissions procedures. But here's the key takeaway: interviews aren't a universal requirement. They might be for certain applicant groups or initiated by the schools themselves.
So, as you navigate the application process, it's wise to check each school's interview policies to see if interviews are part of the deal.
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
