When applying to law schools, consider issues such as the cost of attending, location, faculty, national or regional reputation, placement of graduates, and facilities and resources of the institution.
Cost of attending law school
Attending law school is very expensive. The average student debt upon completion is approximately $80,000. Some law schools are more expensive than others and they have varying financial aid incentives. Although some law schools provide grants and scholarships, loans still constitute the bulk of how students finance their legal education. Most students do take loans to pay for their law education and consider this, amortized over time, a good investment in their future earning potential.
Location
Is the school in an urban area or a surburban/rural setting? Is it part of a university or independent? Are there other graduate schools nearby? (If you are interested in a dual-degree program). Is the school in a place you could see yourself living for 3-5 years and where you will be willing to work following graduation? These are important questions to consider because where you attend law school often influences where you practice afterwards.
Faculty
When reviewing law schools, the strength, accessibility, and reputation of the faculty are key components. Be sure to consider the academic and experiential backgrounds of faculty members, the student/faculty ratio, the number of full-time vs. adjunct faculty, and the number of female faculty and faculty of color at the institution.
National, Regional, or Local Schools
Law schools are generally divided into three categories: National, Regional and Local. Schools with a National reputation tend to appear in various "top ten" lists. They draw students from across the nation and around the world and offer geographic mobility to students. Schools with a Regional reputation are attended primarily by students from that region who may want to remain in that area after graduation, but who may also seek positions throughout the country. Schools with a Local reputation draw students from the immediate area who want to practice there after graduation.
Placement of Graduates
Be sure to look at the data regarding placement of law school graduates and the percentage of graduates who succeed in passing the bar exam. The websites of the respective law schools should have this information or you can connect with the admissions office of the schools you are interested in to get an idea of where students tend to work upon graduation.
Facilities and Resources at the Institution
It is worthwhile to visit the schools you are interested in and inquire about the facilities, resources, and affiliations of the law school.