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« TLS Profiles - TLS Programs - TLS Stats - Rankings Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
For applicants wishing to attend law school and secure employment in the Midwest, the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law is among the handful of the best options. The school enjoys elite status in the Midwest as well as a solid reputation throughout the nation, and has demonstrated a consistent ability to place its graduates in the top law firms of St. Louis and Chicago, and the Midwest as a whole. The school houses a highly-acclaimed faculty and takes pride in creating a friendly academic setting in which students can study the law. Admissions and Tuition: For the class entering in 2009, Washington University Law School received more than 3,650 applications for its 260 available seats. Of those who would matriculate and fill these seats, 39% were female, and over a quarter were minority students. This entering class boasted impressive numbers, as the median LSAT score of the class was 167, and the median GPA was 3.7. As these numbers generally do not change much from year to year, applicants should be able to estimate their chances of admission by measuring their own numbers against the numbers of the 2009 class. Applicants with LSAT scores and GPAs near or above the medians of the previous year’s class usually stand a good chance at acceptance. For those with numbers slightly below the 2009 medians, however, all hope is certainly not lost. Washington prides itself in the diversity of its student body, and puts forth a concerted effort to form entering classes diverse in ethnicity and experience. Thus, students with numbers slightly below the 2009 medians can increase their likelihood of admission by highlighting any diversity that they may be able to bring to the student body. Generally, the personal statement provides an excellent opportunity to do this. The 2009 entering class faced $41,670 in yearly tuition, a figure comparable to other elite law schools. Fortunately for students, Washington University Law School seems liberal in handing out scholarships, as 56% of total students in 2008 received some sort of scholarship, ranging from $2,000 to more than full tuition, with the median grant amount being $15,000 per year.
Aside from the academic excellence that is standard at elite schools like Washington, the school takes great pride in the quality and accessibility of its faculty, which receives high praise from students and recent graduates alike. Also, Washington’s first-year class sizes are among the smallest in the nation, with half of all first-year courses containing 40 or less seats. Required first-year courses include Contracts, Property, and Torts, along with other standard courses typically required of 1Ls at all law schools. Although students report a rigorous academic program, they also report a relaxed and friendly environment that allows students to tackle their difficult coursework without the added pressures of cutthroat competition. For second and third-year students, Washington University Law School allows much academic flexibility. Not only are students allowed to choose from almost 150 course titles offered by the law school, but they are also free to enroll in courses from other graduate programs of Washington and apply the credit toward the JD requirements. Further, students are offered standard joint degree programs such as JD/MBA, but are also free to create their own joint degrees by combining the JD with another course of study that leads to a master’s degree. Washington also boasts study-abroad programs in such countries as the Netherlands, South Africa and Singapore. Quality of Life: Although not a “sprawling metropolis”, St. Louis is most definitely a city in every sense, and allows students plenty of opportunity to unwind. The Loop, an area near the school that houses trendy restaurants, bars, and shops, is a favorite hangout of Washington law students. The spacious campus of Washington University also adds to the quality of life for most students, and the relatively new Anheuser-Busch Hall, which houses the law school, is said to be “stunning”. Living up to the name of its building, the law school hosts weekly Happy Hours that have become a favorite for many of law students. Though Washington does not provide on-campus housing for law students, the cost of living is relatively low, and affordable housing is said to be easy to find near campus. The school’s location in suburban St. Louis entails a safe environment, though students have reported less safety closer to downtown St. Louis. Employment Prospects and Bar Passage: Undoubtedly, Washington’s reputation is strongest in the Midwest, and most graduates have little trouble securing prestigious employment in major Midwestern cities such as Chicago, and of course, St. Louis. Though it currently seems that Washington may fairly be termed more ‘regional’ than ‘national’ in terms of the reach of its elite reputation, the school continues to attract an increasing number of top law firms from throughout the nation, and has established solid connections in the Washington D.C. and New York markets. It is safe to say, however, that those graduates wishing to secure employment on the West coast will have more legwork ahead of them than their classmates. The bar exam performance of Washington graduates is impressive, as more than 95% of those who sit for the exam in Missouri typically succeed in passing on their first attempt. Once they have done so, most Washington graduates begin working in private law firms. Synopsis: In the Midwest, few law schools enjoy a finer reputation than the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, and thus, qualified applicants with hopes of securing employment in this region should give the school serious consideration. With a flexible academic curriculum, accessible and reputable faculty, and friendly academic environment, attending law school at Washington promises to be a challenging and fulfilling experience. Contact Information: Washington University Law School
Quick Reference: U.S. News Ranking: 19th |
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Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
Academic Reputation and Curriculum: