Ep 91: U.S. News & World Report Ranking - What Does It Mean For You?

In this video, we will be discussing the new US News and World Report rankings and what they mean for you. If you've been following the news or listening to other podcasts, you may have heard about the recent changes in the rankings. But should you care? Does it affect your admissions or application cycle? What if you've already decided on a school? We'll address all of these questions and more.


Episode Highlights

  • The US News and World Report rankings have undergone significant changes.

    • 62 law schools decided not to participate in the rankings, citing concerns about unfair policies and metrics.

    • The rankings have seen major shifts, with 68 law schools experiencing changes of more than 10 places and 31 schools experiencing changes of 20 places or more.

    • Student outcomes and employment rates after graduation became more significant factors in the methodology.

    • The changes in methodology may benefit state schools and focus on factors like bar passage rates.

    • Many schools experienced substantial shifts in their rankings, with some schools rising or falling by 20 or more places.

  • Rankings don't necessarily reflect the quality or value of a school.

  • While rankings may have changed, it does not mean the schools themselves have changed.

  • We encourage considering individual goals, financial factors, and employment opportunities when choosing a law school rather than the rankings

    • This isn’t to ignore the importance of rankings in our society but emphasize the need to make smart decisions based on personal circumstances.


Tweetable Quotes

It’s important to remember that the rankings are just one piece of the puzzle. They don’t capture the full picture of what makes a law school the right fit for you. Your personal goals, financial situation, and potential employment opportunities should all factor into your decision-making process.
— Sydney Montgomery
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Ep 92: How To Calculate Your Law School Loans

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Ep 90: Assistant Director for Law School Admissions: Common Questions