Most law school grads have a high debt load.
Many law students depend on student loans to fund their legal studies. According to data that 180 ranked law schools reported to US News, law students at those schools in the class of 2019 have incurred an average debt of about $110,070. But law school graduates can offset those heavy debts with a high salary. Here are the top 10 law schools where 2019 full-time graduates who borrowed for law school and entered the private sector had the highest pay-to-debt ratio, according to data from US News.
What It Takes to Get Accepted at a Top MBA Program
Academic performance is an important factor when prestigious MBA programs choose students, but it's not the only factor, according to MBA admissions officers.
Because business schools are professional schools designed to prepare students to thrive in the business world, these schools seek students with the leadership skills needed to succeed in business. In addition to evaluating a student's test scores and grades, a top MBA program will consider whether the student has a history of significant contributions to the organizations where they have worked, admissions officials say.
Highlight marketable skills
Top B schools typically assess whether a student is a team player willing to collaborate on group projects and whether the student has strong communication skills, according to MBA admissions officers.
Test scores are a crucial factor in the MBA admissions process because they facilitate comparisons between applicants and are "more consistent than other, more subjective measures" of MBA course readiness, DelMonico says. Quantitative test scores are especially important for MBA applicants with a humanities background, he says, noting that such applicants must demonstrate the math skills needed to excel in an MBA program.
Dawna Clarke, senior assistant dean for admissions at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, says there are several ways to demonstrate desirable technical skills in addition to performing well in the math section of the GMAT or the GRE. Good grades in undergraduate or graduate courses with a strong math or business component can reassure MBA admissions officers, she says, as can earning an online certification from Harvard Business School. or the MBA Math program, a widely recognized B-school preparation course.
Relevant Coursera courses are also a bonus in an MBA application, as is a CPA or CFA degree, Clarke says. Analytical work experience is also beneficial, especially if a reference writer complements a candidate's mathematical abilities, she adds.
Arush Chandna, co-founder of admissions consultancy Inspira Futures, notes that B-school admissions teams are often impressed by people with data analytics experience. “Showing that you have the ability to work with large data sets and make inferences based on your analysis can greatly differentiate you from other candidates,” he says.
Demonstrate self-awareness
DelMonico says that every MBA candidate has strengths and weaknesses in their admissions profile, so the best course of action for any candidate is to recognize their weaknesses and find a way to compensate for them. "No one is above average in every way," he says.
Instead of hiding their weaknesses, MBA candidates should be humble and explain how business school would help them advance in their careers, says DelMonico.
Applicants should also not be afraid to admit they want additional professional development, as this desire for personal growth reinforces their interest in business school, says DelMonico. "We know that anyone applying to business school is looking to improve."
In fact, MBA applicants can cite ways they hope to improve in business school when providing a rationale for pursuing an MBA, DelMonico says.
Describe non-academic achievements
Soojin Kwon, managing director of full-time MBA admissions and student experience at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan, says a critical aspect of applying for an MBA is the resume.
MBA applicants who have well-respected employers on their resumes don't automatically impress her because what she's looking for is proof that a student has done high-quality work, Kwon says. "Leadership is not as narrowly defined as a candidate might think."
Applicants who are younger than the majority of applicants should be reassured that business schools care less about the number of years in the workforce and more about applicants' long-term career prospects, say experts. .
Many years in the job market don't necessarily translate into a more compelling MBA application, says Chirag Saraiya, director of Training the Street, a company that offers courses that prepare people to work in the financial industry.
An MBA candidate who appears to have reached a career stalemate is less attractive than someone who appears to be progressing, says Saraiya, a senior lecturer at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
“Probably the most effective trait is relative excellence,” wrote Yaron Dahan, consultant and principal at admissions consultancy Menlo Coaching, in an email. "If a candidate has been promoted faster and more often, if they have taken on bigger projects, led more people, they will stand out."
Extensive community service is also a plus, as people who are connected to "a diverse set of networks" are likely to "continue to be well-connected throughout their lives," Dahan said.
Emphasize originality
Work experience outside of a traditional business profession is a plus in the MBA admissions process, says Rachel Coleman, independent education consultant at College Essay Editor, a company that publishes personal statements.
americans with disabilities act
It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, and is enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The ADA is divided into several titles, each addressing different areas of public life:
1. It requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their job duties.
2. Title II: Public Services - Title II applies to state and local government entities, including public transportation systems, public schools, and government offices. It requires these entities to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities and to make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures.
3. Title III: Public Accommodations - This title covers private businesses that are open to the public, such as restaurants, hotels, stores, and entertainment venues. It requires these entities to remove architectural barriers and provide auxiliary aids and services to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.
4. Title IV: Telecommunications - Title IV focuses on telecommunications services for individuals with hearing and speech disabilities. It requires telephone and Internet companies to provide relay services and access to telecommunications devices for individuals with disabilities.
The ADA has been instrumental in promoting equal opportunities and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. It has led to significant improvements in physical accessibility, employment practices, and the provision of reasonable accommodations. The law has also contributed to greater public awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities.
It's important to note that the ADA has undergone amendments and interpretations since its enactment. While I provide a general overview, it's advisable to consult the official ADA guidelines, legal resources, or legal professionals for precise information and updates.
