Book Review: "The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions"

Last summer, the unthinkable happened; Borders Book Store closed. In an effort to mourn the loss, I decided to peruse the 75% off section of Law Books. I stumbled on The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions by Anna Ivey, the former Dean of Admissions for The University of Chicago Law School. Immediately my interested was piqued. The University of Chicago’s Law School is one of the most prestigious institutions and the country and I’d have to be crazy not to accept the book as Gospel.

Ivey’s book is cleverly organized with each chapter addressing a question that every undergraduate considering law school has asked; what are admissions officers really looking for, “how do I even write an application essay," and “what on earth do I write in my personal statement." Ivey does not shy away from these questions and instead provides a myriad of helpful stories that she has encountered during her time as an admissions Dean.

I believe that this book is helpful for everyone, regardless of one’s place in the ‘law school admissions cycle.’ I purchased this book very early on, but there are later chapters that unveil the mystery behind law school interviews and addendas in an application. This book is brutally honest and doesn’t shy away from exposing the difficulties that are associated with applying to law school. Ivey also provides clear examples of sample recommendations, sample person statements, and “WOW factors.” Her chapter on “WOW factors” is an extremely important read. She addresses the chapter to applicants who are “in the mushy middle” of the pile. Her list of factors includes everything from not so subtle reminders to double, triple, and quadruple check every aspect of your application to ensure correct spelling, to a command to NEVER mistreat anyone on the phone. Ivey’s The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions is a witty, well thought out guide that can help any undergraduate feel as if they have been given the secret to the law school admissions process.