FAQs: Interviewing Program
May I request an interview?
Our interviews are by invitation only. We will not be able to accommodate requests for interviews and ask that you not call or write to request an interview.
I was not invited to interview. Does this negatively affect my chances of admission?
Every application will be seriously considered on its merits and will receive a thorough, holistic review regardless of whether the applicant has been invited for an interview.
Who will be selected for interviews and on what criteria?
Our goal is to interview as many potential members of the incoming class as possible. Candidates selected for interviews will include a wide range of individuals with varying credentials. There are no numeric cut-offs or requirements to be selected for an interview. Candidates will be invited to interview after an initial thorough review of the individual’s entire application.
How much weight will the Admissions Committee give the interview?
Similar to all other parts of our application, there will be no pre-determined weight or value given to the interview. The interview will be important for every applicant, but the interview will be considered within the context of the individual applicant’s entire application.
When will I find out whether I am being invited to interview?
The timing of interview invitations will follow the timing of our overall file review process. We review applications in the order they were completed. We will then invite candidates to interview after the initial review of their files. Your application will go under review (as indicated on your status checker) before you will be considered for an invitation to interview. We may also invite some waitlisted candidates to interview later in the admissions process.
How will the interview affect the timing of the decision on my application?
If you choose to interview, the Admissions Committee will not further evaluate your application until after the interview is completed. We still strongly encourage applicants to take advantage of this opportunity to interview with a member of the Admissions Committee and will make every effort to move each application through the review process as expeditiously as possible. Once you receive an interview request, it is in your best interest to schedule your interview as soon as possible. Interview slots are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
I received an invitation to interview from the Admissions Committee. Do I have to accept the invitation to interview?
While it is not mandatory to accept the invitation, we highly recommend it. It's in a student's best interest to meet with a member of the Admissions Committee -- it's another assessment tool for us, and it allows you to tell us more about who you are and to advocate for your candidacy for admission (e.g., highlight your Peace Corps service, talk about an amazing legal internship, explain your LSAT score, or address any gaps in your education). It's also an opportunity for you to get to know the UChicago Law community and ask questions.
I will be visiting Chicago. May I come to campus to interview in person?
Unfortunately, we are not conducting on-campus interviews at this time, even for individuals who will be in the Chicago area or who currently live in Chicago. Unless an applicant has requested a reasonable accommodation, we expect all applicants to interview via Zoom.
How should I prepare for my interview?
No formal preparation is required, but we encourage you to learn more about the process. We will not be asking you any legal questions, but you should treat this as a professional interview. You should be prepared to discuss anything mentioned in your application file (including your resume). The interviewer will likely want to know more about your career goals, your reason for applying to the University of Chicago Law School, and the type of contribution you can potentially make to our law school environment.
Can I find out who is conducting my interview in advance?
You will not know the name of the person interviewing you until the day of the interview. It is not important to have any background information on your interviewer prior to your interview. All interviews are conducted by a member of the Admissions Committee.
What happens after I schedule my interview?
When you schedule your interview, you should receive an automatic confirmation from the scheduling system with instructions for your interview, including the link that will take you to the interview on the appointed day. You will NOT receive an additional confirmation directly from the Admissions Office. Within a few days of scheduling your interview, your current status on the Online Status Checker will indicate that your interview has been scheduled.
When will I receive the virtual link for my interview?
On the day of your interview, just prior to the interview, you will receive your virtual Zoom link via email.
If you would prefer a phone conference or if you are having technical difficulties, please email the team member who sent you your virtual Zoom link or interview@law.uchicago.edu.
When you access the interview link, you will be placed in a virtual waiting room. Our Admissions Team member will admit you at the appointed time.
What should I expect after my interview is completed?
After you conduct your interview, your interviewer will complete an evaluation for your file and your application will then be advanced for further review by the Admissions Committee.