The Cornell representative and NYU dean both focused on the positive aspects of their institutions’ very different locations, Ithaca, NY, and New York City, respectively.

All of the deans described the specific programs that their law schools offer, with the Yale representative focusing on public interest policy.

Yale Law School Associate Dean of Admissions Megan Barnett said Yale supports its graduates’ public service goals by providing money to them in their years after graduation—a feature several other law schools have also recently instituted to encourage students who might otherwise not be able to pursue public service law.

Barnett also pointed out that Yale Law School does not distribute letter grades, eliminating the competitiveaspect of the classroom.

Curll, on the other hand, portrayed HLS as an institution on the brink of exciting changes with a new dean.

Students at the panel said their interest in law school stemmed from many different areas.

Anna E. Byrne ’04 said the struggling economy made law school an attractive prospect for her post-graduation plans.

“I’m applying to law school because I’m interested in law but also because the job market isn’t as good as I would hope,” she said.

Ishan K. Bhabha ’04 said going to law school was always on his mind—and in his blood.

“My mother and grandfather were lawyers,” Bhabha aid. “It fits with the way I like to think.”

Most students said they were there to gain some insight about the schools and the application process.

“Although I don’t know where I will eventually go with a law degree, I’ve always found law fascinating,” said Nathan P. Lang ’04. “I’m here to learn more about each university and to get an edge up on the application process.”