USA LLM
Today, 10:02 PM
Hi everyone.
I am looking at applying to the USA in the near future. I would like to undertake an LLM at one of the following institutions: Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and NYU. My main interest is in public international law.
I have been instructed that the USA law schools put a great focus on work experience, publications and memberships. I was wondering if you could give me your thoughts on my credentials, listed below, and advise me as to whether I stand a reasonable chance of entry into any of these institutions.

I graduated with a 2:1 (magna cum laude) within the top 10% of my class. I was an editor of the law review, and a senior member of the student council. I have had four years work experience in international law through the military, and am a fully qualified solictor of the Supreme Court. I have one publication to my name.

Thanks for your help.

You have very good credentials. Anyone with four years work experience, participation in student politics, law review experience and published work is a highly regarded candidate. My only concern is your 2:1 degree, whilst highly impressive, I'm not sure it'd be enough for Harvard, Yale, NYU or Columbia. Admittedly, however, I have never attended any of these schools, nor know anyone who has.

I'm sure someone with greater experience with US law schools would be able to help you more. Good luck with your studies!

You'll easily get into NYU and Columbia. You'll not get in Yale (as it is very academic, they take only the absolute best, ..) and have a chance in Harvard.

You'll not get in Yale (as it is very academic, they take only the absolute best, ..)

I'd take the risk too, but Yale is very very academic. They only take the very best from each country, all law professors or students with that aspiration.

Top 10% will almost certainly not do it.

You'll easily get into NYU and Columbia. You'll not get in Yale (as it is very academic, they take only the absolute best, ..) and have a chance in Harvard.

The military background (were you an officer?) might appeal to Yale. Besides, public international law is an academic field par excellence. Scholars who specialize in it usually end up teaching and/or working for government agencies, hardly ever in the private sector.

Top 10% in your year and several years of work experience will easily cut it.

Thanks a lot for your help, Santa.