By Stephen Sears

The Northeastern University School of Law has experienced a dramatic rise in the number of applications submitted each year over the past five years. University officials attribute the staggering increase to a few different factors.

“Traditionally, when the economy is sluggish and people are being laid off, graduate schools and law schools see an increase in applications,” said Marjorie Knoll, assistant dean and director of admissions for the School of Law. “There are also more students graduating from college as the baby boomlets hit their early twenties.”

Knoll also cites the increasing emphasis on public interest law, a specialty for the school.

“After September 11, more and more people are looking for careers that are more meaningful and this is a natural match for that.”

The School of Law has seen a 64 percent increase in applications over the past five years, and a 43 percent increase just from the fall of 2001 to 2002, according to university officials.

With the steady rise of applications received by the school each year, it has become more competitive than ever to be admitted. Two years ago, the school admitted 40 percent of the applicant pool. The previous year, 29 percent was admitted, Knoll said. Every application is reviewed by a committee of students, faculty, staff and admissions personnel.

Knoll says that the school has strived to maintain a commitment to well-rounded students during this increase.

“It is not just a numbers game,” she said. “So, the successful applicants must bring a complete and compelling profile to the process in order to gain admission.”

She mentions admissions and marketing efforts as possible reasons for the increase. She says admissions staff has worked very hard to enhance publications and outreach towards prospective students. She also cites loyal alumni who speak proudly of the law school as well as co-op employers for helping the school’s reputation.

“The law school has always had an excellent reputation, both academically and in the legal profession. We are considered one of the premier public interest law schools in the country,” Knoll said. “This current trend only continues to reinforce this and is certainly making it more difficult to gain entry which, in turn, is increasing the academic profile of the incoming class.”