Are school-specific letters better?
Yes and no. Letters of recommendation are down on the list of important admissions factors, after the LSAT score, GPA, and personal statement. They are usually used in close calls, or to differentiate folks in the “middle of the pack.” If you have someone who knows you well who can personalize your letter (like an alum from the particular law school), that’s great. Send his or her letter separately to that law school. If you simply want to change the heading on each letter to reflect the name of another school, it is not really necessary to do so, and the general or generic letter will do. These letters aren’t really personalized, after all. A truly personal letter is one tailored to a particular school for a particular reason. Most of your letters will not be of this type, but if you have one, then use it. Remember to waive your right to see your letters of recommendation; waived letters are considered much more credible. For more information, see the section of this CD on letters of
