While law schools nationwide are experiencing a decline in applications this year, the number of applications to UF's College of Law is on the rise.
In an annual Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions nationwide survey of 190 law school admissions officers, half reported a decline in applications in the past two years.
Robert Jerry, dean of UF's Levin College of Law, said UF has not been affected by this trend in the last two years.
He said in 2006, the number of applications rose 10 percent, about 3,000 applications.
"It's fair to say that our law school is increasingly a popular first-choice destination," Jerry said.
Jerry said he expects the number of applications to UF law school to continue to rise.
"People who take a close look at the university and especially those taking a look at the law school realize we've got some pretty good things going on here," he said.
Glen Stohr, assistant director of pre-law programs for Kaplan, said at a school like UF there would always be fierce competition regardless of national numbers.
Stohr said 79 percent of the admissions officers surveyed said the nationwide decline in applications hasn't made the admissions process less competitive, adding the trend implies the quality of applicants is getting stronger.
"While it's a good time to apply with a smaller cohort, you've really got to make sure the application is top-notch," Stohr said.
He said the decline wouldn't continue for long and is part of a cycle. In the past 10 or 15 years, there has been a steady increase in applications.
It's still enough of a decline for law school hopefuls to take advantage of, he said.
"What that means for students is that this is a really, really good time to apply," Stohr said.
Wendy Margolis, Law School Admission Council director of communications, said she doesn't think it's a significant decline. Margolis said the number of applicants has declined, but the Law School Admission Council has increased registrations for the law school admission test, known as the LSAT.
Stohr said those applying to law school should also be aware of changes that were made to the LSAT in June, but not to be afraid.
"Students shouldn't fear it, but respect that it's there and be sure to prepare in a way that you will be ready for it," Stohr said.
