Written by a current SMU Law student

So it’s THAT time of the year. The refreshing of UCAS’ home page hoping to see a response from that university, the offers and rejections that roll in, and the perennial question: What am I meant to do in university? While it’s been two years since I underwent this process, I still remember the application process so vividly, probably because of the amount of decisions I had to make in a short span of time, and the range of emotions that came with making such a huge decision.

Initially, I was so certain about my university choice, and how I would go about achieving it. I would attain a government scholarship, which would fund my dream course in a prestigious university in the UK, and end with a stable job in a Ministry. Life would be, as the saying goes, perfect.

But plans don’t always work out, and life threw me a mini-curveball in that sense. Instead, I ended up studying Law in Singapore Management University — a course I stopped looking into a long time ago, after I decided that my heart lied in another career path.

After two years in SMU, however, I’ve come to love the Law, as much as you possibly can in such a rigorous setting. Being asked to write this article has also enabled me to reflect on these questions that plagued me when I was a nineteen-year-old trying to figure out what to do with my life. Thus, I endeavour to answer various questions to help you make a more informed decision as well, such as: What does SMU look for in their potential students? How should I respond to challenging questions in the interview? What can I expect from the course?

1. Are you a “typical” SMU student?

I don’t typically subscribe to the notion that a student must fulfil a certain set of criteria that screams “I am suited for this school!”. However, it is known that from your application to the interview to the selection test, the admissions officers are looking for a certain type of character — just to make things a little easier for them.

Having asked the fundamental question of “What do you look for in an SMU Law student?” to my interviewers (who will most likely be your future Law profs!), they look for critical thinkers, confident individuals, hard workers, and high-achievers! SMU is known for looking beyond your academics as well, and they place due emphasis on your extra-curricular activities. So don’t be shy in dressing up your application! Every EAGLES award, internship, Pre-U Programme, might go a long way.

However, even if you think you currently don’t fit the bill, you’d be surprised at SMU’s capability to mould you into an even better version of yourself you can be. Just trust in your ability, and you’ll do just fine!

2. How does the admissions process work?

At this point in the year, it’s possible that you’ve gotten that call from the admissions officer, telling you of the details of your interview and admissions test. If so, congratulations! You’re halfway there. Now, how might you conquer the next hurdle?

There are two types of assessment you have to prepare for before you secure a spot in SMU Law: the group interview as well as the written test.

a. Group Interview (This might change due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.)

Just to get this out of the way: I was extremely nervous for my group interview. Group interviews differ from personal interviews, in terms of the set of skills they are looking out for. It is clear that the interview’s focus shifts from your personal merits to your ability to share your personal views on a topic, communicate with your peers and your interviewers, and craft a good-enough answer in a short amount of time.

I remember walking to my interview and being sure that I will flunk it. I was afraid I wasn’t eloquent enough, especially when required to articulate my thoughts on an issue. Did I even know enough about the Law? What were the standards I would have to meet? What if the other interviewees were much better than I was?

While it’s okay to be nervous, once again: believe in yourself! It’s important to be confident during the interview, and not shy away from answering questions — even, and especially, the more difficult ones. Above all, the interviewers value insight, rather than a “right” answer; you’ll come to find that there isn’t usually a “right” answer in the Law, anyway. Additionally, they want to know that you have the ability to think critically, and to think on your feet!

That’s what my interviewers tested (fun fact: they became two of my favourite profs). Three unassuming individuals who took the IB were asked to answer the question of whether dwarf-tossing should be banned worldwide. Was your first thought: what even is dwarf-tossing? Well, I had never heard of it till the interview itself too! I was caught completely off guard; I expected rigorous questions about Law and public policy that my peers received during their interview, such as “Do you agree with the death penalty?” or “Is Singapore’s independence beneficial for such a small country?”. Instead, I had to answer something completely different — but it was just as challenging, if not more. In hindsight, it was definitely a metaphor for my Law school journey thus far: not knowing what the outcome will be, but enjoying the process nonetheless.

So, go in with an open mind, and don’t be afraid to respond accordingly. While you should definitely prepare for the interview beforehand by reading up on current issues, remind yourself: breathe, and don’t stress!

b. Written Test

The written test also requires you to showcase your ability to reason as well as your evaluative skills. It resembles an English comprehension which, for IB students, is something we’re a little more foreign to. The passage usually contains a breakdown of a contentious area of the law, so while you might have attempted to keep up with The Straits Times, don’t be too worried if you’ve never heard of terms such as “vicarious liability” or “equity of redemption” before.

You hardly need preparation for it. however, what you do need to do is to read the passage carefully! Refer directly to the passage when answering the easier questions, and don’t think too hard over your answers for the easier questions. You’ll need to express your opinion on the current state of the law in some other questions, so ensure you leave sufficient time to to expand on that. Needless to say, they’re looking out for cogent reasoning: not necessarily what the law currently is, or should be. Justification, as you will learn, is usually everything in law school.

Other than that, the written test is certainly doable!

3. I’ve Received My Offer: What’s Next?

As an IB student, I found myself able to adjust to law school with relatively more ease compared to my friends who had taken other educational routes. The IAs, EE and TOK essay definitely made me well-prepared for the many written assignments and research papers that awaited me. SMU’s emphasis on oral advocacy has also been made less intimidating after having gone through the horror of IOC, FOAs and the TOK oral presentation. Trust when I say that having completed the IB puts you in good stead for whatever course you decide to study.

But yes, a lot of people do say that you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into if you decide to do Law. And to a certain extent, that holds true. IB may make you well-acquainted with sleepless nights, but more often than not they become your best friend when in law school. My friends in other faculties… well, they often feel sorry for me. Above all, I can honestly say I’ve never studied harder in my life.

I don’t mean to scare you, though. If you do decide to pursue law, the learning curve will be hopelessly steep at times, even with an IB diploma, but you’ll grow exponentially. Over time, you’ll find some things you love and hate about the course, but this is not unique to any faculty. And if you do manage to toughen it out, and as IB students, you will — you’ll find yourself a much more rational thinker equipped with interdisciplinary skills that are useful no matter where you go, even if it’s not as a lawyer.

Opportunities await, and the law is just one of them. If you do decide to accept your SMU offer, you definitely won’t regret it. SMU’s rigorous education truly prepares you for a robust career, and moulds you into a bright, interested and practical person. Quite apart from employability, you’ll also find seniors and peers like me, who will always be ready to give you a helping hand.