The close, or conclusion, is one of the most important parts of a research paper. It brings together all key pieces of information presented earlier in the paper and gives the reader a final perspective. The conclusion provides an ending to the paper, leaving the reader satisfied that he was given all necessary information on the topic.

Examine the key points you made throughout your research paper. The number of key points depends on how extensive the topic is and the paper’s length. An extensive topic probably has many key points.

Write each key point while constructing the first draft of your conclusion. This will give you a list of each point that you made.

Summarize all of the key points from your list into one or two paragraphs in the conclusion. Tie them together so that they give the reader a sense that the paper is complete and that she has all information necessary on the topic.

Finding the right law school in the state of Massachusetts is no easy feat. There are more great law schools throughout Massachusetts than in most other U.S. states, and some of those schools are among the best in the country. A variety of factors make certain law schools in the state better than others and looking at some of the top programs can help you make the best decisions for your short list before you apply.

Boston College Law School

Boston College is a law school that has special programs of study that focus in a variety of subject areas. Some of these specializations include juvenile rights law, women and the law, immigration law, issues relating to homelessness and general criminal justice. Boston College also has dual degree programs available to its law students as well as semester abroad programs. The annual tuition for a full-time student to attend Boston College Law School is $38,450 per year and the rate of graduates employed at graduation is 86 percent at time of publication.

Boston University School of Law

At Boston University School of Law, there are many internship and externship opportunities available to students. In addition, Boston University boasts three unique clinical programs: criminal, civil, and legislative, respectively. The university also has 13 exchange programs that allow students to study abroad while earning credit toward their law degrees. Locations include Paris, Buenos Aires, Tel Aviv, and Oxford, among many others. The annual tuition for a full-time student to attend Boston University School of Law is $38,266 per year and the rate of graduates employed at graduation is 90.6 percent.

Harvard University

Harvard University is arguably one of the best universities in the nation. The law school is a mecca for research, and it houses over 15 research centers on and around campus. In addition, Harvard has a nationally recognized law review as well as intensive clinical programs and many joint degree options available to students. The annual tuition for a full-time student to attend Harvard Law School is $41,500 per year and the rate of graduates employed at graduation is 97.1 percent.

New England School of Law

New England School of Law has many highly specialized academic centers of study. These centers include the fields of business law and international law, among others. The law school also has its own “Clinical Law Office” as well as extensive legal research and writing requirements for students obtaining their law degrees. The annual tuition for a full-time student to attend New England School of Law is $33,580 per year and the rate of graduates employed by nine months after graduation is 81.2 percent.

Placement tests are typically used at the secondary and post-secondary educational level to assess a student’s skill level in a specific subject. A placement test can help determine at what level you begin your studies in subjects such as mathematics, foreign language, and writing. In many cases students who score higher on a placement test are admitted to a higher level of academic study and are able to avoid repeating coursework they have already mastered.

Review the test and course requirements. The course description and test requirements will help you gauge your level of study in a subject. You should be familiar with all of the concepts listed. If you have already earned a high grade on assignments or coursework related to the test it’s likely you will score very well on the placement test. If you are unfamiliar with specific content you may have to review material or postpone your test date until you feel appropriately prepared.

Practice with sample questions and test outlines. Schools that require placement tests at enrollment typically provide an outline of the material and sample questions. You should complete a practice test and calculate your score so you know what level you have mastered. You may also wish to review the textbook and teaching materials that are used for the specific course you are testing into.

Test at the appropriate level. For example, if you have completed an intermediate level of Spanish or French start with the test for that level. Taking a test at a more advanced level may result in a poor score. Similarly, for subjects like math or writing it’s important to test at a level you are confident you have mastered, as testing above your skill level may prove too difficult. The aim is to score well at the level you have mastered and to enter course work at the appropriate level. Testing into a level that is too hard may impede your long term learning.

Arrive to your test well-rested and prepared. Most placement tests will be challenging and require time and focus. It’s important to arrive to the test well-rested and focused so you can do your best. Your best effort will result in an accurate score and will ensure that you are not placed below your current academic level.