Looks like some fields are thriving in this economy. Applications to Harvard Law School have increased from 7,168 in 2008 to 7,610 in 2010, according to The Harvard Crimson. Plus, of the school's Class of 2013, 72 percent took time off post-college, with over half of the class taking two or more years off before law school, the most in decades.

HLS has been placing more emphasis on experience, and a larger number of students seem to be applying to law school and then deferring enrollment. Additionally, this year's student body boasts the highest percentage ever, 37 percent, of students of color for HLS. And with a rise in applications, the pool of prospective students just becomes more competitive.