Five Things to Know if You’re Considering Law School

September 30, 2016 @ 4:33 pm

Law school is an ambitious educational pursuit that can lead to a versatile career. However, law school is also challenging, time-consuming and expensive, which is why every potential applicant should make the decision with all the necessary information in hand. If you are considering law school, here are five things you need to consider before enrollment:

1. Prerequisites

Every option for advanced schooling has some prerequisites, but law school can be particularly competitive. For that reason, it is essential to know what schools look for in applicants in order to gauge your chances of getting accepted. Since law schools are graduate programs, all applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree. Due to the competitive nature of law school, applicants with a high GPA are more likely to be accepted. Applicants are also required to take the LSAT, which is an entrance exam that gauges your readiness specifically for law school. The higher your LSAT score is, the better your application will be.

2. Prestige

Meeting the baseline prerequisites is no guarantee of success. Law schools often look at the quality of your previous studies. Some universities have a better reputation, and if you have a degree from a prestigious undergraduate program, your odds of getting in are better. Moreover, prestige is not just about the school from which you came. It is also about the program to which you are applying. Law schools vary, and some command more respect. If you are applying to a well-known school, you will need an even better application just to be considered.

3. Payment

Law school can give you many opportunities, but it is not without substantial costs. While you may be focused on your career after graduation, you need to be realistic about your ability to finance that dream. Be sure you know exactly how much a semester of study costs at your school of choice, and look into the number of semesters most students need to graduate. Consider the types of scholarships that are available and how accessible they are. Most applicants have to take out student loans to complete their degree, which is why you should check with lenders to see what kind of loan options you have before you enroll.

4. Prospects

Since law school is an investment of time and money, you need to consider whether or not it is worth it. While some people argue that education is worthwhile in and of itself, you need to be confident that spending so much money will lead to a career you want. Every law school will have different employment rates for graduates, and some are significantly better than others. Be sure to look at not just how many graduates find jobs but what kind of jobs those graduates obtain. You need to make sure that your law school will be able to give you the strong foundation you need for a successful career.

5. Connect with Professionals

In order to make the best decision, you should understand what the life of a successful lawyer really looks like. Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett and Haik is a law firm in Opelousas, Louisiana. For 40 years, this committed legal team has been the go-to choice for personal injury law in Louisiana. If you want to become a personal injury lawyer or get more information on attending law school and establishing a practice, contact us today.