my veteran benefits have paid for my undergraduate tuition, and i found out just 2 weeks ago that my benefits will also cover law school as well. I'm so fortunate that I don't have to deal with the financial stress and burden, it allows me to keep my focus elsewhere.
From what I can tell you, Kaplan LSAT prep is excellent. My friend got into UCLA & USC law school with Kaplan. Of course she put in a lot of work as well. I'd say get the most LSAT prep you possibly can whether that's in a class or online or whatever you can.
Good luck. Again, I wouldn't go the non-ABA accredited route, but wait and see what your options are. Perhaps someone will throw a nice scholarship your way. Let me know how it goes.
Yeah, its one of those things that are pretty inconvenient, but you do it because you feel like its the best choice. It is difficult leaving your friends behind, and leaving the routine you set for yourself first year. It wasn't exactly a smooth and seamless process, but my school definitely tried to integrate the transfers in quickly
Most people are able to put the inherent competition aside, and you will make many good friends. You will bond with the class, and most schools do lots of social events so you can see each other outside of the classroom. Depends on the school, but social life can be really fun in law school, since everyone takes same classes together, and group is small, so makes for easier bonding. Yes, you compete for grades, but no excuse to not be nice and friendly.
Can't say I know all that much about them, since I'm from the Northeast, but I hear that UT has an excellent reputation in Texas, and that the alumni network is really large and helpful if you are looking to practice in the state. Both are regional schools, in that you wouldn't go there if you don't intend to practice in TX, or in that general area. But UT I know is a very solid school, and one of the best if your goal is to practice in TX. Baylor I really don't know much about though
Ivy, I graduated outside of the United States myself. Who is going to evaluate your GPA is the CAS(Credential Assembly Service) from the LSAC. Go to LSAC.org and they will give you their guidelines. Is a burochratic process, but this is pretty much what you need to do: 1) create and account at the LSAC. 2) you go to Credential Assembly Service and add the international institutions you attended; 3) register for the LSAT. Don't worry about the Social Security Number, cause they know that if you
Schedule was busier, so I had to skip a few more social events. The work matters more here, especially 1st year, and the reading takes longer so sometimes you have to make sacrifices. But I always made at least some time to see friends, go to events, etc. Most schools host events often like bar nights, karaoke, parties, etc. so more than enough chances. Law school shaped me by helping me prioritize and become more efficient, since the workload forces you to adapt
Graduating to higher ranked schools like this guy is a creative way of achieving. Perhaps one should reach low and high and if they don't get high, then start low and do well and then go high.
Thank you for answering! I have submitted my applications to every law school in Massachusetts(except for Harvard) and I am now waiting anxiously and talking to my parents about the dilema of having them pay for a cheaper non ABA approved or getting a loan to another school.
LSAT weighs more heavily than GPA in law school admission. Study VERY hard for the LSAT, and dedicate lots of time to it. Work with a tutor, take a review course, buy practice books, etc. or whatever it takes to get a good score. Yes, lots of competition in Boston for the better schools, but there are also many options in the city. As always, try for as good a school as possible, but don't take out huge debt unless it is truly worth it.
The vast majority of schools let transfers fully participate in OCI (though be aware that some do not let transfer participate, and my advice is to avoid these schools if you end up transferring). Sure, during OCI, employers will ask why you transferred, but as long as you are positive and sound proactive, it becomes a non-issue. You have no class rank to begin at your new school and can only report that you were X percentage at your old school (has to be very high for you to transfer anyway)
The line between "regional" and "national" gets a bit blurry once you are talking about excellent schools like UT. No doubt they place a solid number outside of TX. I'm just not sure if its advisable for someone who isn't from TX (i.e. from East or West coast) and who doesn't intend to practice in TX to go there seeing as the large majority of UT students end up practicing in TX
After you get you LSAT score, the school will release the international student report, which will be sent to the Law Schools. Unfortunately there's an additional fee of 21 dollars for each school. So, what CAS is going to do is to evaluate your transcripts and convert your grades to something correspondent to the USA system of grading. In my case, the translator wrote a note explaining the guidelines of conversion - but even if that's not the case, they should have specialists to do it.
Also, I wouldn't worry too much about transfer stuff. One key piece of advice I give prospective students is this: Never go to a school that you wouldn't be happy graduating from. The odds of transferring are incredibly small and you simply can't count on having the chance to do it. So never pick a school with the intent of trying to get out.
you are international student; 4) Go to the school you did your undergrad and ask for a personal copy of your transcripts and get a nottorized translation to English; 5) once you get the translation, go back to the office of your university and request them to send your transcripts to the LSAC(the adress will be at the website) and ask them to include the translations with it.
Question: see, I'm in the process of applying for Law School and here is my dilema: my GPA is too poor to get accepted into a 1st Tier School, and considering I live in Boston(a city with HUGE competition with law school) I am planning to apply to several not so well ranked schools and, depending of my LSAT scores, I'll apply to Boston College(continue...)
School ranking is something that is entirely independent of the student's ability. Yes, school ranking can be important. Yet, with so many students seeking admission, it is important that each student assess their priorities.
well no - school ranking is the only thing - and this idea that everyone that wants to can get into a law school somewhere is what is leading to the crisis on law school debt.
Hey, how is it going? So far I got acceptance from Massachusetts School of Law and Suffolk University. I am also on the wait list at New England School of Law. I'm trying to take over your advice to pick one of the two last ones(assuming I'll get off the wait list of NESL). Just wanted to thank for making the videos, they were very helpful. PS: according to my calculations, you should be taking the BAR in June. If that's accurate, good luck, then!
I am looking at all the University of California Law Schools. I get something called the Cal Vet Fee Waiver. Tuition is free for me at all California State Schools. I live close to University of California Irvine and I am working at buying the house I am in. It would be very convenient for me to go to UCI but I think UCLA would be a better school for me to go to. UCI's ranking are improving as well as they will have built a brand new law school by the time I go if I chose to go there. I imagine in the next 20 years UCI's ranking maybe where or even better than UCLA. UCLA has more course offerings so that is the choice I am reconing with. My plan as of today is to apply to all 5 University of California Law Schools and Harvard. I am going to prep for LSAT for about 9 months to a year to maximize my score. I understand it is a learnable test so I am going to take all the practice tests and read the LSAT trainer as well as power score books. I may take the Manhattan Prep too, but not sure about that. I am presently a Graduate Student at Cal Poly Pomona studying architecture. I have an undergrad in Finance, Real Estate, and Law and an MBA. I will have 2 difficult masters degrees by the time I enter into law school as well may have my architectural license by then. I am 55 years old today. I plan on doing real estate development as well as architecture and am not sure what I will do with the Law Degree and when I become an attorney. I just want to become an attorney so I can better myself, stand up for my friends, the community and perhaps some non profit stuff. I guess being Law School is free for me when California Law schools cost about $150,000+ it only makes sense for me to do and I want to be a lawyer too. Perhaps focusing on Real Estate and Business law but want to know criminal and civil rights law. I would appreciate all advice you can give. T hanks - Dave
No. As far as I know, schools don't give out scholarships to transfers. So whether or not you want to give up the scholarship you have from your old school is an important part of the calculus when you are determining whether it is worth it to transfer
Thanks for the really helpful video! Do you happen to know if America law schools look at GPA of international students? (I'm from Hong Kong) It depends on whether international student's GPA will affects their rankings right?
@Missrocks234 Of course the higher your GPA is, the better your chances. Every school has a different GPA average, but you of course want to shoot for A's. If you get B's, it happens, but always shoot high. Major doesn't matter. Pick something you like, and that you will do well in. it never hurts to take some classes that involve a lot of reading and writing since those skills are useful in law school. As for clubs, only join if you are passionate about it, not just to have a resume line.
I am a senior in high school and I find your video's very helpful. Working for a big firm like you do, would you recommend pursing a career as a lawyer based off your experiences?
UT Law '10 grad chiming in to say that I thought the school was a great value. Good enough reputation to get a big law job offer (California office) without trouble and at a relatively affordable price. I'm not sure that I'd call UT a "regional" law school. A great many of my classmates work in big law on the west and east coasts.
I'm getting my degree in Public Admin and hoping to do public policy for my masters and considering going to Law School down the road, but unsure if it's worth.
If you mean to imply that a student would be well-advised to attend a lower-ranked school in hopes of transferring up, I would strongly disagree. There is a very slim likelihood that you will have the ability to transfer up. Never go to a school from which you would not be entirely happy graduating from, since the overwhelming odds are that you will graduate from that school, and not transfer up to a higher ranked one
wow i never knew that school ranking could be this important and the GPA for scholarship. 0.0 guess i would have to sit alone for quite sometimes and consider about it carefully. thanks a lot
Yep, it can be pretty important since many employers use general school ranking as a proxy. Its not the end all, and there are other considerations and factors (as discussed in the video), but anyone who says school ranking/tier is irrelevant is simply lying. In some circumstances, ranking can be of less importance, but it is never irrelevant
u were thinking about law school and u didn't know that school rankings were important? This is how people get $150K in debt and no employment after law school.
Definitely is quite old, though past 7.5 years went by fast. I'm sure a lot has changed in the 6 years since I graduated, but happy to give it a shot. Ask away.
@@lawschooladviceguy thanks so much! So, this past January I took the LSAT and did NOT get the score I wanted (141). I am taking it again in July. The schools I am aiming for are all looking for 150's (minimum, im sure you know that). I am wondering, after this second go around and I get into the 150's should I apply still? (I don't think I can get into the 170's) I have read that law schools also look heavily into undergrad GPA's as well as statement/reference letters as part of their consideration process?
@@melissaholly347 If the schools you are aiming for are looking for a score in the 150's and you are able to get into their target range, its at least worth a shot. This is why you want to make a list of reach, target, and safety schools. This allows you to play it safe and not have all your eggs in one basket. And yes, undergrad GPA is important because schools have to report it to LSAC, though my understanding is that LSAT counts even more. Good personal statements and references will never hurt, but are not as important as strong LSAT/GPA
Very risky to go to a non-ABA school. Typically very poor reputations, and it will make getting a job very difficult. Cost is important, but you need to find a balance between cost and quality of the school, since the cheapest school may not be the best option from a career perspective. I would definitely advise against unaccredited schools. While New England Law, Suffolk, etc. may not be much better quality-wise, they have more alums, more connections, more roots in Boston, etc.
compare with your undergrad, how did you feel? Do you think you have changed? more introvert due to busy schedule? How does the law school experience shape you?
But my other Dilema is: my mom(who will give me financial support) Wants me to apply to a School that is not ABA approved because is cheaper - and transfer the last year! Do you think that would be a good idea? Do you think that - unless I get accepted into a school like BC - there will be a difference between getting into a non ABA approved school and a bottom 100 school, considering the amount of top 50 schools in the area?
Yes, you lose your scholarship. To the best of my knowledge, transfers are not offered scholarship money at their new schools. So you have to be comfortable attending at sticker price for 2 years.
aaron depass Pretty much all schools run a program called "on campus interviewing" (commonly known as OCI) where employers come and meet with certain students to determine whether the student is a good fit. The top firms all recruit via these systemized programs, and largely from the top schools. At the top schools, the big firms hire deep into the classes, almost entirely through OCI programs. If at a lower ranked school, you typically have to be among the very top students, or really do some independent hustling to line up a big firm interview
Thank you for the information. Please keep uploading. Your content and overall advice is extremely helpful. I was wondering when did you know that you wanted to go into the field of law?
hey I'm wondering, since the competition in class is very severe, does this mean that you can rarely find good friends to study with or have a social life?
What was your lsat score? Just curious. I managed a 165 with a gpa of 3.96. I was aiming for a 165 for like a year and I finally managed it with the December lsat xD.started with a dam 143...so it was a long journey xD
I don't really go into the details, and at that this point it is honestly a bit hazy (took the LSAT almost 8 years ago), but I recall my score being right around whatever the 99th percentile was at the time. My GPA definitely wasn't as strong as yours is though. Excellent that you were able to improve by over 20 points and hit your goal score. And with a GPA like that, you are going to be admitted into some really great schools.
Hey there, I'm currently studying for the December LSAT, and am starting with a score of 149. Any advice for reaching the 165 range?? I'd really appreciate it, thank you! Also, nice job on that score, its a difficult test that's for sure.
In terms of finding employment post law school and just overall safety in getting a return for your money, do you think it's a better bet to get in to a higher ranked law school if it means potentially scraping by and staying low in the class rankings, or going to a slightly lower tier school and performing better? Also from what I've read I've gotten very mixed answers about this, but do most law students at higher tier schools intend on practicing law? Is there a wide range of employment opportunities for law students intending to use their degrees outside of practicing law?
It depends on the specifics. How highly ranked is the higher ranking school? Is it in the area you want to practice? How much would it cost? How much scholarship would you be leaving on the table at the lower ranked school? And don't assume a law degree is versatile beyond law. Don't go to law school if you do not intend to practice law. Its not worth the price and time investment otherwise
When I refer to "the rankings", I'm referring to the U.S. News and World Report yearly rankings of the best US law schools. The list can be found here: grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings?int=a1d108
Ok I have a question for you. What can you do to increase your chance of getting into an Ivey League school or a very prestigious school? Of course I know the thing about working hard but is there anything else that can help you?
Just an FYI but I uploaded first new vid in almost 3 years (actually had this one saved on my comp from about a year ago but had never uploaded it), discussing some basic LSAT tips and advice. Check it out: ruclips.net/video/TxCWMrO7W5w/видео.html
+Ichabod Crane I wouldn't say there are many students at that age or above, but there were certainly a few. Some were trying to supplement their current career with a law degree, while others were looking to go a new direction with a 2nd career. I'd imagine these students have a bit of a harder time with the testing/exams since its been so many years since they last took exams. But its totally variable. As for social, most schools have an affinity group for these students. My school called it OWLS (older and wiser law students), where they could do fun social activities that takes into account the fact that most are married, with kids, etc.
+YeaYa Did I have a lot of free time? No. Did I have some free time? Yes, absolutely. How much time you have depends on how much reading is assigned, how efficient you are about getting work done, how much extra time you want to put into outlining, supplements, etc. But there is absolutely some free time to go to the gym, attend school events now and then, go out with friends on a saturday night, etc.
Really depends on a number of factors. Where are the schools located? Where do you want to practice? What are the job prospects like at the tier 1? Do those job prospects line up with the kind of job you want? How much debt are you comfortable taking on? Do your career ambitions warrant that kind of debt? As you can see, there are LOTS of considerations to think about
Laura Padron I typically don't discuss where I myself went to school. I think I mention in one video that its a top 10 school, but I don't think I ever got more specific than that. If you PM me, we can talk in a bit more detail
+lawschooladviceguy do you find, in your experience, having graduated from a top 10 = paying off debt relatively fast? (lol this is the same person but from a different youtube account).
+LAURA .PADRON Yes, but in an indirect way. Going to a top 10 school makes it much more likely that you will be able to secure a job with one of the high paying firms (assuming thats what you want to start your career with out of law school). And working for a high paying firm makes it much easier to pay down law school debt. I'm never one to advocate taking on 200K in debt pretty much regardless of the circumstances, but it would make a lot more sense to go 200K in debt for Columbia or NYU than to be 200K in debt for a school that does not give you a very high chance of going to a high-paying firm (and there are certainly a number of schools that fit this description)
I would need quite a bit more information before I could answer that. Where are the schools located? Where do you want to end up working? What are your career goals? Its hard to just objectively say which is the better choice because there are no objective choices in choosing schools. If you would like, send me a private message with more information, and I can help you out.
my veteran benefits have paid for my undergraduate tuition, and i found out just 2 weeks ago that my benefits will also cover law school as well. I'm so fortunate that I don't have to deal with the financial stress and burden, it allows me to keep my focus elsewhere.
David Crabtree would you mind explaining how you got more than 4 years of veterans benefits?
From what I can tell you, Kaplan LSAT prep is excellent. My friend got into UCLA & USC law school with Kaplan. Of course she put in a lot of work as well. I'd say get the most LSAT prep you possibly can whether that's in a class or online or whatever you can.
Good luck. Again, I wouldn't go the non-ABA accredited route, but wait and see what your options are. Perhaps someone will throw a nice scholarship your way. Let me know how it goes.
Yeah, its one of those things that are pretty inconvenient, but you do it because you feel like its the best choice. It is difficult leaving your friends behind, and leaving the routine you set for yourself first year. It wasn't exactly a smooth and seamless process, but my school definitely tried to integrate the transfers in quickly
Dude, great job. Very informative. You are not just "babbling" you're providing your subscribers with "organized" thoughts and opinions.
Thanks. Happy to help
Most people are able to put the inherent competition aside, and you will make many good friends. You will bond with the class, and most schools do lots of social events so you can see each other outside of the classroom. Depends on the school, but social life can be really fun in law school, since everyone takes same classes together, and group is small, so makes for easier bonding. Yes, you compete for grades, but no excuse to not be nice and friendly.
Can't say I know all that much about them, since I'm from the Northeast, but I hear that UT has an excellent reputation in Texas, and that the alumni network is really large and helpful if you are looking to practice in the state. Both are regional schools, in that you wouldn't go there if you don't intend to practice in TX, or in that general area. But UT I know is a very solid school, and one of the best if your goal is to practice in TX. Baylor I really don't know much about though
Ivy, I graduated outside of the United States myself. Who is going to evaluate your GPA is the CAS(Credential Assembly Service) from the LSAC. Go to LSAC.org and they will give you their guidelines. Is a burochratic process, but this is pretty much what you need to do: 1) create and account at the LSAC. 2) you go to Credential Assembly Service and add the international institutions you attended; 3) register for the LSAT. Don't worry about the Social Security Number, cause they know that if you
Schedule was busier, so I had to skip a few more social events. The work matters more here, especially 1st year, and the reading takes longer so sometimes you have to make sacrifices. But I always made at least some time to see friends, go to events, etc. Most schools host events often like bar nights, karaoke, parties, etc. so more than enough chances. Law school shaped me by helping me prioritize and become more efficient, since the workload forces you to adapt
Graduating to higher ranked schools like this guy is a creative way of achieving. Perhaps one should reach low and high and if they don't get high, then start low and do well and then go high.
Thank you for answering! I have submitted my applications to every law school in Massachusetts(except for Harvard) and I am now waiting anxiously and talking to my parents about the dilema of having them pay for a cheaper non ABA approved or getting a loan to another school.
LSAT weighs more heavily than GPA in law school admission. Study VERY hard for the LSAT, and dedicate lots of time to it. Work with a tutor, take a review course, buy practice books, etc. or whatever it takes to get a good score. Yes, lots of competition in Boston for the better schools, but there are also many options in the city. As always, try for as good a school as possible, but don't take out huge debt unless it is truly worth it.
The vast majority of schools let transfers fully participate in OCI (though be aware that some do not let transfer participate, and my advice is to avoid these schools if you end up transferring). Sure, during OCI, employers will ask why you transferred, but as long as you are positive and sound proactive, it becomes a non-issue. You have no class rank to begin at your new school and can only report that you were X percentage at your old school (has to be very high for you to transfer anyway)
The line between "regional" and "national" gets a bit blurry once you are talking about excellent schools like UT. No doubt they place a solid number outside of TX. I'm just not sure if its advisable for someone who isn't from TX (i.e. from East or West coast) and who doesn't intend to practice in TX to go there seeing as the large majority of UT students end up practicing in TX
thank you for taking the time out sir. Respect
After you get you LSAT score, the school will release the international student report, which will be sent to the Law Schools. Unfortunately there's an additional fee of 21 dollars for each school. So, what CAS is going to do is to evaluate your transcripts and convert your grades to something correspondent to the USA system of grading. In my case, the translator wrote a note explaining the guidelines of conversion - but even if that's not the case, they should have specialists to do it.
Also, I wouldn't worry too much about transfer stuff. One key piece of advice I give prospective students is this: Never go to a school that you wouldn't be happy graduating from. The odds of transferring are incredibly small and you simply can't count on having the chance to do it. So never pick a school with the intent of trying to get out.
you are international student; 4) Go to the school you did your undergrad and ask for a personal copy of your transcripts and get a nottorized translation to English; 5) once you get the translation, go back to the office of your university and request them to send your transcripts to the LSAC(the adress will be at the website) and ask them to include the translations with it.
I love this! Very helpful!
thanks for these videos! they're extremely helpful
Question: see, I'm in the process of applying for Law School and here is my dilema: my GPA is too poor to get accepted into a 1st Tier School, and considering I live in Boston(a city with HUGE competition with law school) I am planning to apply to several not so well ranked schools and, depending of my LSAT scores, I'll apply to Boston College(continue...)
Thank you so much! Very helpful advice!
School ranking is something that is entirely independent of the student's ability. Yes, school ranking can be important. Yet, with so many students seeking admission, it is important that each student assess their priorities.
well no - school ranking is the only thing - and this idea that everyone that wants to can get into a law school somewhere is what is leading to the crisis on law school debt.
Hey, how is it going? So far I got acceptance from Massachusetts School of Law and Suffolk University. I am also on the wait list at New England School of Law. I'm trying to take over your advice to pick one of the two last ones(assuming I'll get off the wait list of NESL). Just wanted to thank for making the videos, they were very helpful. PS: according to my calculations, you should be taking the BAR in June. If that's accurate, good luck, then!
those schools only place between a 1/3 and half their graduates in actual law positions - don't do it.
I am looking at all the University of California Law Schools. I get something called the Cal Vet Fee Waiver. Tuition is free for me at all California State Schools. I live close to University of California Irvine and I am working at buying the house I am in. It would be very convenient for me to go to UCI but I think UCLA would be a better school for me to go to. UCI's ranking are improving as well as they will have built a brand new law school by the time I go if I chose to go there. I imagine in the next 20 years UCI's ranking maybe where or even better than UCLA. UCLA has more course offerings so that is the choice I am reconing with. My plan as of today is to apply to all 5 University of California Law Schools and Harvard. I am going to prep for LSAT for about 9 months to a year to maximize my score. I understand it is a learnable test so I am going to take all the practice tests and read the LSAT trainer as well as power score books. I may take the Manhattan Prep too, but not sure about that. I am presently a Graduate Student at Cal Poly Pomona studying architecture. I have an undergrad in Finance, Real Estate, and Law and an MBA. I will have 2 difficult masters degrees by the time I enter into law school as well may have my architectural license by then. I am 55 years old today. I plan on doing real estate development as well as architecture and am not sure what I will do with the Law Degree and when I become an attorney. I just want to become an attorney so I can better myself, stand up for my friends, the community and perhaps some non profit stuff. I guess being Law School is free for me when California Law schools cost about $150,000+ it only makes sense for me to do and I want to be a lawyer too. Perhaps focusing on Real Estate and Business law but want to know criminal and civil rights law. I would appreciate all advice you can give. T hanks - Dave
thanks, very insightful video
Happy to help
No. As far as I know, schools don't give out scholarships to transfers. So whether or not you want to give up the scholarship you have from your old school is an important part of the calculus when you are determining whether it is worth it to transfer
Thanks for the really helpful video! Do you happen to know if America law schools look at GPA of international students? (I'm from Hong Kong) It depends on whether international student's GPA will affects their rankings right?
@Missrocks234 Of course the higher your GPA is, the better your chances. Every school has a different GPA average, but you of course want to shoot for A's. If you get B's, it happens, but always shoot high. Major doesn't matter. Pick something you like, and that you will do well in. it never hurts to take some classes that involve a lot of reading and writing since those skills are useful in law school. As for clubs, only join if you are passionate about it, not just to have a resume line.
I am a senior in high school and I find your video's very helpful. Working for a big firm like you do, would you recommend pursing a career as a lawyer based off your experiences?
UT Law '10 grad chiming in to say that I thought the school was a great value. Good enough reputation to get a big law job offer (California office) without trouble and at a relatively affordable price. I'm not sure that I'd call UT a "regional" law school. A great many of my classmates work in big law on the west and east coasts.
I'm getting my degree in Public Admin and hoping to do public policy for my masters and considering going to Law School down the road, but unsure if it's worth.
If you mean to imply that a student would be well-advised to attend a lower-ranked school in hopes of transferring up, I would strongly disagree. There is a very slim likelihood that you will have the ability to transfer up. Never go to a school from which you would not be entirely happy graduating from, since the overwhelming odds are that you will graduate from that school, and not transfer up to a higher ranked one
wow i never knew that school ranking could be this important and the GPA for scholarship. 0.0
guess i would have to sit alone for quite sometimes and consider about it carefully.
thanks a lot
Yep, it can be pretty important since many employers use general school ranking as a proxy. Its not the end all, and there are other considerations and factors (as discussed in the video), but anyone who says school ranking/tier is irrelevant is simply lying. In some circumstances, ranking can be of less importance, but it is never irrelevant
u were thinking about law school and u didn't know that school rankings were important? This is how people get $150K in debt and no employment after law school.
I am not sure how schools consider international GPA's. I would call the schools to ask if you are unsure. Sorry i can't be of more help on that issue
Can you please do a video about ABA vs. non-ABA school vs. online-non-ABA school? Thank you.
I can't say I know much about non-ABA schools or online non-ABA schools and what the pros/cons are of such schools
Would you take a full ride at school ranked 70 over sticker at a school ranked 40? All other things being equal.
Hey LSAG, not sure if your open to answering law school questions...this video is quite old.
Definitely is quite old, though past 7.5 years went by fast. I'm sure a lot has changed in the 6 years since I graduated, but happy to give it a shot. Ask away.
@@lawschooladviceguy thanks so much! So, this past January I took the LSAT and did NOT get the score I wanted (141). I am taking it again in July. The schools I am aiming for are all looking for 150's (minimum, im sure you know that). I am wondering, after this second go around and I get into the 150's should I apply still? (I don't think I can get into the 170's) I have read that law schools also look heavily into undergrad GPA's as well as statement/reference letters as part of their consideration process?
@@melissaholly347 If the schools you are aiming for are looking for a score in the 150's and you are able to get into their target range, its at least worth a shot. This is why you want to make a list of reach, target, and safety schools. This allows you to play it safe and not have all your eggs in one basket. And yes, undergrad GPA is important because schools have to report it to LSAC, though my understanding is that LSAT counts even more. Good personal statements and references will never hurt, but are not as important as strong LSAT/GPA
@@lawschooladviceguy thank you so much.
Very risky to go to a non-ABA school. Typically very poor reputations, and it will make getting a job very difficult. Cost is important, but you need to find a balance between cost and quality of the school, since the cheapest school may not be the best option from a career perspective. I would definitely advise against unaccredited schools. While New England Law, Suffolk, etc. may not be much better quality-wise, they have more alums, more connections, more roots in Boston, etc.
compare with your undergrad, how did you feel? Do you think you have changed? more introvert due to busy schedule? How does the law school experience shape you?
But my other Dilema is: my mom(who will give me financial support) Wants me to apply to a School that is not ABA approved because is cheaper - and transfer the last year! Do you think that would be a good idea? Do you think that - unless I get accepted into a school like BC - there will be a difference between getting into a non ABA approved school and a bottom 100 school, considering the amount of top 50 schools in the area?
Is there any problems with OCI because you transferred? How is your class ranked calculated at your new school?
When you transferred schools, did you lose your scholarship, if any, when you transferred?
Yes, you lose your scholarship. To the best of my knowledge, transfers are not offered scholarship money at their new schools. So you have to be comfortable attending at sticker price for 2 years.
Question - did you find work after graduation? are you working with a firm now or independent?
Yes, I work for one of the big firms now
lawschooladviceguy So what was the process for getting that big firm job right after graduation?
aaron depass Pretty much all schools run a program called "on campus interviewing" (commonly known as OCI) where employers come and meet with certain students to determine whether the student is a good fit. The top firms all recruit via these systemized programs, and largely from the top schools. At the top schools, the big firms hire deep into the classes, almost entirely through OCI programs. If at a lower ranked school, you typically have to be among the very top students, or really do some independent hustling to line up a big firm interview
Thank you for the information. Please keep uploading. Your content and overall advice is extremely helpful. I was wondering when did you know that you wanted to go into the field of law?
lawschooladviceguy You look like a rapper.
hey I'm wondering, since the competition in class is very severe, does this mean that you can rarely find good friends to study with or have a social life?
What was your lsat score? Just curious. I managed a 165 with a gpa of 3.96. I was aiming for a 165 for like a year and I finally managed it with the December lsat xD.started with a dam 143...so it was a long journey xD
I don't really go into the details, and at that this point it is honestly a bit hazy (took the LSAT almost 8 years ago), but I recall my score being right around whatever the 99th percentile was at the time. My GPA definitely wasn't as strong as yours is though. Excellent that you were able to improve by over 20 points and hit your goal score. And with a GPA like that, you are going to be admitted into some really great schools.
Hey there, I'm currently studying for the December LSAT, and am starting with a score of 149. Any advice for reaching the 165 range?? I'd really appreciate it, thank you! Also, nice job on that score, its a difficult test that's for sure.
More curiosity than worry.
You didn't get a scholarship when you transferred right?
In terms of finding employment post law school and just overall safety in getting a return for your money, do you think it's a better bet to get in to a higher ranked law school if it means potentially scraping by and staying low in the class rankings, or going to a slightly lower tier school and performing better?
Also from what I've read I've gotten very mixed answers about this, but do most law students at higher tier schools intend on practicing law? Is there a wide range of employment opportunities for law students intending to use their degrees outside of practicing law?
It depends on the specifics. How highly ranked is the higher ranking school? Is it in the area you want to practice? How much would it cost? How much scholarship would you be leaving on the table at the lower ranked school? And don't assume a law degree is versatile beyond law. Don't go to law school if you do not intend to practice law. Its not worth the price and time investment otherwise
What do you think about UT and Baylor law?
Where do you find these rankings? Are they global or just for the US?
When I refer to "the rankings", I'm referring to the U.S. News and World Report yearly rankings of the best US law schools. The list can be found here: grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings?int=a1d108
Ok I have a question for you. What can you do to increase your chance of getting into an Ivey League school or a very prestigious school? Of course I know the thing about working hard but is there anything else that can help you?
Proby the first thing to do is to learn how to spell Ivy League.
The second thing to do is to proby forget about getting into an Ivy League school.
Just an FYI but I uploaded first new vid in almost 3 years (actually had this one saved on my comp from about a year ago but had never uploaded it), discussing some basic LSAT tips and advice. Check it out: ruclips.net/video/TxCWMrO7W5w/видео.html
I have a quick question for you. Do you have mature students in your class - past the age of 45 - and how do they manage it?
+Ichabod Crane I wouldn't say there are many students at that age or above, but there were certainly a few. Some were trying to supplement their current career with a law degree, while others were looking to go a new direction with a 2nd career. I'd imagine these students have a bit of a harder time with the testing/exams since its been so many years since they last took exams. But its totally variable. As for social, most schools have an affinity group for these students. My school called it OWLS (older and wiser law students), where they could do fun social activities that takes into account the fact that most are married, with kids, etc.
excellent question. Respect
Quick question, do you have a lot of free time suring law school. Thanks
+YeaYa Did I have a lot of free time? No. Did I have some free time? Yes, absolutely. How much time you have depends on how much reading is assigned, how efficient you are about getting work done, how much extra time you want to put into outlining, supplements, etc. But there is absolutely some free time to go to the gym, attend school events now and then, go out with friends on a saturday night, etc.
+lawschooladviceguy Thanks for respondeding so fast
Do I go full scholarship tier 1 or a t14 school?
Really depends on a number of factors. Where are the schools located? Where do you want to practice? What are the job prospects like at the tier 1? Do those job prospects line up with the kind of job you want? How much debt are you comfortable taking on? Do your career ambitions warrant that kind of debt? As you can see, there are LOTS of considerations to think about
What about hot chicks
where did you go to law school :)
Laura Padron I typically don't discuss where I myself went to school. I think I mention in one video that its a top 10 school, but I don't think I ever got more specific than that. If you PM me, we can talk in a bit more detail
+lawschooladviceguy do you find, in your experience, having graduated from a top 10 = paying off debt relatively fast? (lol this is the same person but from a different youtube account).
+LAURA .PADRON Yes, but in an indirect way. Going to a top 10 school makes it much more likely that you will be able to secure a job with one of the high paying firms (assuming thats what you want to start your career with out of law school). And working for a high paying firm makes it much easier to pay down law school debt. I'm never one to advocate taking on 200K in debt pretty much regardless of the circumstances, but it would make a lot more sense to go 200K in debt for Columbia or NYU than to be 200K in debt for a school that does not give you a very high chance of going to a high-paying firm (and there are certainly a number of schools that fit this description)
you are awesome!! thanks!!
I would need quite a bit more information before I could answer that. Where are the schools located? Where do you want to end up working? What are your career goals? Its hard to just objectively say which is the better choice because there are no objective choices in choosing schools. If you would like, send me a private message with more information, and I can help you out.