Making the decision to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities is one of the biggest decisions of your life. Making the right choice can either transform your future for the better or leave you feeling unsatisfied and regretful.
If you’re just starting high school or have been in college for some time, you may be uncertain which law school is the right one for you. This quiz can help determine which schools best suit your personal goals, interests and personality.
Cost
Many students and recent graduates face a major financial strain when attending law school. This is especially true if they have taken out student loans to cover tuition, living expenses and other associated costs associated with attending school.
Law school tuition can range anywhere from $84,558 for in-state public schools to $147,936 for private universities. When adding living costs like rent, food and transportation into the equation, they can add thousands more dollars onto your overall tuition cost; so be sure to factor these extra costs into your decision-making process when selecting which school best meets your needs.
Becoming a lawyer was once seen as the gateway to an impressive career and lifestyle, yet few law school graduates feel their education was worth the cost. According to Gallup polling of 4,000 Americans who earned postgraduate degrees between 2000 and 2015, only 23 percent said their education had been worthwhile.
It’s likely due to the limited job market for lawyers, low median salaries for new attorneys and the high debt loads most graduates carry after graduation. While there are financing options and merit-based scholarships available, it’s best to understand the true cost of attending law school before making any commitments.
It’s beneficial to understand the average salaries of law school graduates, which can vary based on their type of work and where they practice. While some lawyers enjoy six-figure starting salaries, others may struggle financially.
Be mindful that undergraduate loan payments may be deferred while attending law school and any unsubsidized debt you incur will accrue interest during your enrollment. This could result in a substantial debt load which requires substantial monthly payments to be cleared off.
The average law school debt load is $145,500, which can cause immense worry and stress for many students and graduates. When combined with the fact that many graduates have little income after school, this debt can leave them with a negative net worth and in an economically precarious position.
Types of lawyers
Different lawyers specialize in different areas, so it is essential to know what each one does so that you can select the law school best suited to your career objectives.
Some lawyers specialize in specific areas of law, like criminal or environmental law. On the other hand, general practice attorneys handle all sorts of legal problems. Before choosing which path you should take with your career, make sure the law school you select has a reputation for providing quality education.
For instance, the University of Illinois College of Law offers a program that educates law students about psychology and behavioral science. This approach has been proven to increase students’ effectiveness at their jobs since it emphasizes how human behavior impacts the legal process.
In addition to studying psychology of human behavior, law students must also consider their personality and strengths as lawyers. Some legal professionals must possess strong analytical capabilities while others excel as skilled negotiators.
When selecting the ideal law school, other factors like desired job duties, salary range and local job outlook must all be taken into account. Carefully considering these details will help ensure the most informed decision-making process possible.
Another key factor is your educational background. A strong academic record can increase the likelihood of landing an excellent job as a lawyer, especially for those students aspiring to work in large cities.
Some students choose to study constitutional law, which involves delving into the Constitution and applying it to different areas of legal practice. Although a career in constitutional law may not be widely available, it can offer valuable insight into our government structure and give us a deeper appreciation of the laws that shape our country.
Some of the most sought-after lawyer types include finance and securities lawyers, criminal attorneys, and workers’ compensation attorneys. These professionals work for agencies or corporations that handle financial or white-collar crimes like fraud, market manipulation or insider trading. In addition to their regular duties, these professionals must stay abreast of changes in laws and regulations that impact their employers.
Extracurricular activities
Law school extracurricular activities can help you build your resume and showcase your legal expertise. They may also make an excellent impression on employers as you search for internships or graduate school positions.
Many students mistakenly assume extracurriculars don’t matter much when applying to law school, but they actually play a vital role in deciding which school you should attend. Your choices of activities will shape who you are as an individual and give the admissions committee an insightful view of you from all angles.
You can volunteer in a medical or animal shelter, as well as participate in volunteer programs abroad. These commitments demonstrate your willingness to leave behind comforts and work toward making the world a better place.
While in your 2L year, you can join a law journal or law review to hone writing and research skills as well as gain exposure to the legal industry. While these opportunities may not be as prestigious, they still help build your resume and demonstrate that you are serious about pursuing legal work in the future.
Moot courts are another excellent opportunity to hone legal skills, as they require teams of students to solve a complex problem and present their case before an impartial panel of judges. These competitions provide ample opportunity for practice with opening arguments, cross examination techniques, and closing statements.
Mock trials are an invaluable way to hone your trial skills, as they give you hands-on experience presenting evidence and conducting cross examination. This is particularly useful if you aspire to become a litigation attorney.
Finally, student government is an excellent opportunity to get involved at your university. Not only does this give you the chance to meet new people and develop leadership abilities, but it also helps shape the law school environment for future students.
Many students opt to join a pre-law society on campus, which offers various law-related activities like moot courts, mock trials, negotiation workshops and cross-examination exercises. Not only are these extracurriculars an excellent way to prepare for law school but they can also be tons of fun!
Personality
When selecting a career, it’s essential to comprehend how your personality can influence your decision-making process. Doing this will enable you to locate a profession which best fits both your lifestyle and aspirations.
Personality is a set of traits that accurately capture an individual’s thoughts and emotions. These characteristics remain constant over time and situations, often being considered characteristic features of that individual.
Researchers can identify and measure many personality traits. However, five basic characteristics are often used to study personality: extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism.
Extroversion is a personality trait associated with enthusiasm and interest in the world around them. It also suggests someone is risk-taking, eager to explore new experiences, and eager to learn.
Agreeableness is a personality trait associated with people’s willingness to compromise and cooperate. It also correlates with people’s empathy towards others as well as emotional stability.
A high score on this personality trait indicates people tend to be understanding of other people’s mistakes, forgive their transgressions, and have a good sense of fairness. On the contrary, a low score suggests people become easily provoked and hold grudges against those who have hurt them.
Another personality trait linked to loyalty and commitment is conscientiousness. This trait shows people’s concern for others’ well-being, making it often found among leaders.
The third personality trait related to people’s beliefs and values is openness. This trait expresses people’s eagerness to experience new things, gain knowledge, and interact with others. Furthermore, openness also implies being a people person who seeks out opportunities for learning from others.
The four personality traits most closely connected to people’s decisions are avoidance, intuition, dependence and spontaneity. Furthermore, all four traits share a lower rational style of decision-making.
