Law School is Like Grad School

Something I have heard a lot, is people assuming that law school is just like grad school. This assumption typically comes from people who don’t know much about law school in general. I have friends in grad school for various types of programs, and I can confidently say that law school is nothing like grad school.

Law school is longer, and typically have less flexible schedules than graduate programs. Grad school is a wonderful option for many people, but it is not the same as law school. If you’re having trouble deciding whether to attend law school or grad school, I would suggest taking time off first to help you decide, because they are significantly different.

Getting in is the Hardest Part

Law school applications suck, I get it. But I suggest keeping your eye on the long term goal, despite how difficult that can be during the application process. While I hate to be the bearer of bad news, applications are just the beginning. The hard work doesn’t start until you actually get to law school. If getting in was the hardest part, and the rest was smooth sailing, it wouldn’t be the case that many people will not be able to make it past the first semester. This is another one of the many reasons why you should carefully consider whether law school is actually the right path for you.

It is Impossible to Have a Life

If you can’t tell by everything else I’ve said, law school is tough. However, it is not impossible to still have a life. I’m not staying up every night studying. In fact, 95% of the time, I’m getting a full 8 hours of sleep. I hang out with friends, I go out occasionally, I spend time on the weekends doing things I enjoy. It’s all about balance. If you stay organized and on top of your work, it is very doable to maintain other aspects of your life and find balance.

You’ll Land a Six-Figure Salary Job After Graduating

A lot of people go into law school confident that they will be making six-figures after school, and as a result don’t consider debt/ scholarship amounts and go to the best school they can go to. While it is true that you make six-figures after school if you work at a big firm, these jobs are highly coveted and competitive, and you might not be interested in corporate law. In reality, the job market is not great right now, and it is not easy to get a job. Average salaries for entry-level lawyers vary significantly, and a six-figure salary is far from guaranteed.

You Can Study the Same Way You Did in College

When I was preparing to start law school, I did feel a false sense of confidence in my study habits because I worked really hard in college and always received good grades. But studying in law school is an entirely different beast. It takes time to get used to how you have to study in law school. No matter how good of a student you were in college, your brain isn’t going to be accustomed to the amount of reading you’ll be doing, the competitive environment of classes, staying on top of outlining, having one exam determine your entire grade, and the harsh curve.

But what I will say is grit is crucial in law school. If you can work hard and stay determined, you will be able to succeed. It just will take time for your study habits to change and evolve.

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