2 answers
Jennifer
Student
Monterey, California
1
Question
Updated
725 views
Is adjusting to law school different from adjusting to undergrad school as a freshman?
I am currently a high school senior, curious on if the adjustments are similar or different to be better prepared for my future academic career.
Login to comment
2 answers
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
International Tax Professional
188
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Jennifer,
For me the first year of law school was very different from freshman year in college. First of all, you don't live in a dorm in most law schools, so I lived in a rented apartment with other graduate students (none of them were in law school). I worked part time during the second and third year of law school and really felt like I had a life outside of law school, which was great. But as far as making friends in law school, I found that to be harder than it was in college. The law school I went to was not very diverse and I did not feel that I fit "the profile" of the typical law student. However, I really loved my law school professors and I found them to be great mentors ( that happened to me in college, too). I think you should not worry about how you will feel during the first year because by the time you get to law school you will already have finished your college studies, made friends and had some time to learn how to be organized and focus. Good luck!
For me the first year of law school was very different from freshman year in college. First of all, you don't live in a dorm in most law schools, so I lived in a rented apartment with other graduate students (none of them were in law school). I worked part time during the second and third year of law school and really felt like I had a life outside of law school, which was great. But as far as making friends in law school, I found that to be harder than it was in college. The law school I went to was not very diverse and I did not feel that I fit "the profile" of the typical law student. However, I really loved my law school professors and I found them to be great mentors ( that happened to me in college, too). I think you should not worry about how you will feel during the first year because by the time you get to law school you will already have finished your college studies, made friends and had some time to learn how to be organized and focus. Good luck!
Anna Caffarel, JD, CFP®, EA
7
Answers
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi Jennifer,
What an insightful question!
For students who already have strong academic discipline, the key adjustments for undergraduate school involve mastering time management and self-care, which includes eating well, exercising, staying healthy, and avoiding all-nighters. Additionally, it's important to surround yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals who are focused on their studies, as this can greatly increase your chances of success.
With these disciplines in place, transitioning to law school will be much smoother. The best advice I received was to study for two hours for every hour spent in class and to avoid partying, dating, or other distractions during the first semester.
Some of the most helpful resources I discovered include:
· A one-day seminar on how to take a law school exam.
· Having a study buddy, as explaining concepts out loud can reinforce your understanding.
· The book "29 Reasons Not to Go to Law School," which provides a humorous yet helpful perspective on the challenges of law school. You can find inexpensive used copies online: https://www.amazon.com/Reasons-Not-Law-School-4th/dp/0873372433
Best wishes for college and beyond!
What an insightful question!
For students who already have strong academic discipline, the key adjustments for undergraduate school involve mastering time management and self-care, which includes eating well, exercising, staying healthy, and avoiding all-nighters. Additionally, it's important to surround yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals who are focused on their studies, as this can greatly increase your chances of success.
With these disciplines in place, transitioning to law school will be much smoother. The best advice I received was to study for two hours for every hour spent in class and to avoid partying, dating, or other distractions during the first semester.
Some of the most helpful resources I discovered include:
· A one-day seminar on how to take a law school exam.
· Having a study buddy, as explaining concepts out loud can reinforce your understanding.
· The book "29 Reasons Not to Go to Law School," which provides a humorous yet helpful perspective on the challenges of law school. You can find inexpensive used copies online: https://www.amazon.com/Reasons-Not-Law-School-4th/dp/0873372433
Best wishes for college and beyond!