Older Applicants (30 plus) Applying for Fall 2016 Forum

[jwLAW_16]

I wanted to open a new thread for any applicants that are older, non-traditional seeking admission for Fall 2016. What has been your experience thus far? Are you planning to attend full-time/part-time? Have you been offered any scholarships or do you plan on taking out loans for tuition? Or anything else you feel like discussing...

[chicharon]

Post removed...

[reydingo]

Yeah, that three offers tons of support for non traditional students, especially those that are +30 and AA such as myself. However to answer your questions. I am currently a 33 year Captain in the US Army. I spent the majority of the traditional, law school years caring for my mother with other family members, due to a surgery that left immobilized to this day, and applying for the US Air Force flight school program (roughly 2004-2008). After several eye examinations (I required a waiver for general military service, otherwise a good physical specimen) and numerous attempts for other programs, I became a Soldier just to serve in the military. Had an overall okay career field, but its not something I wish to spend the rest of my life doing as a profession. I separate from active duty in 2017, date unknown but before August, and intend going to whichever law school accepts me in New York or DC in Fall 2017.

As far as method of payment, I will be relying on the 9/11 GI Bill, with the yellow ribbon program, for a law degree and LLM in taxation, to practice aviation law with a focus on taxes. Also, I will attempt to join the Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard, to earn some sort of income and assist my wife, who will take over as the breadwinner. Another supplement, that I am investigating, is taking out 100K loan for the 4 years of law school to supplement our incomes. This is due to some discrepancies I have been told about the GI Bill, particularly the housing stipend, but since we are going to high income living areas with a daughter and pets, it is recommended until we get established. The intent is to not use any of it, but if need be, its there.

Finally as per tradition-
BA-Criminal Justice (IMO, worst mistake, not too credible on its own)-3.6 (3.7 LSDAS)
MA-Business Administration (IMO second worst mistake, recommend getting it with a concentration)-3.9.
LSAT-currently studying-will take in June when deployed, looking for 165-180 range. If not, will retake in December.
LoRs-3 from previous bosses, since I have not been to school since 2010.

[NycGirl12]

Jlaw good for you! Age is just a number, plus you're older and some admissions look at your age as a sign of maturity and responsibility to handle the work. You can definitely teach your younger colleagues a thing or to. I think there's quite a few older applicants who have plenty of work experience under their belts. Don't think about that just apply

[fliptrip]

Jlaw good for you! Age is just a number, plus you're older and some admissions look at your age as a sign of maturity and responsibility to handle the work. You can definitely teach your younger colleagues a thing or to. I think there's quite a few older applicants who have plenty of work experience under their belts. Don't think about that just apply

This made me chuckle. As an older person I don't know how much I have to teach anyone because they've already learned the biggest lesson I learned..don't wait too long in life before you apply to law school...lol...

Seriously though, I think one of the greatest advantages of being older is the realization of just how little you know.

[OLitch]

Checking in!

I got into 2 out of 3 of my top choices. I withdrew from the other schools I applied to.

I decided to go PT because of family obligations.

The GI bill is helping me out in the $$$ department.

My biggest concern is selling my home before I need to move. I'm going looooooooowwwwww on the listing price. I'll lose a ton of money.

[fliptrip]

Checking in!

I got into 2 out of 3 of my top choices. I withdrew from the other schools I applied to.

I decided to go PT because of family obligations.

The GI bill is helping me out in the $$$ department.

My biggest concern is selling my home before I need to move. I'm going looooooooowwwwww on the listing price. I'll lose a ton of money.

I'm 100% sure you've already considered this, but can you keep the house and rent it out? Being a "motivated" seller is always death.