Military/ Law school? Forum

[tmro]

Hello, I'm a sophomore cadet in Army ROTC. I major in engineering and planned until recently going active duty after graduation, now I'm considering law school. Should I fulfill my obligation to the Army first, and then apply to law school, or apply for an educational delay, attend law school as a 2LT then go in as a CPT? My GPA isn't as great considering, so which would give me better chances? Or is this not even considered? Thanks

[anli]

Do your service commitment first. It will be a nice soft, and more importantly, you will have the GI bill to cover the cost of law school. That is a tremendous financial benefit that I wish I had considered prior to law school myself.

[Drew82abndiv]

Do your commitment first but know that you WILL NOT have the GI bill to pay for law school if you were a 4 year scholarship cadet. I served my time and took the LSAT in Afghanistan on my second deployment and since I am a combat vet I go to school for free in CT (and many states do the same thing). Get some real world experience and enjoy the traveling for a few years...you aren't too old when it's done and then you have time to sort things out in your head.

Drew

[casper13]

Do your commitment first but know that you WILL NOT have the GI bill to pay for law school if you were a 4 year scholarship cadet. I served my time and took the LSAT in Afghanistan on my second deployment and since I am a combat vet I go to school for free in CT (and many states do the same thing). Get some real world experience and enjoy the traveling for a few years...you aren't too old when it's done and then you have time to sort things out in your head.

Drew

How and where did you do this. PM me if you want. Im in afghan now

[tmro]

Are you considering going back in once you get your JD? And I'm a non-scholarship cadet so I'd still have the GI Bill?

[Kobe_Teeth]

And I'm a non-scholarship cadet so I'd still have the GI Bill?

Yes, absolutely.

Also, do your service first. A lot of schools like work experience before you attend law school and I'm sure they friggin' love military experience - its like work experience on crack.

[BobbyDigital]

I personally wish I would have gone to school first, then served. I'm not sure the "soft" is as much of a factor as many think, it really only depends on the individual school (some schools are more known to value military service than others). If it is the experience you're looking for--why not get it as a jag lawyer? Even if it is temporary, it can be great experience, especially if you're looking to work in the public sector.

Most important thing to consider imo is whether you are ready or not for law school. Looking back I don't think I would have been as driven and mature as I am now after waiting a few years and serving.

[superjake]

Personally, I think you should fulfill military school first. So you can feel a sense of entitlement. Moreover, opportunities in life are likely to be more available with a greater chance of success. You can read on about military school through this link. Good luck!