American Law worth it? Forum

[pianochickahh]

Hey,

I have a question: is it worth going to American Law School? It's super expensive and $48,000 a year. It's the best one I've gotten into. Got rejected from my top choice today Now rethinking my whole life.

Does anyone have good experiences/bad experiences with American?

Please be nice..

[Nova]

Less than 40% of American grads ever become lawyers


http://www.lstscorereports.com/?school= ... show=chars

so no. its not worth it

Your best option by far is to retake the LSAT.

where are you from and what are your numbers?

[Nova]

oh wait, its you.

http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... &p=7326764

the answer is still retake.

[riverwater]

Food for thought:

http://www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/201 ... crash-pt-2

[rad lulz]

m

[resilience99]

I think American is going to drop in the rankings significantly. I know rankings are not everything, but its median LSAT just a few years ago was 163, this year its 157. Also, its employment of full time longterm bar required jobs is 39%.

http://www.lstscorereports.com/?school=american

I would take a large scholarship in a school that is lower ranked but has better prospects.

[The Dark Kite]

Less than 40% of American grads ever become lawyers


http://www.lstscorereports.com/?school= ... show=chars

so no. its not worth it

Your best option by far is to retake the LSAT.

where are you from and what are your numbers?

"Ever"? That's strong. Less than 40% of the class of 2012, at the time at which LST's most recent data had been published, fell under that category. But "ever" is a little strong. The point being made is fair though. I'd echo everyone else and suggest the retake if you have the time and are in search of a better bang for your buck... American at sticker, unless your parents are floating the bill/you're rich, is just not a wise investment. If, however, you want to take that risk... just be ready to study harder than you've ever studied in your life to graduate at the very, very top of your class and hope for the best.

I offer that last tidbit with fair warning: for everyone who enters law school like "Oh, I'll just get a 4.0 GPA and be a big fish in a small pond" or "I'll just get a 4.0 GPA and transfer to Harvard"... take a second to understand the difficulty of that, how realistic/unrealistic that may be, and again.... whether or not it's worth the overall investment.

I assume that because you're asking whether or not it's worth it, though.. that you may be willing to retake. So just do that.

[Tyr]

Less than 40% of American grads ever become lawyers


http://www.lstscorereports.com/?school= ... show=chars

so no. its not worth it

Your best option by far is to retake the LSAT.

where are you from and what are your numbers?

Pretty much everything you need for determining "if it is worth it" can be found on lstscorereports. Great website. However, always take into consideration your particular situation. Not everybody wants to go for "big law," but that site is still an invaluable resource.

[tigersaresexy]

Hey you're the one who's going to GWU right now right? I just graduated from there. Something something Colonials! (what are sports?)

Anyway, if you're considering a retake, Griffon Prep on K street is AMAZING and I whole heartedly recommend them. I bet they could help you score in the early 160's at least, and then you're pretty set with your GPA, you might be able to do GW Law.

You can PM me if you want want any details.

[Young Marino]

OP, you probably have a good shot at U of Baltimore with a little $$$ with that gpa as their medians are 152/3.13 or Howard who is at 3.22/152. Both of these schools place better than American according to LST. I'm not as big on retaking the lsat as many on here but with you're gpa you can probably get into some reputable regionals and tier 3/4s with a full ride (U of DC perhaps?). Just do your research and look in the region where you wanna work. Keep in mind, American is competing with GW and Georgetown for the same jobs so I personally don't think it's worth sticker but only you can answer that for yourself.

[AntipodeanPhil]

If you want anecdotes, I know a few people who graduated from American within the last five years. One works in retail (actually a worse job than what she was doing before law school -- her old employer wouldn't take her back), one is currently unemployed, and the third just landed a doc review position in his home town, which he is apparently super-excited about (or so FB suggests).

From what I've heard about their friends, etc, those are fairly representative outcomes. They're all smart, nice people, but the DC legal market is one of the toughest in the country, and a degree from American doesn't travel well.

[062914123]

.

[objection_your_honor]

You have a 4.1. Go to Harvard.

[Gooner91]

I am not saying retake and go to Harvard because it may be possible you cannot score a 170+ on the LSAT. But you should strongly consider retaking and even with a score in the low 160's you could be looking at a T-14, although you may be paying sticker. Do not waste your GPA and money by going to a law school that once you graduate it will be a toss of the coin if you can find a job or not.

[stillwater]

American is a festering TTT. their employment numbers are despicable. please retake. you have a fantastic GPA and you wouldnt want to blow that GPA on the metaphorical last half semester, which is the LSAT.

[BigZuck]

American needs to be shut down. That's not hyperbole. I'm dead serious, someone needs to intervene and shut that law school down.

Don't go to American. Retake.

[midwest17]

Don't ruin your life. Retake.

[Boilerbunch]

Do NOT waste that great GPA, retake, get into somewhere $$$ or at least have a better chance at that dream school that rejected you this cycle.

[iamgeorgebush]

What everyone else said.