Taking Time Off (TFA & maybe ETA) Forum

[GnosisExchange]

Post removed.

[yomisterd]

Hi,

I'm currently a senior at Amherst College--a small but relatively prestigious liberal arts college in Western Massachusetts. I have decided to take at least two years off (three if I get the Fulbright ETA I applied for) before going to law school. I was accepted to TFA and hope to pursue an MA in Education and Social Change while in the corps. Because I am particularly interested in Education Law, I really think this is the best plan for me as my GPA is not as high as I'd wish (I'll probably only get cum laude).

I write to ask if you guys know of any steps I could take during my time off to improve my chances of getting into a T14 (Chicago would probably be my top choice at the moment, but a lot can change in a few years). I know that during a Fulbright ETA, for example, some countries have funds for fellows to pursue independent projects. So I was wondering if anyone had any experience doing special projects while an ETA or TFA CM and whether or not those projects helped as soft factors in LS admissions.

How meaningful do you think an MA GPA would be? I have read several sources on that question and the answer is not too consistent.

Best,
GE

As a 0L applying to schools with a high Master's GPA, it means nothing. UGPA is all that matters, unless you fail your MA. HTH

[Mullens]

The best thing you can do to improve your chances at being accepted to T14 schools is to study hard for and kill the LSAT.

[GnosisExchange]

Post removed.

[Otunga]

It sounds like you have a good plan. As the others stated, ace the LSAT and you're well on your way. However, you may end up liking teaching a lot and so LS could become less desirable of a choice.

[cberg]

Hi,

I'm currently a senior at Amherst College--a small but relatively prestigious liberal arts college in Western Massachusetts. I have decided to take at least two years off (three if I get the Fulbright ETA I applied for) before going to law school. I was accepted to TFA and hope to pursue an MA in Education and Social Change while in the corps. Because I am particularly interested in Education Law, I really think this is the best plan for me as my GPA is not as high as I'd wish (I'll probably only get cum laude).

I write to ask if you guys know of any steps I could take during my time off to improve my chances of getting into a T14 (Chicago would probably be my top choice at the moment, but a lot can change in a few years). I know that during a Fulbright ETA, for example, some countries have funds for fellows to pursue independent projects. So I was wondering if anyone had any experience doing special projects while an ETA or TFA CM and whether or not those projects helped as soft factors in LS admissions.

How meaningful do you think an MA GPA would be? I have read several sources on that question and the answer is not too consistent.

Best,
GE

You will have ZERO time as a first year CM to do anything other than teach. This includes sleep. Get used to not doing it. Feel free to PM me if you want more details, but seriously TFA is a HUGE time commitment. You can start "getting involved" your second year (and third, because realistically you need 3 years in the classroom to claim any sort of legitimate teaching experience.)

[cberg]

Also take the June LSAT. You will have no time to prepare/study enough to get a T14-worthy score once you're in the corps.

[iamgeorgebush]

yeah i don't think TFA is going to be "time off"...from what i understand it's a pretty rigorous program.