Do PT'ers feel separated from the FT class? Forum

[Norwood]

(Hi 0L here)Is this something that should be considered as a con for being in a pt program? I want to be involved with the entire class, however I'm worried that as a pt'er I will be isolated to only my small section. Is there really a big disconnect between pt'ers and ft'ers (am I going to feel like an outcast...)? Anyone mind sharing their experiences? Thx

[Connelly]

I would imagine this would depend on the school.

I know I sound like Captain Obvious, but it really depends on how much you interact with the FT students. If you're on campus for events during the day and possibly have a few classes with the FT students, you can get very involved with them. Getting in on the Student Bar Association or a similar organization your first year could help with this.

People bond quite a bit with the people in their section during 1L, so there is no guarantee you will build as many relationships with FT students as you will with those in your section, but you can definitely make a lot of FT friends if you're willing to make the effort.

[OperaSoprano]

I am a part time student, and here are my observations:

People who can be on campus during the day are more integrated into the life of the school. If I'm not at my internship, you'll see me on campus, and I see my FT friends quite often. Participation in clubs and activities is the best way to meet people from other sections, but unfortunately most of them meet during the day. I think the perfect balance is to work or intern part time, and leave yourself enough time to still be involved at your school.

The part time students (all 160 or so of us!) have each other, of course, and my sectionmates are awesome. Those who do work full time still try to make it out to post class events, and we all try to keep things in balance.

[engineer]

This gives me so much hope for next semester

[Norwood]

Thanks for all the input so far. This really helps clear up some minor worries that I had about choosing to be a pt student. It looks like I'll do my best to get involved in a club or two and other campus events. I'm sure that I'm not going be as close to the entire class as a ft student would be, but it's good to see that I won't be limited to only my pt section as far as involvement and networking goes.\

as far as internships/employment for your first summer, has being a PT law student had any negative or positive effects? Is the lighter course load looked down upon?

[OperaSoprano]

Thanks for all the input so far. This really helps clear up some minor worries that I had about choosing to be a pt student. It looks like I'll do my best to get involved in a club or two and other campus events. I'm sure that I'm not going be as close to the entire class as a ft student would be, but it's good to see that I won't be limited to only my pt section as far as involvement and networking goes.\

as far as internships/employment for your first summer, has being a PT law student had any negative or positive effects? Is the lighter course load looked down upon?

I would say it would only be a negative if you're really not doing anything else! Most people intern, volunteer, or do something to make themselves stand out if they aren't working or taking care of children. In my case, being PT probably saved my summer, because it gave me time for a year long internship which led to a summer position there is no way I would have otherwise gotten. Because the organization was familiar with my work, I was never even asked for my transcript.