you can find me at www.top-law-schools.com! Forum

[taptaptop]

Just get in Michi and you can be my cool friend lol

[FairchildFLT]

This is what I was thinking this morning. My 21st birthday is on the 15th...so they've got to let me in, right?

I applied for free, I'm going to law school for free as well (GI Bill), if I get in cool, if notl retest.

how are you going for free on the GI bill if you're 20?

Joined the Air Force when I was 17, turned 18 in basic training, I'll be 100% GI Bill eligible in February.

When did u get a college degree lol

I'm currently six classes away from my degree. Started college when I was 16. It's a long story...

[p89sean16]

I also just turned 21...why would I waste time and do something else if I want to do law? Life is short

Exactly, the career field I want to go into requires paying your dues, why would I waste 2-3 years when those years could be essential.

As someone turning 25 next month, 1) get off my lawn, and 2) I am so glad I waited and won't be a K-JD. At least personally, the amount I've grown up in my 2.5 years since undergrad has been by far the most significant in my life. There is much to be said for paying your own rent, maintaining a somewhat professional job, etc., that usually doesn't occur in undergrad, or at least not to the same extent as it does in the "real world". Also, my priorities and goals have shifted around quite a bit since I was 21, so don't discount the fact your thoughts at 21 will not be the same when you are 25.

No employer will ever think "damn I wish our entry level work force was 2-3 years younger and less experienced in the real world." I'm not trying to convince you otherwise as I'm sure you've done plenty of research, but 2-3 years doing something other than law is hardly a "waste" and in fact can be "essential" to your development.

[rion91]

I also just turned 21...why would I waste time and do something else if I want to do law? Life is short

Exactly, the career field I want to go into requires paying your dues, why would I waste 2-3 years when those years could be essential.

As someone turning 25 next month, 1) get off my lawn, and 2) I am so glad I waited and won't be a K-JD. At least personally, the amount I've grown up in my 2.5 years since undergrad has been by far the most significant in my life. There is much to be said for paying your own rent, maintaining a somewhat professional job, etc., that usually doesn't occur in undergrad, or at least not to the same extent as it does in the "real world". Also, my priorities and goals have shifted around quite a bit since I was 21, so don't discount the fact your thoughts at 21 will not be the same when you are 25.

No employer will ever think "damn I wish our entry level work force was 2-3 years younger and less experienced in the real world." I'm not trying to convince you otherwise as I'm sure you've done plenty of research, but 2-3 years doing something other than law is hardly a "waste" and in fact can be "essential" to your development.

+1. You mature so much after you graduate. You do a lot of soul searching. You learn what you thought you wanted and what you really want. It's just one of those things you go through, and the increased maturity shows in your app. I'm a reapplicant and just wow, looking at my first apps I feel like I was so naive.

[Dream_weaver32]

I also just turned 21...why would I waste time and do something else if I want to do law? Life is short

Exactly, the career field I want to go into requires paying your dues, why would I waste 2-3 years when those years could be essential.

As someone turning 25 next month, 1) get off my lawn, and 2) I am so glad I waited and won't be a K-JD. At least personally, the amount I've grown up in my 2.5 years since undergrad has been by far the most significant in my life. There is much to be said for paying your own rent, maintaining a somewhat professional job, etc., that usually doesn't occur in undergrad, or at least not to the same extent as it does in the "real world". Also, my priorities and goals have shifted around quite a bit since I was 21, so don't discount the fact your thoughts at 21 will not be the same when you are 25.

No employer will ever think "damn I wish our entry level work force was 2-3 years younger and less experienced in the real world." I'm not trying to convince you otherwise as I'm sure you've done plenty of research, but 2-3 years doing something other than law is hardly a "waste" and in fact can be "essential" to your development.

I can understand the pro's and con's of each decision. All the things you brought up have been discussed with parents, professors, and local lawyers/judges. Everyone told me I was ready for the challenges that law school would bring. I can understand why it would be a good idea for some people to work for a few years full time.

[LSATneurotic]

I also just turned 21...why would I waste time and do something else if I want to do law? Life is short

Exactly, the career field I want to go into requires paying your dues, why would I waste 2-3 years when those years could be essential.

As someone turning 25 next month, 1) get off my lawn, and 2) I am so glad I waited and won't be a K-JD. At least personally, the amount I've grown up in my 2.5 years since undergrad has been by far the most significant in my life. There is much to be said for paying your own rent, maintaining a somewhat professional job, etc., that usually doesn't occur in undergrad, or at least not to the same extent as it does in the "real world". Also, my priorities and goals have shifted around quite a bit since I was 21, so don't discount the fact your thoughts at 21 will not be the same when you are 25.

No employer will ever think "damn I wish our entry level work force was 2-3 years younger and less experienced in the real world." I'm not trying to convince you otherwise as I'm sure you've done plenty of research, but 2-3 years doing something other than law is hardly a "waste" and in fact can be "essential" to your development.

+2

pretty much what I was getting at. I think that if there were less twenty-one year olds applying to law school, there would be fewer unhappy, dissatisfied lawyers.

[Attax]

And especially if you're a bit younger. The 22/23 year old KJDs (including myself so am biased) seem to get along a lot better with the older students than the 20/21 year old KJDs who just seem awkwardly out of place both socially and on a maturity level.

TL;DR take some time off.

[FairchildFLT]

Well that escalated quickly...I appreciate everyone's advice here. Even if you're saying something I do not necessarily agree with. Good luck to everyone!

[blueberrycrumble]

I also just turned 21...why would I waste time and do something else if I want to do law? Life is short

Exactly, the career field I want to go into requires paying your dues, why would I waste 2-3 years when those years could be essential.

As someone turning 25 next month, 1) get off my lawn, and 2) I am so glad I waited and won't be a K-JD. At least personally, the amount I've grown up in my 2.5 years since undergrad has been by far the most significant in my life. There is much to be said for paying your own rent, maintaining a somewhat professional job, etc., that usually doesn't occur in undergrad, or at least not to the same extent as it does in the "real world". Also, my priorities and goals have shifted around quite a bit since I was 21, so don't discount the fact your thoughts at 21 will not be the same when you are 25.

No employer will ever think "damn I wish our entry level work force was 2-3 years younger and less experienced in the real world." I'm not trying to convince you otherwise as I'm sure you've done plenty of research, but 2-3 years doing something other than law is hardly a "waste" and in fact can be "essential" to your development.

One point I have contention with here is the whole "paying your own rent" thing. Why does everyone assume that you don't pay your own rent while still in school? What if you work 20-30 hours a week in order to support yourself and pay all your tuition AND rent? How is paying rent after graduating different from paying rent while in school... the price of rent is still the same...

[bound]

I also just turned 21...why would I waste time and do something else if I want to do law? Life is short

Exactly, the career field I want to go into requires paying your dues, why would I waste 2-3 years when those years could be essential.

As someone turning 25 next month, 1) get off my lawn, and 2) I am so glad I waited and won't be a K-JD. At least personally, the amount I've grown up in my 2.5 years since undergrad has been by far the most significant in my life. There is much to be said for paying your own rent, maintaining a somewhat professional job, etc., that usually doesn't occur in undergrad, or at least not to the same extent as it does in the "real world". Also, my priorities and goals have shifted around quite a bit since I was 21, so don't discount the fact your thoughts at 21 will not be the same when you are 25.

No employer will ever think "damn I wish our entry level work force was 2-3 years younger and less experienced in the real world." I'm not trying to convince you otherwise as I'm sure you've done plenty of research, but 2-3 years doing something other than law is hardly a "waste" and in fact can be "essential" to your development.

+50000000

Sitting out was the best decision I EVER made.

[LSATneurotic]

I also just turned 21...why would I waste time and do something else if I want to do law? Life is short

Exactly, the career field I want to go into requires paying your dues, why would I waste 2-3 years when those years could be essential.

As someone turning 25 next month, 1) get off my lawn, and 2) I am so glad I waited and won't be a K-JD. At least personally, the amount I've grown up in my 2.5 years since undergrad has been by far the most significant in my life. There is much to be said for paying your own rent, maintaining a somewhat professional job, etc., that usually doesn't occur in undergrad, or at least not to the same extent as it does in the "real world". Also, my priorities and goals have shifted around quite a bit since I was 21, so don't discount the fact your thoughts at 21 will not be the same when you are 25.

No employer will ever think "damn I wish our entry level work force was 2-3 years younger and less experienced in the real world." I'm not trying to convince you otherwise as I'm sure you've done plenty of research, but 2-3 years doing something other than law is hardly a "waste" and in fact can be "essential" to your development.

One point I have contention with here is the whole "paying your own rent" thing. Why does everyone assume that you don't pay your own rent while still in school? What if you work 20-30 hours a week in order to support yourself and pay all your tuition AND rent? How is paying rent after graduating different from paying rent while in school... the price of rent is still the same...

I also paid my rent while I was in school, but I knew that comment was not speaking to me. I think you understand perfectly what people mean when they say "paying your own rent." Relax.

Like I said before, in most cases twenty-one year olds shouldn't go to law school. There are some 21 yr olds with more maturity than 30 yr olds. The reverse is more likely, however.

[taptaptop]

I feel like I need to say something for the KJDs here. As someone who just turned 22, I really don't think age is the best indicator of maturity and the amount of real world experience. Granted,2-3 years of w/e can help you build your personality, your better views of certain things and your clearer career goals, but I do think some of us, probably including him, actually gained a lot of real experience before we reached 22. It's all individualized. For me, I haven't really got any full time working experience yet, but I did experience a lot what most people who have worked for 2-3 years have not experienced.

It's more of a philosophical question here, those who have been out of school for 2+ years might say that they have learned a lot in those years, but they wouldn't be able to know what they would've become if they actually went to law school initially, probably they would've been mature as well, only probably in a different way.

All I'm trying to say is that every person has different situations, it all comes down to the question: are you ready for law school? You know that answer better than anyone else.

Good luck everyone!

[warby93]

Everyone is different and to be fair, aside from a few posts on an anonymous online forum, no one here knows the circumstances of anyone else's life. I wouldn't be applying to law school if I didn't think it was the best decision I could be making for myself at this point in my life. Some of you disagree. That is ok. That is your own personal opinion. At the end of the day, all that matters is that my fellow k-jds and I are confident in the choices we've made.

[rebexness]

[90convoy]

Just to add to this...oh hell yes it is definitely credited for most people to wait a couple years! I totally agree with everything that has been said in this thread. With that being said, I, personally, will not take a few years off because there is a chance that my perspective on things will change. What if doesn't? I don't need to waste time bumbling through my early twenties to find myself. So yes, it might benefit me to take time off, but it could also have negative consequences.

[warby93]

Just to add to this...oh hell yes it is definitely credited for most people to wait a couple years! I totally agree with everything that has been said in this thread. With that being said, I, personally, will not take a few years off because there is a chance that my perspective on things will change. What if doesn't? I don't need to waste time bumbling through my early twenties to find myself. So yes, it might benefit me to take time off, but it could also have negative consequences.

+1

[WeeBey]

I feel like theres too issues here

1. As a K-JD, your a little young to make such a big decision.

2. Disadvantage at OCI.

If you have a business background, it makes sense if you can get a nice job. But if your only options are restaurant or retail work going straight to law school would not be the worst idea. Also, I doubt experience not related to what the firm does gives you that much of a boost at OCI.

[LSATneurotic]

^....kids these day

On a serious note: has anyone who's been accepted received an email about the admitted students website yet?

the personalized note that came in the acceptance package sucked, btw. Do better, Michigan.

[Mack.Hambleton]

^....kids these day

On a serious note: has anyone who's been accepted received an email about the admitted students website yet?

the personalized note that came in the acceptance package sucked, btw. Do better, Michigan.

lol what did it say, also no admitted students info here yet

[LSATneurotic]

^....kids these day

On a serious note: has anyone who's been accepted received an email about the admitted students website yet?

the personalized note that came in the acceptance package sucked, btw. Do better, Michigan.

lol what did it say, also no admitted students info here yet

can't remember, just some generic shit. I didn't feel special at all. A girl likes to feel needed, ya know?

[irontryad]

I'll be 20 when I send in my seat deposit. I recognize that my youth is probably something of a disadvantage, but I'm not really concerned about any maturity issues, and I know that for me, personally, applying this cycle is a better option than waiting a year. Maybe that's not the case for a lot of people, and I can't speak for those people (or anyone other than me). Law school is an immensely personal decision, and I think we forget that sometimes. I'm glad that waiting paid off for a lot of you guys, but it's not for me.

[cc78]

Everyone is different and to be fair, aside from a few posts on an anonymous online forum, no one here knows the circumstances of anyone else's life. I wouldn't be applying to law school if I didn't think it was the best decision I could be making for myself at this point in my life. Some of you disagree. That is ok. That is your own personal opinion. At the end of the day, all that matters is that my fellow k-jds and I are confident in the choices we've made.

I'm with warby here, but this is a fun topic. A lot of advice here is delivered with a level of authority and certainty that is probably unwarranted. I'm way older and have an top-tier MBA, but I am applying to law school and I realize that the collective wisdom is that I am making a huge mistake (opportunity cost! you already can make $xxx in consulting or banking! you're too old to ever get hired as an associate! are the cries I hear). But, I want to be a lawyer and I am ready to take on the challenge and assume the risks.

My 10+ years of work experience have taught me that I would have been better in school in my early 20s and that if I had it to do over again I would have gotten all my education in sequence before I entered the working world. So, that's to say that if I could have rewound it, I would have definitely tried to go K-JD.

I can however speak to the unique nature of work experience--the most salient part about the college/working world transition for me was less about paying rent and much more about the way in which your time is not your own in the working world. You have to come every single day and stay all day and do what x,y,z says. That is far different from undergrad where you make your own schedule, you can take a class off if you feel like it, and mistakes are not only allowed, they are encouraged to facilitate learning. If you go a little further in your career and start having responsibility over a team and/or an organization, I would struggle to find a college-based experience that comes close to really replicating that.

[ChemEng1642]

I can however speak to the unique nature of work experience--the most salient part about the college/working world transition for me was less about paying rent and much more about the way in which your time is not your own in the working world. You have to come every single day and stay all day and do what x,y,z says. That is far different from undergrad where you make your own schedule, you can take a class off if you feel like it, and mistakes are not only allowed, they are encouraged to facilitate learning. If you go a little further in your career and start having responsibility over a team and/or an organization, I would struggle to find a college-based experience that comes close to really replicating that.

I'm not anti-KJD but

+1000

at least in my experience

[LSATneurotic]

Everyone is different and to be fair, aside from a few posts on an anonymous online forum, no one here knows the circumstances of anyone else's life. I wouldn't be applying to law school if I didn't think it was the best decision I could be making for myself at this point in my life. Some of you disagree. That is ok. That is your own personal opinion. At the end of the day, all that matters is that my fellow k-jds and I are confident in the choices we've made.

less about paying rent

nevermind, no one cares

[rebexness]