AboutEvelyn R. Calvoni Expertise I can answer questions about law school and the process of applying to law school. I am graduating this May (2008), so it's all fresh in my mind. I can answer questions about how to apply to law school, the LSAT, getting letters of recommendation, writing your personal statement, etc. I can also answer questions about what life is like during law school and the different opportunities students should take advantage of during their law school experience, i.e., law review, networking events, moot court, clinics, internships, what classes to take, etc. I can also answer questions about what it's like to look for a job, what are good jobs to get right out of law school, and general questions about writing cover letters and resumes.
Experience I am a third-year law student getting ready to graduate this May (2008). I have been through the process and have taken advantage of many different opportunities throughout my three years in law school. I've done internships, a clinic, been on law review, been on moot court, and participated in several moot court competitions. I will be working clerking for a Court of Appeals judge starting in August 2008.
Education/Credentials I have a BA in Political Science and my law degree this May (2008).
Expert: Evelyn R. Calvoni Date: 4/3/2008 Subject: How are my chances of getting into Law school? Can I get into a top 100?
Question I am 28 and currently in the first year of studies with the University of Phoenix. I understand all the stigma associated with this school, but from my knowledge accreditation is more important (which UoP is regionally accredited). Please correct me if I am wrong. I am a good reader and writer, and have always been interested in the field of law. I am married with two children and I work full-time. I am also involved in the community, volunteering at homeless shelters throughout the city. However my path up to this point has been quite rocky. I left high school early, but earned my GED. I now understand the importance of working hard and earning an education. I truly want to study law and earn a J.D./M.S.W. I have been taking practice LSAT's and studying the Princeton Review, "Cracking the LSAT" 2007 edition. I have done quite well, in the high 160's. My question is, will the UoP degree be an obstacle, and if I do well on the real LSAT, as I have on the practice tests, can I get into a top 100 school? By the way, I am studying Psychology and carry a high GPA (3.9). I also served in the United States Air Force. Will my military experience benefit me with potential law school's? Thank you for your time and answers.
Answer Hello. Congratulations on having accomplished so much already in your life! From my experience, law schools like to see individuals who have some work and life experience. Just because you had a rough start, doesn't mean they'll hold it against you. In fact, when you write your personal statement essay, that might be something you want to focus on. Tell them what happened that made you learn how important education is. Tell them where you come from, where you were, and where you are now. They seem to really like that kind of stuff. I think they want to see that you're a person who knows what's up, if that makes any sense. I'm not really sure whether UoP would stand in your way. If it's accredited and you have a degree from there, I think you should be fine. Your best bet might be to contact a few law schools in which you're interested, and ask them directly about that specific issue. Scoring in the high 160s on your LSAT is a VERY good thing. It can only help you. Anything above 160, in my opinion, is stellar, and from my experience the LSAT score is what they look at the most. I definitely think you can get into a top 100 school with that score -- probably even a top 50 school. Your GPA helps a lot as well. And I think they tend to look favorably upon individuals who have served our country. (Thank you for that, by the way.) So all in all, I think you have a good shot at getting. The only thing you might want to consider is possibly looking at schools that have an evening program IF you need to continue working full-time during law school. It's difficult to work full-time and do the 3-year day-time program. In fact, I think some law schools don't even allow you to work the first year. But my school, for example (University of Denver) has an evening program that caters to people who work full-time. It's extended to 4 years instead of 3, but hey, at least you still get to graduate from law school! With the joint MSW, it might take you a little longer, but because you're married with two children, I'm sure you've already realized that time flies, so you'll have your JD/MSW in no time! Good luck and please let me know if I can answer any more questions for you. :)
