You think you’re ready for law school, but are you sure? Enrolling in law school is a major commitment, personally and financially. Deciding to spend the next several years dedicated to your studies and then intensely preparing for the bar exam is not for the faint of heart. Here are six things you should consider before making the big commitment.
- Can you create and follow a demanding schedule, dedicating hours to study and time for self-care. What is self-care? Sleeping, eating healthy meals, exercising, spending time with loved ones, enjoying some down time, working (if necessary). Are you disciplined enough to hold yourself accountable to this schedule?
- Can you engage in tough conversations with your loved ones to gain their support so that when you are not present as often as you were, you do not feel the guilt of neglecting your relationships?
- Can you allow yourself to feel vulnerable and embrace humility? Even the most accomplished professionals who enter law school soon realize that law school is unlike anything they’ve done before and can humble you in ways you never thought possible. This requires the ability to put aside your ego and accept that you are “starting from scratch” even if you hold advanced degrees, are a leader in your current field, or own a successful company.
- Can you accept that you do not design the program? The law school curriculum, while nuanced depending upon the particular school you attend, is rather structured. You may not always agree with it. Understand that when you agree to attend an institution, you agree to be a participant in the curriculum that is offered. Accepting this will help you come to terms with what you must do to graduate and save your energy for what you need to do — work hard in the classes to which you are assigned.
- Can you commit to staying positive? The stress of law school is real and there will be days when being positive doesn’t come naturally. It becomes a choice you will need to make for yourself.
- Can you appreciate and accept the commitment? This requires knowing the program and opportunities offered, taking advantage of them while still honoring yourself throughout the process.
Lauren Hespos has a J.D., an M.S. in Education, and a certificate in Positive Psychology. Hespos is an instructor of law and the Assistant Director of Academic Excellence and Bar Success at Touro Law School where she teaches academic success courses to first-year students. Hespos has vast experience in higher ed administration, including law school student affairs, law school central administration and enrollment management.
