Studying law in the United States differs from other countries. In the United States, law is a professional academic field and the equivalent of a graduate degree in other parts of the world. Therefore, law is studied as a second degree, as opposed to a first degree. Law schools are part of public and private universities that grant Juris Doctor degrees and other law degrees, such as Master of Laws, to students who have already obtained their Juris Doctor.
Instructions
1. Conduct your own research on what the study of law entails. One way to begin is by attending a law school forum. You can also seek the advice of an advocate. Services of an advocate can be obtained online or by personally contacting an advocate. A fee is usually charged, depending on the advocate. Choose a few schools that meet your criteria and evaluate the rankings of law schools to assist in your decision. Consider the location, specialization, network opportunities and cost of your preferred schools. Private schools in the U.S. are generally more expensive than public schools.
2. Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). This is a standardized test that takes half a day. It is administered at designated testing centers throughout the world. The month the test is given varies, depending on your location. However, taking the the LSAT is required before December to facilitate admission in the following fall. A test-taker can repeat the test if he feels the score does not reflect his true abilities. The test cannot be taken more than three times in any two-year period.
3. Send your applications to your preferred schools. Requirements for admission to law school in the U.S. include: an American Bachelor's degree or its equivalent, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores, recommendation letters and full applications submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). International applicants are required to have their TOEFL scores and financial statements showing proof of funds for the academic year.
4. Familiarize yourself with the general environment and culture of your chosen school. It is important to have a reliable source of income for tuition and living expenses. The American Bar Association (ABA) allows full-time law students to work no more than 20 hours a week. This is to facilitate maximum concentration on your studies. Accommodation should be organized prior to commencement of studies.
5. Organize your time to correspond with your schedule. ABA-approved law schools require three years of full-time study to earn a Juris Doctor degree and four years for part-time students. The first year of law school is most difficult. You are required to take courses in legal writing, contracts, constitutional law, torts and criminal law, among other courses. Professors usually use the socratic method of teaching where a student answers questions based on case law. Second-year students focus on other activities such as law review, moot court and other extra curricular activities. Third-year students concentrate on electives and specialized focus areas.
Tags: Juris Doctor, School Admission, United States, Admission Test, Admission Test LSAT