If you are trying to balance your family, work and other obligations, a full-time law program may not be the right fit for you. Some schools offer part-time programs; about 10% of all law school graduates attend school only part of the time, according to the US Department of Labor. A full-time student gets a degree in three years, while part-time scholars take four academic years to finish. In most cases, a student can transfer from a part-time to a full-time program. There are many advantages to part-time law school, but there are also drawbacks to consider.
The Benefits of Part-Time Law School
* Flexible classes: Many part-time programs have classes in the evening, allowing students to work their way through school. An evening class makes it easier for students with home and work obligations to fulfill their ambition to become a lawyer.
* A lighter course load: By choosing a
* Part Time Law School in California
* students can take fewer classes at a time. Though the course load is lighter, students will still spend up to 40 hours each week pursuing a degree.
* Lower admission standards: In a part time program, GPAs and LSAT scores aren’t considered as highly as in full-time law programs. More emphasis is placed on a student’s accomplishments and real-world experience.
* Less of a monetary burden: A part-time law program is usually done in four years, allowing students to spread their expenditures over a longer period. Those working during school can help to defray the cost of their education, ending up with less student loan debt.
The Drawbacks
* The time commitment: Even a Part Time Law School in California requires a significant commitment of your time. Not only will you spend time in class-;during your first year, you’ll get about three hours of homework for every classroom hour, and you may have to read up to 500 pages per week. Law school and other obligations can leave little time for other activities.
* Diminished prestige: Some part-time programs place a greater emphasis on experience while lessening the focus on test scores and GPA, and that makes some employers view these programs as inferior. In some instances, part-time law school can limit your employment options after graduation.
* Higher costs: As a part-time program means another year in school, its cost is usually more than that of a three-year law degree-;and part-time students often do not qualify for scholarships.
