Granted, but it will be my third time taking the LSAT. <12/08(145) 09/07(138)> Is the option of transferring that minuscule to consider? I succumbed to a low SAT score as well, so it would be safe to say I am not the best at standardized tests.
Let's talk about reality here. If you are a bad standardized test taker and you barely got into a university, that's fine. As long as you graduate. That's not the case with law. At the end of three years and $$$$ in debt, you have another standardized test, the bar exam. Keep in mind that a big chunch of the top students from Nova and Cooley fell this exam. Keep in mind that a big percentage of entering class at these schools do not end up graduating and the ones that do, a big chunk of them do not pass the bar exam.
There are only 4 law schools in Florida that are worth considering and we all know those 4. You should seriously consider taking the LSAT again and applying to cheaper Tier 3 public schools else where, where you can get in-state tution after the first year. Nova, Florida Coasta, and Cooley definitely are not worth their price tags. Can you imagine spending 3 years of your life along with 3 years accumulated debts (tuition, books, cost of living) and not passing the bar or passing the bar and not able to find a job due to competition from graduates of much better schools.
First off I was wrong in saying that Cooley has 40 transfer out... way wrong... just checked last year they 185 people transfer out!! 185!!
Next Mathesis is completely right!! Listen to him!
Also FYI... if your so worried about the bar exam... apply to a wisconson school and move there... students don't have to take their bar if they go to a school in the state, then after a couple of years you can waive into other states... Just FYI!! haha
Also... the bar exam is standardized for 1day... b/c it is multiple choice.. BUT not like the LSAT... you learn the material that is on it for the past 3 years, then you have a bar review course to help you out AND also the next day of exams are NOT standardized but Essay and in some states like Pennsylvania the essay day is worth more than the standardized test day! Also you only have to pass whereas in the LSAT you are graded on in relation to your peers.
I haven't taken the bar yet.. but I took the MPRE which is a multiple choice exam that is standardized.. I studied the material and rocked it.. it gave me the confidence that I can do something right if I try.
If you do fail the bar retake it.. But even for cooley grads over half who take the bar pass.. .I think their rate is about 70%... that is 70 out of 100 so why can't you be part of that 70? Going to cooley or florida costal is NOt a death sentance so don't treat it like it is. It is just a beginning, sure it may be a path different than most want to take.. but hey sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! I didn't want to move to Indiana and stay there for 2 years.. although it is an incredible school! I would have gladly moved to Michigan and played socratic method at Cooley too. If I wasn't at Indiana, i would have gone to florida.. Not florida coastal though.. They didn't accept me!!.. but Nova South eastern did and FAMU and perhaps St. Thomas in Miami... I probibly would have liked the weather better there. But then the next year i would apply to transfer and leave, if that didn't work out the way i wanted, then the next year I would apply to visit a school for my final year like I am this year. Either way... i would be right where I am now, graduating and taking both the PA and NJ bar exams... you know why?? B/c all of them ARE accredited law schools and that allows me to sit for ANY bar in the country. I would have still worked at the DA's office, and I would have still applied and "hopefully" gotten into Temple law for an ll.m. since they like my litigation experience at the DA's office.
My route was not my first choice BUT I am still thankful for it and for the great opportunites and times I had in Indiana.. I met some of the best people I have ever met in my life and built life long friendships with people there and some of them moved to the east coast so now I can help them out!! It is all about Networking!!
Cooley grads.... since it is the largest law school in the country are all OVER the country.
Do what you want.. don't give up b/c then you won't have the opportunity to say you "tried".
Good luck! Keep me posted on your endevors!!
Discussion
Resources