Subscription pricing
I’m 38, a single mom of 2. Been out of school since 2000, finishing up my BA now I’m hopes to apply to law school in the next 2 years.
Anyone else in a similar position? How do you stay motivated? Any worries about juggling law school and a family? Do you think being older hurts our chances? I’ve been a paralegal for 9 years so I’m hoping that experience will help instead of hinder.
7
57 comments
Another nontraditional student here! You're in good company as we're seeing from the comments. :)
@leahbeuk911 said:
I’m there with you guys. I keep wavering, especially after applying once and deciding to push back. I’m in the middle of job hunting too and may be getting an offer. It makes me question if I really want to go through with this or just keep trekking on a career. But at the end of the day, going to law school is the only thing I’ve been really excited about for years. It’s the only thing I’ve done that’s really made me motivated and believe in myself. It’s been a long journey, through LSAT studying, retaking, and now hopefully reapplying. But I think it’ll be worth it to do something that pushes me and forces me to believe in my own ability to do this. If you really want it, just keep at it and push through!
I feel the exact same way. It’s the only thing I’ve felt excited about for years. Sure, I am excited about my boys but this is for me....and them. Thank you for sharing this. Hit home for me.
@xadrianas6x881 said:
@gaflparalegal732 don't give up, I have met idiot attorneys that made me think, "damn if this buffoon can do then I can too!" remember the harder the road, the more you'll value the destination
LOL I have met a few that made me have the same though. Thank you @xadrianas6x881 this is a journey and I think it is going to be so worth it.
@gaflparalegal732 don't give up, I have met idiot attorneys that made me think, "damn if this buffoon can do then I can too!" remember the harder the road, the more you'll value the destination
Good for you. I am 48. I have variously in my working life gone back to school and worked either on a grad degree or taken a certificate, or just taken classes. Working and taking classes is not easy but it is doable. I am now here studying for the LSAT. I think law school has some advantages for those over 30 who have worked, and I think life experience and the responsibility of having a family brings a lot in terms of what you contribute to classroom discussion. Parenthood is paradigm shift for an adult. Your perspective counts. Let the admissions committee know that you have a view to contribute to the study of law. I think you bring a lot of value to the law school community for the law school you choose to attend. I am going to be the oldest student in my law school, and I look forward to that experience. Keep studying and do your best to score great on the LSAT.
I’m there with you guys. I keep wavering, especially after applying once and deciding to push back. I’m in the middle of job hunting too and may be getting an offer. It makes me question if I really want to go through with this or just keep trekking on a career. But at the end of the day, going to law school is the only thing I’ve been really excited about for years. It’s the only thing I’ve done that’s really made me motivated and believe in myself. It’s been a long journey, through LSAT studying, retaking, and now hopefully reapplying. But I think it’ll be worth it to do something that pushes me and forces me to believe in my own ability to do this. If you really want it, just keep at it and push through!
Thank you @cam860 and @tristandesinor505 there is something about that drive. If I could just bottle it up and take a drink when I feel discouraged lol. We can and we WILL make it happen!
@gaflparalegal732 I'm glad you picked it back up! I know I've had my moments of thinking I'd be better off trying something less demanding, but something inside won't let me go. I agree with @cam860 that we have to take breaks at times. But don't give up! You can do it!
@gaflparalegal732 good for you for coming back! I can't tell you how many times I've felt like just giving it all up but like you said - something just pulls me back in. I think its that 'something' that keeps us going. There is something about our dream that will not let us quit and we get right back on it. Managing a home, children, work and everything else that comes along with it and then to add this beast of a test is no easy task. You will need time off as you go through this journey. Just about a month ago I took a two week break because i was soooo done with anything law school related. We are all here to support each other. You have a drive and its that drive that will get you to your goal. Pls keep coming back to this board for encouragement and to ask questions. Looking forward to hearing more from you :smile: .
I love all the comments/stories. After making this post I fell off the wagon. Cancelled my account, out all my LSAT books away (out of sight). But something just won’t let me let go of the dream. So I’m back. I’m going to re-purchase a plan and get back at it. It doesn’t matter how many times we fall as long as we get back up right :-)
So many awesome people on this post - welcome to the dads and single older folks and welcome back to @cam860! You are so inspriring and I'm so happy that you are going to your choice law school!! How exciting that in just a short time you will be starting your law school career! Sending you lots of good vibes!!
@cam860 said:
@oceanlee14450 said:
@cam860
I'm not sure she is still on this board - I believe she got into her choice law school : ).
That seriously touches my heart you guys remembered me! I did get into all the schools I applied to and I had a hard time deciding but am so happy with my decision! I’m a single mom of 3 boys, 6,3,2. I have my father as a support system for whom I’m so grateful. Best of luck, you can do it!! Just do not give up. Be patient. I tried to rush it too much but eventually realized I was lacking, severely lacking, patience! Patience and perseverance are so important. You got this! I start school in 3 weeks and am stoked. Already have reading assignments to complete before classes. :) I too was a paralegal for about 9 years!
33 with a 7 month old, a full time paralegal job at a corporate law firm and still striving for law school.. lets do this !!!
I'm in my 30's, no kids, but wanting to go to Law school. I for sure am a non-conventional future JD, and I'm positive that all of us will have an advantage. It will make us better law students & lawyers!
@adorsen00673 said:
@gaflparalegal732 said:
The negative comments I get from people are- what about your boys? Won't they need their mom? Where will you find the time? What about working and paying the bills? I will be honest, the slew of negativity is overwhelming at times, especially when I (we) already know we are facing an uphill battle.
If I had $5 from every time someone asked those questions, tilted their head and asked "Really?", or said something like "Oh wow. You are SO brave to do that. I could never do that/ leave my kids/ etc", law school would probably be paid for by now.
I can only think that if it were my husband doing this, no one would bat an eye about it. But a middle aged mom? Stop the presses. No offense to any of the dads out there, as it's the same issues we all have (leaving kids, jobs, home, etc). Have any of you men gotten this treatment? I'm really curious to know.
The boys will be proud that their mom is going after her goals and dreams. You'll be leading by example. You will create more opportunities for yourself and your family. Why can't people see that? You'll be in a better position going to law school than not going. You got this!!! I haven't been telling many people about my plans. Keep it to yourselves. They'll find out when you graduate. LOL
I’m a single dad for 5 yrs son. Took lsat 2 times, got in 90-100 ranked law school based on June score. But I’m retaking for 50-60 ranking
I am older than a lot of you. I am 47 and got my BA in 1993 and plan to take the September LSAT. Most of the people in that test room probably weren't born when I finished college! I had an career in journalism, took off some years to raise kids, and decided I want a new challenge now that my boys are in middle school. I am not a single mom but my husband is out of town during the week for his job, so my plan is to attend class during the day while my sons are at school. I've been studying for months and have seen my LSAT score increase steadily, and I need a good one as my undergrad GPA is only 3.2.
I have some of the concerns listed above, mostly that my husband and sons, who are so supportive now, are not going to like it when I am not as available to them. I already am finding ways to roll off my many volunteer jobs and have told people that this coming school year is my last one for this-and-that committee. Family and school will have to be the priorities; I am lucky that I do not need to work for pay.
@lesktat308 thanks for the tag (3(/p)
YES! Stay true to your dreams of law school no matter what age:)
Been around and have success stories that I will share as soon as I get my personal life in order after Hurricane Irma delayed me another cycle. I started studying at 48 and have decent scores in the higher percentiles but knew I hadn't come close to my score potential. Nothing like a bunch of trees falling on your house where thankfully no one was hurt but changes your life completely and delaying my lsat and app's another cycle. It hurts but resilience is the key (3(/p)
One thing that is hard is balancing life obligations in respect to personal goals especially for those of us that are not "traditional" students. It can be done and so glad you are building a support system to get thru the lsat journey. Hope to add to this post soon.
All the best:)
What a great thread! It's so amazing to hear that others are in a similar situation. I'm 32 with two kids, and we are finally in a place financially, where I can finally pursue law school. I think man what the heck am I thinking? Can I keep up with the younger twenty-some year olds out there? But my husband keeps saying," Give it a shot, because it's worse to not have tried and just not know what could've been."
You can definitely do this! I've started to wake up really early to fit in at least three hours of studying, and here and there on my lunch break. Some fellow 7sagers have also reminded me that it's the quality of studying, not quantity. I signed up for Ultimate Plus, and there's so much material and not enough time with work. But focus on quality with what time you have. It's solid advice that I've gotten!!
Keep posting :)
Same age, one kid, and rising 3L (at a T6). I would not have enjoyed law school this much had I done it at a younger age. So age is actually a blessing. As a single mom, you will definitely have to ask for help at times (family, friends,neighbors, etc.) and always get as much support as you can (don't feel bad about it because you can pay back later). You can do it!!
So I'm only 26, but still considered an "adult learner" by some schools. Some schools have specific scholarships for adult learners and have statistics for how many adult learners are in their law programs. I think anything that helps inflate their "minority" statistics will help you! Plus, you can make a great personal statement out of it. Your drive to expand your career after 9 years of paralegal work also suggests that you won't be part of the 1 in 3 students that drops out before your second year. Good luck!
Welcome
37 with two elementary school kids and a full time job. I definitely wish I had done this at 23 with no family. My choices are limited to a top 10 school I can’t get into to, and one that is not aba accredited. And now I have to pay for summer camp and afterschool care in addition to just law school.
On the other hand I find myself better at self motivation. I study all the time. A break at work? Study (I so wish that 7Sage had an offline mode). Cooking dinner? Listen to 7Sage on 1.44 speed. Daily swim practices for the kids? That’s a whole timed section I can do, plus time to spare for a logic game or two.
I told myself that I have to be able to put in the work if I am to be risk the financial well-being of my family. So I have an LSAT score floor. If I get below it, means I didn’t work hard enough, and so won’t be able to do it in law school either so I won’t bother applying. Plus a score level at which I’ll apply to the local top 10 school despite every fiber of my being screaming that I don’t have a chance.
I think I'm in the older, non-traditional group. I'm 32. I just finished undergrad yesterday while working full time (military). If all goes well, I'll be attending law school at 33. I have an eight year gap in my undergraduate record after I dropped out, twice. I'm hoping that the distance between when I dropped out (with a semester of F's due to dropping after the deadline) and my final attempt at undergrad will help with my admissions chances. I don't have a family (single, no kids), so that is less of a concern to me.
As far as will it hurt? I've read a mixed bag, but primarily positive attributes for the admission process. Older applicants typically have more work and life experience which can add to the incoming class.
My primary age concern has to do with actually attending school. On the campus visits I have done, there has been a mixed bag of age groups. One school, it seemed like the students skewed pretty young, another it was a bit of everyone to the point where I was not sure who was a student/prospective student and who was part of the faculty.
@leahbeuk911 thanks for the reply. I may have to wait till 2019 cycle -- I have so many commitments through the fall it's hard to imagine how I'll be able to get an application in before January. But first things first: 170+ or bust.
And thanks also @cdaddario2318 -- that's v encouraging!