Heyo,
Unless I just totally bombed the Dec LSAT, I will be attending the University of Oklahoma School of Law next year. OU has a "1LS" summer program where you can get one 1L class out of the way and have 1 fewer class to take during the regular 1L semester. I've been planning on taking advantage of this program because I'm hoping to be in the top of my class so that I can possibly transfer to another school, or at least get a full ride from OU. However, I'm hesitant because 1LS classes begin just 10 days after my undergrad finals...not much of a break. Then, 1L classes begin just under 20 days after 1LS finals.
My other option is to take the summer off, work, save money, relax and do "0L Prep" (in the manner of this famous TLS user's advice:
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=77628). On the surface, I like this plan better. I just wonder if it would be better to participate in the summer program so that I will have one fewer class in the fall...my hopes to transfer are dependent on me being in the top of my class or at least in the top 5%.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts
(FYI I'm not going to OU because my GPA or scores are low...I'm participating in an "early entry" program where I get to begin 1L a year early and forgo my undergrad "free elective" requirements)
Comments
I'd recommend doing the summer program. If your hopes are to be in the top 5 percent, you'd almost be foolish not to. 1L is a stressful year and everyone wants to be in the top 5% and they are going to be competitive and try. The law school will be filled with your intellectual equals, all vying for a place in the top of the class. If you can somehow have one less class to prep for and have a final for, it might really be worth it. It will also give you a leg up on what to expect during fall semester 1L when no one else knows shit from shinola.
On the other hand, not having your last summer ever sucks. But if your ultimate goal is to be at the top of the class, I can't think of a better advantage than this summer program!
Good luck
However, my only caution to you would be burnout. I don't worry about it at the beginning because adrenaline will get you through the first couple weeks and probably through all of the Summer Program, it's really when the actual 1L starts that I would be concerned. That's 3 straight semesters of 1L and it can take a toll on people, especially with the mounting stress of trying to be in the top 5%. It's really a double edge sword but it sounds like you have an amazing opportunity either way!
Best of luck!
Hope this helps!
Then maybe my comment does not apply. Another thing to not discount is money. Law school is already expensive, 3 1L semesters must be more expensive than 2, and if there are currently no data to support improvements in performance for students who choose to take 1LS classes then I would think twice about it especially since it sounds like OP is already leaning towards not doing so anyway.
The problem is that what happens if you don't do well in that semester? I know no one wants to think that way but if you get a B+ for that class then now your GPA is already lower then what you want it to be and will that put extra stress on you in your first 1L semester. The costs in my mind aren't the important thing especially if you transfer or have the high GPA. I know I for one would trade $5k-$10k to be in the top 10-15% of my 1L class!