<p>I've been accepted into a 3+3 Pre-Law program. For those of you who do not know, a 3+3 program is 3 years of an advanced curriculum at a college plus 3 years at law school. I've been advised to do many different things however I've narrowed it down to two: I can either, A) Stay in my 3+3 program through Gannon University, or B) Drop the 3+3 program and do 4 years, along with obtain a 2-year certificate in Legal Studies, and then pursue law school. I cannot get the certificate in the 3+3 program because there is not room for extra classes and electives (due to the advancement). I don't know what to do: will the legal studies certificate give me an edge, or is it extra time I'm adding to my college years? Any advice, any words of wisdom, experiences, etc. are greatly appreciated. Thanks! </p>
<p>A Legal Studies program trains you to be a paralegal. Thus, it potentially provides something that could be used to get a job. However, if your question is does it add anything to your chances of being admitted to a law school, the answer is no. Also Gannon’s 3/3 program is with Duquense, a third tier law school. Understand legal employment out of law school is very difficult right now. You may hear about students out of law school making $130,000 or more to start. Law schools are a pecking order. The students who get those jobs are ones that go to the highest ranked law schools. From schools like Duquense, you will see averages closer to something between $45,000 and $60,000 if they can even get jobs. In other words, do not assume pursuing that 3/3 program is the road to future high income employment as a lawyer.</p>
<p>Option 3: major in a traditional liberal arts degree in anything but a vocational major (such as Legal Studies). Earn A’s. Rock the LSAT. Apply to high-ranked schools.</p>
<p>Legal Studies, what the ** is that? Planning to become a paralegal? Like taking out loans? It will give you a slight edge if you want to end up as a paralegal, slight. Most law firms want paralegals who are smart – they can learn on the job. Spending time and money in a 2 year legal studies program will likely mostly benefit the school, not you.</p>
<p>3+3, what’s that? A commitment to stay in the same school for 6 years. What if your grades in college end up being so good that you could go elsewhere (i.e., someplace better)? You’re stuck.</p>
<p>How about getting your college degree in 3 years (not an easy task and will make law schools take notice) and then go to law school?</p>
<p>Do not major in “pre-law”. You will end up uneducated. Pick a real major and excel in it. Maybe you will end up with that as a career, likely a better career than being a lawyer.</p>