<p>i already posted this in the transfer students forum but i decided to cross post the thread with the idea in mind that adults or parents might also be able to offer some good advice. thanks for any help in advance. my situation:</p>
<p>i have been at a community college for two semesters in the liberal arts program with the intention of going on to a four year school. I want to go into International Law and Human rights ultimately working at an organization like the UN or Amnesty International. My family and financial situation however make it very difficult . My mother is physically disabled and trying to get out of a bad relationship, I would like to be able to help her financially but my minimum wage job isn't cutting it and my liberal arts degree isn't going to help me get a better paying job because it doesn't give me any real skills. I was looking through the programs at my community college and they do offer an excellent two year paralegal program. If I took courses in the summer I could finish the program in three semesters . I would have to extend my stay in the two year liberal arts program to three. But I would be able to help my family now and when I do move on to a four year school. Also since, I want to go into International Law the legal experience, even if a bit removed from my actual goals couldnt hurt. Basically, how will this effect my chances if I were to do both?? MY top choice schools are Bard, Dartmouth, Hampshire and Amherst.</p>
<p>You will never regret "doing the right thing." Paralegal experience is valuable and can pay well. You will come across as a mature, principled young man or woman to the colleges you apply to in the future. There is no rule that says you must complete college in four years. Even if you need some time off from school to help get your family sorted out, that will not be held against you. Just keep up top grades in whatever courses you complete. Good luck!</p>
<p>While on the surface this seems like a good move, you may want to consider the issues more carefully. First you are making an assumption that you will be able to find work as a paralegal close to the colleges you wish to attend. The colleges you list are not in large cities so you may have to revise your list to give you the maximum opportunity to get employment. Second, you will have to either work part time and go to school full time or vice versa. How many paralegals are employed on a part time basis? Third, given your brief description of your family situation, if you are able to get into some of your listed schools you will be eligible for a significant amount of need based aid which will be influenced by any earnings you make in the year prior to your admission. Fourth, what is the typical starting salary for a paralegal? Is it significantly better than a 10$ per hour job once you factor in the cost of an additional year of community college? I agree with stickershock that a decision to go in this direction will be seen favorably by admission committees and I commend you for trying to help your family. However, there is a lot riding on the decisions you have to make here and consideration of the above and probably other points not raised, needs to be taken.</p>