Basically, coming into university, I was set on law school. I planned out my four year plan and realized that I could graduate with a major in International Relations and a minor in Arabic and graduate two quarters early. Then I would apply for law schools the first quarter of my senior year, have January-August to take a break from school (work, travel, etc.), and hopefully start law school in the Fall.
I’m a junior now and I have a really high GPA, and am still on track to graduate this early. However, I’ve been really enjoying my international relations classes and have been considering getting my masters in International Relations instead. I’m considering staying an extra quarter and completing a minor in Middle East/South Asian Studies as well, then trying to find a job for a couple years after graduating, and then apply to graduate school.
I’ve been doing my research on both and am truly split 50/50 and would really like to get more insight on what to expect from either. Can anyone give me any type of advice on what I should expect in law school and what I should expect in graduate school? And what I should be doing as an undergraduate to strengthen my chances in either?
@shana1: I am trying to understand what type of information you are seeking, but your post is somewhat unclear & the questions posed are too broad. Can you refine & rephrase your questions ?
law school will always be available. There is no reason to graduate early to start LS even earlier. Moreover, all professional schools prefer applicants with some work experience.
I will try to address your question. The answer to what you can do while in undergraduate school in order to increase your chances in either graduate program is to earn high grades.
With respect to International Relations you should become proficient in two languages in addition to your native language.
@shana1: Do you have any firsthand experience with the practice of law? I’d highly recommend a summer job or internship so you can see what it’s like. I definitely recommend the work experience.
“Can anyone give me any type of advice on what I should expect in law school and what I should expect in graduate school? And what I should be doing as an undergraduate to strengthen my chances in either?”
Don’t know anything about grad school for international relations, but as far as law school goes, the two most important things are a high undergrad GPA (which you have already taken care of) and a high LSAT score (which you have not taken care of yet). Other than that, a year or two of work before law school will be of some benefit in helping you get into a good school.
Although debated on another thread a couple of weeks ago, work experience is not necessary for one planning to go to law school & to practice law. Even work as a paralegal in biglaw (law firms of 500 or more attorneys), you will not understand the practice of law because paralegals deal with forms & certainty more than with analytical thinking–a practice which might get a paralegal fired if injected into their work.
When folks suggest work experience, it would be more helpful if they specified the type of job & its relevance to the practice of law. For example, a patent agent will gain relevant experience for practice as a patent attorney. Another that might help a bit is working as a real estate agent if you want to be a real estate closing attorney–which is really paralegal work.
If you are young, energetic & unencumbered, then go to law school. Get the 3 years over & done with. Take the bar & ethics exam, get licensed & get a position as an attorney.
Work experience is not necessary but it can help. Ten years ago, few schools cared about work experience, but that is changing, particularly at top schools. I also think that working for a year or two helps many mature, which will help you perform better in law school when you do attend. Also, working as a paralegal in big law won’t teach you how to try a case or draft a summary judgment motion, but it will give you a good understanding of the realities of working in big law and big law culture, which is not for everyone.
@shana1: An important question is what do you plan to do with a master’s degree in international relations ? (For example: Government work or enter the private sector.)
And what do you plan to do with a law degree ? If practice law, then what is your vision regarding type of practice & duties involved ? Also, do you prefer to work alone or in groups ?
@TheBigChef : I agree that if maturity is an issue, then do not go straight to law school.