Law school financial aid?
I have an above average GPA and LSAT score and plan on going to law school in the fall. I was planning on going somehwhere near my house, but I’m begining to think I may have a better experience full time. Because of my high marks I plan on going to the place the offers the best financial aid. I have never applied for financial aid for my undergrad degree because I work full time. After you get accepted to a school how long do you have to decide? Do they tell you how much aid you are going to get right away or after you apply for aid? I see on LSACs website that some universities give more than full tuition, I suppose for books and living expenses, has anyone received more than full financial aid? How much?
Any insight you have would be very appreciated!
January 28th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Affordability v. Quality of Life? I can tell you, as a current evening part-time law student, life is difficult. Correction, I don’t have a life. If you can, work part time, take out loans and go full time. Between paid summer interships and parttime pay, you should be fine. Especially if the school gives you $$$.
Financial Aid.? If you want a shot at scholarship money, apply to schools ranked below the tier you think you are qualified to get into. Lower schools usually give lots of $$$ to attract students that would otherwise matriculate somewhere better. Make sure you keep your credit score way up to ensure you can get a private loan if you need it. I would also seriously doubt any school gives more than books + tuition. Most schools spread their money to attract the most top notch candidates.
How long to decide? They will all tell you with the acceptance or shortly after. There may be some outlying schools, but you will almost certainly have enough time to get all of your responses back first. Usually, the only issue is that they will require a “seat deposit” of a couple hundred bucks after a month or so, and require you to keep paying deposits to hold your spot.
January 28th, 2010 at 11:22 am
First, financial aid is not through the university it is through the federal government. It does not matter what school you go to. Some law schools offer scholarships on merits and those will be made aware to you once you are admitted. Financial aid is through the federal government and you must fill out a FAFSA form online by March once you discover which school you get into.