Please Help

[janedoe]

Hello, I’ve been a long time lurker here at this forum and finally decided to sign up, and I’m glad I did so; I’ve learned a ton.

I have been in community college for the past 4 years, going part time, with a full time day job. I went to see my advisor (most uncaring person I’ve met in my life), and see what classes I have left, and turns out I have about 30 credits left. I feel like I have been in this community college trap for so long now, and have thrown so much money at it. My of lack of high grades is because of my day job and juggling a full family, which I now know shouldn’t be an excuse after seeing so many stories here. The school I’m attending has such horrible professors, and I’m limited to the classes I can take in person to twice a week after work and taking online classes.


Major: Political Science

Attempt Hours: 62 (including math remedial classes, I failed some of these but eventually knocked them out).

Earned Hours: 44, I have about 29 credits give or take (including 2 classes I need to make up, I got a D and F in, quite some time ago).

Current GPA: 2.95
I should add that a majority of my grades are more B’s than A’s, and weighing my GPA down is PSYCH (D) and College Algebra (F).

My plan is apply to a decent Law School, and I am able to readily get good letters of recommendations.

My question is, should I:

1) Keep working towards this AA, and hope for the best. Take the CLEP for Psych and maybe college algebra. I would still be here for another 6 months possibly, at the very least. Risk the possibility of having Law schools look at my transcripts and laugh, and have the risk of them seeing my poor math grades and remedial grades (regardless of retaking them). Im not sure if would be able to use FEMA credits. This CC only accepts CLEP for test out credits, and only allows some credits on their list.

or

2) Join TESC and follow one of the programs set out by some members here. I would still run the risk of having the BAR finding my old CC’s grades (I’ve moved states when I was younger and never transferred bad grades). I would hopefully have a significantly higher GPA, and stand out to better law school prospects. I don’t know how hard and demanding the curriculum is at TESC. Im not sure how higher law schools would view one of the big 3.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[smf6824]

I am not trying to be a "downer", so please don't take anything the wrong way. If you are having a difficult time with a community college, working full time, and taking care of a family you might want to ask yourself how you plan on dealing with law school. I am not trying to be degrading but it takes a lot of time, effort, and money. I have never attended law school, but I imagine it would be a lot harder than any community college. So if you are dead set on being a lawyer you may need to address a few issues first. If in the meantime you are looking to ascertain a political science degree from the "Big 3" it is entirely possible. Look at one of the schools and pull up the requirements. After that see what courses or exams you need to take and do it. As I have already stated I have not been to law school, but you should probably check the admission requirements and talk to the school to see if your plan would work. Just because things seem difficult and even impossible doesn't mean it can't happen. Determination and motivation are often factors that change the tide so never give up on your dreams. If there is something else we can help you with please ask. Best Luck

[janedoe]

I am not trying to be a "downer", so please don't take anything the wrong way. If you are having a difficult time with a community college, working full time, and taking care of a family you might want to ask yourself how you plan on dealing with law school. I am not trying to be degrading but it takes a lot of time, effort, and money. I have never attended law school, but I imagine it would be a lot harder than any community college. So if you are dead set on being a lawyer you may need to address a few issues first. If in the meantime you are looking to ascertain a political science degree from the "Big 3" it is entirely possible. Look at one of the schools and pull up the requirements. After that see what courses or exams you need to take and do it. As I have already stated I have not been to law school, but you should probably check the admission requirements and talk to the school to see if your plan would work. Just because things seem difficult and even impossible doesn't mean it can't happen. Determination and motivation are often factors that change the tide so never give up on your dreams. If there is something else we can help you with please ask. Best Luck

Thank you for the comment! You are in no way being a downer, better a honest opinion than a false one i say. I have been saving money for the future, in the event of being accepted to a good Law school, which at that time i would be taking out loans and quitting my job. My youngest would be entering middle school, and have much family support when that time comes. Just not sure which route to pick for someone in my shoes

[KayV]

What are the exact credits that you already have? A poster here named Soliloquy is finishing up a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies from Charter Oak. Would that be something you might be interested in?

[janedoe]

My current job is basically doing what a paralegal does, just without the certification. My reason for political science was for the versatility in the event law school doesn't happen, i would be able to get my MPA.

Here is what i have accumulated so far:




English Composition I...................B 3.000
Intro. to General Psychology..........D 3.000
Beginning Algebra........................F 0.0
Choices For Life...........................A 1.000
Public Speaking...........................B 3.000
English Composition II...................B 3.000
Global Issues...............................B 3.000
American Literature II....................B 3.000
United States History I...................B 3.000
Personal and Community Health.......A 3.000
Art Appreciation............................A 3.000
Physical Geology...........................B 3.000
Physical Geology Laboratory............B 1.000
Introduction to Film........................A 3.000
Survey of World Hist From 1500.......B 3.000
American Government....................A 3.000

[smf6824]

Apparently the paralegal certification (noted from former posts) gives a decent amount of credits. It would be possible to get the paralegal certification, get a lot of credits via COSC, graduate and apply to either law school or get an MPA. Personally I have contemplated about getting an MPA as well and it appears as if a lot of schools don't really care what your undergraduate degree is in, even the specialty accredited ones. Long story short I wouldn't limit your undergraduate degree to any particular field, go after what you want. Best of luck

[soliloquy]

Janedoe,

I'm glad you are here!

I echo the sentiments of the poster who spoke regarding your past disappointments with school and your expectations for getting into a decent law school. I never try to discourage anyone from going to law school but I'd like to know what draws you to it? What type of law do you want to practice? Do you want to be a trial attorney or do transactional work? Do you know what type of GPA the law school you want to attend requires? You want to consider carefully your purpose and make sure you have a plan for this law degree because they are very very expensive. Again, I'm not saying don't do it, just have a plan for it - The Job Market For Lawyers: Side Work On The Rise Amid Continuing Glut Of New Grads - Forbes

What is it specifically that you do at your job? Is it a firm or a corporation? Paralegals do everything an attorney does except represent clients at trials (exceptions exist for Social Security and some other gov't administrative hearings) and give independent legal advice (except procedural information). What paralegals do in a particular setting depends primarily upon what niche of law they are in? I've been a paralegal for 13 years and a paralegal manager for 7. I know that as a paralegal with my number of years of experience and certification, I make more than county attorneys and most state attorneys. In fact, when JD's come out of law school, in large firms some of them are actually trained by paralegals in state/local procedure and given an attorney mentor (although none would ever admit that).

I agree with the poster who said you might find some difficulties in balancing law school with other responsibilities if you struggled in community college. I was able to graduate with a 4.0. Thirty of my credits were DSST/CLEP and the remaining credits were brick and mortar courses. You cannot attend law school online if you want to be admitted to any Bar in the south so also keep that in mind as well. The requirement to have butt in seat was one of the additional reasons I opted not to attend.

I'm one of those who maintained a 4.0 while raising children, a husband, and taking care of a sick parent. It can be done but it helped me to have a plan.

If you are interested in paralegal studies and/or the paralegal examination, let me know. It earned me about 39 credits. I'm happy to provide information about it.

I chose to go with project management in grad school because I am interested in legal project management. I've explained this on this board before. Legal project managers make between $75k-$121k with a median of about $97,067. Unless you are a top litigator, that is very comparable to many attorney's salaries (minus the prestige) so you do have other options for a career in the legal field if you look for them. In a national survey of 2011 law graduates, 52 percent reported salaries between $40,000 and $65,000.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/09...rylink=cpy

[janedoe]

Janedoe,

I'm glad you are here!

I echo the sentiments of the poster who spoke regarding your past disappointments with school and your expectations for getting into a decent law school. I never try to discourage anyone from going to law school but I'd like to know what draws you to it? What type of law do you want to practice? Do you want to be a trial attorney or do transactional work? Do you know what type of GPA the law school you want to attend requires? You want to consider carefully your purpose and make sure you have a plan for this law degree because they are very very expensive. Again, I'm not saying don't do it, just have a plan for it - The Job Market For Lawyers: Side Work On The Rise Amid Continuing Glut Of New Grads - Forbes

What is it specifically that you do at your job? Is it a firm or a corporation? Paralegals do everything an attorney does except represent clients at trials (exceptions exist for Social Security and some other gov't administrative hearings) and give independent legal advice (except procedural information). What paralegals do in a particular setting depends primarily upon what niche of law they are in? I've been a paralegal for 13 years and a paralegal manager for 7. I know that as a paralegal with my number of years of experience and certification, I make more than county attorneys and most state attorneys. In fact, when JD's come out of law school, in large firms some of them are actually trained by paralegals in state/local procedure and given an attorney mentor (although none would ever admit that).

I agree with the poster who said you might find some difficulties in balancing law school with other responsibilities if you struggled in community college. I was able to graduate with a 4.0. Thirty of my credits were DSST/CLEP and the remaining credits were brick and mortar courses. You cannot attend law school online if you want to be admitted to any Bar in the south so also keep that in mind as well. The requirement to have butt in seat was one of the additional reasons I opted not to attend.

I'm one of those who maintained a 4.0 while raising children, a husband, and taking care of a sick parent. It can be done but it helped me to have a plan.

If you are interested in paralegal studies and/or the paralegal examination, let me know. It earned me about 39 credits. I'm happy to provide information about it.

I chose to go with project management in grad school because I am interested in legal project management. I've explained this on this board before. Legal project managers make between $75k-$121k with a median of about $97,067. Unless you are a top litigator, that is very comparable to many attorney's salaries (minus the prestige) so you do have other options for a career in the legal field if you look for them. In a national survey of 2011 law graduates, 52 percent reported salaries between $40,000 and $65,000.

Read more here: After 8 years, what’s the value of Charlotte School Of Law degree? | CharlotteObserver.com

First, i want to thank you for the warm welcome, and want to congratulate you on your successes, you are a major role model for those like my self striving to make it!


My reason for going to law school is the versatility for me. Where i currently work, i already have a big foot in the door working for local government, with prosecutors and judges, many which wouldn't mind giving me a excellent LOR at the drop of a dime, which could help me in the future when applying, maybe not much as grades and scores, but something is something. In addition, im interested in public work, and defending the interests of others. I know the legal market right now is deep down in the dirts, but that doesn't shy me away from pursuing my dream. My dream would also include a joint JD/MBA program, which seems like a stretch, but none the less remains on my horizon.


I know once it boils down to actually enrolling and being accepted into a law school, i will have even more support from my spouse, family, and enough savings to help out with everyday bills that wont stop coming Any advice on where i should start would be a great help!

[soliloquy]

First, i want to thank you for the warm welcome, and want to congratulate you on your successes, you are a major role model for those like my self striving to make it!


My reason for going to law school is the versatility for me. Where i currently work, i already have a big foot in the door working for local government, with prosecutors and judges, many which wouldn't mind giving me a excellent LOR at the drop of a dime, which could help me in the future when applying, maybe not much as grades and scores, but something is something. In addition, im interested in public work, and defending the interests of others. I know the legal market right now is deep down in the dirts, but that doesn't shy me away from pursuing my dream. My dream would also include a joint JD/MBA program, which seems like a stretch, but none the less remains on my horizon.


I know once it boils down to actually enrolling and being accepted into a law school, i will have even more support from my spouse, family, and enough savings to help out with everyday bills that wont stop coming Any advice on where i should start would be a great help!

I'm not sure about TESC but COSC has academic forgiveness.

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Upon entry, a matriculated student may elect to have only certain transfer credit from previous institutions count toward the Charter Oak State College degree. The student has one month from receiving access to the advising worksheet to request this option in writing to the Registrar. For example, the student may elect to have courses removed to improve his/her grade point average, or the student may want to exclude all graduate level courses because he or she is applying those toward a graduate degree. Once this decision is made, the official academic grade record will be modified. Removal of these credits is permanent.

As someone stated an undergrad from COSC in paralegal studies could be completed pretty quickly if you can pass the NALA exam. You'd need someone to sign off on your work as a paralegal though. I'm happy to point you to the qualifications for taking the exam if you are interested.

[janedoe]

So should i just drop the my current workings of my degree at my CC and delve into one of the big three?