Navigating the Top Law School Forums: A Comprehensive Guide
An Introduction to Law School Forums
Online forums for law school take on many forms, from email discussion groups to online social networks to simple listservs. They all have their benefits and drawbacks, but when you’re talking about beginning the process of applying to a law school, it’s clear that these online communities present an invaluable opportunity to get the information you need. Forums are places where information can be given and received freely and anonymously. You’ll find pre-law students asking pointed questions of current students, applicants fielding questions from future applicants about the admissions process, and former students providing their perspectives on the value of various law schools. Just because you’ve come to a forum to learn doesn’t mean that you don’t already have answers that would help a fellow candidate. Whatever your questions, another applicant has likely asked them first. Likewise, the law school forum is a place to log on if you need to vent. You’ll find an outlet with people who understand the process. Online, you’ll be able to share your fears and frustrations, your difficulties with preparations and the pressure as well. Expect to receive sympathy and support in such moments . Other forum members will not only understand your plight, but will also know exactly how to respond to you. Of course, the law school forum is also a place to broadcast your successes. Every law school wants students who are enthusiastic about being there, so if you attend a particularly excellent set of open house lectures or if you’re recently accepted to that law school of your dreams, the law school forum is the perfect way to let everyone know about it. Your announcements will surely be met with congratulations and well-wishing by other future law students. Some specific online law school forums are for particular demographics, such as diversity groups from minority students to LGBT law school candidates. You will find forums where you can hear from current law students who are members of those groups, as well as potential law students who also make up those groups and who have questions about what they can expect. Finally, of all the law school forums, those that are open on multiple platforms should not be missed. Law School Discussion (http://lawschooldiscussion.org/) presents an enormous array of forums where you can discuss all aspects of your future career. But the forum is also on Facebook and Reddit. Make sure to check it out on all three platforms.
Advantages of Using Top Law School Forums
The benefits of participating in law school forums are numerous and enriching for anyone considering law school. For potential law students, these platforms offer a unique and personal outlook which is not readily available from traditional sources. Here are some of the key advantages of engaging with top law school forums: Networking possibilities – The number one benefit of law school forums is the networking opportunities they provide. Lawyers often join forums to discuss about their law school experiences, and can share first-hand advice about the admissions process, their law school programs, and job location services that are specific to individual institutions. Consider joining popular forums such as Law School Discussion, JD Underground, and LSD to gain insight into law school programs from those who have attended them. Finding answers to Law School questions – Law School forums are an excellent way to expand your knowledge about law schools – from tips on how to apply, to outlining which programs offer scholarships to specific academic tracks. You will also find information on how to prepare for exams, what you can expect your first day of school, and what career services are available to law school students and graduates. A chance to gain insight into other people’s feelings about law school programs – When it comes to selecting the right law school program and location for you, one of the most valuable sources of information is the insight of others. Law school forums offer first-hand reviews of individual programs, both good and bad. Members share their thoughts on what they liked and disliked about their school, and many note specific details about why they wouldn’t recommend a particular program. This information can be the deciding factor on which law school to attend. Additional information on the LSAT examination – For many people considering law school the first step that they take is to complete the LSAT exam. In the past, the only help available was preparing LSAT preparation books and the guidance of those who had taken the exam before. Law school forums have expanded the support network for LSAT preparation into something that can now be joined in real time. You can locate study groups that are conveniently located close to your home or study schedule, and can gain access to online LSAT preparation tools for vital learning assistance that can enhance your preparation experience.
Key Law School Forums for Law Students
One of the most popular forums is known as Law School Life. It can be found at www.lawschoollife.com. But its given domain name is www.lawschooldiscussion.org. Founded by a group of law students, this site has quickly become the go-to forum for advice on studying for the LSAT and tackling the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). But Law School Life goes way beyond just the LSAT. It’s a full ‘community’ where members join in order to discuss all aspects of applying to law school, attempting to survive law school, and then passing the Bar. At this point, there are over 6,000 members who have made nearly 50,000 postings.
Top Law Schools (TLS) is another popular site. It features a stable of posts that spell out the law admission process and also the best tips on gaining admission, all in an easy-to-navigate section. At the same time, TLS is noteworthy for exposing forum members to the scary side. While many forums are heavily weighted towards the positive, TLS offers up cold, hard data on employment and Bar passage. See, "Employment Stats." It’s a must read before applying to nearby schools.
Of course, the LSAT Freak is in a class by itself. Offered free of charge, the LSAT Freak is an online community give-and-take of thousands of law school hopefuls. It ranges from helpful tips to horror stories. The LSAT Freak also offers free LSAT practice tests.
Naturally, Reddit.com also offers an active forum. For those keenly interested in how to ace law school, there is no better place to check out the Law School subreddit on Reddit.com. Even the content is superior. This sample is representative of the postings.
How to Use Law School Forums Effectively
Using law school forums can be a bit daunting for potential law students; after all, they are usually flooded with advice and information on everything from what school to choose to what materials to bring during orientation. However, these forums can be as useful for those already attending or who have graduated as they are for prospective law students. Law school forums can be tricky because they thrive on the active engagement of others; if a forum is quiet, it is much less likely to be used by students, which makes it less useful. Usually, law school forums will be fairly busy, especially before classes start and at the beginning of a semester. But what are the best ways for students to use them?
1. Don’t Take Everything at Face Value
Let’s face it—there will always be someone on a law school forum who knows everything. If one person offers a suggestion about a particular subject, someone else is sure to offer an alternative. Because of how generic many of the courses are, there is likely to be more than one way to prepare. Rather than taking everyone’s advice literally, keep in mind that there may be several options to choose from.
2. Post Relevant Questions
People join law school forums to gather information and get answers to their questions. Some of the most common questions include:
- What to expect in your first year
- Which professors to take
- What events are going on
- Which books are required for each class
Many questions you should ask may be standard, but always make sure they are relevant to your school. If the question has already been answered, you will save yourself the trouble of asking it again.
3. Stick to Professional Language
The Internet may be a breeding ground for informal communication, but a law school forum is not the place to try out your lingo. Since your potential employers are less likely to post on a forum, you won’t have to wade through a lot of this, but you should still avoid slang in your posts. Just like you would be careful about what you post on your Facebook page, be sure to use professional language in your posts. Above all else, don’t use any names without checking to be sure it is acceptable.
4. Know What to Avoid
Even experienced users of law school forums may need a refresher course on proper etiquette. To be certain you are using your law school forum wisely, make sure you are avoiding these common pitfalls:
If you follow these rules, you will find law school forums a useful tool.
Common Topics Covered in Law School Forums
Discussion forums are great sources of helpful advice for prospective law students. Most online forums are comprehensive, covering everything from the LSAT test to how to ace the all-important law school interview. Some forums, however, are focused on one particular aspect of the law school process. Even more often than not, the best forum discussions go into detailed depth, covering everything a prospective student might need to know in order to avoid the pitfalls associated with each stage of the application process. Most often, the most discussed topics in online law school forums include (but are not limited to): Preparing for the LSAT: A free resource for prospective law students, this forum is dedicated to the LSAT exam. It covers everything from how to understand the test’s structure to how you can prepare to exceed its minimum standards. Any niche question regarding self-study or the available LSAT prep courses can usually be answered on an LSAT forum. Application tips: Application process forums are another commonly seen resource for those wishing to attend law school. Based around each step of the application process, these forums offer insights into what judges look for on law school applications , how to cover your bases and avoid application missteps and more. In addition, they typically offer information about the pros and cons of online and in-person applications. Financial aid: An often overlooked aspect of law school enrollment, financial aid forums present information on several types of financial aid options. Common aid types range from federal financial aid to private loans to law-specific funding opportunities. Career prospects: An essential discussion point for many aspiring law students, career prospects forums give the inside scoop on what a law degree has to offer in terms of salary, status and lifestyle. The most in-depth forums, for example, provide a side-by-side comparison of the two-degree paths a graduating law student can pursue: passing the bar exam and going on to earn another, related degree. This forum covers salary potential, job security and needed experience for students opting for either degree as well as long-term earning potential. Law school forums cover several key aspects of the law school admission process. They also provide unique insight into several aspects of law school that applicants may not otherwise consider.
How to Stay Safe Online
While the top law school forums have instituted moderation policies to help reduce the transmission of false information or offensive content, there are still precautions you should take to protect your privacy and personal information. Remember, until you actually apply to a school and get accepted, the admissions committee cannot see any posts you make – and others will not know which school is your top choice or where you may or may not be applying. You should never reveal any personal information, even without names, that you would not want the entire world to see. While this is common sense, be particularly wary of sharing locations you may frequent (particularly public libraries, coffee shops, etc.), sensitive information on where you may be taking the LSAT, or even information about an extracurricular activity that you may be quitting or taking a break from while you study for the LSAT or apply to law school. The less you put out there on these forums, the more chances you have to maintain your privacy. Sadly, there are trolls on nearly every forum online, and some of these trolls become virtually impossible to remove even with a moderator. Therefore, if you do encounter something truly offensive or incorrect, do your best to ignore it, report it to the moderator if you are able to, and do not respond directly on the forum. Responding in anger can damage your reputation on the forum and can provide trolls with more opportunities to retaliate. Staying calm and composed is always the best way to go, when it comes to anything you post online!
Conclusion: Getting the Most Out of Your Forum Experience
To recap the discovery so far, law school forums can be an invaluable tool in your education arsenal. Whether you’re a law student or a prospective one, these online platforms are rich with opportunities to connect with current students and alumni, learn about campus life and exciting student projects, discover networking tips and tricks, integrate into your target law school’s reputation and culture, and engage with the law school community as a whole.
Now that we understand the importance of these forums, and have located and identified a reliable, reputable forum in our target Law School Universe, it’s time to get involved. But how best to approach law school forums?
For starters, don’t go in expecting to move mountains – it’s going to take work, which is only natural. In the legal profession, nothing worth having is going to be handed to you on a silver platter. With persistence and patience, you’ll reap the benefits of your efforts and increase the chances that you’ll be respected and trusted on the forum, as a contributor who law school administrators, students, and alums can depend on to maintain the integrity and quality of the forum.
Be respectful, articulate, and inquisitive. When interacting with others, never underestimate the value of a personable presence and a professional tone. For the best chance of connecting with other users and being taken seriously on the forum , you’ll need to be engaging and thoughtful in your comments and responses.
Don’t play the fly on the wall, either. Contributing to the discussion is important – especially since one of your primary reasons for using a law school forum is to be social and curious. So ask questions that reflect your eagerness to engage with the law school community, as well as those that demonstrate your knowledge and insights.
Another important approach to a law school forum is to be helpful and generous with networking. Offer to act as an intermediary between students and students, students and alumni, alumni and faculty, and more. Be respectful of your fellow forum users’ time, however, and don’t push for immediate responses. Instead, foster relationships over time by actively engaging with others – both individually and in group discussions – on an ongoing basis.
If something isn’t working the way you anticipated, or you’re not getting the results you hoped from a particular law school forum, don’t be afraid to spread your net across a few other law school forums. Some may be more active, reputable, or valuable than others – so it’s in your best interest to do a little investigating before settling in on one particular site. Use the most reputable forums to maximize your chances of making the connections and building the relationships that will help you secure success at law school.