Your first year of law school has the reputation of being a daunting one. There are many stories, books and movies of how difficult it is, both intellectually and stamina-wise. Many first year law students approach law school with feelings of stress, intimidation and dread. This generalized feelings of anxiety can be lessened by an understanding of what is true and what is myth, basically by knowing what to expect. In the instance of starting law school, as in many others, knowledge is power.

Accept That You May Not Be At The Top Of The Class. First of all, many law students are used to excelling in school, often without an exorbitant amount of effort. You need to bear in mind that your law school class is derived of the top students from different undergraduate schools. Therefore, you are starting on a much more competitive playing field than you may have been working on in the past. Thus, you must be prepared to work hard. Competition can be fierce, and some students can get nasty. Do your best, surround yourself with supportive classmates, and avoid comparing yourself to others.

I don't get it? You want to go to law school, not practice, but just to get a law degree? I know there are more open doors after getting your law degree, but is it worth that three years and money? I don't think so. Unless you want to get into politics or public policy, I don't personally see how it makes sense to go to law school to not practice. What a waste of time! If you think you will be building up your resume with a J.D. to enter a non-legal field, somehow I suspect that if you were to just work in your target industry for three years you will be much more ahead if you were to go to law school.

I know in my class I come across people who are so non-enthusiastic about their studies saying, "oh, I don't plan on practicing." It is almost as if they are bragging about going to law school just for fun or something. Anyway, if you are one of those planning to go to law school, in law school, or graduated law school with no future or present plans to practice, let me know your side of the story--good luck.

One caveat, my opinion does not apply to those who have not been able to pass the bar - my older brother did not pass his first time, so I know it is rough!

Does an undergraduate major really matter in applying to law school? The truth is, it would seem it is not the major that matters but how you interact with your major by challenging yourself and developing research and writing skills in the process.

As most of you may know, law schools rely heavily on ABA accreditation. If this is the case, future law school applicants may benefit in relying in ABA standards as well. According to the ABA:

Have you been rejected form law school? Though their "decision was difficult" and they "wish the best in your future endevours", rejection is not easy. Some have found comfort in posting their rejection letters on rejectionletters.wordpress.com. If you feel the same comfort in sharing your grief, the site may help with the healing process. In the alternative, anonymously or not, share your rejections in the comments below.