What do schools consider when selecting older students for interview?

[MyNewLife]

Ok, perhaps it's a middle age thing, or more likely, I have wanted to do this my entire life and I now have the time and means to pursue this career path. Since I will be 49 by the time I enter a law school, I am curious if there is anyone out there with experience in the application process. If so, are there any pointers that would help me during the interview process. I will be taking the LSAT in September 2007, and I suspect the interview process will be in the winter months for acceptance of the 2008 school year. I have comlpleted my research on which schools would be the best for me, and I was surprised how many there were that meet my criteria. However, being older, I am unsure if law schools will view my age as a plus or minus. On the one hand, I have lots of life experience to pull from and offer in class discussions, on the other hand, being older, I may not have the youthful energy of most of my future classmates.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lee

[morris]

Hi Lee
I am also an older law student and was pleasantly surprised to find that I was not alone. My best friend is a retired surgeon and my study partner is a Major in the Air Force. My main regret is that I did not do this when I was 49.

Law schools are looking for diversity and your age will be a plus, along with the fact you can probably pay your own way. I don't really have any pointers except to get some professional help with your personal statement. Then read Planet Law School or Law School Confidential and take the Leews course. Law school is different from anything you have done before and these will help you get started on the right track.

Your score on the LSAT will be the main factor so you really need to take the time to practice. You absolutely need to make above the median for the schools that meet your criteria.

My biggest problem was that I underestimated the effects of moving on my family. There has been a big adjustment, especially with the amount of time I am involved with school and studying. If you are married, expect this to be a major problem. Good luck.

[MyNewLife]

Hello Morris,
That is very useful information. I have been preparing for the LSAT for about three months, and will take the test in September. As I suspected, the LSAT score is the key. However, the personal statement is something I might need to work on in August. I would like to have complete application by September with the exception of the test.

As for my family...I am lucky, a totally single guy, kids are older and off to college and the only lady in my world in is medical school, so she understands the committment. And, your right, I do have some resources, but will most likely apply for scholarships, loans and other forms of financial support. Since I am starting late in the game, I don't want to use to much liquid assets unless it's truly needed.

Hopefully, I will meet more people here and we can exchange ideas and share our insights and knowledge.

Thanks,
Lee

[morris]

Once you have your choices narrowed down be sure to visit and do a personal interview. Then sit in on some classes and talk to the students. My first choice went out the window. Be absolutely sure to take the Leews course. Unfortunately I found out about it after my first year.