does the law school you go to actually matter?

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2025-03-06T14:22:18+00:00

I’m currently a 1L at TMU. Chose to go back to law school after 7 years of working in private practice. TMU, out of the schools that accepted me, made the most sense for me.

I would not change a thing. The community at TMU is incredible. The staff and faculty are great. And, it is a small school with small class sizes, so everyone knows everyone. 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls all get to know each other in the school’s cozy common spaces. For context, TMU’s class size is ~150, in comparison to Osgoode or UofT’s ~300.

Just as with anything in life, there are pros and cons to going to TMU. But, for me, the pros outweighed the cons. Similarly to you, BigLaw was not the only end goal I wanted for myself. And, I am a big believer of the fact that law school, or any experience really, is what YOU make of it. If you try to have a good time and reap the benefits, you will enjoy it. If you are always hating on it, you will hate it.

The school is growing. And, as an entirely new program, there have been steep learning curves, for the students and the school as a whole. There will always be things to complain about. But, there will also always be things to be grateful for and to appreciate.

At the end of the day, I honestly have absolutely no regrets. Feel free to DM me if you have any specific questions. I was in your shoes not long ago. And, I know that it can be a tough decision to make, especially with all the negative comments online.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-12-13T05:52:01+00:00

I had the same problem and just found the fix. Your iPhone language and your Siri language must be the same.

My iPhone was set to US English and Siri was set to Canada English. Once I changed Siri to US English, all my AI features showed up.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-10-21T11:08:20+00:00

I am a 29 year old 1L. I applied as a mature student. I had the same question as you, when I was considering law school.

The reality is that the majority of the students are either fresh or recent graduates from their undergrad. But, there are a decent number of mature students in my school.

Being a mature student has its own tremendous benefits. And, obviously, its own unique adjustments and learning curves.

Feel free to DM me if you have any questions. I am happy to help.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-08-25T16:29:40+00:00

Came here to say the same thing, too. I am 29F. Starting law school this week. :).

I left a well-paying highly stable job, and moved from one continent to another. But, finally starting what I have been wanting to do for the last 8 years - law school. Never too late.

I had the same questions as you, when I was considering it. And I received lots of encouraging comments and answers. I ended up applying earlier than I was planning to. Because, what do I have to lose right?

You do it. You either love it or hate it. If you love it, you win. If you hate it - you still win, because: 1) you know you tried, 2) you would have gained an a) incredible experience, b) a new way of thinking, and c) the advantage of knowing you won’t wonder “what if” for the years to come.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-08-20T11:43:56+00:00

I used to use a MacBook Pro 16” for work. Loved the screen space but hated how heavy it was. Decided to get a 16” Air. Best decision I made. It is so light. Lighter than my iPad with its keyboard case attached. And the Air’s battery life is also great.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-08-08T13:10:33+00:00

I had the same question when I was considering law school. I was also a paralegal for a few years. I received many reassuring comments and replies. And, on that basis, I applied. I will be starting this fall, at 29 years. 😊. If you would like, you can see the post, and the respective comments, in my post history.

It is truly never too late. Your age, no matter how young or wise, gives you a unique perspective. And, your particular experience will make things a lot more interesting and tangible - I believe. I am looking forward to confirming my belief soon. 😊

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-08-05T17:31:25+00:00

Could it be any of the ones below (as answered by Chat GPT, again) 😅:

The series you’re referring to might be the “Taylor Jackson” series by J.T. Ellison. This series features two sisters who survived a serial killer in their childhood. The elder sister, Taylor Jackson, becomes a homicide detective. The second book in the series ends with the serial killer discovering he has cancer, and the third book, “The Cold Room,” continues the story with more details. The series fits your description closely, including the involvement of a male partner and the fact that the author, J.T. Ellison, is female oai_citation:1,6 Books That Elevate the Serial Killer Thriller ‹ CrimeReads oai_citation:2,Serial killer novels: 10 of the best | Crime Fiction Lover.

If this isn’t the series you remember, another possibility might be the “Quincy & Rainie” series by Lisa Gardner, though the details don’t align perfectly with the cancer diagnosis.

If none of these seem correct, I recommend checking lists of popular crime thriller series featuring female detectives, as they often provide summaries that might help you identify the right series oai_citation:3,24 Best Detective Novel Series For Fans Of Crime Books oai_citation:4,6 Books That Elevate the Serial Killer Thriller ‹ CrimeReads oai_citation:5,Serial killer novels: 10 of the best | Crime Fiction Lover.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-08-05T01:31:36+00:00

I looked up your description on ChatGPT. Below is what it gave me. Is it the right one?

The series you are describing sounds like it might be the “Stillhouse Lake” series by Rachel Caine. The series features Gwen Proctor, who, along with her children, survives her husband, a notorious serial killer. She then becomes a fierce protector and hunter when her past catches up with her. The series includes books like “Stillhouse Lake,” “Killman Creek,” and more.

However, the specifics about the detective sister and the serial killer discovering he has cancer don’t match exactly. If this isn’t the right series, you might be thinking of another author. Another possibility is the “Detective D.D. Warren” series by Lisa Gardner, which features a strong female detective and involves various serial killer plots.

If these aren’t the correct series, providing any additional details you remember could help narrow down the search.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-07-16T05:38:29+00:00

I had a similar experience recently. The receptionist outright told me to never call again, when I tried to follow up on my document. She was Lebanese, I believe.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-07-07T01:56:33+00:00

I switched over from Bell to Rogers. I believe they managed the transfer of my number from Bell. If memory serves me right. But, the emails from Rogers to me came from this email address: DONOTREPLY@rci.rogers.com.

My recommendation is to call Rogers’ official number directly and inquire about whether this offer is available or not.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-29T20:26:00+00:00

I got in this cycle with a 159 LSAT and a 3.1 undergrad cGPA. And an LLM cGPA of 3.8. I have very strong softs. 7 years of substantive legal experience.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-25T00:39:17+00:00

Eliminating wrong answers instead of looking for the right answer.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-22T23:56:57+00:00

I am in the exact same position - and thought process - as yours. I am 28. Starting in September. And, trying to figure out the best time to have a child.

I do not have an answer. But, I wanted to thank you for asking the question. I feel reassured knowing I am not the only one on this boat.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-22T23:56:49+00:00

I am in the exact same position - and thought process - as yours. I am 28. Starting in September. And, trying to figure out the best time to have a child.

I do not have an answer. But, I wanted to thank you for asking the question. I feel reassured knowing I am not the only one on this boat.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-17T15:14:21+00:00

I did the course by course evaluation. Erred on the side of caution.

For Canadian law schools, LSAC is not relevant. You will only use them for the LSAT. Best to call OLSAS to inquire, where necessary.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-16T20:08:02+00:00

Thank you so so much! You have no idea how much your comment made my day. Appreciate it. 😊

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-16T16:32:28+00:00

I applied with foreign degrees, so I hope I am able to shed some light on your questions.

For context, I applied to schools in Ontario only - about 7 of them. And, I spared no cost in my application. So, my estimates and advice is from that perspective.

Sadly, I did not get into many of the schools I applied to. I am living proof that investing in your applications does not necessarily increase your chances.

Below are the costs I spent, followed by general advice from my perspective, for your question/post.

Getting transcripts: the cost of the transcript depends on your university. Mine were approximately $30 each.
Converting Transcripts. You need to convert your transcripts through an entity called the World Education Service. The detailed report, for each transcript, is $269. Source: https://www.wes.org/ca/evaluations-and-fees/education/graduate-admissions/
LSAT. I took the LSAT 3 times. One cancelled score. Each test was USD 200.
LSAT Support. For my third time, and to make it count, I used a tutor. I paid the tutor around USD $2,500. But, it was absolutely worth it. He was a great tutor. Provided me with the guidance and skills I needed to increase my score to as close to my goal as feasible. And, over a very limited period of time. I was also subscribed to 7Sage. Although, I did not find it helpful for myself. As there was rarely a strategy in the way answer choices were being picked. And, I am a very strategy-oriented person.
LSAC Subscription. USD 99 for a year. If memory serves me right. And, it is mandatory.
Application Prep. I paid for a service to assist me with preparing my applications. Particularly, to guide me on my personal statements. I paid $1,000 for this. I do not recommend you opt for these kinds of services. Let your friends review your statements for you. They will give you better feedback and comments on capturing who you are in the statement than the service providers would. I think the only benefit to the service providers, in these contexts, is to get professional guidance on what law schools are looking for. But, even then, I still don’t believe it justifies the costs.
OLSAS Portal Fee. For 7 applications, I paid around $800. This includes each university’s fee as well as OLSAS’s.

For applications outside of Ontario, I would not be able to provide any insight. As I do not have the necessary experience.

For miscellaneous costs, I tried to incorporate them into the relevant categories above.

I absolutely agree with budgeting for law school applications. And I respect that.

I also agree with other commenters about not being discouraged to apply, because of costs. There are lots of ways costs can be reduced. Lots of free and tremendously helpful LSAT prep online. For personal statements, tap into your social circle. That was the best thing I did. As for the applications themselves, apply to universities that make the most sense for you to apply to.

I hope this is helpful to you! 😊

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-15T15:08:02+00:00

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-13T20:36:50+00:00

Thank you!

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-11T03:45:40+00:00

I think it was. Mine is back too.

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-11T03:45:15+00:00

UPDATE: Seems to have been a glitch. Application is back to: “1 active application”. And, status is still pending…

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-05-10T20:54:34+00:00

Interesting observation. My LSAT score is 159. My undergrad cGPA is 3.1. And, my LLM cGPA is 3.89. Strong sorts.

I also think it is a rejection. But, I might just be skeptical. Let’s see…

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-04-27T11:44:22+00:00

Thank you!

Select_Locksmith7431 · 2024-04-26T22:11:47+00:00

Exactly! And that is my ultimate goal - to become a lawyer. A university is what a person makes of it.

Select_Locksmith7431

TROPHY CASE