Admissions to the top law schools are highly competitive. The law programs of ivy league schools and other high-ranking universities are highly sought after. Many aspiring lawyers spend years in advance preparing for their applications to these schools.

It is no secret that having the name of a prestigious school will help you get a foot in the door. These schools are known for offering rigorous and demanding programs; thus, being able to complete the program (even without honors) will say a lot about your intelligence, ability, and work ethic.

Not everyone has the opportunity to go to these schools, though. In their case, the challenge of building a career is slightly different. Because companies and organizations prioritize students who come from high-ranking schools, graduates of mid-tier schools might need to work harder or be more creative when it comes to finding opportunities.

The Perks of Going to a High-Ranking School

The main perk of earning your degree from a prestigious and high ranking school is that it can open doors for you even before you graduate. Major law firms and organizations keep tabs on the most promising students and offer them internships and training.

Aside from the school’s name, companies will assume that since you graduated from a well-known institution, you possess the intelligence and skills that they are looking for.

High ranking schools might have partnerships with companies and organizations, where students will be sent for training, clerkship, and internship. These are valuable professional experience and can be included in your resume. 

Opportunities for Other Law Graduates

Graduates from high-ranking schools might have an unfair advantage, but there is room for students who come from other schools, especially if they graduate with honors. Of course, they will have to work a lot harder to prove that their skills and mastery of the law are par with their peers from the high-ranking schools.

The Career Ladder

As you achieve milestones and move up the career ladder, your alma mater somehow becomes less important. Don’t misunderstand: the network and affiliations you will form in law school will always be necessary, but as you take on cases, climb the career ladder and achieve milestones, people will be more focused on the career path you take after graduation. 

The Price to Pay

Before you decide to drop everything and go to law school, give yourself some time to consider if this is for you. The high-ranking schools and even lesser-known schools will charge a premium price for the education and training you will receive.

Aside from the financial cost of going to law school, you might also have to forego the opportunity to earn money while you’re in law school. The program is demanding, so you’ll be spending a lot of time in class or studying. Some people even sacrifice personal relationships while they’re in law school. Because you have to study after class on weekends and holidays, there will be limited free time to be with your significant other, much less catch up with friends.