My School is Raising Tuition Again!

It may not matter too much to me as my school is already quite expensive, but it might matter to those who are just starting law school.  The truth is, however, the school is raising tuition once again.  I got the e-mail the other day, and it said the following:

The administration has worked to keep tuition increases to a minimumthis year.  Rising costs have made some increase unavoidable, but, bycontrolling costs, we have been able to hold the increase to 2.9% for3F, 3P, and 4P students and 3.2% for 2F and 2P students. 

Full-Time2F $49,6303F $49,486 

Part-Time2P $37,2223P $37,1144P $36,758 

Student Fees will increase to $346 for the coming year.

The truth is, this is not gonna be cheap.  And every year it goes up.  My school is not the only school that raises its tuition.  In fact, tuition increases are happening everywhere.  In fact, I would like to see a law school that is not raising its tuition.  That would be a site huh?

One final year and I am done with law school.  Sally Mae will come to my door, in all her splendid glory and ask for her money back.  Only time will tell if I will have any money to give her.

Will I find a legal job?  Will I find a non-legal job?  Will I be working at a decent law firm, at a non-profit, or at a fast food restaurant?  Will I be living back with my parents (which, to be honest, I don't consider an option).  For a person such as myself, the future is very scary.

My school is raising tuition again... Is yours?

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I honestly CAN NOT BELIEVE that my school has the AUDACITY to RAISE it's tuition again!  How the H E L L do these people think we can pay this amount.  Is the government this STUPID that they allow schools to keep raising prices.  Are people so stupid that they think that the economy can sustain itself on people taking out HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of dollars in student loans.  Where is all this money coming from?  Do these idiots honestly think that everyone is going to be able to pay it back in this economy?  I don't understand it.  How can people just sit by and watch this happen.  It's like the housing bubble all over again -- yet I think this is going to be worse.  Much worse.  I think that it's going to implode and I wonder where the economy is going to be.

This is the BABY BOOMERS LAST STAND.  One final way to screw us over before they finally leave this planet.  GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH!!!!!!!

They want to keep you in school forever...

A friend of mine was recently talking to me.  She was telling me how that her liberal arts program of study will now take an extra semester to finish.  Further, she has been in school for almost four years now full time.  Further, the last semester she has been taking 18 credits, which is the maximum allowed for her school, unless she can get permission from the dean to take more credits.  Yet, she will have to take another full semester of classes, at 18 credits, after the four years, in order to graduate.

She is worried about her loans as well.  She will not get a Pell Grant.  Further, since she goes to a private school, all her loan money will be going to towards tuition.  She has nothing left over for housing or food.  In fact, she tells me that she will actually owe some after her maximum government loans are taken out in order to pay tuition.

I recently was talking to an aunt of mine who went to a private school many years ago.  This aunt is a Baby Boomer.  Wikipedia defines baby boomer as:

A baby boomer is a person who was born during the demographic Post-World War II baby boom between the years 1946 and 1964, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The term "baby boomer" is sometimes used in a cultural context. Therefore, it is impossible to achieve broad consensus of a precise definition, even within a given territory. Different groups, organizations, individuals, and scholars may have widely varying opinions on what constitutes a baby boomer, both technically and culturally. Ascribing universal attributes to a broad generation is difficult, and some observers believe that it is inherently impossible. Nonetheless, many people have attempted to determine the broad cultural similarities and historical impact of the generation, and thus the term has gained widespread popular usage.

United States birth rate (births per 1000 population). The red segment from 1946 to 1964 is the postwar baby boom.

Baby boomers are associated with a rejection or redefinition of traditional values; however, many commentators have disputed the extent of that rejection, noting the widespread continuity of values with older and younger generations. In Europe and North America boomers are widely associated with privilege, as many grew up in a time of widespread government subsidies in post-war housing and education, and increasing affluence. As a group, they were the wealthiest, most active, and most physically fit generation to that time, and amongst the first to grow up genuinely expecting the world to improve with time. They were also the generation that received peak levels of income, therefore they could reap the benefits of abundant levels of food, apparel, retirement programs, and sometimes even "midlife crisis" products.

One feature of Boomers was that they tended to think of themselves as a special generation, very different from those that had come before. In the 1960s, as the relatively large numbers of young people became teenagers and young adults, they, and those around them, created a very specific rhetoric around their cohort, and the change they were bringing about.^[5] This rhetoric had an important impact in the self perceptions of the boomers, as well as their tendency to define the world in terms of generations, which was a relatively new phenomenon.

The baby boom has been described variously as a "shockwave" and as "the pig in the python." By the sheer force of its numbers, the boomers were a demographic bulge that remodeled society as it passed through it.

The term Generation Jones has sometimes been used to distinguish those born from 1954 onward from the earlier Baby Boomers.  (Source: Wikipedia.org)

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My aunt told me that her tuition at a private four year college was free of charge.  Further, she told me that she was done with her four year program in three and a half years.  I could not help but shake my head at this.  Of course, when tuition is free they will rush you out.  When you pay close to $35,000 a year, they will try to keep you forever.

The truth is, four year college programs are taking people far longer than four years.  Further, people are told that it is alright to change their majors halfway into the program.  In fact, they are told that it is not only okay, it is normal.  I know of some people who change their majors like they change their underwear, once every few months.  It's quite crazy.

Shouldn't college take less time if it is more expensive?  Young people are getting screwed over with high tuition costs and at the same time being told that they have to spend another six months to a year in school in order to finish their program of study.  If you drop out you'll be another person with 'some college' experience, which society tells you is bad.  If you finish that degree you started, you will be another college graduate in a world saturated with grads.  Colleges want you to finish and they will milk you like a bovine every step of the way.

Boomers tend to have no clue the price of an education these days.  They went for free, yet think at the same time, we should all be able to pay our loans.  Some may say: go to a public college.  That's not cheap, either.  In fact, some public schools charge more than private schools used to charge a couple of decades ago.  Maybe less.  

Further, we are told that since there are so many regular four year graduates out there that we need a graduate degree.  Like undergraduate schools, law schools are taking anyone with a pulse.  LSAT scores, once necessary to enter law school, have been relaxed.  Now a GMAT might get you into some schools.  The barriers to entry are being knocked down all in the name of the almighty dollar.  A legal education is not about creating lawyers.  It's about making money -- for the schools.  As I speak, a handful of schools are preparing to become accredited.  Chances are that they all will be.  Further, there are talks of ABA law schools popping up in other countries, such as China.  Outsourcing law schools?  Is this for real?  (Law.com -- Law Schools in China?).

Higher education reform will have to happen.  But who will pay the price?  The boomers?  Unlikely.  It will probably end up being those who are being pumped into the educational system right now.  It will probably be us who are taking out six figure loans in order to finish our education.  It will be those who were conditioned and fed that education was the path to the American dream.  And while it could be argued that nobody had a gun to our heads, and that we have free choice (which is true), the punishment is quite harsh.  Why should schools be allowed to create four year programs that run on for five years and charge insane amounts of money for it?  Why should there be more law schools than the legal economy can support?  Why should legal education be outsourced just as e-discovery? 

Spring 2012 Grades

Well, I got my grades back, and I must say I have shown an improvement.  Perhaps there is hope for me yet.

I want to take the time to share my grades with my readers, in case they are curious.

Corporate Finance: C+
Law and Economics: A+
Copyright Law: A
EU Law: B+

Other than the Corporate Finance, the grades are not too bad.  In fact, I think that gives me around a 3.4 GPA.  The average at my institution is a B+, so the C+ was quite rotten, but after last semester, I don't feel too bad.  I didn't really try this semester, and it shows that I may still have a chance at getting some good grades.  However, that being said, I still feel law school grades are somewhat arbitrary and have done tests in the past in which I felt like I did amazing on, only to find out that I did quite bad.

Last semester my GPA was around a 2.6, and right now I believe I have a 2.9.  I hope to graduate with a 3.2, but I know that is going to be tough.  I have 2 more semesters, and to graduate with such a GPA will mean I will have to work hard.  Further, I still plan on leaving the US to teach English after law school, so I wonder what the point of this all is.

Some may call me crazy for giving up law before even trying.  Truth is, I think of it as crazy sometimes.  However, I feel that I am not cut out for the profession, nor do I want to sell my soul.  Yes, I should have researched this in advance more, and the scam bloggers who say that the current students deserve some of the blame are in many ways right.  As law students, we should research, and we must be held somewhat accountable.  Not accountable for deceptive business practices and the state of the law school educational machine, but for not being savvy enough to realize how messed up it is.

There are many blogs on here that do a great job of exposing that system, and I can't devote the kind of time or energy in uncovering the system as they do, so I will not try.  Instead, I am here to show the kind of fear that is pretty commonplace today.  Even though the kiddies on Top-Law-Schools act smug, the truth is, they are scared to death and, in reality, look quite pathetic.  

We are being made to be the bottom feeders in society and paying dearly for the privilege.  We should sometimes feel pathetic.  Especially those who have over 1000 posts on TLS.  

Visiting family: The Topic of Law School.

I posted before about how I was nervous to go visit family because everyone would be asking me questions about law or saying how rich I would one day become.  However, having been here for a week, only one person has mentioned it in passing.  In fact, nobody has even asked me about law school nor have they mentioned anything else about it.  In fact, after having been away for two years, it's as if they forgot I even go!  It's kind of strange to be honest, but I can't complain too much about it, even though I wonder why people have not mentioned it.

Perhaps these blogs are doing their part in making people realize that law school is something one does not discuss.  Maybe it is a dark topic, such as how much money one makes a year, or how many STDs one carries with them?

Of course, I still have a week here, and things may change.  However, I highly doubt school will be mentioned at all.  Part of me wondered if it's because I come from a very poor family and some may not like me doing school (first in family to do it, blah blah blah).  Maybe it's because I am not too talkative and have not brought it up myself.

I worried for months that people would ask all sorts of questions or ask for legal advice.  However, that being said, some members of my family are just strange and I don't think that they want to discuss such things.  Sometimes when the news came on here and legal topics were mentioned, or when everyone was watching Perry Mason and Judge Judy, Judge Mathis, etc. I wondered if people would mention law school to me.  But nope, they seem to have actually forgot I go to law school!  Isn't that just the darnedest thing?!

I even had a phone interview for an internship and nobody asked a thing about it (even though I ended up getting scared and not answering the phone -- maybe I'll write more about that later).

There was one person, not a family member, but a person here who I met, and he asked about me going to college, and I said I was going to law school.  Here is how it went down.

Him: So what are you planning on doing?
Me: I go to college right now.
Him: For what?
Me: Law.
Him:  Oh, you're going to be a stinkin' lawyer huh?
Me: I don't know, to be honest.

(Keep in mind this guy is a truck driver, who owns a huge beautiful home on a cliff overlooking a valley and mountains below.  He has his own company and obviously does very well at it.)

Him:  Oh yeah?  Then what are you planning on doing?
Me: Well, I can use my degree to do something else (I felt stupid saying this, even though it is technically possible).  Maybe I'll try to work for a non-profit or a company.
Him:  I see.

One more week and I can get back home and enjoy my summer.  Diablo III is out and I am dying to play it. That is the summer I have ahead of me, and it is going to beat the hell out of any unpaid "Internship/slavery" that everyone else is doing.

A+ in Law and Economics: and I don't care anymore.

This morning, for about half a second, I felt good that I got an A+ in my law and economics course, but then I realized: I do not care anymore.  This semester has gone by better than last, although I got a lackluster C+ in my Corporate Finance.  I was lucky to score a B+ in EU Law, which was kind of a fluke.  Hell, it all was.

LISTEN CHILDREN:  Law school grades are mostly random.  You can get a C+ in a class you put way more effort in than a class you got an A-.  I worked my butt off in my Corporate Finance and missed most of my law and economics course.  I am not smart.  An A+ does not mean you are smart.  Even if you end up getting an award, you are probably at least half lucky.

If you think you are lucky enough to 'score' your way through law school, you might want to take out maximum loans on law school and play the lottery, because you probably have a better chance of winning the lottery than doing so good in law school that you end up with an amazing job.  And if you don't believe me, why not take a look at a few of the other blogs that are featured to the right?

One more year of this madness (not going to bother doing internships this summer -- in fact, I had two phone interviews the other day for internships -- and I didn't bother even answering.  Just wasn't in the mood).  I figure that the odds of me practicing law (and actually liking it) are about as slim as me making love to a pack of blue wolves with wings in the Himalayas next Thursday.

IT.  WILL.  NOT.  EVER.  HAPPEN.

Recontacted the mentor, but I ask: Why?

At least one of my readers told me to get back in contact with my mentor.  So I did.  I figured there is no harm in at least writing her a letter.  Further, I was honest.  I have not talked to her since this has occurred, and to be honest, part of me wonders what the point is.  Before, I bother with that though, I shall let you read the letter:

TO THE MENTOR
Hello,

I am writing you as I have been bad with keeping in touch with you.  For that I am sorry.  I had a very rough semester, and to be honest, I was somewhat afraid to get back in touch with you due to not having much going for me.  Due to moving and financial aid issues my grades were quite bad.  I did not fail any classes, but I was quite upset to see that I did poorly in a couple of my classes.  Further, I was forced to leave my position in (city) due to trying to find a place to live and being asked to skip class, which I could not do.  I have felt like a failure, and honestly wonder if law school is worth it for me to continue.  I did quite well during my first year, mostly due to hard work.  I know that grades are very important to employers, and have been slowly looking for summer work.  I have also considered focusing on just getting a job instead of trying to be picky about finding something in my field.  Further, I have applied for a couple of clinics and other positions for the fall.  I keep hearing how awful the economy is now and how that even the top performers are not able to find work.  I guess the thing is, it's very disheartening at times.

Anyway, I wrote you as I wanted to update you on things and let you know that I am sorry for not keeping in touch better.

Talk to you soon,

THE REPLY

Dear Terrified Law Student, Let's get together real soon and schedule a call even sooner. Can I meet you or call you some time today? Believe me, I know that life can be tough. But I've found that it helps to talk. I'm here for you.

-Mentor

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First, the more I study and the more I think about it, the more I realize I do not want to practice law.  I would rather work in a non-profit or, hell, even barely subsist than deal with that day in and day out.  Second, I am worn out from all this hassle.  Third, I am figuring that I'd rather teach English abroad in Asia (a place I have traveled to and enjoyed) or join the military (enlisted, not officer) than be a lawyer.  Fourth, I continue hearing from my family that "they are so proud of me."

I have not posted on this blog in a while.  I figured that I should focus on my studies.  I should read every page given to me.  I should attend every class.  I should outline myself.  I should focus on school.  Lucky for me I was not called on this semester, which was nice.  Instead, I was able to completely focus on my classes.  But in the end, I still think "what's the point?" 

A few months back I posted a letter my grandparents wrote to me about how I should not drop out.  I have not spoken to them since that letter and, honestly, am quite angry that they mentioned it.  Further, other members of my family have bombarded me with comments such as "you are going to do so great!"  "we are so proud of you!"  "Terran (a psychic who gave me a palm reading during my childhood) always said you would go far!" (More on this in another post, as I don't believe in psychics). 

The truth is, I am quite angry.  Next week (5 days actually), I am going back home for the first time in two years (since starting law school).  I am not ready for the bombardment of questions (the inquisition). 

Yes, I got back to the mentor, but we have not met again (nor have we talked on the phone).  Further, the more I think about it, the more I do not want to practice law, so what is the point of calling the mentor?  What is the point of meeting up with her?  I don't know. 

One year left.  It's going to be interesting.

M.I.A. Lately (law school finals)

Sorry for my lack of posts lately.  I know some people read this blog and enjoy that which I have to say.  Well, the reason for my absence is that I have been studying a lot harder this semester and hoping to see an improvement in my grades.  I still feel that it's a waste, but I might as well see how well I can do.  Once the finals are done (have one more left) I will try to post here some more.