Big 3 to Lawyer/Law School in CA - Feedback Requested

[cookderosa]

I don't mind writing, but was initially very confused. Then on youtube I saw a bunch of video short projects on a variety of different subjects so I was overwhelming myself for no good reason. Since this post I have completed Ethics 312N and just registered to complete the TEEX Cyber courses so I am gaining confidence for this process (thanks to this board) and am just taking it slow and steady. My biggest hurdle I have was concerned with was paying out of pocket for each test because I simply don't have the funds right now to just drop a 100 here and there, but I am looking at the possible CC courses/grant road. I received forbearance from my last school, but have to wait until it's complete (it's been almost a year and I have been told it should be any day this month) before I can apply for any type of aid so in the meantime I'm going to finish what is free/cheaply available and continue from there.

If I were in your shoes, I would 100% cash flow this process since you'll probably need as much money as you can get for law school.

Here's the deal- the absolute MOST it should cost for your first 90 credits is $3,000 and that's a high estimate based on $100 per 3 credits. You can bring that cost WAY down by using CLEP as much as possible (currently free, so if you use CLEP for 60 of those credits, you're not brining the cost of your first 90 credits down to $1000 spread out over a full year or two).

Beyond that, you'll have to be strategic. The accumulation of upper level credit is what can get more expensive- but using credit by exam still keeps those costs to about $100 per 3 credit class and choosing a degree that is completable that way is key. (liberal arts or business - the end) If you decide to chase down something else, you're adding cost.

I wouldn't do a thing with financial aid until you've absolutely maxed out every free credit available to you - and you are a LONG WAY from that. Just my opinion.