Whether or not to apply to law school – and which law school – is a very personal question. For our students, the reasons that they chose to attend UVic Law range from location to cost to proximity to family to experiential learning programs to research areas. Every year, UVic Law attracts outstanding applicants from all corners of Canada (and beyond) that are looking for the unique UVic Law experience. Their reasons for applying are likewise varied, and a simple blog post cannot begin to touch on all of the reasons and factors that might go into that decision. That said, there are some things to consider when you think about whether UVic Law should be a part of your journey.
We encourage you to ask yourself insightful questions. For example, why do you want to study law? Not everyone needs a specific reason for wanting to study law. Some people arrive at the study of law because they have a very specific objective, like ensuring the world is a more equitable place for people with disabilities. Others find the study of law itself fascinating, how the laws reflect attributes of the society they are used in. Regardless of the reason, studying law at an accredited university will be a rigorous program that is both time consuming and expensive. Reflecting on this question can help determine whether it’s the right path for you.
Why UVic Law? There are many quality law schools across Canada and around the world, so it helps to ask yourself why you are choosing to apply to particular schools. UVic Law is a unique school that offers a collegial community environment. Our students find themselves a good fit for UVic Law for many reasons, from academic programming to student services. Familiarizing yourself with the strengths of a school can help you figure out which aspects of a school are most important to your decision.
What do you see yourself doing with a law degree? Let’s be honest – while a few students start and end their law school career with the same goal in mind, many of them change tack somewhere during their years with us. Perhaps they didn’t know tax law was interesting, or maybe they didn’t realize they would find a passion for advocating for equity-deserving groups. It is common for students to change their career goal at some point during law school. Even so, this question is a useful starting point to determine whether you are a good fit for law school.
Is now the right time? This is maybe the toughest question to answer for many. We do see a lot of students for whom attending school straight from kindergarten through grad school makes sense, but we also see students for whom a gap year or 30 was essential to their journey. Law school is challenging – and expensive; it takes a commitment to the investment. Most students find that they can’t work the first year while carrying a full course load.
While we never want to discourage people from applying for law school, it’s important to reflect on whether your life is in a place to handle the potential stress of school. Do you have a support system and good coping mechanisms? Have you thought through the financial and time commitments of law school? Is there any variable in your life that could change in the near future that would make now a better or worse time?
No matter how many insightful questions you ask yourself, you may find that you come up with yet more questions than answers. This is normal. This is also where the UVic Law Admissions Team can be very helpful. We encourage you to also ask us insightful questions. In addition to the valuable information on our admissions webpage, we have a variety of ways for you to get in touch. This blog, of course, routinely attempts to ask some very commonly asked questions. We also have a robust Recruitment Calendar that highlights videos, webinars, online events, and in person events. We’d love to connect with you and help you figure out whether UVic Law is a good fit for you!