Law-some savings: The value of free resources for aspiring law students
Navigating the path to law school can be a daunting and expensive journey. However, one law student found immense value in the free resources Arizona State University and the Princeton Review (TPR) provided, which played a crucial role in their academic success.
To become a lawyer, a lot of schooling is required. Four years of undergraduate study are followed by three years of law school. Matthew Wauson, an ASU 2022 graduate, holds a degree in business with a concentration in business law and a second degree in human resource management. He is currently enrolled in law school at the University of Nebraska’s College of Law.
“I have to study for this extra test that's going on with the LSAT, so it was difficult, and having ASU provide the resources to take the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) was a great opportunity,” Wauson said, reflecting on his journey.
For many students, the cost of law school can be overwhelming, even with a scholarship. The Princeton Review is “an education services company that provides test preparation, tutoring, and admission resources for students.” Thanks to the Princeton Review, Wauson excelled on the LSAT and was awarded a full-ride scholarship, covering their tuition costs. However, the financial burden didn't end there. Textbooks and other learning materials still posed significant expenses. Free resources like those offered by ASU became incredibly beneficial.
"Using ASU's resources made a significant difference for me. I would recommend it to anyone," Wauson said.
The Princeton Review's impact was particularly notable in demystifying the LSAT. Known for its challenging nature and the extensive preparation it requires, the LSAT can be an intimidating hurdle. The practice books and exams provided by TPR allowed students to understand exactly what to expect.
"Without this guidance, the LSAT can seem overwhelming and confusing, almost like a foreign language," Wauson explained.
The TPR guides helped them understand and tackle the types of questions on the exam, making the entire process less intimidating.
This journey began when Wauson visited Career Services at ASU to discuss their goals. Career Services provided all the necessary information about the free resources available, allowing Wauson to focus on their exam without additional stress. This support system proved invaluable in their preparation.
Preparing for the LSAT requires a significant amount of study. Many different courses are available, ranging from structured to self-paced.
Wauson emphasized the intensity of his preparation.
“I completely quit my job and spent three months total studying. Studying for the test became my job; I was putting in 10 to 12 hours a day for a full month in preparation for the LSAT. So, it is three months total, but one month is completely devoted. 10 hours a day.”
The flexibility of the self-paced course allowed him to work on it after his classes, fitting seamlessly into his ASU schedule.
While the LSAT itself is pricey, and bar exam prep courses can cost between $2,000 to $3,000, the free resources provided by ASU offered significant relief.
"Free resources like this are incredibly beneficial," Wauson emphasized.
Although the LSAT doesn't directly relate to specific law school subjects, it prepares students for the kind of critical thinking required in law school. Currently studying for a property law exam involving tenant-landlord agreements, Wauson reflected on how the LSAT prepared him to think through such complex scenarios.
"The LSAT taught me how to think through these complex scenarios. Although it might not be immediately obvious, the Princeton Review equipped me for success in law school," they said.
The combination of ASU's support and the Princeton Review's offerings provided this student with the tools they needed to excel. Their experience highlights the importance of utilizing available resources and the significant impact they can have on an aspiring law student's journey.