Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Glastonbury CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Glastonbury CT law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact several Glastonbury CT law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Glastonbury CT legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school located in Connecticut or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may need to initially look at those schools that are within the Glastonbury CT region.
How Much is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be obtainable to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Glastonbury CT. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Glastonbury CT, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the process is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.