Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Montville CT area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a highly regarded accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Montville CT law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Montville CT law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Montville CT legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Connecticut legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school located in Connecticut or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Montville CT area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Montville CT. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Montville CT, verify classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the program you choose provides that option. Finally, inquire what the process is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.