Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the College Park GA area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of College Park GA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some College Park GA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also offer a means for students to begin developing contacts within the College Park GA legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Georgia legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Georgia or the state where you want to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those schools that are within the College Park GA region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in College Park GA. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near College Park GA, verify classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select offers that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.