Points to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Appleton WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other crucial issues to research also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded organization 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 online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Appleton WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Appleton WI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Appleton WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to select a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be important to build relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those schools that are within the Appleton WI region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Appleton WI. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Appleton WI, make certain 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, find out what the process is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.