The decision to go to law school isn’t about age—it’s about readiness, resolve, and what you’re willing to build from the ground up. Prospective law students must be ready to invest time and money and have realistic expectations about post-graduation returns. While some people attend law school immediately after graduating from college, many others wait a few years to gain valuable work and life experiences.
The average age of full-time students at Stetson University College of Law, for example, is 24, which is the same at the national level. For part-time students, the average age is slightly older, typically in the low to mid-30s. The range for the most recent entering class is 19-52.
There’s something to be said for gaining work and life experience before attending law school, as it helps ensure that it is truly what you want to do with your career. But how do you know if you’re ready to go to law school? What questions should you be asking? Here’s how to find out.
Step 1: Start by researching law school itself.
If you don’t know that much about the actual curriculum of law school, then start there. You may want to look at the American Bar Association website to review the Core Skills, Values, Knowledge, and Experiences you should have before entering law school. This list includes critical reading, writing, research, and listening skills.
Look at the courses you’ll be required to take and what types of electives, concentrations, and specializations are available to match your areas of interest. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) provides extensive information about the law school curriculum, the application process, and offers great video stories from actual students.
The LSAC also explains the case method approach that law schools typically use to teach the law and offers a summary of each first-year course. Law schools tend to have a similar first-year curriculum, so take a look at Stetson Law’s required curriculum to get an idea of what your schedule might look like as a first-year full- or part-time student.
If you can, visit law schools in your area and meet with staff, faculty, and students. Most schools allow you to attend a first-year class to get a sense of how class is structured. It’s a great way to meet current students and ask them questions. If you’re considering a part-time program, talk with current part-time students and ask about the work-family-school balance.
Step 2: Talk to Actual Lawyers.
Before you commit to a JD program, take time to think seriously about what you’re signing up for—not just in terms of coursework, but in terms of the legal career you’re aiming to build. A law degree opens doors, yes, but to walk through the right one, you need a clear picture of the day-to-day reality of working in the legal profession.
The best way to find out about the profession is by talking to actual lawyers. If you don’t already know someone who works in the law and you’re a recent or soon-to-be college grad, call up your career service office or your school’s prelaw advisor and see if they can introduce you to alumni who have become attorneys. Many colleges have pre-law clubs, such as Phi Alpha Delta. They often bring guest speakers to events, so reach out to them and see what they have to offer. If all else fails, reach out to your local bar association to see if you can attend a young lawyers’ event.
If you’ve been out of college for a while or don’t live near your alma mater, consider seeking out community resources, such as those provided by local government or legal aid. Maybe there are lawyers among your church congregation, or maybe your company has in-house counsel you can meet with. Be creative and make some connections!
Try to find out about the real demands of particular legal career paths. The practice of law isn’t always what you might expect: depending on your area of practice as a lawyer, you might spend your days drafting contracts, negotiating settlements, analyzing dense regulatory language, or poring over case law. The hours can be long, the pace intense, and the tasks—while intellectually rigorous—can often be solitary and detail-heavy.
Don’t be discouraged if the attorneys you talk to share stories about challenging law school or job-seeking experiences. Times change, law school pedagogy changes, and the employment market changes. What they experienced isn’t always what you’ll experience.
Step 3: Get prepared for the LSAT.
If you’re thinking seriously about becoming a JD student, the LSAT isn’t just a hoop to jump through—it’s one of the most important components of your law school application. Admissions committees use your LSAT score as a benchmark for how well you’re likely to handle the academic rigor of a legal education. Your score is meant to reflect your ability to think critically, analyze arguments, and manage time under pressure: skills you’ll rely on throughout your legal career.
Preparing for the LSAT can be a challenge, especially if you're balancing work or school, but it’s essential to face this test head on and treat it with the seriousness it deserves. If you’re considering a part-time legal education while maintaining a full-time job, but you can’t find time to study for the LSAT, then now might not be the right time for you to go to law school. If you’re a prospective full-time student and you find yourself coming up with excuses to avoid studying for or taking the LSAT, you may also not be at the right place in life for law school.
What’s a good LSAT score for law school applicants?
A 150 is around the national average, but competitive JD programs often expect scores in the 160s or higher. Top-tier schools may look for scores in the 170+ range. Ultimately, a good score is one that aligns with the median scores of the schools you're applying to—and one that reflects your full potential.
The LSAT is a demanding test, but it rewards consistency and practice, which means you’ll need a plan and a timeline to prepare effectively. One of the most accessible prep tools is the LSAC-Khan Academy partnership, which offers free, high-quality LSAT prep online. These resources include personalized practice plans, interactive lessons, and full-length exams—making them a budget-friendly and flexible option for aspiring law school students.
What happens if you don’t hit your target score right away? There’s no harm in taking the LSAT more than once, and, in fact, improving your LSAT score is probably your best bet to boost your overall chances of admission. However, keep in mind that the average score increase from retaking the test is only 2 to 3 points, and taking it multiple times without improvement can raise questions for admissions committees.
The best strategy is to prepare as though you’re only going to take it once, then make a sober decision about whether to take it again if your score was noticeably lower than what you’ve gotten on practice tests or if you encountered significant test-day difficulties.
Step 4: Leverage your life experiences.
When it comes to law school readiness, your transcript and LSAT score are only part of the picture. Your work experience and life journey can be powerful assets in both JD programs and in the legal profession at large.
For instance, many second-career law students bring an uncommon depth to their studies. A former nurse may excel in health law; a business owner may gravitate toward corporate compliance. These grads often stand out in class discussions and offer real-world insights that enrich the learning environment for everyone. Their diverse backgrounds also appeal to law firms looking for attorneys who can connect with clients and solve complex problems through multiple lenses.
Can life experience make up for a lower GPA or LSAT score? It depends. While law schools are always going to evaluate your academic performance, many admissions committees take a holistic view—especially for older students or those whose undergrad grades reflect a different chapter in life. A compelling personal statement, strong letters of recommendation, and a track record of professional achievement can help offset academic metrics that fall below the school’s median.
Navigating Challenges as an Older Student
Starting law school in your 30s, 40s, or beyond doesn’t put you at a disadvantage—it can actually set you apart. Students with more life behind them often have clearer goals, more focused study habits, and stronger resilience. They tend to treat law school like the job that it is, rather than just another phase of education. That mindset pays off in class, in clinics, and eventually in the job market.
In fact, the median age of incoming law students has been trending upward in recent years, reflecting a broader shift in law school demographics. Law schools are increasingly welcoming of students who bring something different to the table—and that includes seasoned professionals making a bold career pivot.
Step 5: Financial Planning and Scholarships
Before you commit to a JD program, it’s crucial to take a clear-eyed look at the cost of earning a law degree. Whether you attend full-time or part-time, the financial impact is significant.
Most ABA-accredited schools structure tuition based on enrollment status, and while part-time students may spread out payments over more years, they often lose access to certain institutional grants or full-time-only scholarships. That makes early financial planning even more essential—especially for students balancing law school with a job or family responsibilities.
Fortunately, there are scholarships for older or part-time law students. Many law schools now actively recruit applicants with professional experience and offer merit-based or need-based scholarships tailored to diverse demographics. There are also private scholarships—some administered through LSAC, others through local bar foundations or community organizations—designed specifically for applicants pursuing a second career in the legal profession.
Don’t skip the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) either. Completing it allows access to federal student loans and need-based aid from your law school. Private lenders can also be an option, but they often lack the flexible repayment and forgiveness programs that come with federal aid.
Research early and apply broadly—many scholarships go unclaimed each year simply because eligible students don’t know they exist.
Strategizing Student Loan Debt
How much debt do law school graduates typically accrue? The numbers vary, but it’s common for grads to carry between $100,000 and $160,000 in student loans by the time they complete their degree. That can be a heavy burden—especially for those entering lower-paying areas of the legal field—but it’s not insurmountable.
The key is to think strategically about how to finance your legal education and manage debt post-graduation. Apply to a range of schools, including those where your academic record or bachelor’s degree background might earn you a competitive scholarship package. Some law firms, particularly those in underserved areas or focused on social justice and public interest law, offer tuition reimbursement or loan repayment assistance for new attorneys.
You’ll also want to consider the long-term ROI of your degree. A law school with a strong bar passage rate and employment outcomes might justify a higher cost if it increases your chances of passing the bar exam and securing a position in a competitive market. Many grads also explore Income-Driven Repayment Plans (IDRs), Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), or state-specific programs that help reduce the long-term burden of student loans.
Are You Ready for Law School?
Law school has the potential to change your life, and it’s well worth the effort; however, it requires forethought and consideration. If law school is the right choice, then get your personal and financial affairs in order and go for it! You’ll know you’re ready for law school when you have the internal motivation or fire to overcome any obstacles in your path.
Conduct thorough research and learn about the legal education system and strategies for success in law school. Speak with admission counselors and take a tour of Stetson’s beautiful campus. Connect with lawyers and discover the realities of being a lawyer. Finally, take the time to prepare for the LSAT. No obstacles… No excuses!
FAQs
Is law school worth it after 30 or 40?
Yes, law school can absolutely be worth it after 30 or 40 depending on your goals, resources, and career vision. Many older students bring valuable work and life experience that enhances their ability to succeed both in school and in the legal profession. Law school graduates in their 30s or 40s often have more clarity, discipline, and purpose than younger peers, and they tend to approach the process with greater focus.
What is the average age to earn a JD?
The average age to earn a JD is typically around 26 to 28 years old, depending on the student population and the law school. Many students enter JD programs directly after completing their bachelor’s degree, which puts them on track to graduate in their mid-20s. However, in recent years, law schools have reported that roughly 20–25% of their students are over the age of 30, reflecting broader shifts in legal education demographics. So while the median graduate may still be in their late twenties, earning a JD in your 30s or beyond is becoming increasingly common.
What courses should I take in undergrad to prepare for law school?
There’s no required major or set of courses for law school applicants, but certain undergraduate classes can help you build the skills you’ll rely on in a JD program. Courses in political science, history, economics, philosophy, and English are popular because they emphasize analytical reading, persuasive writing, and critical thinking. Classes in logic, ethics, and public speaking can also sharpen your ability to construct and defend arguments. Additionally, taking a few research-intensive courses will help you develop the stamina and attention to detail needed for legal writing. Ultimately, law schools value intellectual rigor and academic curiosity more than any specific major, so focus on classes that challenge you and help you become a better communicator, thinker, and problem-solver.
How do law school admission committees evaluate undergraduate coursework?
Law school admissions committees want to see that you’re capable of handling the academic demands of a JD program and that your coursework reflects discipline, curiosity, and the ability to think critically. They pay close attention to your GPA, course rigor, and academic trends. They’ll look for evidence that you challenged yourself intellectually, so a high GPA in demanding courses often carries more weight than an inflated GPA from a lighter curriculum.
Committees also consider the reputation of your undergraduate institution and whether you took advantage of available academic opportunities. If your transcript shows improvement over time or strong performance in writing-intensive or analytical courses, that can work in your favor.
Topics: Applying to Law School, Articles
