#161 - My Student Wants to Go to Law School - Now What?

Law school can look like a straight line from college to a JD, until you learn how much hinges on one quiet detail: timing. We sit down with Jennifer Balboni, a criminal justice professor and long time pre law advisor, to map the real law school admissions process in plain language so parents and students can plan early and avoid expensive surprises.We unpack why law school applications have surged, what draws students to the law in the first place, and why many students pivot once they arrive and discover new areas like contracts, torts, or estates. Jennifer explains how rolling admissions works, why applying in September or October can dramatically improve both acceptance odds and merit based scholarship offers, and why waiting until late winter can leave fewer seats and little money on the table. We also talk frankly about debt and why “getting in” is not the only goal.Then we demystify the LSAT: what it tests, why it feels unlike other exams, and how to treat prep like marathon training. You will hear practical guidance on building a study timeline, choosing a test date that keeps retake options open, strengthening GPA, earning meaningful academic recommendations, and finding ABA accredited programs that fit a student’s goals and learning style. We close with advice for parents on staying supportive, keeping perspective, and helping a student choose the next right step if they do not get the result they hoped for.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a parent or student weighing law school, and leave a review so more families can find it. What part of the law school process feels most confusing right now? Thank you for listening!Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent CentralFind us on Twitter at @CollParCentralFind us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.socialSign up for our newsletter for ongoing information