Hey all,

I'm so happy that I've got in Berkeley this year but I have a grave anxiety about my future!

(It's not bec. the law school's quality but in my opnion only --Please understand me as so-- )

Undoubtedly, Boalt Hall is the world premier law school but in my opinion it lacks some aspects of which I consider them very important!

Honestly, I think Berkeley has none of the greatest authorities in my pursuing field(such as Akhil Reed Amar or Drew S. Days III) and incredibly varied curriculum like other top law schools(especially YLS & HLS) as well as no Law Teaching Series(like other top 5). In my case, all these mentioned factors mean the extremely positive assets for me to materialize my dream in pursuing legal teaching career and to launch the curriculum that has not yet been taught in my country. These are WHAT I meant.

Anyhow,

To think about reallying next year, .........

To tell you all the truth, (please forgive me, if it is too long. but PLEASE BE PATIENT.)


I have so many problems(factors) to think about this choice. especially TIME MONEY & CERTAINTY.


First, I have no professional experience(I graduated almost 3 years) how about the law firm at which I want to apply. What should I tell them about the absent 3 years?

and -> if I am accepted, how long does it take to retake the TOEFL test and reapply (I'm not so sure that I will have enough time to prepare myself.) -> My junior(from Baker & MacKenzie Thailand) told me that the law firm will lend a money or give scholarship to the associate who works for 3-5 years. -> What about me?


Second, about my family financial support, my parents (who are almost 70) want me to find a job (since I am about to 29 in this June and have no exp. , -as you already know-) if I take time for so long (maybe)they won't patronize me anymore
bec. this money is worth about 45K(2 million bahts). and can do something else a lot.


Last, If I turn down to the uni.'s offer, what will guarantee that I will succeed in the next year especially --with my profile & TOEFL score--

(-Admittedly, my GPA was not so high only 3.38 out of 4.0 (2 nd Class Honor but if it is calculated by the same standard of any other law school in my country it would be 3.5+ (1 st Class Honor) (bec. my law school use even higher standard than that of others.))

To think about retaking the TOEFL, I'm not sure that I can make it(get better score says 620-630 + TWE 5.0+) in this time. Like a limit, 3 times(including the latest one) I still have the very same score (listening 64 ->59->59,
grammar 59->47->64, reading 48->48->48 and TWE 3.5->4.0->4.0) With this ceiling, I'm afraid that it would be a waste of money and time!

All these mentioned factors make this period a drastic pivotal point in my life. I have a very rough time and sleep on it for many days.

I don't think it is worth the risk

@AAAAAStar, what do you mean about "as well as no Law Teaching Series"??Doesnt Berkeley offer JSD?

@AAAAAStar, what do you mean about "as well as no Law Teaching Series"??Doesnt Berkeley offer JSD?