Law school is a goal for a lot of students, but it can be difficult to know how to get there and how to succeed once you've been accepted. The competition for a place at most of the most prestigious programs in the country is steep, and you'll need to be prepared if you want to stand out from your fellow applicants. 

Even once you've started your education, being proactive and resourceful are necessary for anyone who wants to be at the top of their class. If you're considering a legal education, keep reading to find out what you need to know before going to law school.

What do you need to know before going to law school?

The first step to having a successful law school career is getting into the school of your choice. However, acceptance rates for both undergraduate and graduate programs are lower than ever. One thing you should do is look into working with a personal college counselor to make a plan for your education. By working with an admissions professional early on, you can even tailor your undergraduate education so you'll be an attractive applicant to the school of your dreams.

You don't need to decide exactly what type of law you want to practice before you start school, but it's a good idea to look for some role models in the legal world. Malliha Wilson is one example of a lawyer who has had a distinguished career fighting for human rights. As the former assistant deputy attorney general in Ontario, Wilson has tackled complex litigation and policy issues to make a meaningful difference in the world. Her career could provide a great roadmap for other aspiring legal professionals who want to work in government.

Choosing a law school can be complicated, but you need to think carefully about the best fit for your individual needs. Don't just go to the most competitive school you're accepted to or one with a name that you think will impress other people. It's important to go to a quality program, but you also need to be sure that you'll succeed there.

How can students prepare to begin their legal education?

One thing almost all law students saw is that their graduate education required more work than they had ever been responsible for in their academic careers prior. Time management skills will be essential if you want to keep up. While cramming and staying up all night may have worked in college, the depth of knowledge you'll need to pass exams and complete assignments as a law student will be far greater. It's smart to prepare yourself accordingly and look for time management techniques and strategies that are helpful for you.

The pressure and stress of law school can be difficult to manage, which is why you need to make your mental health a priority. The reality is that if you neglect your mental health, it's likely to catch up to you eventually. Burnout can be a major problem for students pursuing a law degree. Keep in mind that if you don't feel your best mentally, you're unlikely to perform well when you're in class or at work. Protecting your mental health and well-being is one of the most important things for any law student to do.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to take into consideration before you start your legal education. Law school can be fascinating and rewarding, but it's also a demanding field and will require that you prepare accordingly. Effective time management is the best way to handle the workload, though you should also make time to care for your mental health if you don't want to burn out in your first year. There's no doubt that law school is a significant challenge, but for many students, the work is worth the reward.