To help you plan accordingly for law school, here are a few financial tips:

• Prepare a budget before entering law school. Include any moving expenses you may incur. Consider using a financial planner to help you develop the best plan to not only help you pay for law school, but build a savings plan along the way.
• Apply early to ensure proper consideration for scholarships and other awards.
• Look locally for outside scholarships and awards. Applications are usually available after the 1st of the year.
• Have a credit report run and fix any problems before entering law school. A poor credit report can affect your ability to receive private loans.
• Reduce or eliminate any existing debt.
• Purchase used books if possible.  Don't buy supplies until you know you need them. Access the Internet through the University. It's FREE.
• Live like a law student, not like a lawyer... that day will come!

Some other facts:

If you have filed bankruptcy in the past, this will affect your ability to pursue outside loans. You must be able to secure an eligible co-signer to ensure a private loan can be obtained. In addition, if you have issues with your credit report it takes an average of 6-8 weeks to fix any inaccuracies. This should be done prior to your attendance at any law school. Each law school will approach financial aid needs differently, be sure to ask what they will accept as reasons to increase your financial aid budget.

If you need to speak with someone regarding your financial planning, please call or conact:

Ann Weitgenant, Associate Director of Student Financial Planning
School of Law, Office 144E
219-465-7818 or toll free 888-VALPOLAW