Before starting my first semester as a Law student, my first choice is to enroll at the UP College of Law then my second choice is to enroll at the Saint Louis University (SLU) College of Law. Unfortunately, I did not pass the UP Law Aptitude Exam (UPLAE). Then, as I was conditioning myself to study in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, my uncle who is residing in Baguio advised me to study in Manila because the degree of learning is better and for the reason that SLU has not yet produced a Supreme Court Justice. He also added that studying in Manila will help me get better connections in the legal profession in the future.So Lo and Behold, I took an entrance exam in San Beda College of Law, I am not aware that it is one of the top performing Law Schools in the Philippines. I am just a fan of the Red Lions who happens to have a dream to become a lawyer.
To cut the story short, I passed the exam then I enrolled at the SBC COL and I'm currently enjoying my semestral break.
Now, to those who has plans to take up law in the near future.
The so-called Big 3 amongst all the Law Schools in the Phillipines in no particular order are
Ateneo School of LawAll these schools have entrance exams. However, I can say that the UPLAE is the toughest among the three while the Entrance Exam in the San Beda is the easiest. The selection process in UPLAE is so stringent that it only has at most 200 slots for first year students. WOW! compared to San Beda wherein, it is easy to get in but even easier to get out. (if you don't prepare for the daily grind of law school, this will happen to you)
Graduating from a UP System myself, I can attest that it is hard to enter UP but even harder to get out (LOL)
Kidding aside, I think all the three Law Schools have a very strict curriculum, not to mention, each school have their fair share of terror professors, super long reading assignments among others.
Both UP and Ateneo offer Juris Doctor Degree while SBC is offering Bachelor of Law Degree. The difference between the two is that the J.D program has thesis and I think that you will get a prefix of Dr. when you graduate. *cool stuff*
To sum it up, it is not important where you will you end up studying Law, what is important is to hurdle the final leg after graduation and that is the BAR exams.
***Click label Law School Life to see how I adjusted in Law School
Hi :) Im sheree. Im planning to enter law school after college. Kaya lang my bachelor degree is a pre-med.. graduating student ako ng bs biology kasi i was planning to take med sana pero napagisip isip ko na law talaga gusto ko, my first choice actually. Just wanna know, wala ako idea talaga. Pero mahihirapan ba ako sa entrance exam pag ganun? Hindi kasi pre law yung course ko :(
ReplyDeleteHi Sheree,
ReplyDeleteRegarding sa entrance exam, 2 lang kasi ung tinake ko... ung LAE ng UP at ung sa Entrance Exam sa San Beda Law...
Yung LAE, sobrang nahirapan ako lalo na sa math kasi ang dami items tapos limited ung time. Hindi ako pinalad dun. Yung sa San Beda naman, mas simple ung mga tanong. ang nahirapan siguro ako na part ay ung logical reasoning (ung may mga drawing tapos hulaan mo kung ano sunod na pattern).
Both exams ay may essay part, sa usually sa last part ng exam binibigay ung topic, tapos regarding ito sa current events.
Regarding naman sa concern mo na pre-med ung course mo, Ok lang yun, may mga classmates nga akong graduate ng Nursing at RN na rin. Actually mas mabilis silang magmemorize compared sa amin kasi sanay na sila sa mga technical terms na kailangan imemorize.
hi! are you still a law student in sbc?
ReplyDeleteIt depends haha... I am no longer enrolled at SBC-Mendiola. I transferred to SBC-Alabang starting from A.Y 2013-2014.
DeleteHi! I plan to take the assessment exam at SBC Alabang, this Feb (or April). Galing ka rin po pala sa UP. I'm from UPLB btw, BSCS. Actually, I'm already working. Based on your experience, pwede ba isabay sa work? I'm super worried kasi baka di ko kayanin. Thank you!
DeleteI'm thinking to take law on SBC too though I searching for other options. You review about SBC is really helpful. Hoping that they can really help me to become the best lawyer in the Philippines.
ReplyDeletei took LAE this year, twas easier than i thought, i mean... easier than my reviewers. time pressure lang talaga ang kalaban ko sa UPLAE, nakakamiss ako ng 5-7 items at nakakaiyak yon. I will take LSAT this March,, sana mas madali sha sa LAE.... mas madali nga ba???
ReplyDeleteHi...hindi ko pa nasubukan mag LSAT kaya hindi ko alam kung mas madali sya compared sa UPLAE. Regarding UPLAE naman, nahirapan din ako dahil sa time limit lalo na sa Math part. Good luck sa LSAT mo...
DeleteHi This year kasi magbabasakali akong magtake ng exam sa SBC sa May. Hoping I could pass the entrance exam. Ano po ba yong kelangan aralin para makapasa thanks :)
ReplyDeleteHi. To be certain, try answering the reviewers for Civil Service exam or for the College entrance exams. Also, try reading the news. The last part of the exam is to write an essay regarding a current event. Good luck!...
DeleteHi, I am a wait-listed to SBC-law and need for interview. Pwede bang humngi ng any advice or tips kung ano ung mga possible na itanong nila during sa interview. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kia, sana nakahabol sa iyo ito. Sorry for the late reply.
ReplyDeleteAnyway,
The guidance counselor will ask several questions to see if you could handle the pressure of law school. She will give several situations and ask you on how will you cope up with them. She will also give examples of some harsh realities of studying law. Give her direct answers and don't hesitate to ask her any questions you have in mind. Lastly, she will give you your score in the entrance exam at the end of the interview.
Don't worry too much about the interview, just show that you are passionate enough to study law.
Hi! is the interview in english or tagalog? can you speak both or is the preferred language english? Thanks!
DeleteHi! is the interview in english or tagalog? can you speak both or is the preferred language english? Thanks!
DeleteHi!
DeleteYou can speak in either English or Filipino. You are not interviewed to test on how you well you speak but how well you are prepared mentally to face the challenges that law school has to offer.
Good luck!
Hello.
ReplyDeleteI am an incoming freshman of SBC Mendiola and as much as it excites me to study law (after all ginusto ko naman 'to) it also terrifies me a lot of what awaits me for the coming academic year. Since you're a Bedan, I would like to ask if you have any tips or anything that can help me to at least be at ease of the coming school year? Thank you so much!
Hi Rie,
DeleteMedyo mahirap talaga kapag freshman ka sa law school. Kailan mo talaga i-adjust lahat ng bagay sa buhay mo.
First, be close to your blockmates. This will help you adjust in law school since you don't know anyone yet in San Beda. It will be better if you have blockmates who are Bedan grads especially those who are from Legal Management. Since, they can help you understand some legal terms which are maybe foreign to you.
Bond as much as possible with them by having dinner after class. Mag-inuman lang kayo kung walang pasok kinabukasan o kaya after exam week. You will get closer to each other after your block will attend your retreat I promise you that.
Second. Know your appropriate study habit. Is it better if you study at night until dawn or is it better for you to sleep first and then study early at around 5 pm onwards?
Some of my classmates study better in coffee shops while some study better at the library or at home.
This will be a struggle at first but it is understandable. It would be better if you know the best time and place for you to study sooner rather than later.
Third, Don't be afraid to commit mistakes. It is understandable that you might mispronounce some legal term or forget to memorize some provisions. Those mistakes are learning experiences which can make you become a better law student or lawyer someday.
Fourth, Please don't agitate your professors. Don't make them mad especially if you boycott their class (Big No No) Don't make an entry or post in the San Beda Secret Files which clearly points to them.
Fifth. Be close to Ate Jackie. You can find here in the photocopying section of the Law Library. She will help you in finding your cases or help you get a samplex (old exams) Mabait siya.
Sixth. Kung medyo adjusted ka na sa law school, invite your friends to join an organization to broaden your horizon in Law School, join BarOps (gumawagawa ng memaid), Law Chorale (kumakanta sa misa), ShaRED (outreach organization), Barrister (official publication), VolCorps (pool of volunteers) or kung trip mo sali ka sa Sorority. Personally, I'm a member of Alliance for Alternative Action (AAA) sali ka and your blockmates if you want. Just reply here if you are interested.
Don't worry all of the organizations mentioned above are all law student friendly. Meaning, hindi hassle sumali sa kanila kasi hindi naman ito demanding. It will not take much of your time in law school kasi parehas din kayo ng goal at yun ay mag-stay sa mendiola at maging abogado.
Ayan medyo mahaba na. haha...Ok na siguro yan. practice na rin yan sa law school, daming babasahin eh haha...
Hope to see you sa Bar Operations sa Diamond Hotel.
Hi, is there a night class in San Beda college of law? Thank you
ReplyDeleteActually most of the classes are night classes. Most of the classes begins at 5:30 pm.
DeleteIf you are working, you could ask the Deans Office to give a more favorable schedule. Just give them your employment certificate.
To add, It is only in the 4th year when classes starts as early as 12 nn.
Just want you to know that we're really grateful for having this page. Grabe, nakaka-hype tuloy. I'm a 4th year Masscomm student, and honestly, nagdadalwang isip ako kung kakayanin ko ba ang pag lalaw. But because of what you've said, I think kakayanin na, push lang talaga :) Thank you and God bless!
ReplyDeleteWow. Thanks for the kind words. Kakayanin yan!!! God bless in your studies. Law School will be waiting for you.
DeleteKinakabahan ako! Kasi malapit na yung araw ng paghuhukom kung makakapag aral ba ako sa SBC ng law o hindi. Hahaha. Mahirap po ba yung entrance exam? Hohoho. Sa mga katitake lang ng Entrance exam jan! Kamusta?
ReplyDeleteDepende sa bawat kumuha ng entrance exam kung nahirapan sila or hindi pero ang sigurado ako ay yan ang pinakamadaling exam na kukunin mo sa law school hehe... Good luck!... sali ka sa org ko, AAA kapag pasok mo ng San Beda College of Law.
DeleteHi. May kakilala ho ba kayong MD na law student. MD po kasi ako and gusto ko talaga maging lawyer more than being a doctor. Mahirap ba ang law? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Doc,
DeleteMayroon po ako naging classmate na 2 doctor sa law school.
In terms of difficulty, karamihan ng law school, puro Q and A. The professor gives a question/situation and the student gives an answer with legal basis. Madalang lang po ung puro discussion.
Time-consuming lang po talaga ung mga reading assignments. Yung first year yung medyo mahirap kasi nangangapa pa sa mga legal terms.
Pero masaya din lalo na kapag ka-close mo mga blocmates mo.
Magtake na po kayo ng mga law school entrance exam this year para ma-start na yang journey nyo towards becoming a lawyer.
Good luck po.
Hello! :) I really want to become a lawyer someday. I'm graduating from college soon and I was planning to apply to law school as soon as I finish my undergrad degree. Is this advisable to do? Most of my friends went straight to law school after college and I want to do the same however my family tells me to have some work experience first :( I'm really bummed about it because I feel like it would hinder my drive and work life might take over therefore ruining my chances/aspirations of going to law school! Huhuhuhuhuhu!
ReplyDeleteIf your family is willing to finance your law studies, then I say go straight to law school after graduation.
DeleteBut to in order to compromise with your family, try being a working student for the first semester.
Then tell them that law school demands a lot of your time and that it is better for you to become a full-time law student instead.
ok ba? haha... Good Luck!...
hello! magtetake ako ng exam this january 15 friday. sa SBC Mendiola..sobrang kinakabahan ako..hahah! ito yung unang entrance exam sa law school na itetake ko. Any tips kuya! hahah! tapos gaano pala katagal bago malaman ang results? thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!! ang alam ko within 2 months may results na. Irelease kasi nila ung mga names nung outright na pwde na mag-enrol at ung kailangan pa ng interview bago makapasok sa law school.
DeleteHi sir Allan I am planning to take the entrance exam on march... pero sobra aqng natatakot dahil hndi AQ gaanong magaling sa English and math.. pero yun tlaga ang pangarap ko .. ang maging Abogado.. :(
ReplyDeleteOk lang yan. maprapractice ka sa law school lalo na sa English. Sa math part, halos wala naman yan sa law school pwera nalang kung magcompute ng grade hehe.
DeleteKaya mo yan. Practice lang yan, speak english often. Be confident din. makinig or manood ka ng mga talk shows sa tv or radio.
Thank you so much Sir Allan...makapasa sana sa entrance exam.... :)
DeleteHi! Sobrang helpful ng blog mo. I've decided to take the assessment exam on April 15, sa SBC Alabang. Thanks for this tips on what to expect sa exam.
ReplyDeleteWow. thanks for visiting my blog. Typical subjects lang din ung covered sa exam like Math, Vocabulary, Reading among others.
DeleteOne tip is to read current events. Sa last part kasi ng exams may essay question. Titignan dun ung logic, grammar, spelling and sentence construction mo.
Good luck!
Hi!! Buti sumagot ka. I've decided to take it this Feb 12 na. Wish me luck! See you there, sana makapasa ako! :D
DeleteNice lapit na... Good luck! kaya mo yan.
DeleteHi Kuya! Thanks for your post! Sana makapasa ako sa entrance exam this coming Feb! I would definitely join in your org pag nakapasa. Haha.
ReplyDeleteSaan ka mageexam? Parang gusto ko na rin sa Feb na para matapos na ung thrill. hahaha
DeleteHi fathma, sabi mo yan ah, sali ka sa org ko na AAA ah. kayang kaya mo yan.
DeleteSir I passed the CS prof way back 2nd year college. Same lang ba ang difficulty ng csprof sa law entrance exam ng beda?
DeleteHi Khadz, more or less same sila ng difficulty pero unlike sa CS na dapat at least 80% ang grade para pumasa, sa entrance exam ng beda, at least 75% oks na.
DeleteThanks for the reply sir 🙂
DeleteHi. Ask ko lang how much total fees for SBC mendiola. (Tuition&misc) Tri-sem ba sa Beda college of law?
ReplyDeleteHi, for the 1st year, the normal load (18-19 units) will cost around 56k per sem (inclusive of misc fees). Hindi po tri-sem ang beda.
DeleteHi, Im taking the exam on may since I think Im not yet ready to take it on April. Im really scared not to pass. Huhu. What kind of review ba kailangan gawin para lang pumasa since average student lang ako ngayon college. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteI suggest you buy those Civil Service review books. Those found in National Bookstore. Try giving yourself an hour per subject to answer the questions in order to simulate the exam.
DeleteIt will surely give you a confidence-booster knowing that you are prepared.
In San Beda, we learn the benedictine value of prayer and work or Ora et Labora.
So in order to achieve your dream, you better work hard and pray hard.
Good luck! you got this.
Hi. Do the essay questions in the exam remains the same? Kahit na magkaiba ng araw sa pag exam? o nababago yun?
ReplyDeleteHi Anne,
DeleteThe essay questions changes every date of the exam. From what I've heard, the essay questions are usually related to the current events.
Oh okay. Thank you so much! Exam ko na kasi this saturday and i'm really nervous. Kasi yun talaga weakness ko "essay " pag on the spot. haha. Thank you again!
DeleteYou're welcome. kaya mo yan. Hindi naman sila mag-dwell kung alam mo talaga ung topic, ang basic na tinitignan nila ay ung grammar, sentence construction, use of punctuation marks and logic.
DeleteGood luck.
Sali ka sa org ko called AAA kapag nag-enroll ka na sa Mendiola ha. hehe
What's the org all about? :) Wooh. If i pass, hopefully i will. More on saan yung exam? san sila focus?
DeleteBasic questions na makikita mo sa mga College Entrance exams. I cannot really say kung san sila focus but I think ang aim nung exam is to gauge kung gaano kaganda ung foundation ng student sa mga basic concepts sa subjects ng Math, English among others.
DeleteGood luck, kaya mo yan.
Hi. I graduated from UP too. I did not have the chance to take the UP LAE. So, I submitted requirements at Beda last Feb and took the exam last March. It is the first exam I took after two years of working. It is difficult, not because of the nature of the exam, but because of the doubt and fear that if I would not be able to pass, what would I do next?
ReplyDeletePS. The agony of waiting for the result.
Hi, when the results will be released, there will be 2 lists. The first list contains the exam takers who are outright passers while the 2nd list contains the exam takers who needs to pass the interview of the guidance counselor before being allowed to enroll.
DeleteIf ever you failed to be included in either list (I hope not), try talking to the guidance counselor, and say that you were distracted while taking the exam or think of other valid reasons. She is kind and very helpful so she might reconsider and allow you to enroll.
Good luck!
Hi! Thank you!
DeleteThe exam is easier than UPCAT and the board exam I have passed. However, fear and self doubt are consuming me. Because, if I fail the exam, I feel like I am losing grip to my dream.
Sana lumabas na ang result para di na ako mapraning. Haha. And sana pumasa ako.
Thanks!
Hi, I am taking My entrance exam at UA&P this may 7 pag ba hindi pasok sa top 3 mas madali exam? Kinakabahan po kasi ako. Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi, I am not sure regarding the degree of difficulty of the entrance exam of UA&P. But I think like any other exam, it will test your fundamentals on subjects like English, Math, Vocabulary among others. Try answering civil service exam reviewers in order to have at least a feel of the exam.
DeleteKaya mo yan! Kaw pa. Good luck!
Thank you sir! Gonna go and buy it
DeleteHello! Thank you for the tips! I just want to ask if it is allowed to write remarks on the test booklet?
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteI don't know the exact rules but for your benefit, refrain from writing remarks on the booklet. This is a good practice because the Supreme Court prohibits this in the BAR exams. It can be considered as "marking"
Just write on the scratch paper provided for you or just to make sure, ask the proctor/facilitator during the exam.
Thank you so much for responding so quickly! I hope everything is going well for you in law school. :)
DeleteHii! I took the entrance exam kahapon and kinapos po ako sa time. Di ko nasagutan yung ibang items. Ano po ba basis ng pagpass? May required score po ba bawat part/ required score sa kabuuan nung exam/ something? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Gian,
DeleteAng basis ng pagpass ay dapat pasado ung score mo sa lahat ng subjects. kung may 1 or two subjects ka na medyo mababa pero malapit sa passing rate, you can still qualify to enroll as waitlist.
Ang mga waitlist ay kailangan munang mainterview bago payagang magenroll.
Good luck!
Thanks! Really hoping makapasa hehe
DeleteHello! I passed the exam pero under waitlisted ako. what are your tips for the interview and what are the possible questions? Thank you! :) This will mean a lot to me :)
ReplyDeleteHi Beia,
DeleteThe guidance counselor will be the one conducting the interview. She will ask questions like:
1. How you deal with stress because she will warn you about the stress that the law school will bring.
2. What are the reasons why you are interested in taking up law? and why did you choose San Beda?;and also
3. She will let you talk about your undergrad course
Don't worry, she is just checking if you are mentally and physically ready to face the harsh realities of law school.
She will also show your grades in the entrance exam. She will point out that you obtained a low mark in 1 or 2 subjects that is why you are in the waitlist.
Good luck Beia! and when you are approved, join my organization, AAA ok? hehe.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi! Is there any chance that I can still go to SBC-Mendiola if I failed the exams? :( Are they accepting reconsiderations. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Lorna,
DeleteI am not sure but I think there is still a slim chance that they could still accept you. Try talking to the Admission center or the Guidance Counselor.
If they decline, try asking if you could still re-take the entrance exam.
Hi! Would you know when will be the next SBC entrance exam? I tried checking online but can't find anything. I really want to enroll for AY 2016-2017..
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hi! I think the last exam was conducted last May 27. However, you could call the Admissions office of San Beda-Mendiola if there is still exam date. 735-6011 loc. 3117
DeleteHi. I belong to the category B, so meaning, for interview po ako. I'm just curious with what you said that she may ask situations and you have to respond on how you will deal with those situations. May I just ask what kind of situations will she possibly asks? :) Can you give us some examples? :) thank you so much! :)
ReplyDeletePS. I love your blog. It helps me a lot! ☺️
Hi Kylie,
DeleteThe situation includes the stressful experiences that a student might encounter in law school such as but not limited to:
- What do you do when you are stressed? what are your coping mechanisms?
- How do you handle disappointments?
- What will you feel for example, you have studied diligently and you know you are capable of passing the subject but when the grades are out, the professor gave you a failing mark. How will you handle that situation?
- Are you prepared to let go of some your regular activities like going out with friends, because studying in law school requires great deal of sacrifices.
Like you, I also belong to Category B. Those are the questions the Guidance counselor asked me.
Good luck!
Thanks for reading!
Thank you so much sir! :) I appreciate your quick response. :)
DeleteAsk lang po ulit. Tumawag kasi ako sa beda. And nalaman ko na corporate attire dapat po ung dapat ng suot ng law students? Hindi po ba pwedeng mag casual lang?
Deletesa mendiola, may dress code pero hindi ganun ka-strict ang implementation, may ilang professors na nagrerequire na naka corporate attire ang students especially on weekdays. sa sabado pwde na casual.
DeleteSa Alabang, we are required to wear corporate attire every weekdays and strict ang implementation pero pwede na casual on saturdays.
For girls, the trick is you bring blazer para kahit ano suot mo, magmumukhang corpo attire hehe. you don't have to wear high heels unless you are really comfortable wearing them.
Hi. I'm on my 5th year na taking Accountancy. Is it better to take up Law after graduation or ipass muna ang CPA board exam? I'm thinking about the idle time on work after/if I pass the CPA board exam po eh. Haha :)
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole,
DeleteIf I were you, I would prepare for the CPA Board Exam first. Then after taking them, I would start looking for law schools. Look for their track record and the dates of their entrance exams.
For now, focus all your energy at finishing the task at hand and that is finishing your accountancy degree and passing the board exams afterwards.
Don't worry, law school can wait.
Good luck!
Hello! Thank you for creating this page. Wow sobrang nainspire ako maglaw. Working nurse ako as of now, and Im planning to take law entrance exam ng san beda this coming december. Ask ko lang how long ang waiting ng result at kamusta naman ang tuition? Thank you po :)
ReplyDeleteHi Alyssa,
Deletethe results of exam will be released 2-3 months after the scheduled date of exam.
For the tuition fee, full load may reach up to 65k per semester.
Good luck and God bless in taking the entrance exam.
Hi Attorney (claim it kuya) haha. Sobrang dami kong nakuhang tips dito sa blog mo. Before ako magtake ng premed course (BS psych), gusto ko talaga mag law. Kaso ayaw ng parents ko. Pero hindi naman ako nagsisi na nag psych ako, and graduate na rin ako batch 2015. After grad gusto ko sana mag proceed ng med, so nag take ako ng nmat kaso I failed the exam thrice. Marami ng nagsabi na baka hindi para sakin ang pag dodoctor. So napaisip ako, kung magproceed nalang ako ng masters degree ng psych or mag law. Kaso hindi rin po ako pumasa sa isang school nung nagentrance exam ako for MA degree. Dahil sa nangyare sobrang undecided, hindi ko alam kung anong purpose ko. Hahaha. Ngayon po nagbabalak po ako mag submit ng application sa SBCA, natatakot po ako baka di nanaman ako pumasa pag nag entrance exam ako. Pero kelangan maging optimistic, at positive ang pananaw sa buhay. Masasabi ko naman po na interesado ako mag aral ng law, kaso baka dahil hindi naman pre-law yung course ko mahirapan ako. Thank you dito sa blog mo kuya madami akong nakuhang tips at info pati na rin advice, at pasensya na dito pa ako nagdrama. Haha! Goodluck po sa studies :)
ReplyDeleteHi Shauna,
DeleteTechnically any four-year course is considered as a pre-law course. You'll be surprised that there are a lot of students in law school who graduated with a degree considered to be a pre-med course.
I admire your courage in sharing your experience here in my blog. I appreciate that. Let me share to you one of my favorite quotes about setbacks in life,
“Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” - Napoleon Hill
Use those setbacks as motivation or stepping stone to achieve your dream.
Good luck! and thanks for reading my blog
Good day kuya Allan!
DeleteThank you po sa words of encouragement, at sa pagreply sa comment ko. Balitaan ko po kayo once makapasa po ako sa entrance exam sa SBCA. ��
Paano niyo po pala nalaman/ nahanap sa sarili mo na gusto mo po mag law, maging attorney? :) may iba ka pa po bang naging choice before bukod sa LLB? ��
Thank you po and God bless! Ora et Labora!
Hi again Shauna!
DeleteI was exposed to the study of law ever since my elementary days. My mom and my 2 of uncles studied law but unfortunately, they weren't able to hurdle the Bar exams. Back when I was a kid, I love reading the newspapers and watching the news actually TV in general.
As for my other choice, I wanted to take Masters in Business Administration (MBA). It is a great alternative because I also want to be in the corporate world.
God Bless you too Shauna.
Hi! This blog post was the BEST one that I've read about going to law school! Here's my dilemma, I finished Masscomm last June and syempre after that, nag apply na agad ako sa madaming companies, different industries pa, basta sakin makapag work lang ako. But for some reason, sobrang daming naging hadlang and parang sobrang kontra yung universe sa pagttrabaho ko. I've been really wanting to be a lawyer ever since my 4thyr of college pero never ko sya inisip seriously. Last month, I started to think about going to law school and i couldnt stop bothering about it since then. One day i mentioned it to my mom and she's more than willing to enroll me to San Beda. Now ang worry ko lang kung kakayanin ko ba since Masscomm graduate ako and baka ma-intimidate ako sa mga tao and the law school itself :( Bigyan mo ako ng lakas ng loob pls :( Haha. And what should I review to prepare for the entrance exam? I know you can help me as much as you did with everyone else on this post hehe. Thank you and I HOPE to meet you soon in Beda!
ReplyDeleteTo everyone who are also planning to attend the Law School, I hope the universe cooperates and all the positive vibes embrace us! #Yaas
Hi Louthmae,
DeleteDon't worry about your undergraduate course, all first-year law students are of equal-footing in terms of knowledge of law.
Even those who graduated with a degree in Legal Management or Legal Studies or Political Science and the like also struggle in law school. What separates law students are the study habits. The student who is very diligent in his/her studies will likely succeed over those student who rely on their luck and intellect.
As a Masscomm graduate, I think you will have an advantage in expressing yourself during recitations. You will be eloquent in answering the questions of your professors.
Let me share to you the 3 L's in studying the law which was shared to me by a lawyer.
1st L is Law - every law student should know the law.
2nd L is Logic - every law student should know which law applies to a certain case.
3rd L is Language - every law student should know how to express his/her thoughts clearly.
I think you already have one of the 3 L's which is language. [how is that for a confidence booster? :)]
As for the preparation, try buying the reviewers for the civil service exam. You will be hitting two birds with one stone because you will be prepared to take both the civil service exam and the San Beda Entrance Exam.
Just like what Paulo Coelho wrote in the Alchemist,
"when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
Good Luck! Hopefully you will be a 1st year law student while I become, hopefully and God-willing, a Bar-Exam taker when I see you in San Beda.
Hi Allan,
ReplyDeleteThis blog is very informative. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom.
Im in my early 40s and working fulltime. After weeks of soul-searching I decided that I want to enter law school and hopefully finish it in 4 years. There's a few schools that accept freshmen during the 2nd semester including San Sebastian. My 1st choice is SBC but I will have to wait for next school year (assuming that I will pass the entrance exam). I talked with the gentleman at the admissions office and he said, working students usually finished the program longer because they are not given the full academic load per semester. Should I enroll now or wait for School year 2017? Btw, Arellano and UE are my other choices.
Hi Sir Don,
DeleteIt is true that working students usually finish the study of law longer than others because they couldn't enroll the full units per semester.
For your school choices, I suggest you enroll at Arellano because they offer executive classes which really caters working Students. They also offer Sunday classes.
As for your enrollment, I believe the 2nd semester in Arellano starts around February and I think it is better if you could enroll as soon as possible so that you could have a feel of how law school works.
Thank you for reading my blog and Good luck sir.
Hello Sir! One probable reason for me not to pursue my greatest dream of becoming a lawyer and of enrolling to law school is because of my bad english. (See....hahaha)Huhu. Sir any words of encouragement or tips whatsoever?
ReplyDeleteHi!
DeleteYou should still pursue law school! Follow your dreams.
If speaking English is your weakness, you will greatly improve once you enroll in law school. This is because you will
be forced to read a lot of books. By then, you will see the proper subject verb agreement, the preposition to use, among others.
Moreover, Law professors will ask you in english during recitations and don't worry if your english is not perfect because your professor will guide you on how to answer in proper grammar and he will more likely concern if you gave the correct answer. In other words, a correct answer with bad grammar is better than a bad answer with a good grammar.
The key is that you should be willing to learn. Understand that it will be hard at the end of the day, but at least you are closer to your dream of being a lawyer than yesterday!
Go for it!
Hello! I luckily read this blog while I was looking for tips for San Beda interview. I passed th exam and will be scheduled for interview. I read in one of your replies that the interviewer is the guidance counselor. same parin ba ang interviewer or lawyer profs na? Also any additional tips for interview? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi!
DeleteIf you took the exam in Mendiola, the one who will be interviewing you is the guidance counselor. On the other hand, if you took the exam in Alabang, Dean Ulan is likely the one who will interview you.
As for the interview proper, just show the interviewer that you are ready to study in law school and that you understand the hardwork that one needs in order to survive in law school.
The interviewer, especially the guidance counselor in Mendiola, will check if you are mentally and emotionally ready because she will share stories of students who didn't handle the pressure of law school.
Good luck!
Hi Sir,
ReplyDeleteGood to stumble on your blog. I am a confused person right now with the idea battling on my mind on what to pursue. MBA or Law. I am a full time worker and a CPA of which will be the source of my studies whether Law or MBA. MBA temps me not to proceed on taking law because of the schedule and time frame. Law takes four years(maybe longer), MBA takes two, classes for MBA will be Saturdays but for Law it will be weekdays and Saturdays that maybe in conflict with my work of which i cannot let go(Main source of Income). I really want to pursue law but I think I need a boost and advises before my final decision.
Hope you could give me inputs. TIA
Hi Mark,
DeleteI suggest you look into the Juris Doctor-MBA dual degree program of DLSU. When you graduate, you have law degree and an MBA as well. Two of your desired post-graduate studies. Call their office, and inquire about the schedule of class, number of units per sem, do they cater to working students etc.
If you really want to pursue law, try enrolling at Arellano University. They offer executive classes perfect for working students. They offer Saturday and Sunday classes.
Hope this will help.
Good luck on your future endeavors!
Thank you sir.Very helpful tips. I think i would go with DLSU Juris Doctor-MBA if schedule permits. You have enlighten me. Hope you could help more confused people who wants enlightenment. Bless you more.
DeleteThanks again.
Hi Sir! Thank you for this wonderful and helpful post! I wouldn't sugarcoat my situation.. I have deeply and secretly desired to be a lawyer ever since but my family is not supportive of it. Graduate po ako ng Biology from UP din po kaso madami akong bagsak nung college. As in madami talaga. Gusto ko pong maging lawyer talaga. Although naipasa ko nman na ang civil sevice at sabi nyo po may similarity ang San Beda Law Entrance exams dun, mejo confident naman po ako sa exams. But what I'm worried about is my college grades. I'm worried that it could possibly get in the way of me getting in a good law school. Please answer po. Are there any chances of me getting in? Malaki po ba percentage ng college grades sa San Beda Law Admission?
ReplyDeleteHi Elle,
DeleteYour College grades do not matter at all! NOT AT ALL (emphasis supplied haha) as far as San Beda is concerned, the students will be purely graded based from the scores in the Entrance Exam.
You may have mistaken it to entrance exams that UP administers which usually includes the Grades from the transcript as one of the factors to be considered.
Having Latin Honors does not automatically mean that he/she is better than his/her classmate in Law School. You'll get my point when you already enrolled in a Law School.
Good luck Elle!
Thank you so much po sa reply! You made my day! :D :D :D
DeleteHi May Law school po ba ang San Beda Rizal?
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteNone.
Hi Allan! I feel so blessed to have read your blog... I've been looking for enlightenment online about my law school plans. I am planning to quit my job and become a full-time law student. I am planning to take UPLAE since UP LAW SCHOOL is on top of my Law Schools list. However, we all know that no spot is guaranteed in UP Law School due to the highly stiff competition based on merit. San Beda Alabang and Mendiola are my best alternatives. Alabang because I live in Las Pinas, which means its distance wouldn't be a problem plus I also heard that it's a bit more relaxed there compared to Mendiola. But of course I am up for the challenges of any of the top 3 schools. I do have some concerns though.
ReplyDeleteSan Beda requires the PhiLSAT results before taking the test. The next PhiLSAT is on April this coming 2018. San Beda alabang is going to administer their entrance test this oct. Do they happen to have 2nd or 3rd batches that will take place on may or onwards? My plans are quite set na kasi so I cant afford to let lose of any time... Timeline thing... hehe
Thank you in advance Allan! God Bless!
Hi Andrew,
DeleteYes, SBCA have multiple examination dates. The last exam is usually scheduled at the month of May. The enrollment period is from June to July so you still have enough time to comply with the requirements.
Thanks for reading my blog. Hopefully when you enroll next year, I will be a lawyer by then because I’m taking the Bar exams this November.
Good luck! hopefully, our planned timeline will be followed.
Hi Sir Allan! Tanong ko lang sana king me age limit ang San Beda sa law? 49 na kase ako and life long dream ko talaga maging lawyer. Saka tanong ko na rin kung me review center ka bang alam para ma refresh muna ako bago mag take ng entrance exam. Medyo mapurol na kase at me edad na hehe. I'd appreciate any reply from you. God bless!
ReplyDeleteHi Sir TJ,
DeleteThere is no age limit in law school. In fact, the BAR Topnotcher of San Beda Alabang entered law school in his 60s.
For review for entrance exam purposes, I always recommend those Civil Service Exam reviewers; you can also try those Entrance exam reviewers for UPCAT, ACET and others. You can also enroll at AHead review center to help you prepare.
Good luck sir. Remember there is no age limit for learning and achieving your dreams.
Hi Sir!
ReplyDeleteGood thing I saw your blog! It's very helpful for us law school aspirants.
I will be taking my UP LAE and SBC entrance exam for next school year. May I ask on tips on how to prepare for General Knowledge Part? Like what are the scope of it and is it pure current events or not?
Also, for SBC application, may I choose my examination date?
Thank you so much.
Hi Savannah,
DeleteI recently saw a reviewer from REX Bookstore entitled Pre-Lex. I think the book is perfect for all Law entrance exams including PhilSAT. The book costs Php 595.00
As for your next question, Yes, you can choose your preferred examination date.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Hi po I have been readung your blog and I find it very helpful po. Ask ko lang po kasi sa Category B po ako pumasa and kinakabahan po ako. May chance po ba na nagfafail sila ng nga nasa waiting list? Kinakabahan po ako dahil UP at San Beda lang ako nagentrance exam. Baka pag di ako natanggap wala na ko ibang law school n maapplyan dahil end of April na din po ngayon. Salamat sana po magreoly kayo.
ReplyDeleteHi Anne,
DeleteFor Category B, the Guidance Counselor, Mam Glady, will interview you, she will ask questions on whether you could handle the pressure of law school. She will be upfront on the challenges you will be facing when entering law school. Be ready to answer the questions such as “Why did you choose San Beda?” “Why enroll in Law School?” “How do you handle failures?” among others.
More often than not, Mam Glady will approve your application. She just needs to know whether you have the courage to face the challenges in law school.
After the interview, she will show you your grades in the entrance exam.
Thank you for reading my blog. Good luck in your interview
i dont know if you are still updating this post but i just want to express appreciation on how helptul your blog is. i pray all is well on ur studies. May you be blessed! 😊
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteThank you for the kind words and thank you for reading my blog