If you’re wondering whether an online law school like Purdue Global is legitimate, you’re not alone. I had the same concerns before I applied. There wasn’t much information available—just a couple of posts from disgruntled students—but not enough to make an informed decision. So, I’m here to share my honest experience: the good, the bad, and how to succeed in an online law school compared to a traditional one.
Traditional vs. Online Law Schools: The Key Differences
The biggest difference between traditional and online law schools is the way testing is structured. In traditional law schools, your final exam is the deciding factor—it can make or break your grade. From what I’ve gathered from my professors, many traditional law schools rely solely on one final exam to determine whether you advance.
At Purdue Global Law School, things work differently. In your first year, you’ll complete 15 modules, with your final exam making up about 60% of your grade. The program consists of three courses at a time, with one class per week. Attendance isn’t required; you can simply watch the recorded lecture if you prefer. However, you’ll need to submit a 500-word essay each week.
Testing is mostly open-book until the final exam, which is closed-book and proctored via webcam. As someone with no prior legal experience, I found this format significantly reduced the pressure of having to master everything before the final exam.
The Downside: Essay Scoring
Now, here’s the frustrating part about testing. For your essay assignments—of which you’ll have about two before the final—you can expect to score between 60 and 75 points out of 100. This isn’t because of poor performance; it’s intentional. Purdue Global models its grading system after the California Bar Exam, which rarely awards scores above 75. It’s a bit strange, but everything balances out in the end.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Purdue Global’s pass rate is in line with other California law schools. After practicing in California for a certain number of years, you can apply to practice in other states if you choose to move. So far, I have no regrets about my decision. My grades? Two C’s, three B’s, and one A.
If you’re considering Purdue Global Law School, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect!
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