Things you should know before going to law school (SMU law): admissions, curriculum, culture, etc

Game idea: Take a shot every time I say 'law school'
ALSO I AM SPEAKING QUITE SLOWLY please speed the video up x1.3 or 1.5 thank you :' )
This is quite a chatty video about things I wish I had known before coming to SMU law. Many of the things I talk about are based on my own experiences and opinions, some of which may or may not apply to the other local law schools.
If you have any questions or comments, let me know down below!
Timestamps:
00:00 - 00:51 Introduction
00:52 - 01:27 Disclaimer
01:28 - 04:28 Admissions
04:29 - 06:33 General course structure (seminars vs lectures)
06:34 - 10:07 General curriculum (core modules, non-law modules, etc)
10:08 - 12:34 Internship requirements
12:35 - 15:08 Strict timelines (practice requirements, TC, part B)
15:09 - 17:08 Law school culture + my personal experience
17:09 - 18:02 Comparison is the thief of JOY!
18:03 - 18:30 Conclusion
Useful Links:
- NUS law guy reddit post (useful for anyone who is considering local law school) / uni_all_about_nus_law_...
- SMU law guy reddit post (useful for differences between NUS vs SMU law) / uni_why_im_choosing_sm...
Music:
Remil - Evening Tea - thmatc.co/?l=17B1F975
pecna - citrine - thmatc.co/?l=F26101BF
Ryan Little - Bloom - thmatc.co/?l=66D42C8D
Joakim Karud - Canals - • Canals
LuKeremBo - I will always love you - • (no copyright music) l...

[@RandyHong]

The part about comparisons is so true tbh. The worst part is not even imposter syndrome, it’s when others deem you less intelligent coz you’re GPA is considered “low” or “average” to them 😵‍💫

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Really big yikes. Should do another video of awkward law school moments....

[@dariustan9219]

WOW I DIDNT KNOW YOURE A KZbinR!!! You’re one of the nicest seniors I’ve known from law sch 😃😃😃😃

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

LMAO hi darius u r too kind 🥺

[@adrielnee678]

I wish I knew this before going to SMU law

[@paintingpaper]

sis your skin is ✨ GLOWING ✨

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

I just got my wisdom teeth removed and they gave me antibiotics which really HELPED WITH THE SKIN but I ran out alr so back to normal liao. Thanks mom🥺

[@workinprogress1239]

Ur edits really made my day, especially the cat with its face stuck in a mug, completely relate the part for law school culture, as I'm having exams week 🤕

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

So glad you liked the video and omg ALL THE BEST FOR EXAMS!!! u can do it😊

[@workinprogress1239]

@@charlycatcatcatvideos thank you 💪🏻💯

[@HarukazeRyuusei]

I went to NUS as a non-law undergrad and then did my JD at SMU. I would say NUS has just as many “University core” modules as SMU. On the other hand, I daresay NUS offered a lot more academic freedom (ie people like Goh Yihan can skip lectures and yet come up on top), which was something I sorely missed when I was in law school.

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Hi Edward! Actually i rmb being so worried about making this video because I didn't know too much about the NUS curriculum, but my baseline impression was that SMU law students were forced to do extra uni core mods, accounting, etc etc. I think it might have changed since I left though... What kind of "non-law" mods did you have to do as an NUS JD (or for LLB students for that matter)? i would love to know! But for sure I think NUS has more flexibility both in terms of what modules they offer (wider variety and more options) and also in terms of how you choose to manage your time. Definitely a plus point for more self-directed/disciplined students.

[@lindashi1197]

I wish school played this video when I was a freshie 🥺

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Ur 2 SWEET 🥺

[@user-fn6gu7xb4u]

Thank you for making this video. Any advice for or any experience with older classmates, from the mid-career track in SMU or NUS Law? I am talking about People in their 30s or even 40s?

[@RandyHong]

I wish I knew this and you and adriel before going to law school

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Same

[@potattong3164]

Hi Charlene, have you always wanted to study law? I'm currently a j1 student and I'm trying to explore more paths and career choices. However, I'm not sure if I should stick with a clear goal in mind or whether I should continue to keep my options open 😭 A handful of my friends already have their career path planned, so I'm feeling a bit anxious about the fact that I'm still undecided about what I want to pursue.

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Hi! I definitely did not know that I wanted to study law, and quite frankly even at this point after graduating I'm still not sure if the law industry will be for me in the LT (though ofcourse I will try to practice first). In general I think if you happen to have a clear goal, that is always great for motivation. But if you don't, there are many people who are experiencing the same thing. Also, keeping your mind open to new possibilities will allow you to explore more options and you might just find a clearer path as a result. Things can change! Also J1 is SO YOUNG. I am 23 and I still don't know my path in life, so don't stress too hard. Ofcourse my specific advice for JC is for you to do ur best and get the highest grades u can manage and from then you can sit down and think about your choices again after J2. All the best :')

[@potattong3164]

@@charlycatcatcatvideos Thank you so much :) Your advice was really helpful, I'll definitely keep it in mind!!

[@octovanfoo968]

just subscribed!

[@BloodSkySplashx]

Hi Char! I just wanted to ask a quick question. I realised that there are many JC students in Law but what about Poly students? Are there fewer of them and would they stand face any disadvantages?

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Hi! I would say the majority of students are from JC but don't let that scare you! We had quite a number of poly friends and they ended up thriving super well in the uni environment especially because they were already so good at learning independently and doing group work. Hope this helps and all the best 😊

[@yiragdo5101]

hi Charlene, do you know if it’s possible to get into law school with a C in GP? I was shortlisted for the written test but I’m wondering if I even stand a chance

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Hi! Okay honestly if u are already shortlisted/invited for the test or interview, you have as good a chance as anyone!!! I think it's challenging if your grades are too low to be asked for the test and you have to appeal or something, but if you've already got your foot in the door just try your best☺️

[@moonwhisper624]

I think I will decide to go to law school I find ir very interesting and complex plus both of my parents are lawyers so that’s good and the university of my city is great in law :)) (btw this was posted on my birthday!)

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

AW happy very belated birthday!!! And that's super interesting that both your parents are lawyers. Does that make the law industry more interesting or more intimidating? I would love to know!

[@moonwhisper624]

@@charlycatcatcatvideos i think both I find the cases very interesting and hoy my mom and dad solve them but I don’t want to be the kind of lawyers they are (idk how to say it in English) because they are always sitting and writing and I don’t want to be that but i am interested in other kind of law Also my mom is great better than my dad so I think it will be challenging to be at where she is

[@m.rk_lee1389]

Hi i am a poly student and is very interested in studying law however im a engineering student. I was wondering if its possible for engineering students to study law in uni and how and what can we do to change from engineering to law?

[@miraclepieces5493]

Been a law student since 2017 👍

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

😆ALL THE BEST!!!

[@prabodidilhara9541]

Hi char! I just wanna know what results i should get for my o levels to be able to apply for nus or smu?

[@elizabetht308]

I feel so silly-- I'm looking for videos about SMU (southern methodist u) law and I was thinking... wow that's so cool this girl from Singapore went to Texas for law school 💀 oops

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

it happens whenever I google SMU and wonder why the page looks so different :"D

[@Longhorn_Legend]

Does SMU law school require an interview for admissions? I checked their website and it doesn't say anything about an interview

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

I can't say for sure but the interview has been a standard requirement for years already. I can't find the exact admission process steps on the website either (maybe they are updating) but the most recent posts on the JD intake still required interviews in the same group format so I'd assume they are still on!

[@Straightfromtheheart8691]

Hi Charlene, are the SMU law students given structured notes to study or are they required to make their own notes (with reference to various books) after lecturers delivered their lectures? Thanks in advance

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Hi! We are usually required to make our own notes. We have a reading list and an overall guide (e.g. in bullet point form, usually the main learning point / name of the rule and then the cases / materials espousing that point) but that's it for class prep. Then we will make our own notes based on classes with the help of friends and senior's notes usually.

[@chinny1923]

12.7.22

[@AryanKhan-sk7mq]

How should get admission in master in law as am LLB. Please must reply, regards.

[@Teddykids664]

Surely you can :) I've talked to smu LLM admission advisor, they said like a big percentage for you to get in as long as you have LLB and few years of experience.

[@Hellokittyajumma]

If one does not do the part B exam after graduation, can he or she calls herself a lawyer or practice law? Thanks

[@punkratliff5327]

Can you enter SMU Law only with good A-level grades? I barely have any olympiad certificates or CCAs.

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Hi Cherine! I do think that ultimately they look at your A level grades as the base line. Once you get the interview/test, you probs have as good a chance as the rest of the candidates and you just have to focus on how you perform during those components. I can't say for sure but I would assume these co-curriculars are more like push factors that would help if your grades are only just making the cut OR if you are gunning for scholarships. I hope this helps and all the best with applications

[@AryanKhan-sk7mq]

Hello mem

[@petleo6096]

U r pretty

[@charlycatcatcatvideos]

Tq 🙈

[@SamSam-wz9ll]

haha