How to prepare for NWCU

Hi, I've just been accepted into the on-line program at NWCU. I have a BFA and a certificated ABA Paralegal degree. On-line for my JD is my only option considering finances, family and schedule. Before cutting a check for first year tuition, I would love to know if the 4 first year courses at NWCU are scheduled simutaneously or one for each 12 weeks of study. Is anyone familiar with the procedure? Also, I can't get a handle on how one can study with others (chatrooms, etc.) if students can begin their studies at various times. Would love to get some insightful suggestions or answers. Thanks LE.

 

The courses are simultaneous. You have 48 weeks to do all your coursework studying 2 1/2 hrs. per day average not including taking your mid-terms. You'll be given a syllabus for each course with vocabulary, cases to brief, casebooks to read with ancillary materials, etc. I studied for an average of 3 hrs. per day and would rotate intro to law and contracts on one day; torts and criminal law the next.
When you log onto blackboard you'll see the various topics with times posted when you can "attend"
the chat sessions. It is advisable that you attend these as you'll learn a lot about how your professor wants your answers to questions phrased. You'll also gain insight as to how you'll answer essay questions. Very necessary to know for FYLSX and mid-terms and finals. Don't forget to sign up with the California Bar as a student and then schedule the FYLSX for after the first year of study. If I can be of further assistance let me know.

 

Thank you

Thank you so much for the above information. I am a bit anal in my approach since this is a huge undertaking. Besides the study guide, reading, midterms and finals,
Are there weekly or daily classwork assignments to post?
Are chatrooms mandatory?
Are midterms & quizzes open book?
How long after payment did your study period begin?

What program are you enrolled in?

 

That was pretty cool info. I looked at the site. Very affordable compared to other DL law schools. Almost tempting. They (like Aspen) have a deadline on the tuition rate (end of July). Online Law School - Degree - Northwestern California University Good Bar pass rate as well.

 

There are no daily or weekly assignments to post. However there is plenty of work to do and I don't know about right now but when I did it it was all by hand and submitted to the school (briefs, vocab, et al). Chatrooms with the professor and other students are not to be missed. It'll help your grade with extra credit (if you participate and have something valuable to add to the discussions). There are no quizzes, however you'll have enough to keep you busy and be graded on. The midterms and finals are closed book so you'd better know your stuff. Call student services to find out your official start date.

If you'll notice my signature I am a graduate of NWCU. Glad to be of help.

 

Correction: midterms are open book (essay based hypotheticals so you must know your law). Finals as I mentioned before are proctored with usage of a computer allowed but no internet, books or study notes to be used.

 

Hi Sideman,
Again... a wealth of information. Many thanks. Are midterms and finals scheduled on a quarterly or at the end of the 48 week first year sessions? And, is it possible to complete the program in less than 3 years? Or is it strictly min 48 weeks per year of study?

Congrats on your graduation. Was it a JD? Have you passed the CBX? You mentioned turning in work by hand, when did you graduate

 

Midterms are done after the first six months. You must do the minimum 48 weeks to be bar qualified so there is no graduating early. Trust me you'll have your hands full, especially with work and family. Yes I got my JD (non-bar) and I didn't pass (came close) the FYLSX. In retrospect I should've finished the first year and studied only for the FYLSX. However I began the 2L program and was overwhelmed. Then it became a matter of finishing what I started. I graduated with a BSL and JD in December 2008.

 

I will consider your advice regarding preparation for FYLSX. Btw, do you have any textbooks that you'd like to unload? Any suggetions?

 

All my textbooks are gone. They went as far back as 2004 anyway so most are outdated. When I attended, America's Legal Bookstore was the casebook provider. NWCU has changed to another. I had to order most of mine new but once you get logged in to the website there are students that have casebooks for sale. The emanuel outlines are helpful as well.