First, double - check all requirements well in advance. Don't rely on just one read - through of the guidelines. Second, make sure to have regular backups of your work. In case of a system crash, you'll have your data safe. Third, communicate clearly with your advisor throughout the process to avoid any last - minute surprises.
One horror story could be the system crashing right as the student was about to submit. All the work was there, but they had to scramble to get it resubmitted before the deadline. Another might be the advisor suddenly changing requirements at the last minute, making the student redo a large part of the dissertation.
Double - check everything. Before submitting, review all the forms, statements, and uploaded documents multiple times to catch any errors like typos or missing information.
Only borrow what you need. Many students borrow more than necessary for things like a more luxurious dorm or extra spending money. Calculate your actual costs for tuition, books, and basic living expenses, and only take out a loan for that amount. This can prevent you from being over - indebted later.
Do thorough research before taking out any loan. Look into different lenders, their interest rates, and repayment terms.
Research thoroughly. Look at different lenders and compare their interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. Don't just go with the first offer. For example, some small local banks might have better deals than the big national lenders.
Use the credit card responsibly. Only make purchases that you can afford to pay off in full each month. Don't be tempted to overspend just because you have a credit limit.
Missing the deadline is a common one. Maybe because of unexpected personal issues or poor time management.
One horror story is when a student lost all their research data due to a computer crash right before the final submission deadline. They had no backup and had to start from scratch, which was extremely stressful.
Students should research scholarships and grants thoroughly. This free money can significantly reduce the need for loans. Also, they should only borrow what they actually need for tuition, books, and living expenses. Don't be tempted to take extra just because it's available.
Do thorough research on the job placement rates of the law school before enrolling. If a school has a low rate of graduates getting well - paying jobs, it might not be worth the high cost. Also, try to get as many scholarships and grants as possible to reduce the need for loans.