Correspondence Courses vis-à-vis Self-Preparation – Pros and Cons

August 17, 2020
Posted by: Team CP
Category: clat preparation

In Part 1, it was noted that while it is possible to clear CLAT through self-preparation, it is true only for a small set of students, and has a lot of pitfalls and deficiencies anyway. The question raised at the end was if correspondence courses mitigate those deficiencies. This piece deals with just that issue: what are the pros and cons of correspondence courses.

Addressing the Deficiencies of Self-Preparation

Correspondence courses provide a student with preparation materials, thereby curing a large part of the third pitfall of self-preparation. That being said, a student at home is still likely to refer to a large quantity of materials. If a student does not, then one can say that this one pitfall of self-preparation is solved.

Correspondence courses almost always also come bundled with the opportunity to take part in mock tests and assignments where all students enrolled in the coaching institute take part. That would help correspondence course takers take stock of where they stand in terms of performance in comparison to their competitors. This deficiency of self-preparation, too, is addressed at least to some extent.

The structure of preparation, though, is still likely to be imbalanced as it is going to be preparation without guidance.

Gaps in Correspondence Courses

At a prima facie level, it may appear to a reader that correspondence courses are the solution to the problems that arise with self-preparation. These courses, however, are not without their own ailments. Let’s have a brief look at them.

No Exposure to Faculty

Face-to-face teaching (whether in digital or brick and mortar mode) is much more conducive to learning; a lot of students learn more by listening and engaging than by simply reading. That helps in better and longer retention of information in students’ minds. Further, having the comfort of knowing that all doubts will be solved by competent teachers helps in preparation.

Rhythm and Structure

As alluded to above, correspondence courses leave something to be desired as far as structuring preparation is concerned. Unless the correspondence course provides some guidance in terms of structuring or scheduling the preparation for CLAT, the students do not gain much by subscribing to those courses.

Are You Suited for a Career in Law?

The author here is a mentor specialising in legal aptitude/ reasoning, so there may be a bit of a bias here. That being said, being exposed to teachers who are themselves lawyers, and who have gone through the law school experience would give clarity and comfort in the students’ minds that they are indeed suited for law. If they are not, then, of course, that clarity too would steer them towards a career option more suited to them. Merely looking at preparatory material shared in correspondence courses would not help in this regard.

Networking for Life

Long-term career-wise success in the field of law depends not only on someone’s skills, but also on the network they have created. Networks are essential to know what career opportunities are open, and to seek advice or help from people in varying fields of law. Being in a classroom with other CLAT competitors would ensure that you have friends (or at least acquaintances) in different law schools – a network that you can use forever. Even your legal faculty could be a part of that network and guide you through law school!

What Do We at CLAT Possible Offer regarding Correspondence Courses?

While our correspondence courses are not as fulfilling as our actual classes, we make our best effort to plug the gaps that exist in correspondence courses. Apart from our stellar record in CLAT and other law entrance examinations, we provide regular guidance in terms of structuring and scheduling preparation, doubt-solving sessions with competent mentors, webinars with lawyers and law students, and our preparatory materials are expertly prepared.

Conclusion?

This piece makes a case that correspondence courses are much better than self-preparation. That being said, there are some gaps in them that can be fulfilled only in actual classes.

The next piece would cover the features of classroom learning that would catapult a student’s learning and preparation for CLAT and other law entrance exams to the next level.

[The author of the post is a graduate from National Law University, Delhi, and is currently mentoring students here at CLAT Possible. Feel free to write to us at help@clatpossible.com, and we’ll see how we can help you or your ward in going forward in their pursuit towards law as a career]