• Law school is demanding, expensive and challenging. Many students who possess the typical characteristics that law schools desire either don't want to attend law school or have trouble getting accepted. However, there are useful alternatives to law school that offer similar salaries, education and responsibilities.
  
  

Get a Masters in Business Administration

• Law school requires students to possess intellect, common sense and motivation. These characteristics are absolutely necessary to launch a successful business career as well. Lawyers understand the notion that practicing law is similar to running a business.
  
  Thus, a fine alternative to law school is seeking a Masters in Business Administration, also known as an M.B.A. Many law students seek both a joint law and business degree, making these degrees very compatible with each other. As in law school, a test is required before acceptance into an M.B.A. program.
  
  The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is required by most business schools, and is a four-hour test that can be taken any time. The test contains three sections that test problem-solving, the ability to sort statistical information, and verbal skills. Students should seek to obtain a 700 or higher in order to get into the top M.B.A. schools. As in law school, GPA and work and life experiences are also calculated into the admission process. Typical M.B.A. programs usually last between one and two years.
  
  

Become a College Professor

• Many students attend law school to become college law professors later in life. This alternative is attractive to many who find the practice of law too time demanding and stressful. If you find you're more research-oriented and enjoy more flexible work days, becoming a college professor is a viable career path.
  
  A typical associate college professor in a subject such as business can make anywhere from $55,000 to $180,000 a year (as of August 2009) depending on tenure and the type of school. Teaching at a two-year college may just only a master's degree, meaning two years of post-undergraduate schooling. However, to become a full-time professor at a four-year university, a Ph.D. is required.
  
  

Become a Politician

• Many lawyers seek careers in politics following law school. However, seeking a profession in the public eye does not require a law degree. If you enjoy more real-world experience as opposed to that offered by education, this may be the perfect career path for you.
  
  Those who know at an early age that they want to become politicians should get involved in groups like the debate team and student government while in high school. In college, get involved with local political organizations. Getting your name out by campaigning for officials, raising money for political groups and seeking a major geared toward politics are all necessary. If you're looking at a career at the federal level, heading to Washington, D.C. shortly after graduation and getting experience as a page, or interning with a senator or representative on Capitol Hill, is a useful start to a successful career in politics.