Pre-Law Briefs
1/18/08
Welcome to the SU Pre-Law Listserv! Please make note of upcoming events and workshops. We hope that you can join us for one or more of these workshops!
~Announcements~
- REMINDER: File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early. DO NOT WAIT until you receive an acceptance! Many law schools have financial aid application deadlines in mid-February to early March! (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov).
- Interested in participating in the development of a Pre-Law Society at Syracuse University? For more information, click here.
- LOCAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY!
A local internship in Law/Civil Liberties is available. Depending upon the student's interests, this internship could involve all law, all research and writing, or a combination. Civil Liberties and Women's Rights are a special focus of the practice. The hours are flexible, and some of the work can be done at another location. A junior, a senior, or a law student is preferred; mature sophomores will be considered. Reliable, smart, independent, good communication skills, sense of humor, interest in the law as a possible career, and a high grade point average are all necessary. Must have a car. The position is offered for the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Job Function: Advocacy, Journalism, Law, Political Organization/Lobbying, Public Administration/Public Policy, Research, Writing. To apply, contact: Karen DeCrow, 7599 Brown Gulf Road, Jamesville, NY 13078. Phone: 315-682-2563.
- Check out the American Bar Association Journal's Web site located in our Helpful Links section below.
- SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY DEBATE TEAM: OPEN RECRUITMENT PRACTICE
Tuesday, January 29th, 8:00-10:00 pm, 102 Hall of Languages
The SU Debate Team is looking for anyone and everyone interested in debate, politics, writing arguments, or breaking their fear of public speaking. No prior experience necessary. E-mail any questions to Jon Barnhart at jabarnha@syr.edu.
- Check out the Introduction to Environmental Justice: Theory, Case Studies and Applications course, which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-3:00 pm in 219 Sims Hall. This course will examine case studies from both a developing and developed context in order to analyze the factors which contribute to the constellation of issues labeled as "environmental justice."
- 3RD ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION PANEL
Thursday, January 31st, 5:30 pm, Drexel University College of Law, Philadelphia, PA
RSVP no later than Monday, January 28th, to Grant Keener at gkeener@drexel.edu.
(In the e-mail, include your full name, and the undergraduate institution you currently attend or from which you graduated).
This panel provides a unique opportunity for prospective law students to receive admission advice directly from those who read law school applications and make admission decisions. Following the panel, the participating law schools will host a reception where prospective law students and pre-law advisors can chat informally with the admission representatives. The following law schools will be represented and are co-hosting the reception: Drexel University College of Law, Penn State Dickinson School of Law, University of Pennsylvania School of Law, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Temple University School of Law, Villanova University School of Law, Widener University School of Law.
- ATTENTION SENIORS AND ALUMNI LOOKING TO APPLY TO LAW SCHOOL FOR FALL 2008 ADMISSION:
Be sure to submit your Dean's Certification forms to our office as soon as possible! Remember, it can take up to 3 weeks for our office to process these forms. DO NOT wait until the last minute, especially if you are applying for early admission. For more information, see the Dean's Certification Requests section below.
~Law School Announcements~
- FLORIDA STATE LAW: SUMMER FOR UNDERGRADUATES PROGRAM
Florida State Law School is currently accepting applications from undergraduate students for its 2008 Summer for Undergraduates Program, which provides select students with an inside look at law school and the legal profession. The 2008 program will be held from May 19th through June 13th, and applictions must be postmarked by March 28th. Students from all backgrounds and majors are invited. For more information, please visit: http://www.law.fsu.edu/summer_undergraduates/index.html.
- Are you interested in applying to Stetson University's College of Law? Do you have financial concerns in paying the application fee? If you answered yes to both questions, then please contact the Pre-Law Advising Office for help.
- Are you interested in applying to Tulane University Law School? Do you have financial concerns in paying the application fee? If you answered yes to both questions, then please contact the Pre-Law Advising Office for help.
~Upcoming Pre-Law Events (1/18/08-1/25/08)~
- PRE-LAW SOCIETY INTEREST MEETING
Wednesday, January 23rd from 5:00-6:00 pm in 320 Hall of Languages
A current pre-law senior is interested in establishing a Pre-Law Society at SU. This student has already begun the process and is looking for support and assistance from other current pre-law students. Anyone interested in working on this project is encouraged to attend this meeting, especially pre-law sophomores and juniors.
- PERSONAL STATEMENT WORKSHOP FOR PRE-LAW AND PRE-HEALTH STUDENTS
Thursday, January 24th from 5:30-6:30 pm in 107 Hall of Languages
It's considered one of the "subjective" admissions criteria, but don't let that description reduce the critical importance of the personal statement in your total application profile. In this workshop, we'll dissect the structure and subject matter of those personal statements that worked--and those that didn't. A follow-up appointment is recommended for those students seeking an individualized critique of their personal statement.
~Events To Look Forward To~
January:- LSDAS AND SENIORS
Monday, January 28th from 4:00-5:00 pm in 320 Hall of Languages
This workshop is designed specifically for students who are currently in the process of applying to law school. LSAC, LSAT, LSDAS, personal statements, recommendation letters, dean's certifications? We'll help you make sense of it all as we detail the steps of the process, offer a suggested timeline, and answer your questions.
- FINANCING GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL
Wednesday, January 30th from 5:30-6:30 pm in 320 Hall of Languages
Are you concerned about how much graduate school, law school or medical school will cost? We are pleased to announce this new workshop, which will be led by Gina Soliz, Director of Financial Aid at Syracuse University College of Law. She will point out important financial options to consider when applying to and accepting admission to a program. After the formal portion of her presentation, she will be available to answer your specific questions.
February:
- LSAT EXAM
Saturday, February 2nd
Monday, February 4th (for Saturday Sabbath Observers only)
- SPRING CAREER EXPO
Thursday, February 7th from 10:30-3:30 pm in the Schine Student Center
The Spring Career Expo combines two major events into one career extravaganza. The Spring Career Expo provides the opportunity for 120+ employers from all industries to meet with 1000+ talented and diverse students from all majors to discuss both full-time and internship career opportunities available in their organizations.
- TO DO LIST FOR JUNIOR PRE-LAW STUDENTS
Monday, February 11th from 4:00-5:00 pm in 320 Hall of Languages
This workshop is designed specifically for juniors wanting to attend law school. Topics include: LSAC, LSAT, LSDAS, personal statements, recommendation letters, and dean's certifications. Bring your questions and we'll give you answers!
- CLEO (COUNCIL ON LEGAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY)
Wednesday, February 13th from 5:00-6:00 pm in 320 Hall of Languages
CLEO is committed to diversifying the legal profession by expanding legal education opportunities to minority, low-income and disadvantaged groups. Over the past 37 years, more than 7,500 students have participated in CLEO's pre-law and law school academic support programs, successfully matriculated through law school, passed the bar exam, and joined the legal profession. SU has a current student who is a CLEO alumnae. She will lead the presentation, answer questions, and give you the inside scoop on CLEO.
- WHAT DOES BEING A PROFESSIONAL MEAN?
Thursday, February 21st from 5:30-6:30 pm in 500 Hall of Languages
What does a professional look like? How does a professional behave? We'll not only answer these two questions, but also talk about how to present yourself as a professional in an interview setting. This seminar is for pre-law and pre-health students.
- KAPLAN TEST DRIVE FOR DAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, AND MCAT (CO-SPONSORED BY KAPLAN TEST PREP)
Saturday, February 23rd at 12:00 pm, sign-in and room assignments in the Hall of Languages lobby
Experience a graduate or professional school admissions test under simulated test conditions. Kaplan will provide, free of charge, the materials and the test-taking conditions to give you a sense of the "real thing". You may register on the Kaplan Web site or by calling the Syracuse Kaplan office at 315-472-3702.
- COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: NON-PROFIT AND GOVERNMENT OPPORTUNITIES FAIR
Wednesday, February 27th from 11:00 am-2:00 pm in Schine Student Center
Community Connections is an information fair geared toward students interested in full-time, internship, and volunteer opportunities with non-profit and government organizations.
March:
- PRE-LAW INFORMATION SESSION FOR FIRST-YEAR AND SOPHOMORE STUDENTS
Monday, March 3rd from 4:00-5:00 pm in 320 Hall of Languages
This workshop is designed specifically for first- and second-year SU students who are considering law school as an option. We will provide a brief overview of the law school application process and the legal profession, but the focus of the seminar will be on ways that you can improve your academic transcript and your resume so that you will be in the best, most competitive position to gain admission into the law school(s) of your choice. Topics covered will include: recommended courses and extracurricular activities, suggested work experiences, and strategies to prepare for the application process.
~Upcoming LSAT Dates~
- LSAT EXAM - Saturday, February 2nd, 2008
- LSAT EXAM - Monday, February 4th, 2008 (for Saturday Sabbath Observers only)
- LSAT EXAM - Monday, June 16th, 2008
- LSAT EXAM - Saturday, October 4th, 2008
- LSAT EXAM - Monday, October 6th, 2008 (for Saturday Sabbath Observers only)
- LSAT EXAM - Saturday, December 6th, 2008
- LSAT EXAM - Monday, December 8th, 2008 (for Saturday Sabbath Observers only)
About the LSAT - http://www.lsac.org/lsac.asp?url=lsac/about-the-lsat.aspDates and Deadlines - http://www.lsac.org/lsac.asp?url=lsac/test-dates-deadlines.asp
~LSAT Info~
- New LSAT Regulations Take Effect - http://www.lsac.org/lsac.asp?url=/lsac/changing-news.asp#new_lsat_regulations
- Notice of Changes to the LSAT - http://www.lsac.org/lsac.asp?url=/lsac/changing-news.asp#lsat_changes
~What Should I Be Doing Now?~
1st Year:
- Keep it simple.
- Focus on your GPA.
- Keep your nose clean.
- Develop a relationship with your professors.
- Think about getting involved in internships, extracurriculars, community service, and other activities.
Sophomore Year:- Keep the GPA up.
- Consider a study abroad experience.
- Gain internship experience and participate in extracurricular activities (pursue leadership roles).
- Investigate classes that teach you "law school skills."
- Network with professors.
- Continue to stay out of trouble.
Junior Year:- Keep the GPA up.
- Use the Pre-Law office.
- Begin researching law schools.
- Continue outside experiences and pursue leadership positions.
- Keep February in mind for the application process.
- Network with professors.
- Continue to stay out of trouble.
Senior Year:What should be done?
- View your Lowdown on Law School "Law School Application Checklist..." http://prelaw.syr.edu/handbook.pdf (pg. 48-52).
What should I be working on now?
- Carefully examine the Master Law School Report from LSDAS to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete.- Write your personal statement.
- Meet with a Pre-Law Advisor to discuss your progress in the application process and to ask any questions you may have.
- Remind your recommenders of deadlines for submission of their letters to LSDAS (most schools require 2-4 letters).- If you have any Dean's Certifications which need to be completed, then get them into the Pre-Law office. They take, on average, 3 weeks to process. (The Dean's Certification process is explained below.)
- If you are going abroad or taking time off before law school, then set up a Credentials File of recommendation letters at the Center for Career Services in 235 Schine Student Center.
- Work towards application completion. Keep copies of everything you send.
- File your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early (by January 1st). DO NOT WAIT until you receive an acceptance! (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Alumni: We didn't forget about you!
- If you are looking to apply for Fall 2008, then follow the Seniors timeline closely. Again, the pre-law handbook (The Lowdown on Law School) is online with a checklist.
- Set up an appointment with a Pre-Law Advisor--in person or by phone--to discuss where you are in the process.
~Dean's Certification Requests~
Some law schools require that applicants obtain a signed form or letter from the Dean of all schools or colleges which they have attended to certify that the student is in good standing with the school. If a law school requires a Dean's Certification form, it will be listed with that school's application for admission under "Supplemental Forms" on the LSAC/LSDAS Web site. All current and former SU students should submit their requests for Dean's Certification to Lynn Fall in the office of Pre-Law Advising Services, either via mail (329 HL, Syracuse, NY 13244-1170) or fax (315-443-9397). If you have questions regarding the process, please contact Lynn at 315-443-6228 or via e-mail (lfall@syr.edu). When submitting your request(s), please include a signed release form which can be downloaded here.
~Internship Links~
OrangeLink, SU's Internship Database:
http://students.syr.edu/careerservices/undergrad/orangelinkintro.htm (OrangeLink intro/quick start guide)
https://syr-csm.symplicity.com/students (log-in)
External Internship Links:
~Helpful Links~
Pre-Law Handbook "Preparing For The Study of Law: The Lowdown on Law School"
http://prelaw.syr.edu/handbook.pdf
Syracuse University Pre-Law Advising Services
Graduate Record Examinations - GRE
Law School Admissions Council - LSAC (refer to this site for the LSAT and LSDAS as well)
Career Exploration Services - CES (for Arts and Sciences students)
Major Insights (guide to choosing a major for Arts and Sciences students)
http://ces.syr.edu/majorinsights.pdf
Health Professions Advisory Program - HPAP
50 FREE Pre-Law and Law School Preparation Articles
http://www.legalwritingprep.com/articles
Boston College Law School Locator (25th to 75th percentile LSAT scores and GPA ranges)
http://www.bc.edu/offices/careers/gradschool/law/lawlocator.html#the25
Personal Statement Advice
http://www.accepted.com/law/default.aspx
DeLoggio Admissions Achievement Program
http://deloggio.com/newweb/home.htm
Other Web Sites with General Info on Graduate and Professional Studies
Here is an article related to opportunities which combine law and technology. Read this feature from Bridges:
http://careerpronews.bridges.com/explorer/browse/op/lglminds/main.htm
Here is an article related to choosing among the many available legal specialties. How do you decide which specialty is right for you? Read this feature from Bridges:
http://careerpronews.bridges.com/explorer/browse/et/legalspty/main.htm
ABAJournal.com is the Web site of the flagship magazine of the American Bar Association:
An article addressing generation gap and racial disparity concerns in law schools:
http://chronicle.com/daily/2008/01/1106n.htm
~ Previous Issues of Pre-Law Briefs~
You may wish to browse our Pre-Law Briefs archive, especially the Announcements sections:
December 7, 2007
November 30, 2007
November 16, 2007
November 9, 2007
November 2, 2007
~Pre-Law Advising Services~
Stay in Touch: Our Contact Info
If you are considering law school, or have already decided that you intend to apply to law school, we encourage you to stop by our office located in 329 Hall of Languages and introduce yourselves, set up a meeting with one of our Pre-Law Advisors, attend our Pre-Law Events, and to stay in touch with us frequently throughout your undergraduate career. To make this easier for you, here are the names and contact information for our office staff:
M. Kristine Waldron, Director
Amy Friers, Pre-Law Advisor
Lynn Fall, Office Coordinator
Mike White, Graduate Assistant
329 Hall of Languages
Syracuse, NY 13244-1170 (office hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm)
(315) 443-6228
(315) 443-9397 (fax)
http://prelaw.syr.edu/casnet.htm (online version of Pre-Law Briefs)