Pre-Law Briefs
2/29/08
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~
- PRE-LAW SOCIETY MEETING
Wednesday, March 5th, 5:30-6:30 pm in the Schine Student Center, Room 228A
This will be the first official Pre-Law Society meeting. If you are not a member and you are interested in participating/becoming a member, then please contact Melissa Samuels at mesamuel@syr.edu.
- SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW MINORITY LAW DAY PROGRAM
FOR LOCAL UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Tuesday, March 4th, 9:30 am-3:00 pm at the SU College of Law
Are you thinking about a career in law? Syracuse University College of Law will mark National Minority Law Student Recruitment Month with a Visitor Program. This program is open to all undergraduate minority students and high school minority students in the Syracuse area who wish to learn more about law school. The program will include: a) an introduction from a member of the faculty, b) observation of a trial case by the Moot Court Team, c) presentation by current law school students on preparing for law school, d) presentation by an alumnus who will share personal experiences of law school and the legal profession, e) presentation by the Assistant Director of Financial Aid on financial preparation for law school, f) presentation by a member of Career Services on careers in the legal field. RSVP as soon as possible.
- PRE-LAW ADVISING SERVICES OFFICE VISIT TO THE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW
Thursday, April 3rd at 3:15 pm,
RSVP by March 7th to Amy Friers (afriers@syr.edu)
Are you interested in seeing for yourself what it's like to be in law school? Join the Pre-Law Advising Services office for a visit to the Syracuse University College of Law on Thursday, April 3rd. We will attend a Constitutional Law class at 4:00 pm, and also have a tour led by current law students. This is a great opportunity to have your questions answered by real-life law students who've been through the entire application process. Again, if you would like to attend, then you must e-mail Amy Friers at afriers@syr.edu by March 7th.
- 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.
~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 to apply. For more information, please visit: http://www.law.fsu.edu/summer_undergraduates/index.html.
~Upcoming Pre-Law Events (2/29/08-3/7/08)~
- PRE-LAW INFORMATION SESSION FOR FIRST- AND SECOND-YEAR 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.
- SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW MINORITY LAW DAY PROGRAM
FOR LOCAL UNDERGRADUATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Tuesday, March 4th, 9:30 am-3:00 pm at the SU College of Law
Are you thinking about a career in law? Syracuse University College of Law will mark National Minority Law Student Recruitment Month with a Visitor Program. This program is open to all undergraduate minority students and high school minority students in the Syracuse area who wish to learn more about law school. The program will include: a) an introduction from a member of the faculty, b) observation of a trial case by the Moot Court Team, c) presentation by current law school students on preparing for law school, d) presentation by an alumnus who will share personal experiences of law school and the legal profession, e) presentation by the Assistant Director of Financial Aid on financial preparation for law school, f) presentation by a member of Career Services on careers in the legal field. If you are interested, please stop by the Pre-Law Advising Services office in 329 Hall of Languages to pick up a registration form. RSVP by Wednesday, February 27th.
- LSAT 10-QUESTION CHALLENGE (CO-SPONSORED BY KAPLAN TEST PREP)
Wednesday, March 5th from 6:00-7:00 pm in 320 Hall of Languages
What is the LSAT like, and how should you best prepare for this critically important test? Find out at the Kaplan LSAT 10-Question Challenge seminar. During the seminar, students will learn about the test's structure, types of questions, and several test-taking strategies. Students will complete ten actual LSAT questions which will then be explained by a Kaplan instructor. You may register on the Kaplan Web site or by calling the Syracuse Kaplan office at 315-472-3702.
~Events To Look Forward To~
March:
- LSAT TEST DRIVE (CO-SPONSORED BY KAPLAN TEST PREP)
Monday, March 24th from 6:00-7:00 pm in 320 Hall of Languages
Experience an LSAT 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.
~Upcoming LSAT Dates~
- 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.asp
Dates 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.
- See a Pre-Law Advisor.
- Begin researching & visiting law schools.
- Continue outside experiences and pursue leadership positions.
- Look for summer employment in the legal field.
- Participate in outside law related activities & fairs, such as law fairs & CLEO programs.
- Register to take the June LSAT.
- Begin prepping for the LSAT.
- Attend Pre-Law events & workshops.
- To prepare for the financial burden of law school, check your credit history & pay off debt.
- Network with professors. Make a list of professors and other people that you would like to ask to write you a letter of recommendation.
- 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.- 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
Summer Pre-Law Programs:
~Previous Issues of Pre-Law Briefs~
You may wish to browse our Pre-Law Briefs archive, especially the Announcements sections:
February 22, 2008
February 15, 2008
February 8, 2008
February 1, 2008
January 25, 2008
January 18, 2008
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
Caitlin Horgan, Student 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)