Thought about going to law school? Join us for a week in May 2014, to explore the study of law, the analysis lawyers use to solve client problems, and the American legal system. Learn to brief a case, analyze a statute, and write like a lawyer. Negotiate like a lawyer. Learn to write an excellent mock LSAT essay exam answer. Learn about the other parts of the LSAT exam, and begin studying for it with help from an expert.
Led by Professor Michele Vollmer, this program provides a structured way for students to gain insight into the experience of going to law school. The program also provides a unique opportunity for Penn State undergrads to meet, form friendships, and network with other undergrads from diverse backgrounds who share a similar goal: to find out if attending law school is the right personal path to pursue.
Law professors and practicing attorneys will join the class to discuss what they do and the fields of law in which they practice. In addition, participants will learn about the admissions process and how to succeed in being admitted to law school.
View a slideshow and testimonials from the Explore Law 2011 program.
View a slideshow and testimonials from the Explore Law 2012 program.
View a sample itinerary.
ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to all Penn State undergraduate students from all campuses, including World Campus students. A goal of the program is to provide an introduction to the study of law, the law school learning environment, and the law school admissions process with time for prospective law students to make adjustments to their undergraduate academic performance.
Another primary goal of the program is to provide support to students who have an interest in the study of law and come from groups that are underrepresented in law school classrooms and the legal profession. We hope to build relationships with these students to help them succeed in law school, as well as the law school admissions process.
Current and rising seniors may apply, but preference may be given to rising sophomores and juniors, and students from underrepresented groups.
Because the program is offered as a resource to students, attendance and full participation in the program is mandatory. The program is intensive, and includes daily classes, lectures or meetings, some assigned reading and written homework. Homework is due before the program begins. Students who do not complete the homework may lose eligibility to attend the program. Attendance during all parts of the program is mandatory unless excused by Professor Vollmer for attendance at a conflicting summer session or a serious illness. Documentation to support any request to miss any part of the program must be provided.
PROGRAM LENGTH AND LOCATION
The program usually takes place for five days in May, beginning on the Monday after the Penn State Law School graduation at the University Park campus. Classes will be held in the new Lewis Katz Building, which features the newest courtroom and classroom technology.
FEES AND ROOM AND BOARD
Some fees may be charged for the program in 2014. Students usually reside in dormitories and have access to designated Penn State cafeterias. Check-in usually begins in the afternoon on the Sunday before the program begins.
Students may apply for a grant if payment of any required fees presents a financial hardship. More information about those grants will be provided in 2014.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications for 2013 have closed. Applications for 2014 will likely begin in the late fall of 2013. To apply, students must:
Complete an online application. The deadline to submit an application for 2014 will be announced when the application becomes available. The deadline will likely occur in March 2014. The information needed to complete an application is listed below:
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- Name
- PSU e-mail address
- Current telephone number (cellular is preferred)
- Permanent telephone number (cellular is preferred)
- Permanent home address
- PSU ID number (beginning with the number 9)
- Ethnicity and gender
- A screen shot or other electronic copy of your transcript, including a cumulative GPA
- Major(s)/minor(s)
- Expected month and year of graduation
- A screen shot or other electronic copy of your SAT or ACT score (unless you are a World Campus student)
- Current resume showing employment experience, activities, and honors
- Current areas of law in which you are interested
- How did you hear about the Explore Law program?
- Essay answer in 1,000 words or less: What do you hope to gain from the Explore Law program?
- Answers to two disciplinary questions (including an explanation, with dates, for yes answers)
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- Have you ever been subject to any disciplinary action, placed on academic probation, dismissed, suspended, expelled, asked to withdraw for academic reasons, or been subject to any action for misconduct or honor code violation at any school, college, or university, or is any such action pending or expected to be brought against you?
- Have you ever been arrested or charged with a crime or infraction other than a minor traffic violation or do you expect that charges may be brought against you?
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- As the last item requested, you need at least one letter of recommendation from a professor or current or former employer signed and on letterhead in a .pdf format. You may either upload that .pdf as part of your application or the person providing you a recommendation may e-mail the letter directly to Professor Vollmer at this address: mrv3@psu.edu.
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