Regardless of their degree, every student at John Carroll University has the ability to take advantage of various academic opportunities, especially those intent on pursuing a career in the legal field. A couple of resources that will help jumpstart careers include the Pre-Law Advising and 3+3 Dual Admission in Law programs.
The Pre-Law Advising program is for any student that is interested in finding a law-related career. Currently, there are over 150 people enrolled in it with 50 first-year students. According to the JCU website, Its purpose is for maximizing the time spent at JCU while soaking in every moment of the law school application process. All students at JCU are welcome to apply for this program.
Elizabeth Stiles, professor of political science, is JCU’s Pre-Law advisor and helps students with developing personalized law school plans. This includes advising students about which organizations and internships are the best fit. She also guides them through the law school application process.
“I like meeting students who are thinking about what they want to do after college and being a supportive and informative resource for them,” said Stiles.
“I also like meeting their parents when they [visit] JCU. Deciding on a college is exciting and I like to be here to help [students] achieve their goals.”
There are many other resources available in the Pre-Law Advising program to assist with exploring different jobs and solidifying plans for after graduation. These include LSAT preparations, alumni support, touring different law schools and enrolling in the 3+3 Dual Admission in Law program.
Since 2017, John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve University Law School have allowed students to finish both their undergraduate and law degrees in only six years. However, the JCU core and academic major requirements must be completed in three years.
The admission requirement for getting into the program is at least a 3.6 GPA during high school. In order to maintain status, one’s cumulative GPA has to be at least a 3.6 by the fourth semester of college and must score 157 or higher on the LSAT.
The LSAT is taken in either June at the end of sophomore year or October during junior year. Incoming freshmen that meet the application criteria are able to apply through the JCU Gateway. Any third year student that is eligible to be enrolled during the fall semester can apply to law school at CWRU.
“Many students who want to go to law school at least entertain the idea of the 3+3 [Dual Admission in Law program],” Stiles explained. “It’s a great option because students save a year of time and tuition. You have to give up your senior year at JCU which is a truly special time for students.”
Fatima Hashim ’27 is majoring in political science and double minoring in foreign affairs and peace, justice and human rights. She plans on studying international law during law school and working in different embassies around the world after graduation.
“I wanted to enroll in the 3+3 [Dual Admission in Law] program because of how difficult, time consuming and expensive it is to apply to law school traditionally,” Hashim said.
“Law school applications cost $75-85 per application and if you are not accepted, you would have to wait a year to apply again.”
Hashim continued, “The 3+3 [Dual Admission in Law] program only requires a 3.6 GPA and an LSAT score of higher than 156, which is very doable, and takes away the cost of applications while also saving a year off of college by graduating early, which also saves money. Moreover, Case Western Law School is highly decorated and has notoriety locally and internationally.”
Anyone who is considering applying to the 3+3 Dual Admission in Law program should meet with Stiles since there is a lot of course planning that goes into early graduation from JCU. She can be reached at [email protected].
