3+3 Law Program/Do I have a shot?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Fordham University
1

<p>As of now Fordham is on my list of top 3 schools (class of 2015). I'm pretty set on law school (will explain further later), and if I plan on going to law school anyway...the idea that I'll get it done a year ahead of time is very appealing. </p>

<p>I've researched the Fordham site a bit and haven't been able to find a ton on it. Ideally I'd like to major in political science. What I can't find is whether if you do the 3+3 program, you have to have a certain major? Major isn't a big deal to me. But its something I'd like to know. </p>

<p>[Next is it required that if you do the 3+3 program, you have to be at rose hill? I looked at the Fordham website and the 3+3 program also came up under the LC section, but when looking at the 3+3 program aspect, it shows that its taken at RH.</p>

<p>With those questions out of the way...</p>

<p>I'll be completely honest, my GPA isn't anything out of this world and nor is my SAT score (Numeric average 86.7 and SAT 1170 without writing, 1740 with writing). However, I do have a strong interest in law/politics. I think this is represented fairly well in my resume. I'll just go ahead and post it so you can get a better idea...</p>

<p>EXPERIENCE
2009-Present Atlanta Legal Aid Society
Volunteer Intern: Responsible for system and compliance projects.
 Created a human resource system to track and document all current and past employees of the organization. Accomplished this by saving the Society thousands of dollars by developing and installing a custom single system of record for tracking sixty years worth of employment history. This system increased visibility of personnel information, complied with legal and security obligations, and improved productivity. Responsible for creating and implementing an Emergency Management Plan in five offices throughout Atlanta. This plan focused on protection of human life and property, disaster recovery and IT management. Accumulated over 500 volunteer hours.</p>

<p>2009 150th General Assembly of the State of Georgia
Congressional Page: Served as support staff for the Georgia Legislature.
 Assisted in legislative correspondence. Delivered messages from lobbyists/constituents to the respective representative.</p>

<p>2008 The Law Offices of XXXXX
Summer Intern: Responsible for assisting with client meetings, legal research, clerical support, and general case management.
 Managed case files. Drafted complaints, correspondence, discovery requests/responses. Made outbound calls to both opposing counsel and clients. Formed trial notebooks through summarization and trial indexing.</p>

<p>2007 The XXXX Law Firm, LLC
Summer Intern: Served as assistant to lead attorney to carry out systems projects and assist with real estate case magement.
 Established electronic records systems for case management. Researched security deeds, liens, and other real estate history. Wrote and placed foreclosure advertisements in publications. Researched and drafted memoranda in the areas of bankruptcy/foreclosure law. Managed clients files regarding foreclosure and bankruptcy status.</p>

<p>Further I can obtain a recommendation from each of these employers to add to the whole theme.</p>

<p>In addition to my work experience, I am also captain of the debate team (novice captain 9th grade year, JV captain sophomore year, varsity captain Junior and will be Senior year). I was a volunteer political science tutor (a few hours each week for all of sophomore year). Outside of things relevant to law/politics, I race on a cycling team, made deans list, volunteered for habitat for humanity, designed and managed a website for a non profit freshman year, well over 650 volunteer hours, top 3 finish at state for FBLA entrepeneurship, and various FBLA awards. </p>

<p>With all this in mind, do you think that my EC's will be able to offset my average grades/SAT?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>I don’t like to chance people, but I would first try to get into Fordham and only then would I even begin to think about the 3+3 program. It doesn’t look like you can apply for the 3+3 program until your junior year and only after you have taken the LSAT’s. I don’t know anyone who has done this program, but I’m guessing it is competitive. My advice is to focus on chosing the best four year college for you and if you are able to get into this program later on, that will just be a bonus. </p>

<p>[3-3</a> Program](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/campus_resources/student_services/career_services/students/prelaw/33_program_71499.asp]3-3”>http://www.fordham.edu/campus_resources/student_services/career_services/students/prelaw/33_program_71499.asp)</p>

3

<p>the requirements also seem very general-“Maintain a superior grade point average, including transfer credits.” and “Have a very strong LSAT score”</p>

<p>look into URichmond’s law school guaranteed admission,i cant seem to find the link but it is pretty similar to Fordham’s</p>

4

<p>Getting into Fordham Law is highly competitive and there is no guarantee that Fordham undergrads will get in, certainly not because of their Fordham connections. In fact, some say its tougher for Fordham undergrads. The 3+3 program is uber competitive and only for the very best and brightest, and students who are literally at the very top of the class following freshmen year. You must take the LSAT and score very high. Fordham’s LSAT scores are generally above 164, which is the high 85th and higher percentile. In short, its not for just people with interest, its ONLY for the very brightest at Fordham.</p>

<p>With an SAT of 1170 you are already on the bubble. With a gpa below 3.7 you are on the bubble. Your admission to Fordham RH or LC is anything but guaranteed. If you have another hook that might help, such as being a minority.</p>

<p>URichmond is also a very competitive law school, which takes kids with 160 and up on their LSAT. </p>

<p>Having an interest in law is good. Having high school internships is lovely, but people know that if you arent a law student the work you do at a law firm is anything but legal. The law prohibits it. You can research liens and deeds at the courthouse because those are public record. But you cannot write legal memos and research legal cases and draft legal documents. Not putting you down, just being brutally honest. Its good you are focused and determined and I congratulate you. But there is more to a resume than just high school internships. </p>

<p>I would look, frankly speaking at less competitive schools. I would look closely at Loyola New Orleans, which is a gem of a school, adjacent to Tulane. Your scores fit better there, in my opinion.</p>

5

<p>Yeah, given your relatively weak SAT scores and GPA, I would completely focus on getting into a school that matches your academic level, work your ass off to get the best grades possible, and go the regular route to law school. What’s the big deal about the 3+3? You save a year? So what? But hey, if you can get into Fordham, then you can see about the 3+3. No sense worrying about it now.</p>

<p>Also, I agree it sounds almost unbelievable that a high school student is drafting legal documents. Even if true, most people will think you are exaggerating. Be prepared to support it, or have one of your recs be from a lawyer you worked with that is willing to say that.</p>