Not to be a broken record- but volunteering with a Haitian population will be a minor element of his law school application. Adcom’s at law schools aren’t looking and thinking “Wow, French- that’s an unusual language! He’ll be a barn-burner of a lawyer with his volunteer experience and language skills”. That’s not the way it works.
Meaningful “tip” factors? Having a parent who was incarcerated. Not volunteering with the homeless- but actually experiencing it as a child. Growing up as part of a Tribal community and seeing first-hand the difference between the “sovereign” Native system and the American justice system.
There won’t be a meaningful difference between being fluent in Spanish vs. French, or volunteering with the Haitian community vs. Hmong. Keep your eye on the ball here and don’t get sidelined. There are worthy ways for college students to volunteer across the board.
That wasn’t the point… the point is that right now this student doesn’t volunteer, but participates in French club and studies French, so if OP has to go abroad in the Fall as part of his admission, picking a French speaking country would make more sense than an easy/fun one, then using these skills in a useful way after returning from the study abroad transition program would be another win (opportunity for involvement +admission). Being involved in something that is meaningful is important for law admissions and being involved is mandatory - we both know a (top) law school will not admit a student who spent college in his room or partying. Volunteering in this way is one activity that makes sense for this student and a first step that is entirely within his control.
I think it’s been made clear GPA, a major that doesn’t avoid hard courses, and a high LSAT will be the primary criteria - I even gave basic data for UF Law.
Right now, OP may only get into USF or FSU theough this study abroad transition program.
DS has volunteered and has a job that helps children. Ofcourse, he can do more.
As previously stated, Undergrad GPA and LSAT are more important. LOR and personal statements are important as well.
Life can’t be put on hold while youth is spent on preparing for law school admission. Then, 3 years will be spent in law school and sitting the bar exam. He needs to figure out what he wants to do and passionately pursue on his own.
TBH, I’m not convinced if a law degree is as it used to be. I believe in self drive in people to withstand such long pursuits. We hope he formulates his own journey so it is rewarding for him.
You will not save money studying abroad compared to Florida in state tuition
First semester FSU runs 15,600 tp 17,900
First year abroad is three semesters Fall/Spring/summer and runs 46,000 to 51.000 Plus expenses
However, it is a great program S21 did First year abroad in Florence for Fall/Spring and then went to Valencia for summer
I am not familiar with USF study abroad for incoming Freshman
I think at 18, kids may think they know what they want - but could they really?
They’ll be exposed to a lot in college - not just in the work but seeing what others do.
Some kids are over run with the amount of reading involved and then law school is out.
I think it’s a bit premature to plan for it.
Financially - I get. Even getting advising.
But it’s more likely your kid will end up on a different path than law school.
I do think the LSAT weighs heavily though - and if someone is a great test taker (I mean 1550, not 1420) - they’ll be in good shape if academics come through as well.
Hopefully your student gets into a great school - and he will because FAU (if worst case is great) - and he goes from there.
USF program is just for 1 study abroad semester in Fall.
We are evaluating the budget and feasibility of that option.
Nice to know your son had a good experience.
I still think he has a very good chance for Summer USF especially at St. Pete campus.
This is opinion based on S21 and D23 friends that were accepted from South Florida.
In all likelihood, he’ll find something else he’s interested in. That’s what college is for.
If he already volunteers and likes it, he can continue with that (I thought he didn’t so my idea would have been a first step. I’m trying to think out of the box since he doesn’t have a usual profile but a great upward trend that is promising but needs to be built upon.) It won’t help him get straight into FSU but if he continues growing he can reach whatever goal, even if the path requires creative thinking and initiative. Hopefully the more he does and achieves the more he wants to do. I would caution against cookie cutter solutions that may not fit him. It’s important to figure out what “your thing” is then do it well.
Using the transition semester abroad to improve language skills is never wasted imho and the autonomy you get from living in an entirely different culture where even grocery shopping is a cultural experience strewn with obstacles speeds things up. If he gets into usf summer .
DS has successfully applied to USF, FIU & FAU. FSU / UF still to go.
All the applied schools have rolling admissions. Any idea on when they will send decisions?
It says 6-8 weeks on the website.
Make sure he applies to Honors at FIU and FAU.
Even if he changes his mind about law school, the opportunities and advantages are worth it, at least for the first year (you can quit after freshman year if you don’t like it).
UF should be last since odds are infinitesimal he’d get in.
For future students’ reference, we attended the USF University of South Florida open house in Tampa last Saturday 9/16th. USF main campus is nice from inside out, as it is tucked in. The tour was informative. Students were diverse and friendly. Overall a good experience. It is our family’s 1st and realistic choice. Of course, DS24 would be lucky if he gets accepted into UF (his top reach)! He is working on essays for UF/FSU.
I would love to hear what came of this applicant, @mango2school My kid has similar stats and exactly the same school path. He has received scholarships for several private and OOS schools, but the FL public schools are not playing ball. Mine was denied from FAU (!) and deferred at FIU, yet accepted at Loyola Chicago, Nova, Stetson, and Rutgers C.
Our too choice is definitely FSU summer. Waiting to hear…
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