The University of Cincinnati Parents Association welcomes all of our new subscribers as well as the parents who have been part of the mailing list for years!  At the UCPA, we are still welcoming new parents at summer orientation and completing planning for Parents Weekend 2009 (November 6-8).  UC Parents Association Members: Please encourage your student to submit an essay for the 2009 UCPA/DuBois Bookstore Essay Contest.  Five winners will be selected: the top three receive FREE BOOKS FOR FALL QUARTER CLASSES!!!  Two runners up win $50 gift cards to the DuBois Bookstore.  Essays are due Friday, August 28.  For more information: CLICK HERE. We hope that you are all having a wonderful summer and assure you that the UC community is anxiously awaiting the arrival of new students as well as current students!

Spotlight on: What does it mean to be “Pre-Law”?

by Charlie Scruggs 

It’s not uncommon for a college student to explore the option of attending law school.  Many students had the idea or plan to attend law school long before heading off to college. Perhaps it was a parent, relative, or a family friend who is an attorney that first sparked interest.  However, for some students, it’s not until they are in college that the idea of pursing a law degree becomes an option.

Two very common questions that students first ask advisors are “Can I major in pre-law? and “Are law schools looking for a specific major?” At the University of Cincinnati, pre-law is not a major, it is an advising track. UC uses “pre-law” to tag students in the university advising system.  This code tells the student’s advisor that he/she has an interest in law school.  Advisors find this helpful when working with students in selecting courses.

Law schools are on the hunt for well rounded, well spoken, diverse individuals.   The study and practice of law touches all aspects of society. Students from across all academic disciplines are applying to law school.  There was a time when most applicants had an undergraduate degree in English, political science, history, philosophy, or religion; this is no longer the case.

In fact, UC College of Law’s entering fall ‘08 class represented 43 different majors, from accounting to theology, and students hailed from over 65 undergraduate institutions.  A student who plans to pursue law school really needs to take advantage of upper-level curriculum that focuses heavily on reading, writing, and critical analysis.  Much of law school will be reading complex material and having to organize a plan of action or argument in a very short amount of time.

Preparing for law school is more than choosing the right courses.  Students should be looking to gain professional experience during the academic year or summer break.  Many current pre-law students are gaining professional experience via an internship, volunteering, or working at a non-profit. Some are working directly with a politician or political campaign.

In addition to academic studies and career exploration, students also should be thinking of how they plan to approach the Law School Admissions Test.  Commonly known as the LSAT, this standardized exam is designed to evaluate abilities necessary to study law. It is not a measure of knowledge; rather, its purpose is to measure your ability to think analytically and critically. Reading comprehension and writing skills are also tested. To learn more about the LSAT, visit www.lsat.org . 

For many students, understanding the basics of how law school works and what’s needed to apply is complicated. At UC, the Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC) serves as the primary advising resource for students who are interested in preparing for and applying to professional school.  The PPAC also works with students to choose coursework, and answer other questions as students navigate through the application process.  

To learn more about “pre-law” and the path to law school, please visit the Pre-Professional Advising Center website at www.uc.edu/sas/preproadvising .  You may also contact the main advising line at (513) 556-2166 or visit 700 Swift Hall for further information. 

“Looking back at my first year, I wish I would have gotten to know my advisors earlier. Getting to know your advisors is an important part of doing well in college. Any time you are unsure of your path or just need some guidance, they are a great resource. So if I could tell you three things that are key to doing well at UC they would be: 1. Get involved, 2. Know your advisors and do not be afraid to talk to them and 3. Do not slack, you will regret it.”
Sara Neal

College of Engineering - 2013

“My advice is to meet as many people as you possibly can and utilize them to help you succeed in your college career. The people at UC not only help you academically, but also personally. Find a network of support and use it to your advantage.”

Dwight Pirtle

College of Business – 2010

 “Get involved as much as possible. UC gives us so much to work with so take advantage of it because it’s all worth it in the end.”

Autumn Karcher

College of Allied Healthy Sciences - 2011

Important Dates

August 10	Classes Begin -3rd term/summer quarter
August 12	Last day to drop 100% tuition refund
August 26	Last day with withdraw – 3rd term/summer quarter
August 28	2009 Parents Association/DuBois Bookstore Essay Contest Submission Deadline
August 28	Last day of class – 3rd term summer quarter
August 31 - September 1	Exams (3rd quarter/summer term)