Understanding Conditional Programs: A Guide for Aspiring Law Students

Remember when I described myself as a 0.5L in a previous post? Well, it is all thanks to something called a "conditional program". This term should not be confused with a law school preparation program or a conditional scholarship.

What is a Conditional Program?

A conditional law program allows a law school to give students who did not perform as well as expected on the LSAT or in undergraduate studies a chance to enter law school. Think of it as a pathway to help you reach the finish line of your legal education.

As always, my perspective comes from attending SLU, but hopefully, this still helps you understand how these programs work.

Schools That Have A Conditional Program in the U.S.

Drone view of Saint Louis University Law School

Here are some schools across the United States that offer conditional programs:

• Detroit Mercy Law Summer Program - SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

• North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law's PBAP (Law School Performance-Based Admission) Program

• Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Law Summer Institute

• St. Mary’s University School of Law SSE (Summer Skills Enhancement)

• St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law Conditional Program

• Suffolk University - ONLY FOR LLMs IN FINANCE LLMs in Finance

• The University of Memphis - Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law TIP (Tennessee Institute for Pre-Law)

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law LEAP Program

• University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Law School SCALES Program

• Widener University Commonwealth Law School TAP (Trial Admissions Program)

  
  

What to Consider in A Conditional Program

When considering a conditional program, there are several factors you should weigh carefully.

LSAT Scoring

The LSAT score range is between 120-180. Most summer conditional programs look for a minimum score of 150. However, some schools will consider applicants with scores as low as 142.

Are you still concerned about your score? You might want to explore Khan Academy This free program starts with a benchmarking LSAT exam, helping you assess your starting point and create a personalized study plan. Discipline is key here. You will decide how and when to study, which is a great preparation before beginning law school.

Class Size

Class size can impact your law school experience. Some conditional acceptance programs admit only a small number of students. Competitive applicants can stand out through their resumes and career paths. If your background doesn't align perfectly with law, be ready to explain your pivots. It's worth considering whether you can improve your LSAT score.

Employment Considerations

Conditional programs typically last between 4-10 weeks. Before enrolling, consider whether you can work during this time. Most schools do not allow summer employment within their programs. However, if you believe your situation is unique, it's always best to consult with the appropriate school's dean's office.

For example, I work as a paralegal at a Fortune 100 company. My employer provides me with PTO and other benefits, which helped me negotiate a flexible schedule during the summer program.

Location

Programs may be conducted remotely or require in-person attendance. Remote programs allow you to connect with classmates online. However, some programs require you to be onsite, which increases your commitment level. In such cases, you may need to arrange short-term housing. While this may seem daunting, you can meet your summer cohort in person and immerse yourself in campus life.

Payment Plans

Keep in mind that many conditional programs require upfront payments. For example, SLU’s Summer Institute requires a deposit of $50. Make sure to inquire about additional fees that may apply once you're admitted. Importantly, these summer courses typically do not count towards class credits after full acceptance into the program.

Timing is Everything

Your timing is crucial as you prepare for law school. Align your timeline with your intended incoming class year. Set aside enough time to achieve an acceptable LSAT score and consider how you might balance these preparations with your professional responsibilities. Evaluating all these aspects now will help you decide on the best-fitting program when the time comes.

Just think about how all these points interconnect in your law school journey. Planning effectively can help you navigate this process better. Remember, it’s okay to adapt your plans along the way!