Pre-Professional Studies 221
No specific major or set of courses is required, however a strong background in logic either from the philosophical or mathematical discipline combined with writing courses in journalism, English or the social sciences will prove useful. The introductory law and constitutional law classes will provide an excellent test for a student’s interest level. These preparatory classes as well as classes in a definite interest area such as politics, business, sociology or psychology will give the student the background needed for a successful legal career. The interdisciplinary nature of the Ripon College program permits a student to prepare for the rigors of postgraduate law school or other schools of legal and court administration. In today’s world of specialization, a successful candidate for a legal career must have the opportunity to explore the legal environment while developing that niche in environmental law, business law, criminal law, sports law, literary law, labor law or one of the more than 100 specialties practiced today. For more information, consult the pre-law advisor, Steven Sorenson.
Pre-Law Scholars Program Students in the Pre-Law Scholars Program are permitted to apply for admission to Ripon College’s 3+3 law school partners (Marquette University Law School, Mitchell Hamline School of Law) during their junior year. Students admitted to a 3+3 law school partner will complete their final undergraduate year as first-year law students. Students then will transfer their law school courses back to Ripon to complete their undergraduate degree. Admission to the Pre-Law Scholars Program is limited to incoming first-year students with a minimum score of 26 on the ACT test and a cumulative GPA of 3.65 or higher. Enrolled students may apply to
the program at any time if they have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher at the end of their first or second year at Ripon College. Students with a GPA lower than 3.50 will be considered if other aspects of their Ripon College academic record show a demonstrated level of success. Students in the Pre-law Scholars Program are eligible for admission to Ripon’s 3+3 law school partners during their junior year if all of the following conditions are met: • The student will successfully complete at least 96 credits of coursework by the end of the junior year. • The student will successfully complete Ripon’s Catalyst curriculum coursework by the end of the junior year. • The student will successfully complete a major by the end of the junior year. • The student has taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). • The student has completed an application for admission to the law school(s), following the regular admission process. Students in the Pre-law Scholars Program are neither guaranteed admittance into a 3+3 law school partner, nor required to apply during the junior year. Students may withdraw from the program at any time. Students who are not admitted to a 3+3 law school partner will be permitted to return to Ripon for their senior year to fulfill the remaining requirements for graduation. Letter grades from law school will not transfer to Ripon. Students who withdraw from a 3+3 law school partner without completing the first-year law requirements will be permitted to return to Ripon, without the need to reapply, to complete the necessary credits to earn a baccalaureate degree. Other specific details may apply, based on the memoranda of understanding with the law schools; consult the Dean of Faculty’s Office for details.
