by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
All of the three more popular law schools that have supplied a majority of attorneys to the Jacksonville legal community continue to see increases in enrollment, but quantifying the groups’ diversity is becoming harder and harder.
National numbers from the American Bar Association on law school enrollment present a puzzling equation at first with the total number of applicants in 2007 at 81,290, which is down 1 percent from 2006. But, the total number of applications reached 526,743, a 2.6 percent increase.
“This shows that we have less applicants filling out more applications,” said Christi Morgan, of the communications department of the Florida State University School of Law.
The same study revealed that the Southeast showed a .4 percent increase in applicants, 11,359, and a 2.6 percent increase in applications at 52,260.
While enrollment numbers aren’t calculated for 2008 until the semester starts in about a week, the University of Florida ranked 46th in U.S. News and World Report’s list of Top 100 Law Schools. Florida State University is ranked 55th, and Florida Coastal School of Law, which is not listed, have reported increases in enrollment.
Most experts believe a soft economy makes people consider going back to school so they can learn more skills and while they give the economy a chance to rebound.
“There is a direct correlation between enrollment and the economy. If there aren’t any jobs people will look at going back to school,” said Steve Jones, director of admissions for Florida Coastal. “My grandpappy used to tell me that when times are tough you want to be in education, religion or alcohol.”
The University of Florida Levin College of Law enrolled 447 out of 2,711 applications in ‘06, and 373 of 2,961 in ‘07. The UF Law School Admissions Office has found it harder and harder to spot trends in enrollment because more and more students are checking “Other” when asked about their racial background.
“That category is going to get bigger and bigger because students don’t feel comfortable by checking one group because they are from a more mixed background,” said Naoemar Castro, Director of Admissions for the Levin College of Law. “It will be more difficult to track trends like that because of that category. Eventually the current categories are going to stop being used because it won’t be able to offer correct statistics.”
The Florida State University College of Law has 764 students enrolled. The next cycle of applicants will be vying for 220 seats, and the college has received just over 3,000 applications for them.
The Florida Coastal School of Law has received an average of about 5,000 applications over the last five years for about 600 seats each year.
The Jacksonville-based law school opened in 1996 and believes its reputation continues to build each year.
“The success we have had in placing students in jobs after graduation has really helped our reputation,” said Jones, who has been with Florida Coastal since it began. “We are starting to become a law school of choice rather than last resort.”
Admissions directors offered some tips for potential law students, so they don’t become last in line during the selection process. A strong grade point average and high Law School Admission Test score are the key components to most applications, but there are other things law school hopefuls can do to help make a good application better.
“It is important that students express themselves clearly in their personal statement,” said Jennifer Kessinger, director of admissions and records for Florida State University School of Law. “Going to law school involves a lot of writing, so it’s important that an applicant shows they can communicate clearly and effectively. They need to tailor the statement to each school rather than have one statement for all their applications to show why it is important that they attend a certain school.”
“Make sure the personal statement has been proofread and it is well written,” said Jones, “and apply early rather than later. The more seats available the better your chances.”
And remember, honesty is the best policy.
“Accept full responsibility for any brush with the law on the application. Open container violations are common on college campuses. Offer full and complete disclosure,” said Jones, “because an exhaustive background check will be completed before anyone is admitted to the bar and even small infractions will be discovered.”
Florida Coastal School of Law provided sample letters it sends to prospective students.
This one is sent to those who have been accepted to the school.
This one is sent to those whose applications were rejected.
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