These represent some of the frequently asked questions we receive as admissions counselors. We hope you find answers to your questions. If not, please feel free to contact the Office of Law Admissions: Toll free 877-452-9668.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS?
- A: You must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before attending law school. Prior experience indicates that the most reliable indicators of success in law school are the applicant's undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score. Great weight is given to the GPA and LSAT by the Admissions Committee. A strong personal statement as well as letters of recommendation that can speak on the behalf of both your personal and professional character are also extremely important.
Q: LSAT | GPA MEDIANS?
- A: The median LSAT for the 2010 entering class is 154. The median UGPA is a 3.33. > Quick Stats
Q: WHAT IS THE APPLICATION FEE?
- A: Our application is FREE online! Visit: www.law.onu.edu or Click Here
Q: SHOULD I VISIT ONU LAW?
- Definitely! We love when you visit and strongly encourage you to do so. There is no better way to see what life is like as an ONU Law student than to stop by for a campus visit. Click Here, fill out the form, and we'll be in contact with you to finalize your visit itinerary.
Q: WHAT IS THE STUDENT-TO-FACULTY RATIO?
- A: We currently have approximately 314 students within ONU Law, which allows us a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Small class sizes and consistent availability to our renowned faculty are major factors as to why our law students are so successful.
Q: WHAT % OF ONU LAW STUDENTS ARE FROM OUT OF STATE?
- A: Two-thirds of the student body hail from outside of Ohio. We have 49 states represented. Many of those students go back to those respective states, however a few choose to remain and practice in the Ohio region.
Q: WHAT ARE THE MOST RECENT CAREER PLACEMENT STATS?
- A: 94% of our 2009 graduates were employed within 9 months of graduation. ONU Law consistently remains above the national average.
Q: WHAT ARE GRADUATES KEY AREAS OF PRACTICE?
- A: 50 percent of our students go into private practice. Others choose to practice in government positions, judicial clerkships, business law, and public interest law.
Q: DOES ONU OFFER CLINICS?
- A: ONU Law offers 7 available clinic programs. For information about these 7 clinical programs, Click Here. This includes a summary and description of the different clinical programs we offer.
Q: WHAT IS THE AVG DEBT OF AN ONU LAW STUDENT?
- A: The average debt of our law students after three years is $78,000 which is well below the national average.
Q: WHAT ARE THE FEE AND TUITION RATES?
- A: Tuition for 2011-2012 is $32,450. That includes Student Bar Association Dues of $40 and a tech fee of $210 per year. In addition, Law Review Dues are $20, the parking decal is $45.
Q: DOES ONU PROVIDE FINANCIAL AID?
- A: More than 85% of our current law students are receiving some type of financial aid.
Q: DOES ONU LAW HAVE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?
- A: Depending on your combination of LSAT score, GPA, employment history, academic achievements and community involvement, you may qualify for a scholarship that is renewable for up to 3 years (upon obtaining a 3.0 GPA). We will award more than 4 million dollars in scholarship money for the 11-12 school year.
Q: WHAT ARE ONU LAW'S DEMOGRAPHIC STATS?
- A: In the entering 2010 class, 62% were men with 38% women. Our ages range from 20-44. 10% of the incoming students classified themselves as minority students.
Q: WHERE DO ONU LAW GRADUATES GO?
- A: 74% of our graduates stay in the East North Central region, 13% in the Mid Atlantic region, 4% in the South Atlantic region and 6% are in the East South Central region.
Q: DOES ONU LAW HAVE HOUSING OPTIONS?
- A: ONU Law provides students with 2 on-campus housing options - Polar Place Apartments & Courtyard Apartments. Both reserved for graduate students only. The Office of Residence Life will assist students with finding housing in Ada and with placement in on-campus apartments. For more information, call 419.772.2430. To view photos of available on-campus housing and find out more details, Click Here.
Q: HOW IS THE TAGGART LAW LIBRARY?
- A: Our law library has 430,000 volumes, 30,000 square feet, 306 seats, and 25 computers, which is extremely competitive for a school our size. The Taggart Law Library was recently ranked #1 of all Ohio private law libraries (2010). For more information, and hours of operation Click Here.
Q: WHERE IS ONU LAW LOCATED?
- A: Ohio Northern University is located in Ada, OH. Ada is in between Toledo and Dayton, 20 minutes east of Lima. The town itself has 5500 residents, making it a small college town. The environment is quite and peacful, which lends itself very nicely to the study of law. The campus is filled with beautiful trees (Tree City USA), several ponds and friendly faces.
Q: SHCEDULING/CURRICULUM?
- A: The first year curriculum, as at any law school, consists of courses such as criminal law, property, torts, civil procedure, etc. After your first year at ONU, you meet with your advisor in determining your areas of interest within the study of law. You can then choose to take additional courses in the area of interest. Click Here for a list of our available certificate/concentration opportunities.
Q: WHAT IS THE SUMMER STARTER PROGRAM?
- A: We have a non-conditional summer program for people with a high GPA's (>3.5) and disproportionately lower LSAT scores (~145-149). This program consists of 2 classes totaling 8 credit hours, which are attended for 8 weeks prior to the first semester of law school. (usually beginning early June) Students are advised 3 times a week individually and in groups, as well as tested every 2 weeks. It's a great way to get a jump start in law school. Many of our Summer Starter students have gone on to be the top of their class. If you fall into the category of "I'm a great student, I am just not great at standardized testing," than this may be the program for you!
Q: WHAT WILL MY 3 YEARS BE LIKE?
- A: The first year is the most critical and anxiety filled. The second year is more academically demanding, and the third has the additional pressures of preparing for the bar and for employment after graduation, so each has its claim as the most difficult. Being in a smaller environment like ONU Law, you'll have a great support system among the many friends, faculty, and staff members you'll find here.
Q: WHEN WILL A DECISION BE MADE REGARDING MY APPLICATION?
- A: We make every effort to be in contact with all applicants within 6-8 weeks of applying, but this is not necessarily a final decision. We typically begin applicant review beginning late December/mid-January. Our application is FREE ONLINE so we encourage you to apply now!
Q: IS THERE A SUGGESTED READING LIST?
Q: ARE LAPTOPS REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED?
- A: Most students do bring laptops to law school. Both PCs and Macs are used. Click here for technical recommendations. Free updated versions of Microsoft Office are provided during Orientation of your first year.
For answers to any additional questions you may have, please contact an admissions representative!
Toll-Free: 866-452-9668 or Email Us: lawadmissions@onu.edu
