Applications to KU law school jump 19 percent


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LAWRENCE – Bucking national trends, the University of Kansas School of Law saw a 19 percent increase in applicants for the entering class of 2012 and enrolled a class whose academic credentials held steady despite a challenging legal market.

KU was one of only 11 of 198 law schools accredited by the American Bar Association to see a more than 10 percent increase in applications. By comparison, applications declined 14 percent nationally, and applications by Kansas residents dropped by nearly 20 percent.

Factors contributing to KU's success in this difficult environment were a streamlined application process, a vigorous electronic communications plan and continued personal engagement with prospective students.

"We are pleased to have reached our goal of increasing our applicant pool and maintaining our academic credentials in a tough legal market," said Stephen Mazza, dean of the law school. "Our success is a testament to our outstanding academic programs, respected and accessible faculty, challenging yet collegial environment, and strong alumni network. Our admissions staff worked hard to communicate the value of a KU law degree, and their efforts paid off."

On Aug. 16, 141 students attended the first day of the fall semester, one student more than the law school's goal of 140. The students came from 25 states and one foreign country, and from 67 separate colleges and universities. The median GPA and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score were identical to last year, 3.51 and 157, respectively, and KU maintained diversity in the student body, with 14 percent of students coming from minority groups.

Another positive result included an increase in both the number and percentage of female students, with 60 female students leading to a 43 percent female student population.

"I think we are seeing more students choose well-known public law schools like KU that provide an exceptional legal education at a reasonable tuition rate," said Steven Freedman, assistant dean for admissions. "Schools like Iowa, Michigan and KU all did well, while some of the lower-ranked law schools in the region saw significant drops in applications and medians."

The law school plans to build on its momentum in the coming year with a "Change the Conversation" campaign designed to improve the public's perception of legal education and the practice of law. KU law professors, alumni and students will be asked to share their experiences of what it means to practice law and the unique opportunities attorneys have to contribute to society and the economy.


Mon, 10/01/2012

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Mindie Paget

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