Summer for Undergraduates Program

Florida State / College of Law / Summer for Undergraduates


Overview

The 2012 Florida State Law Summer for Undergraduates Program will take place May 21 through June 14, 2012.  Our Program is the largest of its kind and has become a model for other law schools nationally. 

Thanks to the continued support and generosity of Florida State Law alumnus Wayne Hogan ('72) and his wife, Patricia, the Summer for Undergraduates Program has a financially secure future.  In 2000, the Hogans designated part of a $2 million gift to the law school to endow the program.  Their 2003 gift of an additional $1 million allows the law school to permanently maintain the size of the program at approximately 60 students each year.

During the four-week program, students are engaged in activities covering three main components:

  • Classroom Experience — Daily classes are taught by law school professors and writing instructors. Lectures simulate first-year law classes and familiarize students with the functions of the American legal system. Writing workshops help students to develop their writing and communication skills.

  • Law School Admissions Process — Students are given the opportunity to talk to the admissions staff and committee regarding the important aspects of the law school application process. This includes practical workshops on completing the application, writing personal statements, LSAT preparation (provided by The Princeton Review), writing resumes and cover letters, financing law school, and individualized career planning.

  • Careers in the Law — While the program is academic in nature, there are a number of exciting and enjoyable activities that take place outside of the classroom, such as: visits to the Florida Supreme Court and local law firms, moot court oral arguments, and visits from prominent attorneys in a variety of practice areas.

 

Eligibility

College students enrolled at two-and four-year institutions, in all majors and from all backgrounds, are invited to apply following their freshman year. We particularly welcome students from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession. Because one purpose of the program is to help students direct their remaining time in college to best prepare for law school, freshmen, sophomores and juniors are given preference in the admissions process. Students who will have earned their bachelor’s degree prior to the start of the program will not be eligible for admission.

 

Program Costs

There is no tuition or room and board charge for this program.  Florida State Law provides all meals, residence-hall accommodations, course materials and a travel stipend to all participants. Students are responsible for their travel expenses to and from Tallahassee.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2012 program must be postmarked by Friday, March 23, 2012.  The application process is very competitive.  However, each application is carefully reviewed in its entirety by the program's admissions committee prior to selection.  In order to apply, students must provide the following:

  • a completed application for admission
  • a current resume
  • a personal statement
  • one letter of recommendation
  • a current transcript

Once complete, please send your application to:

Florida State University College of Law
Office of Student Affairs
425 West Jefferson Street, Room 206
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601
Fax: 850.644.4358

 

For more information about our Summer for Undergraduates Program, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have any other questions, please call 850.644.7338 or e-mail us at saffairs@law.fsu.edu.