Frequently Asked Admissions Questions

When will the admissions committee consider my file?

Barry Law follows a rolling admissions policy. The admissions committee generally begins reviewing files in November until the class if filled. Applicants should insure that all materials have been received and the file is therefore complete. Feel free to contact the admissions office to ascertain your file’s status at krupert@mail.barry.edu.

How do I apply for a scholarship? Does Barry offer scholarships?

Yes! Barry Law is very proud of the scholarship program. In fact, 75 percent of last year’s entering class received an institutional scholarship from $1000 and up. Admitted candidates are automatically considered for scholarships and do not need to complete any additional forms. If a scholarship is offered to you, notice will be sent within 3 to 4 weeks of your official acceptance letter. Barry Law wants you to have this information as soon as possible in order to weigh your options.

May I send my application and supporting materials if I haven’t taken the LSAT?

Yes, the office of admissions will prepare a file and request your LSDAS report (a.k.a. law school report). Once your score is available, LSAC will then automatically send the report to Barry Law.

Does Barry offer a part time program in the evening?

Yes. Students attend classes Monday through Thursday evenings during the first academic year following a course schedule designed by the Registrar. Generally, the load during the first academic year (based on the available courses) is approximately 9 to 11 credits. After the first year, students may plan their own schedules and may take as few as 8 credits or as many as 12 credits in part time.

What is the cut off score for the LSAT and GPA?

Each year the admissions committee sets goals for the future entering class. For the Entering Class of 2008, the LSAT 25th percentile goal is 149 and 3.0 GPA. The more competitive candidates will submit an averaged LSAT score that meets the 25th percentile goal or higher. Those who do not meet these goals are generally delayed or denied. Certainly the committee considers the entire file including the LSAT writing sample, background and experience as shown on a resume, the letters of recommendation, and the personal statement. A weaker LSAT and/or GPA cannot be compensated for by submitting fantastic recommendation letters, a well-argued LSAT writing sample, or an exemplary personal statement. Sometimes a stronger LSAT score can help minimize the impact of a very weak GPA and vice versa but that depends on how weak and how strong the respective scores are. The more competitive applicants will demonstrate strength in every area of consideration.

If I am only applying to Barry Law, do I still need to register with LSDAS ( Law School Data Assembly Service via Law School Admissions Council)?

Yes. When you register for the LSAT, you will be prompted to register with LSDAS. You will then be required to send transcripts from any educational institution you ever attended (whether or not you received a degree) as well as letters of recommendation. Letters may also be sent directly to the law school but it is preferable that you just include them with LSDAS.

What kind of financial aid is available aside from scholarships?

Students are eligible for the Federal Stafford Loan regardless of financial circumstances (certain criminal convictions may be a hindrance however). This covers $20,500 of tuition. The remaining tuition (don’t forget to subtract scholarship money) and living expenses can be covered via loans from private lenders obtained on your own or via our financial aid office. Feel free to contact the financial aid department for more information about subsidized loans and special payment plans.

When is the deadline to apply for all?

April 1. Applications received after that date will be considered on a space-available basis.

Will you consider the February LSAT for the fall applications?

Yes.

Do you offer spring admission for new students?

No. New students enter in the fall semester.

Which supplemental materials need to accompany my Barry Law application?

Along with your signed application, you shall submit a personal statement and application fee. Be sure you have registered with the LSDAS so that we may pull your law school report from the Law School Admissions Council. This law school report is critical as it contains your LSAT score and copies of your undergraduate transcripts and undergraduate cumulative GPA. Barry Law encourages students to send the two recommendation letters to LSAC for inclusion in the law school report, though they will be accepted if sent directly to the law school.

Who should write my recommendation letters?

The admissions committee prefers recommendation letters from two sources: a character reference and a work ethic reference. If you are still in school, professors are a great option as recommenders. If you are in the working world, supervisors can certainly speak to the work ethic issue. Character references can be from any source except relatives.

Can I defer my acceptance for more than one year?

Is my scholarship offer still valid if my deferral is granted? Accepted candidates may request a one-year deferral in writing. The admissions committee will reassess the file during the following admissions cycle based on the new parameters set for the next entering class. There is no guarantee that such deferrals will be granted. If the deferral is granted, the applicant may be asked to complete a new signed application to ensure nothing has changed from the time of initial application. Previous scholarship offers are not renewable. However, if the deferral is granted, the file will be considered for any scholarships currently available.

Does Barry Law offer on-campus housing?

No, Barry Law does not offer on-campus housing. However, the Orlando area has a wealth of apartments and houses for rent. Students may check with the admissions office for a list of apartments where law students currently live, the local newspaper, or agencies like Apartment Hunters.

If I’m a poor standardized test taker or I just had a very bad day when I took the LSAT, should I explain this in my personal statement?

No. This type of information is best suited in a short addendum (one page maximum) if at all.

What should my personal statement cover?

The personal statement should discuss what led to your interest in the law, what you plan to do with your law degree, and/or significant adversity in your life that you have overcome.

If I did very poorly in my first two years of college but then improved my last two years, will the committee notice this?

Should I discuss this in my personal statement? The admissions committee thoroughly reviews transcripts copies included with the LSDAS report. Upward trends are always of interest. You may include an optional short addendum pointing out an upward trend and the reasons behind it.

Do you have a summer program where students can compete for a place in the fall entering class?

No. However, Barry Law does offer the Early Start Program by invitation to candidates who may exhibit very strong potential for success in law school. The 25 students invited to this program are required to attend two classes during the summer ( generally 4 credits ). During the fall semester, these same students take a reduced course load allowing extra time to master concepts and study skills. If a student fails a course(s) in the Early Start Program, she is still invited back in the fall. However, she is not given the benefit of a reduced fall course load as she must retake the failed course. No separate application exists for the program and students may not request inclusion. Again this is not try-out program.

Is Barry Law accredited?

Yes. On December 2, 2006, the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association (ABA) granted full accreditation, effective immediately, to Barry University School of Law. The School of Law, established 1999, was provisionally approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) in February 2002.

How large is the entering class?

The goal for the entering class changes each year. For the entering class of 2008, the admissions office is planning for 150-200 full time day students and 50 part time evening students. Full time day students are generally divided into two or three sections.

Are summer classes available after the first year?

Yes. After completing first year courses, students may attend the summer session. The available courses offered during the summer change each year. Look for the summer schedule sometime during the spring semester. Summer classes are charged on a per credit basis as opposed to the fall and spring semesters included in the annual tuition figure. Check with the financial aid office for current per credit hour rates and for information regarding available financial aid during the summer. Barry Law will honor credits for study abroad as long as the program in question is ABA-approved.

How long do I need to wait before I apply to Barry Law if I have been academically dismissed from another law school?

Barry Law follows the ABA standards and requires law students who have been academically dismissed from other law schools to wait two (2) years before they may enroll. Such applicants need to disclose this information and provide a transcript from the law school previously attended along with all other requirements including the application, personal statement, LSDAS report, recommendation letters, and application fee. Resumes are optional.