FAQ for Admitted Students

Do I need to send official transcripts from my prior schools?

Yes, this is extremely important! Barry Law needs official transcripts from each undergraduate institution attended. The CAS does not contain official transcripts. You will not be registered for classes until all official transcripts are received. The official transcript stating the degree awarded and the date conferred must be received before you will be allowed to attend classes. If you are not able to produce an official transcript with your degree posted, a notification that all degree requirements have been met will be required from the registrar's office of your graduating institution. All transcripts should be sent to: Office of Admissions, Barry University School of Law, 6441 E. Colonial Drive , Orlando , Florida 32807.

When can I expect to receive my registration packet?

Registration information will be posted on MyBarry. We will send you an email as soon as the information is available. All forms in the packet section (vehicle registration, medical history, annual notice, etc. ) must be filled out and submitted before the class registration forms can be completed. Keep in mind that for the first academic year, you do not have any choice with regard to classes as these are assigned. All 1L (first year) students will take the same courses, though they may have different professors. After the first year, you still have other course requirements but you may choose your schedule at that point.

When should I fill out the FAFSA to receive the Federal Stafford Loan?

You should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible so the financial aid office has plenty of time to process your loan and ensure that your law school studies will not be delayed. Almost any law school candidate can receive this federal loan money ($20,500 per year) subject to the restrictions listed on the FAFSA web site. You may complete this application from our web site at www.barry.edu/law (click on Financial Aid). We do have other private loans available to further supplement your educational expenses. See the web site for more information.

Is a laptop required?

No, a laptop is not required but many students use them to take notes and exams. The Barry Law campus offers wireless access in all buildings. The IT department will assist you during orientation to be sure your computer is law-school ready.  Currently, the law school does not offer Examsoft for MAC users.  However, newer model MAC computers may offer Boot Camp software to allow such use for taking exams.  Please ask an IT professional if you have any concerns about using a MAC during law school. 

What should I do if I realize there is something omitted from my original application for admission?

You must amend your application as soon as possible if you realize you omitted something. Such amendments must be submitted in writing reporting the relevant information and explanation for omission. You must also sign and date.

Do I have a continuing responsibility to update this application while a student at the law school?

Yes, absolutely. Just because a significant event occurred after you submitted your application does not mean you do not have to report it. For example, if you are charged with a crime at any time after the date on your application, you must submit all related paperwork for inclusion in your file. Check with the Registrar to amend your application.

When is orientation?

Is it mandatory? Orientation is mandatory and is generally scheduled the week prior to the start of classes. Please make a note of the dates; further details will be released as they become available The first day of class is scheduled for the following Monday. See the Academic Calendar for more information.

How does the law school assist students academically?

Barry University School of Law is committed to helping our students reach their academic goals in a caring and supportive environment. The Academic Success Program helps students develop the academic skills necessary to succeed in law school. The three main components of the program include the Study Skills Program, Writing Center, and Individual Counseling. The program is supervised by the Director of Academic Success, a full-time faculty member. The program is also staffed with the Student Coordinator of Academic Success and several carefully selected student leaders.

What about bar prep?

In 2003, the law school implemented a formal supplemental bar preparatory program, at no cost to law students. The program includes lectures, simulated exams, and individual tutoring on both the national and Florida portions of the exam. Recently the law school hired a full time bar preparation coordinator, Ms. Kohler-Line, and expanded the multi-state portion of the program. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Ms. Kohler-Line at kline@mail.barry.edu.

Can I work during law school?

Part Time students may work as desired. However, Full Time students may not work more than 20 hours per week per the ABA standards and Barry Law policy. Full Time students must sign a form indicating that they understand this rule and agree to abide by it. These forms will be given out by the Registrar during orientation. The law school encourages students to focus on their studies during the first academic year.

Does Barry offer scholarships?

How do I apply for a scholarship? 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 $5000 to $23,000. Admitted candidates are automatically considered for scholarships and do not need to complete any additional forms. If a scholarship is offered to you, the award notice will accompany the official acceptance letter. Barry Law provides this information as soon as possible so you may weigh your options. Be sure to note the very fair law GPA requirement to maintain the scholarship. On another note, Barry Law also offers scholarships to deserving law students after the first and second year of law study based on the law GPA and the available pool of funds. Top ten percent Barry Law students receive a 75 percent scholarship.

What happens if I don't meet the required law GPA to maintain my Barry institutional scholarship?

The scholarship renewal process automatically occurs after Spring term grades are posted. Renewal is based on the student maintaining the minimum cumulative grade-point-average (cgpa) noted in the award letter. Unlike most schools which remove scholarships if renewal criteria are not met, Barry University School of Law will reduce your scholarship if the required cgpa is not earned but is within a certain range of the requirement. If the cgpa is outside of this range, the scholarship will be removed.

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 (Connie Allman at callman@mail.barry.edu and Jean Walker at jmwalker@mail.barry.edu.).

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 approved, 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.

How can I find a roommate at this point (not knowing anyone from my class)?

In June/July, admissions will offer to deposit paying students the opportunity to mingle with fellow classmates electronically. We will provide more information at that time. The Office of Admissions also offers an apartment list based on the recommendations of current students.

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 next entering class, the admissions office is planning for approximately 200 full time day students and 50 evening students. Full time day students are generally divided into two to 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.

Checklist Prior to Orientation

• Return registration packet to the Registrar within 2 weeks of receipt
• Send official transcripts from every institution you ever attended
• Fill out FAFSA and other loan paperwork as soon as possible
• Secure housing and transportation
• Attend mandatory orientation (Monday, August 17, 2009 through Friday, August 21, 2009).