Pacific Legal Scholars Part 2: In the Scoop

So after you get accepted, you've got a huge decision ahead of you. What school? What state? What kind of people? All kinds of choices. I hope you are given ample opportunity and resources to make the best informed decision you can make for yourself. Let me help you by telling you what to expect as a Legal Scholar here at Pacific.

The program consists of 3 1-unit courses that you take through your tenure at Pacific. You take the first two courses in your first year in the program. It's really low maintenance: 2 hours a week, pass no pass, maybe 30 minutes to an hour of prep before each class. The best part is, Dr. Ostberg teaches the class. For me personally, I believe it is CRUCIAL that you have the opportunity to meet with your adviser regularly, especially in your first year. So I really appreciated the opportunity to have a shared scheduled weekly appointment. Throughout the year, she emphasizes the purpose for having the program requirements so light--FOCUS ON YOUR CORE CLASSES. So much about law school acceptance is based on GPA. We are CONSTANTLY reminded. the program really helps your prioritize your core classes in order to achieve that GPA.

Although the class requirement is low maintenance, being in the program is still a commitment. You must attend class every week. The classes are jam packed with important information that WILL influence your decision to apply for law school. There are also guest speakers, especially toward the end, who sometimes come unannounced. Missing these guest speakers will not only mean you miss out on solid, practical advice, but it also shows a lack of respect for the efforts that go into the program. In addition to class, there are various events that the Legal Scholars are encouraged to go to. We DO receive special treatment. Just this past Saturday, I was able to go to McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento and see Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy deliver the Constitution Day Address. Which, by the way, was a sold out event. McGeorge kicked out some of their own law students so we could have seats. Now, passing up opportunities like those would be insulting to the program. These events, though exciting and high-press, do take up the entire day-especially when they're on the weekends.

All in all, though, it's to help you. I come out of every class, every event, every commitment being a Legal Scholar requires me to go to with so much of a better understanding of why I want to go to law school. It is a huge privilege to a part of a group that is so carefully cared for and looked after. They know we're worth it. We must be good investments.

To be invested in so I can invest back,
Joanne