News Release
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Laurie E. Bick-Jensen
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One Step Closer to the Bar
Wilmington University Partnership with Widener University Delaware Law School Guarantees Law School Admission for Qualified Grads
Lawyers typically approach guarantees with caution, but for students pursuing legal careers, Wilmington University's new partnership with Delaware's only law school offers a sure thing. As of the fall 2016 semester, graduating students who meet certain requirements will be guaranteed admission to the Widener University Delaware Law School's juris doctor (J.D.) degree program.
The Guaranteed Law School Admission Program is open to more than just Wilmington University's legal studies majors. Students graduating from any degree program, including online and completion courses, are eligible for a seat in the fall class as long as they:
• Complete all of Wilmington University's degree requirements.
• Earn a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
• Take the Law School Admission Test and meet or exceed the median LSAT score of Delaware Law School's current entering class.
• Satisfy Delaware Law School's character and fitness requirements.
• Submit a completed application to Delaware Law School no later than April 1 of the calendar year in which they plan to begin their studies.
These criteria not only identify the students who have the best potential for success in the rigorous law school program, said Amy L. O'Dell, Esq., chair of the legal studies program at Wilmington University; they also help to navigate the rigors of getting admitted.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for students. It takes a lot of the pressure off," she said. "They can be excited about law school, but still anxious about the admissions process. Hopefully, this will help to reduce some of that anxiety."
Full-time students who are admitted to Delaware Law School are also eligible for an annual merit scholarship, the terms and conditions of which will be outlined at the time of acceptance.
O'Dell is a Widener law school alumna and former faculty member in Widener's undergraduate Legal Education Institute, who forged the program with the school's assistant dean. She sees a potential benefit to her current school as well. "We entered into the partnership because of the benefits to students," she said. "It may lead students with legal aspirations to choose Wilmington University over another school."
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing nonprofit doctoral institution in America 2004 – 2014 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.
