Q. How can one complete the application process?
The law school is now accepting applications for the fall semester of 2010. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (you can apply prior to completing your Bachelor's degree) and a satisfactory undergraduate record. Applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as well as subscribe to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). Applicants must submit an application fee of $30 and submit a personal statement. Letters of recommendation are welcome but not required. Please remember that applicants must send undergraduate transcripts to LSDAS.
Q. When is the application deadline?
June 15, 2010
Q. If a student has taken the LSAT more than once, will the Law School use the highest score?
Yes. The law school will use the highest score. Please note that prospective students must retake the LSAT if their score is five years old.
Q. Is on-campus housing available to law students?
No. Montgomery has many quality apartment complexes, and some give discounts to law students.
Q. Does your law school offer a part-time, evening program?
The law school no longer offers a part-time, evening program.
Q. Are summer courses available?
The law school offers summer courses. All summer courses are electives, and a student can take a maximum of six credit hours.
Q. Can I start law school in the spring?
No. First year law students can only begin in the fall.
Q. How long does it take to complete my degree?
The Juris Doctor program is a three year program.
Q. How many hours do I need to complete my degree?
Law students need 90 hours to complete their Juris Doctor. Of those 90 hours, 51 are required courses.
Q. What choice of majors does a prospective student have?
You do not have a "major" in law school as you did in undergraduate school. In order to pass the bar exam, a law student must demonstrate competency in all areas of the law. To accomplish this goal the Law School’s curriculum is structured so that 51 of the 90 hours needed for graduation are required core classes. In the remaining hours you can choose from a wide range of elective courses that you can structure around your particular interests. For example, if you are interested in business law, you might take courses such as Interviewing, Counseling & Negotiation; Secured Transactions; Federal Income Tax; and Worker's Compensation to name a few.
Q. What was your 75% - 25% range of LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA?
The LSAT range for the fall 2009 entering class was 152 - 147. The UGPA range was 3.33 - 2.76.
Q. What is the average age of law students?
The average age of law students at Thomas Goode Jones School of Law is 26.
Q. What is the diversity of the student body?
The class of 2012 comprises 35% women and 11% minority.
Q. What is the Law School’s American Bar Association accreditation status?
The School of Law is fully approved by the American Bar Association.
Q. Are there any scholarships available for entering law students?
The law school has a comprehensive scholarship program for first year law students. Merit scholarships are based on a prospective student’s cumulative undergraduate GPA and LSAT score. Award amounts range from 10% tuition forgiveness to 100% tuition forgiveness. Admitted applicants are automatically considered for scholarships.
Financial Aid
Q. Is financial aid available?
Yes. A law student can apply for a Federal Stafford Loan in the amount of $20,500. Graduate PLUS loans and other alternative loans may be available to finance the total cost of attendance. The cost of attendance is subject to change. The Financial Aid Office can be contacted at (800) 879-9816 ext. 7195 or locally at (334) 386-7195. Also, you may visit the Financial Aid Information link on this website.
Q. What is the tuition cost for entering law students?
Tuition for the 2009-10 academic year is $30,500.