LSAT/LSDAS
Undergraduate Degree
UALR’s Admissions Process
Residency
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Full-Time and Part-Time Divisions
Dual Degrees
Curriculum and Classes
Computers
Health Insurance
Housing
Little Rock
Study Abroad
What is the LSAT and how do I sign up?
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized exam that is required for admission to most U. S. law schools, including Bowen. The LSAT is administered four times per year: September (or October), December, February and June. You can obtain further information about the LSAT (including dates, costs, and registration requirements) from the Law School Admission Council at www.lsac.org or 215-968-1001.
When should I take the LSAT?
We recommend that you take the LSAT in June, September/October, or December of the year before you plan to begin law school.
Do LSAT scores expire?
Bowen accepts LSAT scores taken within five years of your desired enrollment date.
What is the composition of the LSAT?
The LSAT tests reading comprehension (25%), analytical reasoning (25%), and logical reasoning (50%). A 35-minute writing sample is administered at the end of the test. The sample is not scored but we will receive a copy of it and review it. You can obtain further information about the LSAT at www.lsac.org.
How should I prepare for the LSAT?
You should spend 4-6 months (or about 200 hours) taking practice tests and improving your reading and analytical reasoning skills. LSAC makes practice tests available. You can also find preparation materials in bookstores and public libraries. An Internet search for “LSAT preparation” will retrieve many resources as well.
What is the median LSAT score for Bowen students?
For the entering class of 2007, the median LSAT score was 154 in the full-time division and 153 in the part-time division.
I have taken the LSAT several times. Which score do you use?
We consider all LSAT scores, but in most cases we rely on the highest score in making admission decisions.
What is the LSDAS?
The Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) is a document clearinghouse that provides law schools with in-depth applicant GPA and grade trend data. The LSDAS also compiles a Law School Report for each applicant that includes transcripts, LSAT score information, LSAT writing sample(s), and letters of recommendation, and forwards this information to law schools. Bowen applicants are required to utilize the LSDAS and have a Law School Report compiled for them. You can obtain further information about the LSDAS from the Law School Admission Council at www.lsac.org or 215-968-1001.
Do I have to have an undergraduate degree before I can attend Bowen?
Yes. Prior to enrolling at Bowen, a student must have received a baccalaureate degree from a four-year accredited institution. You must have completed the equivalent of at least 90 semester hours.
I majored in ________________. Will that affect my chances of being admitted?
Bowen does not require or give preference to any particular major. Our student body encompasses a broad spectrum of academic backgrounds. Rigorous courses of study, irrespective of major, are preferred.
I have a UGPA of ________ and an LSAT score of ________. What are my chances of admission?
Given our “holistic” application review process, it is impossible to predict chances of admission based on numerical profiles alone. We offer admission to applicants with a wide range of numerical profiles.
Is there a minimum UGPA or LSAT score that Bowen considers?
There is no minimum UGPA or LSAT score. All completed applications are considered.
I have a graduate degree. Will this improve my chances of admission?
Graduate degrees rarely make-or-break applicants’ chances of admission. Undergraduate academic records are given much more weight.
Why is my GPA on my LSDAS Law School Report lower than the GPA on my college transcript?
For purposes of the Law School Report, your GPA is converted by the LSDAS to a uniform scale. In many cases this conversion lowers your GPA from what is reflected on your transcript. The disparity often occurs in cases where applicants repeated courses due to low initial grades. All grades received in a course are calculated for purposes of the Law School Report, even if your college only calculated the highest grade. The disparity could be caused by other reasons as well. You can obtain further information about the LSDAS at www.lsac.org or 215-968-1001.
How do I apply?
Applications may be submitted online using the LSAC online application or by hard-copy. We prefer online applications. The online application form can be accessed here.
When is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline is April 15. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required documents by January 15. Applications received (or rendered complete) after April 15 are considered on a space-available basis. Such applications are rarely considered.
Is there a fee to apply?
No.
Are letters of recommendation required?
No. However, applicants are invited to submit up to three as part of their LSDAS Law School Report.
What should I say in my personal statement?
Personal statements should be 1000-1200 words and discuss your reasons for wanting to attend law school and why Bowen interests you. Other information about your background, life experiences, diversity, and/or volunteer work should also be provided. It is particularly important for non-residents to discuss “Why Bowen?” in their statements.
Who makes the admissions decisions?
The Admissions Committee considers every completed applicant file.
Do you grant personal interviews?
No. Interviews are not part of the formal admissions process.
When will I receive an admissions decision on my file?
The length of review varies; it can be as short as a few weeks or as long as a few months. Earlier applicants tend to receive decisions quicker than later applicants. Bowen utilizes a “rolling” admissions process where applicants are considered for admission as their files become complete. We will not consider an applicant until he/she has submitted all required materials. Length of review is not reflective of the admissions decision.
Do you have a waitlist?
Yes. A waitlist of viable candidates is constituted during the admissions cycle. Applicants placed on the waitlist are notified by letter. The waitlist remains active until the first day of Orientation. However, we revisit and render final decisions on waitlist candidates throughout the cycle.
What are your residency requirements?
The UALR Admissions Office on our undergraduate campus determines eligibility for residency status. If you have questions about the residency policy, you can call the staff at 501-569-3127. We offer all non-residents scholarships in the amount of the difference between resident and non-resident tuition, provided that you apply for residency once you are eligible.
I’m from another state. Do you have different admission standards for non-residents?
No. All applicants are considered in the same admission pool. However, because we are a state-funded school we must limit the number of non-residents admitted into the entering class. Generally, non-residents comprise approximately 20% of each entering class.
What is the cost of attendance at the law school?
Tuition is charged by the credit hour. For the 2006-2007 academic year, each credit hour will cost $287.00. First year full-time students take 15 hours both semesters and first year part-time students take 10 hours the first semester and 11 hours the second semester. Please refer to the web page for specific tuition and fee information.
How much do books cost?
A first year full-time student’s books will cost approximately $800 during the first semester, and somewhat less during the second semester, because you will use your Civil Procedure, Contracts, Property, Legal Research, and Reasoning, Writing and Advocacy books all year long.
Part-time students usually spend approximately $600 on books during the first semester and also use most of the same books second semester.
Is there financial aid for law students?
Yes. See the screen on financial aid on our website. You can also contact the UALR Financial Aid Office. The number is 501-569-3035. The law school’s financial aid representative is available to help admitted students the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at the law school from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Admitted students may also contact her at 501.324.9902 at those times.
Is my parents’ income a factor in eligibility for financial aid?
No.
When should I apply?
At any time after January 1 prior to the fall in which you seek to enroll. You must complete your free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) even if you do not yet know whether you have been accepted. For priority consideration, applications for financial aid usually must be completed by March 1, however, applications processed by June 1 are still considered.
How do I apply?
To get an idea of all of the steps involved, visit the FAFSA website. First, you will have to apply for a FAFSA PIN. After receiving the PIN, you will complete the FAFSA application form.
If I am granted financial aid, when will I receive my loan money?
Your account will be credited sometime in August and you will receive your change check for any amount in excess of tuition after the second full week of classes.
What scholarships are available for entering students and how do I apply?
The law school has four levels of scholarships for entering students. All admitted applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships; you need do nothing to apply. We award both need-based and merit-based scholarships, in approximately equal numbers. A list of scholarships can be found here.
How will I find out whether I have received a scholarship?
You will receive an award letter sometime between February 1 and April 1.
I didn’t receive a scholarship for my first year. Are my chances better after the first year?
Yes. We offer a large number of private scholarships in differing amounts. They are awarded to students in each class, including the first year.
Do I have to apply for only one division?
No. The application allows you to indicate a first and second choice.
I’m admitted to the full-time division, but I think I need to work. Can I switch to the part-time division?
Students are admitted to a specific division and may only switch divisions before enrollment with permission from the Chair of the Admissions Committee. If the division is full, permission will not be granted. Students interested in switching divisions should contact the Admissions Office for more information. All students are free to switch divisions upon completion of their first year of study. The size of the full-time division is limited by our classroom size.
I’m admitted to the part-time division, but I would rather attend the full-time division. Can I switch?
Students are admitted to a specific division and may only switch divisions before enrollment with permission from the Chair of the Admissions Committee. If the division is full, permission will not be granted. Students interested in switching divisions should contact the Admissions Office for more information. All students are free to switch divisions upon completion of their first year of study. The size of the full-time division is limited by our classroom size.
How long does it take to graduate in either division?
It is possible to graduate from the full-time division in 2½ years by attending summers. Most people graduate after 3 years. Most people graduate from the part-time division in 4 years, although a few take 5 years. The American Bar Association does not permit students to take longer than 6 years to obtain a J.D. degree. A student who attends part-time the first year and switches to full-time the second year may still graduate within 3 years by attending summer school.
What is the class schedule like in either division?
Typically first-year full-time students have classes Monday through Friday, beginning at 8:45 AM and spaced throughout the day until around 3:00 or 4:00 PM. You have study time between classes. First-year night students attend three nights per week and have class from approximately 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.
Do different professors teach in the evening division?
No. Our full-time professors typically each teach one day and one evening course every semester. Adjunct professors, who are attorneys and judges, teach in both divisions. All required courses and most bar courses are taught by our full-time professors.
Is it easier to be admitted to the part-time division?
No. Both divisions have the same qualifications for admissions and have approximately the same average LSAT score and GPA. The full-time division fills faster because there is more demand for it.
What dual degrees does the UALR Bowen School of Law offer?
The J.D./M.B.A. (Masters in Business Administration); the J.D./M.P.A. (Masters in Public Administration); the J.D./M.P.H. (Masters in Public Health); the J.D./M.D. (Medical Doctor); and the J.D./M.P.S (Masters in Public Service).
What are the benefits of concurrent degrees?
By pursuing concurrent degrees you can get double credit for a significant number of courses, thus reducing the time spent enrolled.
Do I have to be admitted to both programs when I start law school?
No, but you must be admitted and concurrently enrolled in both schools to get double credit. Thus, we recommend that you apply for admission to the other program as soon as possible after enrollment at the law school.
When will the fall 2007 classes begin?
The first day of class is Monday, August 20. However, Orientation begins on Monday, August 13 and is required. More information is available in the academic calendar.
What happens at Orientation?
You will learn study techniques and how to brief a case. You will meet your academic mentor, an upper-class student who will work with you in a small group setting during the first semester. You will learn about life at the law school and attend a sample class, so that you can “hit the ground running” on the first day of real classes.
Can I start law school in the spring semester?
No. Our law school admits a new class only once, in the fall, in each division.
How many hours do I need to graduate?
You will need to successfully complete 90 hours to graduate. At the present time, approximately half of those hours are required and the rest are electives.
What are “bar” courses?
Every state except Wisconsin requires attorneys to take and pass a bar exam in order to be admitted to the practice of law in that state. (Wisconsin exempts those applicants who have received diplomas from Wisconsin law schools.) Bar courses are courses in those areas of law tested on the exam. These are largely the same from state to state, although there are minor variations.
Do I get to take electives?
Approximately half of your courses will be electives. The first year is required but beginning your second year in both divisions you will begin taking electives.
Do I need a laptop computer for law school?
We do not require a laptop computer, but it is the computer of choice for law students. You may or may not be able to use them in all of your classes, depending on the professor’s policy. Our building has full wireless Internet access.
What type of computer should I get?
We recommend Windows over Macintosh for several reasons:
Should I get wireless?
Yes. Our entire building is wireless. There are two types: 802.11b and 802.11g; and the “g” is faster. There is a limit of two devices you can attach to the network concurrently. For example, you can use a laptop and a PDA on the network simultaneously, but no more. Please note that by attaching any network device to the law school network you are agreeing to all terms of the Acceptable Use Policy. Also, note that Peer to Peer music sharing software is not tolerated on the UALR network.
What about virus software?
McAfee is provided free of charge to students of the University. This software can be downloaded from here. However, you will need to know your student domain username and password. This password (as well as others) is set and reset in BOSS. You will need your “T number” and PIN to access BOSS. To retrieve that information you must take a picture ID to the Admissions office at the Law School. Up-to-date virus protection software is mandatory before you can access our wireless network. Be sure to install updated virus software at Orientation.
Can I get any kind of discounts through the law school?
Yes. We have an “educational discount” through Dell, which does not benefit the law school in any way. Our computer services staff is most experienced at working with Dell computers. The Dell website has information about obtaining the discount. Information on the Dell discount can also be accessed by visiting the law school computing website and clicking on the Dell logo at the bottom of the page.
There are two options for student health insurance.
One is through the American Bar Association. You must join the ABA’s Student Division. Then go to the enrollment site. At this site, you will be asked to select whether you are enrolling through a school or an association. You MUST select the association (the American Bar Association).
The second option is available through UALR, through Macori. This insurance plan is available to students taking 6 credit hours or more. The policy provides benefits for injuries and illnesses and may be purchased annually, by semester, or on a 3-payment plan. (when purchasing annually only.) You must send your application and money within the first 30 days of each semester. There is a deductible, so you may save yourself some unnecessary expenses by first being seen in Health Services. Family coverage is an option. There are short term, trip, and Dental, Vision, Prescription, and Chiropractic policies. Detailed plan information is available in the Student brochure.
Does the school have a health clinic?
Yes. It is located in the Donaghey Student Center on the main undergraduate campus. All office visits and consultations are free. Most medications, dressings, and supplies, to take care of immediate needs, are also free. There is a small charge for some screenings and injections.
Does the law school have student housing?
Barrister Court is a privately owned apartment complex for law students located across the street from the law school. It contains one bedroom units.
There are numerous apartments and houses for rent in Little Rock. More information on specific availabilities and locations is available at apartmentguide.com and apartments.com. You can also pick up apartment guides in the Admissions office.
How can I find a roommate?
We cannot release a list of students due to privacy concerns. Here are some suggestions for finding a roommate.
Where can I find information about Little Rock?
Some good online sites are the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce; Little Rock Online; Arkansas City Listings; and Little Rock.org.
Are students allowed to study abroad?
Yes, with permission from the Associate Dean, law students are able to attend any of the more than 100 ABA approved law school summer programs and receive academic credit.
Revised: 10/2/2007