Program Director: Bernadette Agresti

Advisory Board: Nicholas Cafardi, (Duquesne School of Law); Gregor Reinhard, (Dean of HBE, Gannon University); Gary Nash, Esq.; Joseph Martone, Esq.; Krista Setterle, Esq.; Albert Weham, Esq.; Kathleen Kisak, Esq.
 

Introduction:

Gannon University in collaboration with Duquesne University School of Law offers a competitive, early admissions program for Pre-Law students. This integrated partnership provides special academic opportunities for qualified students to earn both an undergraduate degree and a law degree in six years rather than seven.

The early admissions program is open to applicants who enter the program as freshmen and complete all three years of their undergraduate work at Gannon University. These students may receive a bachelor's degree from Gannon after three years of undergraduate work and the successful completion of the first year of full-time study at the Duquesne University School of Law. The program is limited to a maximum of twenty students each year.

Highly competitive transfer or current Gannon students are encouraged to apply for Fall 1997. Starting with Fall 1999, transfer students and those who do not start in the program as incoming freshmen will not be eligible to participate.
 

Undergraduate Requirements:

SAT total of 1150 or higher (ACT total of 25 or higher).

Grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Class rank in top 20%.

Strong background in college-prep courses.

Three letters of recommendation.

Preference will be given to students showing evidence of leadership potential, community service and co-curricular activities.

Admission Process:

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible due to the limited numbers of spaces available. Applications for Fall 1997 are processed on a rolling admissions basis. As students who meet the requirements are offered acceptances, they may immediately send their enrollment deposit to reserve their space in the program.

The Gannon Experience:

Students will be enrolled in one of several degree tracks at Gannon and will be expected to complete all undergraduate curriculum requirements. All liberal studies and all major requirements will be completed at Gannon University except in cases where the Duquesne University School of Law classes may be applied. Students may also be required to take a limited number of courses designated for law school preparation.

Each student is assigned an advisor from his or her respective department, based on his or her career intention, who guides the student's academic progress. These advisors are generous with their time, knowledgeable of requirements, and truly care about their students.

In addition, regardless of the major a student chooses, he or she will be assigned one Pre-Law advisor. The Pre-Law advisor assisted by a Pre-Law advisory committee -- including a representative from the Duquesne University School of Law and other members of the legal profession -- will provide counseling, advisement, opportunities for internships and field trips to Duquesne. This committee will help the Gannon undergraduates enrolled in the early admissions program prepare for the Law School Admissions Test, provide general assistance in preparation for law school, and facilitate the eventual entrance into the legal profession.

Law School Requirements:

Duquesne University will admit up to ten Gannon students who meet the criteria listed below. At Duquesne's discretion, more than ten students may be admitted.

Completion of the three year undergraduate curriculum.

Grade point average of 3.5 or higher in Gannon undergraduate courses.

Minimum Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score in the 60^th percentile (students should take the LSAT in the fall or winter of their junior year)

Approval of the selection committee, which will include the Dean of Duquesne University School of Law or an appointed designee.

Evidence of leadership potential and commitment to the legal profession.