Undergrads experience life as a law student at annual Explore Law program

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.— Penn State Law last week hosted its annual weeklong residency program for Pennsylvania undergraduate students who are interested in learning more about  law school. About 60 students from colleges and universities across the state spent the week of May 17 in the Explore Law program on Penn State’s University Park campus.

The program is designed to provide an introduction to the study of law, offer support for students interested in a law degree, and help students network and form friendships with other students of diverse backgrounds who share similar career goals. The program is free for participants, with Penn State Law covering the tuition, meals, and room and board.

During the 2015 Explore Law experience, students delved into the study of law, the analytical thinking skills of a lawyer, and the American legal system. Students also learned how to brief a case, analyze a statute, and negotiate and think like a lawyer. This taste of law school also came with some LSAT practice and insight, allowing participants to begin studying for the LSAT with the help of an expert. 

“The program is a well-formed survey of topics and careers available in the field of law,” said participant Rachel Thomas, a Penn State undergraduate student. “It challenges us to prepare and interact as first-year law students do. Meeting and talking in small groups with our lecturers has been illuminating.”

The program comes with a history of success, and has been led by Penn State Law professor Michele Vollmer for the past five years. One of the primary goals of the program is to assist students from groups that are underrepresented in law schools and the legal profession and who may not have access to a mentor to teach them about a career in law.

Tyrik McClellan of Indiana University of Pennsylvania said the program, to him, was “eye-opening.”

“Explore Law has helped me make my decision to go to law school,” McClellan said. “The professors gave us many examples about how versatile one can be with a law degree, as well as how many opportunities are out there.”

One of the goals of Explore Law is to build confidence in its participants while they consider their future after college graduation.

Initially only open to Penn State undergraduates, last year the program was opened to undergraduate students at any college or university in Pennsylvania. It has attracted students from several Pennsylvania colleges, including Allegheny College, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield University, Marywood University, Susquehanna University, Temple University, Washington & Jefferson College, and several Penn State campuses, including Penn State World Campus.

To learn more about Explore Law, check out a sample itinerary, or browse the Frequently Asked Questions.

The application for the 2016 Explore Law program will be available in the spring 2015 semester.