New York Law School Summer Academic Success Program

Goals of the Academic Success Program

We want to instill an attitude and a method conducive to your success as a law student. We want you to grapple with questions such as: Why do we read cases to learn the law? What should I think about, what should I look for, and what should I remember, when reading a case? Why do law school classes involve exchange and dialogue as well as lecture? What are my responsibilities as a student during classes? How is a law school examination related to reading assignments and classroom activities?

Which Program Should You Choose?

Both summer programs are aimed at the same goals. By offering students a vision of the full run of a law school class, from first assignment to final examination, the summer programs give students the opportunity to experience—and to get beyond—any early difficulties they may encounter before they start their first official classes and examinations. Each version of ASP culminates in a final exam. Your grade on this practice exam does not become part of your academic record; it is for you to use as an indication of your learning in the program.

The extended program (July 24 - August 16, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Tuesday - Thursday) allows for more in-depth coverage of many topics, and some students report that the additional time to absorb key concepts is helpful. However, we understand that not all students can be available for the extended program. The intensive program (August 13 - August 15, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm and August 16, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) provides a fast-paced yet rigorous introduction to the skills needed for success in law school.

Register for Summer ASP
 

Invitation Criteria

An invitation to participate in ASP is based on our examination of admission documentation, particularly academic indicators such as LSAT score and undergraduate grade point averages. We invite students to participate whose numerical indicators are in the lower range of the incoming class, as well as students whose scores and grades are closer to the median. We also invite students who have been away from the classroom-learning environment for a number of years. We make these invitations with the recognition that LSAT scores, undergraduate grade point averages and years away from the classroom are imperfect predictors of a student’s prospects for excelling in law school. Our experience over time has been that some law students who presented relatively low quantitative indicators in the admission process have performed near the top of their class, while others who presented relatively high scores at times have fared far less well. Still, based on these and other factors in the admitted student’s file, we make a determination that participation in ASP can especially enhance the prospect for particular students to fulfill their full potential. We would like to provide you the opportunity to participate in the program.
 

The First Year Academic Success Program

The First Year ASP follows student progress throughout the first academic year. Its goals are to develop those skills that beginning law students will need in order to perform successfully on final examinations. Through a series of presentations and workshops offered by the Office of Academic Affairs, weekly skills sessions led by upper level students, weekly tips, and individual academic advising, students are guided to continue the development of effective study skills. Topics covered include briefing of cases, taking effective class notes, participating in class, organizing class materials into an outline, and studying for and taking final examinations. Focus is given to the essential skill of learning to read cases carefully with a view toward understanding the uses of legal rules in resolving disputes under varying factual circumstances. To learn more about the First Year Academic Success Program please contact Associate Directors for Academic Affairs Haley Meade at haley.meade@nyls.edu or Danielle Friedman at danielle.friedman@nyls.edu.

Fall Weekly Skills Sessions: August 27 – December 7, 2012

These hour-long, weekly sessions will be led by upper level students at a day and time that fits into your schedule. You will receive an email invitation in early to mid-August. These sessions are open to the entire first-year class, and spots are assigned on a first-come basis