Grantee Research
The Association of Participating in a Summer Prelaw Training Program and First-Year Law School Students’ Grades
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
6-2023
Keywords
pre-law programs, law school performance, law school preparation
Abstract
This study estimates the association of participation in a nine-week online educational program to prepare students for post-graduate (juris doctorate) education and law school grades. We collected registrar data from 17 U.S. law schools for participants and non-participants from the same year and a prior year. We compared first-semester law school grades between participating and non-participating students weighted by propensity scores. Course participation was associated with improved first-semester grades in a keyed course (Contracts Law) and overall grade point average. According to pre- and post-survey responses, a substantial portion of those who completed the program reported feeling more prepared for law school.
