Bachelor's/J.D.

3-3 Adelphi University/New York Law School Joint Degree Program

B.A./B.S. from Adelphi University/J.D. Degree from NYLS

Students interested in the study of law may apply for the Joint Degree Program with New York Law School (NYLS). This combined plan program, three years at Adelphi University and three years at NYLS, enables students to take the required prerequisite courses at Adelphi and transfer to NYLS after completing their junior year. With careful planning and strong credentials, students can receive both a bachelor’s degree from Adelphi and a J. D. degree from NYLS one year sooner than is usually required. LSAT requirement is waived for most students.

Students may major in any academic discipline in their pre-law studies however, this program does not recommend students pick a major in the School of Business (excluding economics) due to the high number of major course credit requirements. It is difficult to complete an accounting, management or finance major in only three years of study along with General Education requirements.

Admission Requirements

Eligible candidates must meet the following requirements:

Entrance to the Joint Degree Program may occur at one of several points, based upon the applicant’s background, achievement, and demonstrated academic potential, with appropriate criteria specified for each potential point of entry.
The entering Adelphi freshman student who has demonstrated academic superiority through high school grades and class rank, combined with strong performance on the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT), and through other achievements, and who has a declared interest in the study of law, can be considered for this program.

For admission to the program, the applicant must be:

eligible for admission to Adelphi
recommended by Adelphi for admission to the joint program
found eligible for provisional admission by NYLS after completion of a modified law school admission application form that includes NYLS application questions relevant to character and fitness issues.

For the entering Adelphi freshman student

the quantitative admission criteria for this program are as follows:

a combined SAT score of 1200
SAT combined score uses only the Reading Comprehension and Mathematical Analysis sections, not the Writing section
applicants whose combined score includes either a Reading Comprehension or a Mathematical Analysis score below 550 will be considered on a case-by-case basis
a weighted grade-point average of at least 3.40 achieved in a rigorous high school curriculum

For the student who has completed the first year of study at Adelphi and who did not meet the Joint Degree Program entrance criteria prior to admission to Adelphi, admission to the Adelphi/NYLS Joint Degree Program after the first year of study at Adelphi is likely if the student has:

a minimum SAT score of 1100 (derived from the Reading Comprehension and Mathematical Analysis sections only)
maintained a grade-point average of 3.50 or better while at Adelphi
successfully completed the appropriate preparation courses in rigorous academic majors; been recommended by the liaison offices at Adelphi
had a successful interview with a designated NYLS admission representative
deemed eligible for provisional admission by NYLS after completion of a modified law school admission application form that includes NYLS applications questions relevant to character and fitness issues

For the student who has completed the junior year at Adelphi, admission to NYLS may be possible if the student has:

achieved an exceptional grade-point average at Adelphi
successfully completed the appropriate preparation courses
been recommended by the liaison offices at Adelphi
performed well on the LSAT and had the score reported to NYLS
had a successful interview with a designated NYLS admission representative
deemd eligible for provisional admission by NYLS after completion of a modified law school admission application form that includes NYLS applications questions relevant to character and fitness issues.

For the entering Adelphi Transfer/Adult Student, admission to the Joint Degree Program is possible as follows:

the student has achieved a combined SAT score of at least 1200 (Reading Comprehension and Mathematical Analysis only)
has a grade-point average of at least 3.50 from a regionally accredited college or university

If the student does not meet the criteria above, but demonstrates academic promise and is recommended by the liaison offices at Adelphi has the opportunity to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Students who enter as Adelphi Transfer/Adult Students who wish to be considered for admission to the Joint Degree program after enrolling at Adelphi may be considered as follows:

the student has completed a minimum of 60 credits at Adelphi with an Adelphi GPA of at least 3.50
the student has completed at least 45 credits at Adelphi with a superior GPA
recommendation by the liaison offices at Adelphi
successful interview with a designated NYLS admission representative
has the opportunity to be considered on a case-by-case basis

Program Requirements

A student admitted to the program begins an accelerated course of study at Adelphi, enabling completion of the in-residence undergraduate phase in three years, earning a minimum of 90 credits, where necessary through a combination of advanced placement credit, course overloads, and summer courses. All courses in the in-residence undergraduate program are to be taught by Adelphi faculty on any of the four Adelphi campuses (Garden City, Manhattan, Huntington, and Poughkeepsie). The student is required to follow the prescribed program at Adelphi and maintain an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or better.

While enrolled at Adelphi, the student must pursue and show academic success and demonstrate skills in writing through course work, graded writing samples, portfolios, or other such materials. To continue as a matriculated student at New York Law School, the student must receive recommendation letters from the program dean and pre-law adviser.

On completion of the third year of the undergraduate program, registration in the NYLS program is dependent upon satisfying the requirements above along with completion of a modified law school admission application form that includes updated information in response to NYLS application questions relevant to character and fitness issues.

Scholarship Awards

For the first year of study at NYLS, NYLS will guarantee the continuation of the merit scholarship the student received at Adelphi. Renewal after the first year will be based upon achievement of the GPA required for renewal of NYLS administered merit scholarships. Students may be considered for NYLS merit scholarships with enhanced award amounts by taking the LSAT. Appropriate counseling, based on consultation with NYLS admission representatives, should encourage only those whose likely score would yield an enhanced award.

Contact

For additional information, please contact:

Erin P. Raia
Director, Office of Pre-Professional Advising and Fellowships
Levermore Hall, Room 303
Adelphi University
1 South Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
p - 516.877.3140
f - 516.877.3141
e - eraia@adelphi.edu