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my-gpa-is-a-four-point-oHello all!
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Ronae_ShepherdGood evening Ms. Jones and students
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Mr._Green_ok im back
Mr._Green_Hello!
chat-adminKimberly Jones will join us shortly.
Mr._Green_Sounds good!
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RosheneHello everyone
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Micha_HallHellp
Micha_HallI meant Hello!!
eporterGood evening everyone
rgburgessHello, I have never participated in an online chat so you will have to tell me what to do.
kjonesCurrent students are here to answer your questions
Mr._Green_Hi, I'm Wes Green a 2L student
RosheneI am from NY and I am a 1L here
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Ronae_ShepherdMs. Jones, how long is the SSP and when will it begin?
peterHi. my name is peter and i am a 3L.
LKDHi Ronae
kjonesstudents are interoducing themselves
LKDI'm Lauren
kjonestake advantage of the opportunity to speak with them
J_L._LawI am J. L. Law and I am a 1L here
LKDThe SSP program is for a period of 8 weeks
Ronae_ShepherdHello everyone, i'm Ronae from LA
LKD7 weeks of classes and 1 week for exams
Micha_HallHi everyone, I'm Micha from Texas.
J_L._LawHi Mitch
Mr._Green_You will take Criminal Law and have a writing component
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J_L._LawMichi
LKDHey Shereem
eporterHello everyone - what two classes are SSP participates enrolled in? And do you earn credit for such classes?
RosheneThere is credit earned
LKDCriminal law and legal writing
Mr._Green_No credit but you take Criminal Law and a writing component
RosheneNO credit earned
LKDThere are no credits earned
J_L._LawNONE
shereemHello, I'm really excited about learning more about the SSP.
Mr._Green_Ok one at a time
Ronae_ShepherdWhat is the cost for SSP?
Mr._Green_Shereem, we will ansmer any of your questions
J_L._LawHonestly SSP is the best thing that ever participate
peter$ 500
shereemwhat are the requirements for the program and the length
Ronae_ShepherdAre books and supplies included in this cost?
Mr._Green_Housing is seperate and the cost of books is around $160, but you can buy them online
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Ronae_Shepherdokay, what is the average cost for housing?
shereemcan the payment be made in installment
peterwell worth it. you will be more prepared than your fellow students.
Mr._Green_Installments, yes
eporterGreat - what is the min. lsat and gpa required for admission into the SSP
J_L._Lawa committe will take into account you LSAT, GPA and Writing Sample, along with your letter of intent to be considered for SSP
Mr._Green_Housing... depends on where and what you want
Mr._Green_but anywhere from $350-1000
shereemwhen is a good time to send in the forms for enrollment in the summer program and how long does it take for a decison?
J_L._Lawthe only objective criteria is that you must have one LSAT score in the 15% or better
MarimerDo we as the students let you know that we would like to be in the SSP program? Or do you decide?
peterthe deadline is march 15th for the program.
shereemis the program ran in a typical 9-5:00 format?
kjonesMarimar, I don't quite understand your question
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peter6:00pm - 9:00pm. monday-wednesday.
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J_L._Lawyes on the application for regular admission application there is a box to check if you want to be consider for SSP
eporterAm I correct the min. 15% lsat range is 141? And also how long after submitting an application can you expect to hear a response?
J_L._Lawhistorically yes
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Marimerok, thank you J_L._Law
kjonesdoes anyone have any questions about the experience of the SSP?
eporterAre these courses pass/fail?
Mr._Green_yes
Micha_HallYes
Ronae_ShepherdWhat factor does the gpa play? Is the lsat weighted more over your gpa in the selection?
rgburgessCan we expect the SSP to be very similar to IL classes? And your success (or failure) in SSP is indicative of your performance in your first semester?
RosheneHowever you must get confirmation from all three of the professors to succesfully complete the program
J_L._LawYes
RosheneThe course load in the 2 classes reflect the time you need to give your 1L classes
MarimerHow does the average SSP Student do in the first year? After having completed SSP are you guaranteed admission?
eporterhow many students typically successfully matriculate into the 1st yr class
kjonesMs. Shepherd, the GPA and LSAT are both just one factor of many
J_L._Lawrgburgess...although you wont be enrolled in crim law in the fall the work load will be mirrored
Eric_WIN response to ereporter, It depends on the student as far as those who make it in from SSP. The number has fluctuated dramatically throughout the years.
Mr._Green_to eporter, historically it was 20-50% but now... it has been around 75%
kjonesGenerally those admitted to the SSP have either a strong GPA or stronger LSAT
shereemyes, how is the experience
Ronae_ShepherdHow much does this program prepare you for the first-year?
Ronae_Shepherdwhat can a student expect?
LKDthe experience is demanding but personally rearding
LKDrewarding
shereemso will you be able to maintain employment during the program
RosheneThe summer vacation must be put to the side in order to successfully complete the program. It requires a lot of time and sacrifice
peterreally can't prepare for the summer program.
LKDsome students worked full-time, but they still had to work hard
eporteron an average how many "outside studying" hours suggested.
Ronae_ShepherdHow would you advise students to prepare for SSP?
RosheneThe experience is great because you are going through it with great people. They also can relate to you, so that is a plus
rgburgessIf you successfully complete the program, are you then expected to enter law school in August?
Eric_WFrom personal experience, the SSP program has made a huge impact on me being prepared for first, second and third year. i think it gives you somewhat of a leg up, at least in the first few weeks. But for me it gave me the confidence i needed to successfully complete my first year.
MarimerDo most of your students go through SSP?
Eric_WIt gave me the opportunity to change my study habits(which was needed) before the fall
J_L._Lawthe summer was by far the hardest thing i had ever signed up for...However it was also the most rewarding thing i'd ever done...The friends and future attorneys that I met in SSP are the individuals i study with and are lifelong friends
shereemhow long is the program and is held on Mon-Friday?
J_L._LawMon-Wed
peterabout 30 students go through the ssp. but that number can vary.
eporterhow many are invited?
kjonesUDM doesn't have a limited number of seats for the SSP. However many the Committee feels is suitable for the program is the number admitted
LKDno, the progrm was m-w with a couple of classes on thursday
kjonesThat goes both for admission to SSP and the Fall
shereemwho teaches these classes and are tutors or mentors available for assistants
Mr._Green_In terms of preparation for the SSP I would have to say only a few things. First the SSP is tough, but as tough as it is, it is getting you prepared for what your first year classes will be like. So in terms of preparation, I would say that you should get used to reading around 30-60 pages of materi
shereema day
RosheneThe teachers are US attorneys and a former associate at one of the regions's premier firm
Eric_WStudents are provided mentors. this past year, the majority of mentors were also pass SSP students
Mr._Green_Get familiar with the I R A C format. The IRAC format is used primarily in cases, it teaches you to learn the I of Issues, find the R or Rule of law, A or Apply the rule to your particular issue and C conclude.
Eric_W*past
shereemare there any good prep material anyone would recommend?
eporterat the end of the 8 weeks is there an cummulative test or essay (for each class)?
J_L._LawMoving to the area should take place at a minimum two weeks before arrival
rgburgessDoes anyone know if this program is considered full time or even half time status for financial aid purpses? I get the GI Bill and trying to figure out if I will still get my monthly check during the program.
Mr._Green_have there been any unanswered questions?
LKDshereem there is an online program I took called legalwritingprep.com
J_L._LawThere are two quizzes in crim law during the program and a final at the end
RosheneThe Dean recommends "Bridging the Gap between college and law school"
shereemhow many hours of studying are common outside the class room/
LKDThere is a cost, but it helped take the anxiety away
Rosheneabout 4-6/day
eporteris one's Graduate School GPA used at in the admission decision making process
Micha_HallHow soon should applicants know if they have been accepted or not?
Ronae_Shepherdbesides the courses mentioned, are there any other requirements for the program?
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J_L._Lawno
LKDMicha - It normally took about 2.5 to 3
LKDto get a decision
kjonesundergraduate gpa more closely resembles law school
Mr._Green_the final requirement is passing the class and getting approval from all 3 of your instructors, but generally speaking, 2 courses, 1 midterm, 1 final, and a few writing assignments
Eric_WAs far as hours of studying..Reading the material and briefing for class alone will take AT LEAST 15 hours because you will be flooded with reading
kjonesgrad gpa's are considered for purposes other than academic evaluation
kjonesmoreso as a subjective criteria than objective
rgburgessCan you please let us know whose question you are answering. It's getting confusing
J_L._Lawsure
LKDHi Shannyn, did you have any questions about the program?
J_L._LawLaw school's confusing
ShannynHello
shereemwhy is it that you cant apply for this program and regular admission?
J_L._LawJust Kidding
Micha_HallThanks LKD!.
J_L._LawYou are considered for both
J_L._LawShereem
ShannynI do, does it cost to attend the program?
Marimerhow much does it cost to attend SSP?
LKDYour welcome
Mr._Green_Shannyn, $500
ShannynThank you
Mr._Green_not including living expenses, or books
shereemhow are the installments for the payment of the program and are there ways to get grants to cover the cost?
kjonesShannyn, the program fee is $500. It does not include other expenses, such as housing or books.
ShannynI think I missed the question, how do you select the people attending the program
kjonesShereem, if participants have issues paying, please contact me in advance
kjonesGenerally all fees must be paid before the program begins
ShannynAlso, when does the program begin
J_L._LawThe total expenses for someone who does not reside in the Detroit area will range from about $2000-$3000 for the summer
Ronae_Shepherdthis questions is to former SSP students, what challenges did you face during the program, if any?
LKDThe program begins about the 3rd week of may
shereemok how would I go about contacting you, I plan on attending the event tommorow will I have a chance to speak with you there?
kjonesI think Mr. Law's figure includes the program fee.
rgburgessI am a non traditional law school applicant. Is this SSP a good idea for those of us who have been out of college for many years, may not have the GPA and/or LSAT needed for regular admission, and want to prove they can do it?
kjonesWe encourage students to save as much as possible before. Because it is a conditional program, it is ineligible for federal financial aid
Mr._Green_I just wanted to say one thing: Once you have completed the SSP and passed, when you enter your first year classes, you will be ahead of the game and will be conditioned and more prepared than your classmates
eporternormally is there a break between ending the ssp and the beginning of the fall semester
LKDRonae - get ready to stay up late, but time management is the biggest challenge, especially if you're not disciplined
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shereemwill there be any workshops during the program
Rosheneeporter there is a 3 week break between ssp ending and the school year beginning
LKDrgburgess- the program is a great idea, especially for students that need to get reintroduced to an academic program.
Mr._Green_Another note, do not rely on case supplements, the whole point of the class is to teach you how to find them, case supplements are discouraged
eporterok thanks
kjonesrgburgess, I recommend that those engaged in the SSP continue their lives as they would when law school comes
J_L._LawShereem Mrs. jones host various workshops throughout the program
kjonesI think if you are planning to work, continue with family obligations, the SSP is a good idea to see if it all works before spending a year of tuition to figure out it doesn't work
Eric_WAs far as the challenges faced during SSP: I had a job that took alot of time during the summer as well as some other family responsibilites which left little time during the week. Because of it, it forced me to try to get most of my readings done during the week-end..which ended causing me to be i
shereemso i am i correct in stating that the cost is $500 without supplies, the dates are Mon-Wed approx. 9:00am to 5:00pm?
rgburgessIs Ann Arbor a realistic commute to this program?
Mr._Green_yes
Mr._Green_i live in Northville
Mr._Green_15 min away from Ann Arbor, its a pretty easy commute
rgburgessyes, to who?
LKDYes, shereem $500 is correct
Mr._Green_to rgburgess
kjonesI think commute time should be considered in conjunction with other obligations
LKDAlso, Shereem, supplies would be your text books
eporterwill there be future SSP open house events (like tomorrow). I would have loved to attend but unforunately I live in Nashville and just found out about the event. I did the opportuntity to attend the Open House on Jan. 6th and it was GREAT!
Saint_Pierre_M._PierreI haven't taken my LSAT yet, should I still apply? and how should I answer # 13 in the application if I don't know what the LSAT score will be?
LKDeporter - No, there will not be any further events after today and tomorrow
kjonesMr. St. Pierre, we have to have an LSAT score before making any decision
kjonesFebruary LSAT is the absolute latest exam that may be considered to participate in the SSP
shereemFor the program are study groups recommended
eporterOh, I hate to hear to that - but the information that I am gaining tonight is great
Mr._Green_to rgburgess: depending on where you live in ann arbor, i would suggest taking M14 to 96E to M10 and exiting on Larned (Exit 2a) instead of taking 94E all the way
rgburgessI live in Atlanta, so what is your definitition of an easy commute from Ann Arbor? Less than an hour? I assume you are going against the traffic coming out of the city at the 5pm time frame.
kjonesApplication deadline is March 15. The program starts mid-may
LKDShereem - Study groups are helpful, but it's up to you whether to join a study group. It's definitely recommended
eporteris there on campus housing avaiable for the summer program
rgburgessI have a friend who will let me stay with her during the 8 weeks. And then my husband and I would make a permanent move after completion.
Saint_Pierre_M._Pierre February's LSAT is ok to start during the summer?
Eric_Wstudy group question. It depends on the person. To this day, I still study with my same group from SSP and I am currently a 3rd year..But it could be a nusiance as well
Mr._Green_rgburgess, if you don't live in Ann Arbor, I would suggest moving right to Detroit, you will find it easier. The commute would generally take anything from 1hour to 1.5 hours.... living in Detroit would be a better idea, it gives you more time to study
LKDAs a point of reference, students oftentimes get wrapped up into being competitive, but it's not necessary because everyone is trying to get in. One student is not compared to another student. So, you are really competing with yourself.
Ronae_ShepherdHow many students participated in last year's SSP?
Mr._Green_Just want to say another thing, Detroit is not as dangerous as it is made out to be, the downtown area where the school is located, and where the majority of the students live is a pretty safe area, haven't heard of any problems yet
shereemcan the books be purchased online?
Ronae_ShepherdAnd what is the success rate?
Mr._Green_shereem
Mr._Green_yes
peter18 students, and the year before that it was 30.
Mr._Green_just get the ISBN number and go to directtextbook.com
Ronae_ShepherdOkay, that's great to know!
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rgburgessOh, yes I would definitely live in Detroit in the Fall. But Ann Arbor is free which makes sense for the SSP if I am unsure of the outcome.
LKDA lot of times, students feel they shouldn't share notes or information they find out, which is incorrect. Also, remember, you may be in a position where you need assistance from a classmate from SSP. Always be ready to help out each other.
shereemdoes the acceptance material come out in enough time to purchase the book online we all know how those websites can get
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Eric_WShareem: It depends on the which website you get it from. I'm still waiting on a book for a class I'm in now..so I ended up buying it at the bookstore
LKDNo, go ahead and purchase your books from the bookstore
LKDYou don't have enough time to wait to order books online
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mkallonWhat is the percentage of people that apply toSSP and what is the percentage of people that get in?
Mr._Green_If the criminal law book is the same when you guys enter the program I will lend mine to the first person who asks
Mr._Green_there, now at least one of you won't have to pay for the book
kjonesMkallon, we don't track the number that apply and those that are admitted
kjonesWe don't have a set number of seats. Its just a matter of whether a person qualifies and the Committee places them in the program
rgburgesskjoines, if SSP doesn't qualify for federal fin aid, I am assuming you can't get your GI BIll benefits either. Do you know for sure?
Ronae_ShepherdWhen will decision letters for SSP be mailed?
J_L._LawThe best advice on book buying is to continue to call kjones and ask if the profs have given her a book list if you want to purchase the books online...Otherwise you mentor will be willing to let you borrow your books
eporterRonae, you took the question right out of my mouth:)
Ronae_ShepherdThanks!
J_L._Law*their books
RosheneRonae when decisions are made by the professors the letters will be mailed
kjonesI'm not certain about the GI Bill. I suggest calling our finacial aid office at 313.596.0214
Roshenethe time frame is from3-4 weeks after the program ends
eporterwhen will decision letters reagrding Admission into the SSP go out
Mr._Green_any other questions? experience, the city, the school, the feel?
Mr._Green_law school in general?
Ronae_Shepherdpreviously asked, generally are most students successful in completing SSP?
Ronae_ShepherdHigh success rate?
rgburgessThis may have already been answered but I didn't see it. How long before the start of SSP will you know that you have been selected for this program?
Mr._Green_to Ronae, I would have to say that in the last 3 years, yes, around 75% have passed the SSP program and matriculated into the 1L year
kjonesMs. Shepherd, historically 20-50% of participants are admitted
J_L._LawThe students that complete ssp are usually at the top of the class
Ronae_ShepherdThat's great
kjonesFor the last three years apprxly 75% have passed
eporterAnyone want to share some "stress management techniques" while in law school
Eric_WRonae, it has varied by year. The ultimate factor is the kind of student you are during the program. Everyone who goes to SSP CAN get in. It truly does depend on the work you do as a student
Eric_Wprayer
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Ronae_ShepherdUpon successfully completing SSP, how will studnts be selected f/t or p/t for the fall?
eporterPrayer - I am all too familiar with that!
Ronae_Shepherdthanks eric
Eric_Wbut reall. Don't let it stress you. Just ensure that you get everything done before the last minute
Eric_Wif you have questions, TALK to the profs
Ronae_Shepherdamen me too!
LKDeporter - develop your coping skills as a way to deal with your stress levels
RosheneRonae you are asked your preference, however the committe conditions your acceptance at times
eporterare majority of the professors approachable?
Roshenedue to your performance in the program
LKDAnd, yes, prayer is another way
rgburgessI reading about hundreds of houses up for sale for less than $3000 in Detroit. Are any of these in acceptable neighborhoods? I saw one that looking interesting for $500 in Chandler Park area I think. I know they have to be rehabbed. But curious if any are suburban homes. What is the public tran
Rosheneeproter Yes everyone is approachable
eporterThats good to know
Eric_WI would not really on public transit if you can help it
Eric_Woutside of the people mover down town
Mr._Green_Not trying to say anything bad about that rgburgess, but i would NOT suggest buying a house for $3000 ...
eporteris the cost of living downtown really expensive
Eric_W*rely
LKDI do not suggest purchasing a home, unless you know you plan to stay in Michigan, whether you gain admittance to the program or not
Mr._Green_eporter, not really, but the grocery store is a drive
Ronae_Shepherdwill campus parking be provided for SSP students? If admitted, i plan to bring my car from Los Angeles.
Shamika_SandersHello All. I don't know if this has been asked, but how many students are usually accepted to the SSP?
RosheneRonae, campus parking is provided for $30
Mr._Green_yes, you will get a temp pass and its $30 for the entire program
rgburgessKjones, how much notice is given from the time you apply for SSP to it's start in May?
Ronae_Shepherdis this cost included in the initial $500 for the program?
RosheneNo it is not Ronae
Ronae_Shepherdokay, i see
chat-adminWe have 5 minutes left folks!
eporterI may have overlooked this answer - but is there on campus housing available for the SSP
J_L._LawNO
LKDno there is no campus housing
eporterok thanks
kjonesrgburgess, decisions are on a rolling admissions basis. we advise those admitted to the program as soon as the committee makes decision
Ronae_Shepherdwill you provide students will a housing list? i'm not not familiar with the area
rgburgessI am a RE agent - I understand the risks. Next fall they are pumping bllions of dollars into cities like Detroit for community development and rehab projects. My husband are interested in rehabbing and then renting out the house once we have left the area. Just wanted to know what kind of area th
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LKDyes, we provide housing lists
Roshenefor subleasing
Micha_HallThanks to everyone for all the answers. This was really helpful. I
Ronae_Shepherdyes
LKDI have a home for rent
eporterI would like to Thank you all for your valuable in sights and wisdom. I look forward to meeting you soon. Eryka
rgburgessthanks and good luck on a successful future!
Ronae_ShepherdThank you to all for your answering our questions
LKDby nice meeting you guys
J_L._LawNo problem
RosheneNo problem..good luck
LKDbye
Ronae_ShepherdThank you again ms. Jones
kjonesIf you have any more questions after today's chat, contact the admissions office at 313.596.0264 or udmlawao@udmercy.edu
Micha_HallThanks Ms. Jones.
J_L._LawWell if you have further questions email me at jllaw86@yahoo.com
kjonescertainly.
Mr._Green_Hey thanks all for joining!
kjonesI hope this was helpful.
Mr._Green_Hope to see you all!
Ronae_ShepherdYes, thank you.
kjonesDon't forget about the Minorities and Legal Education Open House tomorrow.
Shamika_SandersThank you all for the valuable input, have a good evening!
eporterthanks again and good evening.
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kjonesThe agenda can be found on-line
kjoneshttp://www.law.udmercy.edu/prospective/events/minorityopenhouse.php
kjonesGood night.
Ronae_ShepherdGood night.
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Mr._Green_Bye!
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chat-adminThanks to you all for your questions and answers. Join us again soon!
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