March 29, 2024

3+3 students prepare for law school a year early

Capital’s 3+3 track was the first program of its kind in Ohio when it was implemented a few years ago and is a big reason why many students look so heavily at Capital.

The 3+3 program was created to allow students to get their bachelor’s and juris doctorate law degrees in a total of six years through an accelerated program. Three of those years are spent at Capital’s main campus, and the last three at Capital’s law school completing the law degree. Students taking this track are able to eliminate a year of tuition and get their degrees faster than a typical law student.

During the junior year of their undergraduate program, students will apply to Capital’s law school. If they’re accepted, they will be able to combine the last classes they need for their bachelor’s degree and the first few classes of their law degree into their final year at main campus.

Students are able complete their bachelor’s degree in virtually any subject area, but many students go into political science.

Tiffany Brock, a junior political science major taking the 3+3 track, says while it’s an extremely worthwhile program, it definitely isn’t right for everyone.

“It is an accelerated program, and you’re going to be going to law school your senior year,” Brock said. “You have to have the maturity to be able to be at law school and be 20 or 21.”

She also encourages students interested in the program, or currently in the program, to make sure that they stay on top of their work, because “things come at you really quickly.”

One thing Brock doesn’t really like about the program is that there isn’t a whole lot of direction for students. She says 3+3 students know they need to apply for law school and take the LSATs, but they aren’t sure when or how to do so.

“We’re kind of doing it on our own,” Brock said. “Administration doesn’t really communicate with us.”

Because the 3+3 is relatively new, no students have completed the program in its entirety.

“In an age where student debt is rising, it’s helpful to be able to save on a year’s worth of tuition, or in my case nearly two years,” junior political science major Connor McKee said. “It’s honestly a really helpful program, and I’m glad I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to be a part of it.”

The first class of participants in the 3+3 program will be finishing their undergraduate degrees and taking their first law school courses next academic year.

Author

  • Heather Barr

    Heather Barr is the current Editor-In-Chief of The Chimes and a senior at Capital University, studying Journalism and Professional Writing. hbarr@capital.edu

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