Texas Tech School of Law Launches Pre-Law Program at A&M International

Getting into law school is not easy, but Texas A&M International University students will have some distinct advantages soon. Texas Tech University School of Law has announced that it will establish two Presidential Merit Scholarships, create a "3+3" early admission Scholarship, and establish an early decision plan for A&M International students.

W. Frank Newton, academic dean of Texas Tech University School of Law, said the scholarships and early admission plan were created because of the success of A&M International as an institution and of its graduates.

"Texas A&M International University has been the major academic success story of the past decade in Texas. It seems clear that its graduates will succeed as they complete their studies and it seems equally clear that there will be more and more graduates in future years. Texas Tech University School of Law is anxious to establish a partnership between A&M International and the Texas Tech School of Law," said Newton.

Dr. Ray Keck, president of A&M International, said the new partnership will be a boon to area students interested in pursuing a law career.

"This partnership will now make it possible for Laredo students to benefit from innovative programs that can lead them to a career in law. Successful entry and completion of Law School is a mighty challenge, but we know that our students will rise to that challenge by making the most of these new opportunities," said Dr. Keck.

He noted that the new Tech initiative is a natural extension of the University's honors program, the D. D. Hachar Honors Program, and the Presidential Scholars Program.

"Thanks to donor support, we've provided these programs for high-ability students, many of whom have resolved to study law. The Tech program will be a natural next step," he said.

He explained that A&M International will select the students for the Presidential Merit Scholarship, ensuring they meet Texas Tech's criteria. The first scholarship student must score 158 or better on the LSAT and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better. This scholarship will be renewable so long as the recipient remains in the top third of the class in law school. The second scholarship student must score 151 or better on the LSAT, have an undergraduate GPA of 3.1 or better and better represent the diverse populations of Texas.

The "3+3" Scholarship will allow two A&M International students each year to enter Texas Tech University School of Law at the end of their third year of undergraduate education. To be eligible, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, be a resident of Texas or counties in New Mexico and Oklahoma contiguous to Texas and have an SAT of at least 1300 or an ACT of at least 31.

Each of the four new scholarships exceeds $9,500 and includes tuition, fees and a $300 book allowance. The combined total value is over $38,000.

Under the early decision plan, exceptional applicants from A&M International to Texas Tech University School of Law would receive notification of their acceptance during their junior year. Students would enroll in the law school after receiving their baccalaureate degree. Students must have a minimum GPA of at least 3.5, an LSAT score in the top 25 per cent nationwide and be a resident of Texas or counties in New Mexico and Oklahoma contiguous to Texas.

For more information about the new pre-law scholarships or the early decision program, please contact Dr. Nasser Momayezi by phone, 326.2616, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 432A or email nmomayezi@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu