An agreement between Indiana University and Cottey College provides talented Cottey students and alumnae the opportunity to attend Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law as Cottey Law Scholars. Cottey College students or alumnae admitted to Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law will be eligible for a formal mentorship program and a minimum scholarship covering approximately 50% of tuition ($45,000 for in-state residents and $75,000 for out-of-state residents). Students admitted through this program must have a minimum UGPA and LSAT score at least equal to the median for the entering class of the prior year.
Maurer Law School aims to accept two Cottey applicants each year (assuming a sufficient number of qualified applications), and any student admitted through this collaboration will be referred to as a Cottey College Law Scholar during her time at the law school. For further details, please contact Cottey’s pre-law advisor, Dr. Sandra Chaney, at schaney@cottey.edu or the Vice President for Academic Affairs at acadaffairs@cottey.edu.
Pre-Law Advising at Cottey
Students planning to attend law school will find that Cottey’s liberal arts curriculum prepares them well. Both in and outside the classroom, students are advised by the pre-law advisor to seek experiences that will help them succeed in law school. Cottey students are encouraged to choose a major that challenges and interests them, allowing them to excel.
The American Bar Association (ABA) does not recommend any particular major before attending law school. Some Cottey students choose majors traditionally associated with law school preparation, such as Business, English, and International Relations. However, it is equally acceptable to major in fields like Criminology, Environmental Studies, Organizational Leadership, Health Sciences, Psychology, or Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
During their time at Cottey, students should take rigorous courses that develop essential skills and provide critical background knowledge. While the ABA does not prescribe specific courses, it emphasizes the importance of the following core skills and knowledge areas:
Core Skills:
- Writing, revising, and responding to constructive criticism
- Reading comprehension, especially of lengthy, challenging texts (e.g., anthropology, economics, gender studies, history, literature, philosophy, political science)
- Library research and the ability to analyze and synthesize findings in substantial written projects
- Public speaking and careful listening
- Problem-solving, including critical examination of current events and ethical issues
- Organization and management of large amounts of information from varied sources (e.g., capstone projects)
Knowledge:
- History of the U.S. and other countries or regions
- Political thought and government, particularly that of the U.S.
- Basic math and finance
- Human behavior and social interaction
- Diverse cultures, global issues, and international institutions
The ABA encourages students to gain exposure to the legal profession through internships, shadowing, or mentoring opportunities with lawyers. These experiences can help students determine whether a career in law is a good fit and may set them apart from other law school applicants. Additionally, students should consider participating in activities that demonstrate concern for others and an ability to collaborate and work as part of a team, such as community service or involvement in social justice causes.