Is this a separate “night law school program?” 
No, this Executive Program is a flexible one that allows students to take regularly offered law school courses, but with a reduced load each semester and an opportunity to spread the courses out over five years instead of three years.  Students in the Executive Program will attend regular classes along with MCSOL’s full time students and be taught by the same professors.

What is the first step to apply?
The first step that requires the longest lead time and the most preparation is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).  One has to register well in advance of the test.  Preparation for the test is essential to maximize one’s score.  The test is next offered in December 2008 and then in February 2009.  If an applicant has taken the LSAT within the last three years, that score could be used.  One may apply for the Executive Program in advance of receiving their LSAT score.  Action on the application will be deferred until the LSAT score is received.

How do I apply?
An applicant should fill out the on-line application available on the web site of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and then mail to the Admissions Office a cover letter noting their application for the Executive Law School Program along with the application fee and the signature verification form that is part of the on-line application.  An applicant may also fill out the application downloaded from the MCSOL web site.

How many applicants will be accepted for this program? 
We plan on accepting only a small number of well qualified applicants.

What tuition and fees will be charged?
The normal tuition and fees that our full time students pay will also be charged to students in the Executive Program.  The hourly tuition charge will be based on one’s classification (1L, 2L, or 3L) at the time the courses are taken.  The charges are posted on the web site and will be updated when set for next year.

Are letter of recommendations required?
Letters of recommendation are helpful in providing additional information and insights about the applicant.  Such letters should be written by those with knowledge of the applicant.

Is a personal interview required?
An interview is not required.  However, there are a number of opportunities to visit MCSOL to gain information about the school and to meet current students.  These opportunities will be posted on the web site and will be offered during the fall of 2008 and the early spring of 2009.

Are scholarships available for those enrolled in the Executive Program?
Scholarships are not available for students in this Executive Program.

Are loans available for students in the Executive Program?
Yes, loans are available.  Information about the loan program can be found on the web page or may be addressed to the Law School’s financial aid advisor at banes@mc.edu

If enrolled in the Executive Program, may one convert to the regular program?
It is possible to move from the Executive Program to the regular program.  A request to convert to the regular program will be considered on a case by case basis.

Are there requirements that must be met to continue in the Executive Program?
Yes, students in the Executive Program must comply with the same grade point average standards as do the regular students.  In addition, they must complete a sufficient number of courses each semester in order to remain on track to complete the program of legal education within five years.

May I apply for the Executive Program and in the alternative apply for the full time program?
Yes, it is possible to apply to both programs.  We expect the standards to be high for the Executive Program.  Therefore it may be possible that an applicant may not be accepted for the Executive Program and yet be accepted for the full time program.

What is the course load I would be expected to take each semester?
A student in the Executive Program must take at least eight credit hours a semester.  The credit hours awarded for each course range from one to six.  Most first year courses are three or four hour courses.  Thus, one would expect to take three courses in the fall and spring semesters for the first year.

How many hours a week does one spend in the classroom?
Generally, a three hour course would have three classroom hours per week and a four hour course would meet four hours per week.    In the first year a student in the Executive Program could expect to spend eight or nine hours in the classroom each week. 

How much preparation time is required?
Preparation time will vary with each student and their background and abilities.  A rough rule of thumb would be to spend four hours of preparation for each hour of class.

Are the classroom expectations different for students in the Executive Program?
No, the expectations for students in the Executive Program will not differ from those expected of students in the regular program.  Students in the Executive Program will be expected to be a part of class discussions, participate in group projects, take the same examinations, and write the same type of papers as do the regular students.

Will I stand out as an older student in the Executive Program not being fresh out of college?
No, our regular students come from a broad and diverse range of backgrounds.  We have grandparents in our regular class, former military personnel, and a number of students who were in vocations such as nursing, teaching, and paralegal.

Will I have an advisor at the Law School?
Yes, students in the Executive Program will have a faculty advisor and an upper class student to assist them with matters ranging from course selection to answering questions.

Will I be eligible to take the bar examination following graduation?
Yes, MCSOL is accredited by the American Bar Association and approved by the Association of American Law Schools.  As such, a graduate of MCSOL is eligible to take the bar examination in Mississippi or in any state provided that other requirements such as residency are met.

What if I have additional questions?
We will be pleased to answer any additional questions you may have that are not covered above.  Your questions can be submitted by e-mail to lawadmissions@mc.edu or by calling 601-925-7152.