Pacific McGeorge Law School Bucks National Trend with Big Jump in Applications
January 18, 2005For Immediate Release - January 18, 2005
Contact: Janet Konttinen, 916.739.7047
Applications for the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law’s Fall 2005 term are up 17% from a year ago, per a count taken January 10. At the same time, the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) reports a drop of more than 10% in applications in its Far West region, comprising California, Nevada and Arizona, and a 2.2% decline nationwide. Moreover, the majority of California’s law schools are experiencing a decline in application volume, some as much as 20%.
Adam Barrett, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Pacific McGeorge, attributes the increase to a national recruiting campaign that is attracting students from outside the Sacramento region, and to a continued focus on three sought-after areas of legal specialty, including the Capital Center for Government Law and Policy, the Center for Global Business and Development, and the Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution.
“Not only do we have an increase in applications, but they’re from the most accomplished group of students we’ve ever had. And, I’m particularly excited about the increase in our applications from African-American and Chicano/Latino students, which are up over 10% and 17% respectively,” stated Barrett. In contrast, the LSAC finds African-American applicants down 11.3% and applications from Chicano/Latino students off by 17.5%.
“Two years ago we initiated recruitment efforts targeted at traditionally black colleges and universities, and clearly it’s working,” explained Barrett. “Sacramento is wonderfully diverse, and it’s a top priority that our student body reflects our greater community.”
Applications are also getting a boost from committed alumni. “Our goal is to support students of color throughout the entire process,” says Eric Barnum, a partner at McGuire Woods LLP in Atlanta, and founder of the law school’s new Black Alumni Chapter. “We call applicants and ask how we can help - that includes now, and after graduation when it comes to finding the right job.”
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