The Association of Participating in a Summer Prelaw Training Program and First-Year Law School Students’ Grades

__ The J. Educ. Res. & Prac. __ (forthcoming 2023)

Arizona Legal Studies Discussion Paper No. 23-01

22 Pages Posted: 10 Jan 2023 Last revised: 11 Jun 2023

See all articles by Heather Buzick

Heather Buzick

Educational Testing Service

Christopher T. Robertson

Boston University

Jessica Findley

University of Arizona

Heidi Burross

University of Arizona - College of Education

Matt Charles

University of Arizona - James E. Rogers College of Law

David Klieger

Educational Testing Service

Date Written: January 4, 2023

Abstract

This study estimates the relationship between participating in a nine-week online educational program to prepare students for post-graduate (juris doctorate) education and law school grades. We collected registrar data from 17 U.S. law schools for participants and non-participants from the same year and a prior year. We compared first-semester law school grades between participating and non-participating students weighted by propensity scores. Course participation was associated with improved first semester grades in a keyed course (Contracts law) and overall grade point average. According to pre-post survey responses, a substantial portion of those who completed the program reported feeling more prepared for law school.

Keywords: post-graduate education, bridge programs, readiness, law school preparation

Suggested Citation

Buzick, Heather and Robertson, Christopher T. and Findley, Jessica and Burross, Heidi and Charles, Matt and Klieger, David, The Association of Participating in a Summer Prelaw Training Program and First-Year Law School Students’ Grades (January 4, 2023). __ The J. Educ. Res. & Prac. __ (forthcoming 2023) , Arizona Legal Studies Discussion Paper No. 23-01, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4318721

Heather Buzick

Educational Testing Service ( email )

Christopher T. Robertson

Boston University ( email )

765 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
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02215 (Fax)

Jessica Findley (Contact Author)

University of Arizona ( email )

P.O. Box 210176
Tucson, AZ 85721-0176
United States
2145648627 (Phone)
85716 (Fax)

Heidi Burross

University of Arizona - College of Education ( email )

P.O. Box 210069
Tucson, AZ 85721-0069
United States

Matt Charles

University of Arizona - James E. Rogers College of Law ( email )

P.O. Box 210176
Tucson, AZ 85721-0176
United States

David Klieger

Educational Testing Service ( email )

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