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Opportunity & Success Program

Interested in law school but not sure where to begin? 

The Cleveland State University College of Law  Opportunity & Success Program (“OSP”) is a law school pipeline program for prospective law students who face structural barriers and challenges to accomplishing their goals. 

OSP consists of a pre-law program and a CSU|LAW post-admissions program. The Opportunity Fellows pre-law program provides resources to aid in an application for admission to CSU|LAW. The post-admissions Success Scholars program helps ensure success at CSU|LAW as well as post-graduate success. 

The CSU|LAW Opportunity & Success Program is groundbreaking because it is the only law school pipeline program in the nation that provides assistance and guidance throughout the legal journey from the pre-law school phase through post-graduate success. This innovative program was made possible by a generous and visionary CSU|LAW alumnus donor who wishes to remain anonymous at this time.

Education Benefits of Participation

  • LSAT or GRE preparation and guidance
  • Ongoing guidance and support throughout the CSU|LAW application process
  • Involvement in a community of prospective law students like you who are working towards their law school goals
  • Assistance in understanding and engaging in the financial aid journey
  • Skills development towards law school success
  • Engagement with law school professionals and practicing lawyers
  • Exposure to a wide range of career paths within the legal profession
  • Academic support, mentoring, leadership training, and career counseling during the CSU|LAW experience

Financial Benefits of Participation

  • No cost to apply or to participate in the Opportunity & Success Program if selected. 
  • Financial assistance is provided for a LSAT or GRE preparation course if taken during participation in the pre-law Opportunity Fellows program.
  • A financial stipend is awarded to Opportunity Fellows who complete the OSP pre-law school program. 
  • Opportunity Fellows who are admitted to CSU|LAW are known as Success Scholars. Success Scholars are guaranteed a significant financial scholarship at CSU|LAW and financial assistance throughout their law school experience for unexpected, unforeseen expenses.

Eligibility

To apply for OSP, candidates must submit application materials that demonstrate eligibility and an intent and ability to successfully complete the pre-law Opportunity Fellows program.

To be eligible for OSP, the candidate must be a college/university junior or senior, or a graduate from an accredited four-year undergraduate program who did not go directly from college to law school. 

Applicants must also meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • applicants from economically disadvantaged and low-income backgrounds
  • applicants who have experienced financial hardship
  • applicants with demonstrated financial need 
  • applicants who are first-generation college students
  • applicants who are first-generation law students
  • applicants who have demonstrated determination by overcoming adversity
  • applicants with unique family or personal circumstances or experiences that lead to the student having a unique ability to contribute positively to CSU|LAW

Opportunity Fellows (Pre-Law Program)

Those selected for the OSP pre-law school pipeline program through a competitive process are known as Opportunity Fellows.  The OSP pre-law school program provides assistance in preparing for the LSAT or GRE test, navigating the CSU|LAW admissions process, providing a deeper understanding of a legal education, and developing the skills necessary for law school success. Financial assistance is provided for a LSAT or GRE preparation course if taken during participation in the pre-law program, and a financial stipend is awarded to Opportunity Fellows who complete the OSP pre-law school program. 

Success Scholars (Post-Admissions Program)

Opportunity Fellows must meet the admission standards of CSU|LAW, and those who are admitted are known as Success Scholars. Success Scholars are guaranteed a significant financial scholarship at CSU|LAW to help them afford the cost of law school. The scholarship will be renewed annually as long as the Success Scholar remains in good academic standing. In addition, Success Scholars receive financial assistance for unexpected or unforeseen needs as well as academic support, mentoring, leadership training, and career counseling throughout their CSU|LAW experience.

For More Information about OSP

For more information about the CSU|LAW Opportunity & Success Program, please contact the Director of the Opportunity & Success Program, Brandilyn Cook, at b.m.cooknull@csuohio.nulledu