Grand Rapids: FAQ - Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Thomas M. Cooley Law School - Practical Legal Scholarship Since 1972

Cooley Law School Academics

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply and when can I start?

First, you need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). Transcripts from all of the schools that you previously attended must be sent to LSDAS for the transcript evaluation. Cooley uses the cumulative undergraduate GPA as evaluated by LSDAS in calculating your admission's index: GPA x 15 + LSAT score = Cooley index.

More information on Cooley's Admission Formula >

Next, you need to submit an application to Cooley.

Use the Cooley online application or send a paper application (PDF) to:

Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Attn.: Admissions Office
300 South Capitol Avenue
PO Box 13038
Lansing, Michigan 48901

You can also fax an application to: (517) 334-5718.

Should I major in a particular area during my undergraduate study to prepare me for law school?

Courses that require writing and analytical skills such as those in which students debate, apply logic, and write, help to prepare you for law school. Cooley will teach you the law. A major that provides you with knowledge and skills that will complement your law degree is very important for certain areas of law. A science background is helpful for patent lawyers. Transactional lawyers do well with backgrounds in business and accounting. Solo and small firm folks need to know enough business to run an office. Trial lawyers benefit from theater. Tax lawyers need accounting. Foreign languages are useful for people who want to practice in border states. But all lawyers need to know how to relate to their clients. Good lawyers have communication and people skills, including a capacity to listen to and relate to other people. There is no one course sequence or major that works for everyone, so it is best to major in an area for which you have a passion.

Where can I take a prep class for the LSAT?

There are many ways to prepare for the LSAT, including purchasing one of the numerous preparation books that are available in bookstores or the books of prior LSAT exams that can be purchased online at www.lsac.org.

You can take free online practice tests at www.testprepreview.com/lsat_practice.htm.

Additionally, Kaplan Test Prep (800-527-8378) and Advantage Education (888-737-6010) offer classes to prepare for the LSAT.

When can I start at Cooley?

First-term classes in Grand Rapids start in September, January, and May of each year. Students starting in September take classes in the morning, students starting in January take classes in the afternoon or weekends, and students starting in May take classes in the evening.

What time are classes held?

Required classes are generally scheduled as follows:
Mornings: 9 - Noon
Afternoons: 2 - 5 p.m., Mon., Wed., and Fri. and 3 - 6 p.m. Tues. and Thurs.
Evenings: 6 - 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9 - 5 p.m.

How many credits can I take at the Grand Rapids campus?

We have ABA acquiesence to offer the full 90-credit curriculum at Grand Rapids, and we have Higher Learning Commission approval to offer the first two years. We anticipate HLC approval of the third-year program on August 28, 2006. For more information about our plans and accreditation status, please go to President LeDuc’s message.

How many credits can I take each semester?

All Cooley's scheduling options are available at Grand Rapids. Students may choose from two basic schedule options. In the first schedule option, students take 12 credits in their first, second, and third semesters, nine credits in their fourth and fifth semesters, and six credits in their sixth semester. In the second schedule option, students take nine credits in their first six semesters and six credits in their seventh semester. Special arrangements can also be made to start by taking as few as six credits each semester.

Can I take additional credits in Lansing or Auburn Hills while taking credits in Grand Rapids?

Yes, as long as the needed prerequisites are satisfied, there is seat availability, and the class and exam times of the classes taken in Lansing do not conflict with the class and exam times of the classes taken in Grand Rapids. This includes classes available on Saturdays and Sundays in Lansing.

Can I take Cooley's full-time (15 credits per term) program?

Yes.

Who teaches the law classes at Grand Rapids?

Full-time Cooley Law School faculty teach the required classes offered in Grand Rapids.

Can I observe a law class in session?

We welcome those interested in observing a law class in session. To make arrangements, please contact Tracie LaHuis at (616) 301-6800 or by e-mail at tempgr@cooley.edu.

What about library services? Will I need to go to Lansing for library services?

The Thomas M. Cooley Law Library moved into its permanent home in the Law Center in Grand Rapids in February 2004. With over 20,000 square feet, the library provides students with two computer labs/electronic classrooms, seven study rooms, and over 150 comfortable and spacious seats at tables and large carrels. Many carrels are wired for power, and wireless computer access is available throughout the library. The library provides access to primary legal materials as well as a core research collection. Additionally, Cooley Grand Rapids students can also access the library services of the Brennan Law Library in Lansing at www.cooley.edu/library. Ask a librarian service is available at www.cooley.edu/library/askalibindex.htm, and an online catalog called Coolcat is accessible at innopac.cooley.edu. There are also various research links available to students.

What about student services?

The Grand Rapids campus has an associate dean, campus director, campus deputy director, four administrative assistants, a coordinator of career services, a coordinator of academic support, two coordinators of enrollment and student services, and three faculty secretaries to provide student services.

What about student life on the Grand Rapids campus?

Cooley students in Grand Rapids have formed an active Student Bar Association with representatives elected from each incoming class. The SBA has sponsored food drives for a local soup kitchen and a relief drive for hurricane victims, organized a book drive for an elementary school library and a personal care items drive for soldiers in Iraq, plans social events, and hosts a student organization fair every term. There are eight active student organizations on the GR Campus, including:

GR International Law Society
Black Law Students Association
GR Student Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, Western District of Michigan
GR Sports and Entertainment Law Society
Christian Legal Society
GR Federalist Society
Phi Alpha Delta
Gay and Lesbian Advocates (GLAD)

Grand Rapids students are involved in many volunteer projects, including building homes for Habitat for Humanity, participating in fundraisers for a local soup kitchen, serving as Cooley Ambassadors to mentor incoming students, working with victims of domestic violence at the Grand Rapids Domestic Violence Shelter, and assisting pro se litigants at the Legal Assistance Center in Grand Rapids.

Does Cooley intend to expand its program in Grand Rapids?

Yes, Cooley is considering LL.M. level programs at Grand Rapids, as well as, additional joint degree programs with Western Michigan University.

What other advantages are there to taking classes in Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids is an exciting and growing community with a thriving business sector and a lively arts and entertainment culture. As Michigan's second largest city, Grand Rapids boasts a wealth of employment opportunities and no fewer than 15 colleges and universities. The area of Grand Rapids in which the Cooley campus is located, known as the Heartside District, is in the midst of an urban renaissance. Offices, lofts, and condos are being constructed nearby, while restaurants, galleries and artists' studios, and a thriving night life are within easy walking distance of the Grand Rapids Campus. And the Van Andel Arena, which hosts athletic events and concerts, is only two blocks from the law school.

Other advantages include:

Small class size
Low student to faculty ratio
A tight-knit and collegial learning community
Caring and accessible professors who are dedicated to helping students learn
A strong emphasis on serving others
A new 100,000 square-foot, five-story law school facility under construction
The convenience of a downtown campus located two blocks from the interstate (U.S. 131)
Accessibility to great restaurants, arts and entertainment venues, museums, colleges and universities, and more in downtown Grand Rapids

What law school facilities are currently available in Grand Rapids?

A brand-new 20,000 square foot library with over 150 seats and a complete law school library collection, a 30-seat computer lab/electronic classroom, four 100-seat classrooms, numerous smaller classrooms, two distance education classrooms, two courtrooms, seven group study rooms (seating four or five), and a student lounge with vending area. All classrooms and study areas on the GR Campus provide wireless Internet access and ample electrical outlets for laptop use.

How do I get to the Grand Rapids campus?

Please see driving directions.

What about parking at Grand Rapids?

Please see the Grand Rapids parking guide.

I'd like to know more about the city of Grand Rapids.

To learn about entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, real estate, arts and theatre, shopping, jobs, and more in Grand Rapids, visit the following websites:

Also see the letter from the campus director.

Where can I get information on places to eat in Grand Rapids?

Please see www.cooley.edu/branchcampuses/gr/restaurantsgr.htm for information on downtown Grand Rapids restaurants and fast food near Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids/WMU campus.

If I'm coming to visit the Grand Rapids campus, what hotels are available for overnight stays?

Please see www.cooley.edu/housing/gr_hotel_information.pdf for information on hotels in the Grand Rapids area. Student rates are listed where applicable.

Where can I get information on student health insurance?

Please see www.cooley.edu/branchcampuses/gr/healthinsurance.htm for information on student health insurance options.

How can I find information on housing in Grand Rapids?

Please see www.cooley.edu/housing/gr.html.

How do I get to the Lansing Campus?

Please see driving directions.

When I go to Lansing for classes or Cooley events, where can I park?

Please see www.cooley.edu/branchcampuses/gr/lansingparking.htm for more information on parking in Lansing.

This Page was last updated on: 05/07/2008