Feb. 13, 2006

Standing Out From the Crowd: Cooley Sets Records
in Applications and Enrollment

Contrary to the national downturn in law school applications, Thomas M. Cooley Law School today announced a new milestone — January 2006 was the first month in which it received 1,000 applications.

Even after receiving a record number of applications in the last academic year, Cooley has seen a 10 percent increase in applications so far this academic year. This increase includes four consecutive months in which the school has topped its monthly record – receiving more applications than ever before in the months of October, November, December and January.

"According to the most recent Current Volume Summary report for Feb. 3 from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), applications to ABA law schools are down about 5 percent, and applicants are down 9.5 percent," stated Cooley Assistant Dean of Admissions Stephanie Gregg. "When comparing last year to this year, only 58 of 190 law schools show an increase in applications for this year. Cooley Law School is one of the 28 law schools showing an increase of more than 9 percent."

In addition, Gregg noted other national data comparisons where Cooley was up and most other law schools were down in applications.

"The data from LSAC shows that applications from females are down 10.2 percent, but applications from females to Cooley are up 10.7 percent. Applications from African Americans are down nationally about 8 percent, but up 3.2 percent at Cooley. Hispanic applicants are down 7 percent nationally, but up 37 percent at Cooley. In most categories, applications to Cooley are up. This is the seventh year of continued annual increases. Obviously, the word is out that Cooley Law School has what applicants are seeking — a top-notch legal education with the flexibility to fit people's needs," declared Gregg.

Cooley’s total enrollment for both the fall and winter semesters also set records. With more than 3,200 students currently enrolled, Cooley remains the nation’s largest law school.

Thomas M. Cooley Dean and President Don LeDuc credits Cooley’s continued success to the school’s excellent programs, flexible scheduling options, innovative skills training and commitment to diversity.

"Applicants are attracted to Cooley’s world-class facilities and the reputation of a faculty that has extensive legal experience and a commitment to preparing students to practice law," said Associate Dean Chuck Cercone, chair of the admissions committee.

Associate Dean Ann Miller said that Cooley’s curriculum combines an emphasis on fundamentals and an opportunity for specialization that appeals to potential students because it prepares them for the real-world practice of law.

"Innovations, like our weekend option and year-around program, have allowed us to grow, not just in size, but in facilities, programs and student support," LeDuc said. "A real key has been our commitment to quality programs."

Founded in 1972, Cooley Law School is the largest law school in the country. Cooley has three campuses across Michigan: its campus in downtown Lansing, its downtown Grand Rapids campus in west Michigan and its Rochester/Oakland University campus in southeast Michigan. In addition to the Juris Doctor program, students at Cooley can also pursue a Master of Laws degree in taxation or intellectual property. Find out more about Cooley Law School by visiting the Cooley Web site at www.cooley.edu.