preLaw Magazine - Spring 2008 - (Page 8)

news LAW SCHOOL Two of the three remaining candidates in the 2008 presidential election attended law school. Barack Obama, a Harvard Law School graduate, and Hillary Clinton, a Yale Law School graduate, both credit their law school experience as the platform to their political careers. Among future political hopefuls, large gender gap remains With the political season in full swing, it’s no surprise that many of today’s millennial students are thinking of a future in politics. According to a new Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions survey, law school remains a breeding ground for future politicians, but a significant gender gap remains. The survey, performed by students preparing to take the Law School Admission Test, showed that 42 percent reported they will “definitely” or “probably” run for political office. A breakdown of gender reveals that among male students, the figure jumps to 52 percent, but falls to 34 percent among females. As evidenced by several of the contenders in this year’s presidential primaries, law school graduates are heavily represented among political hopefuls. In fact, 25 of 43 U.S. presidents have been lawyers. Glen Stohr, pre-law director for Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, said there are two things that are noteworthy of the gender gap. He said it shows there are 8 preLaw still more young men interested in law school and in politics. But while there is a gap, there is a trend for more women to enter politics. Sixteen percent of female students are currently involved in politics, compared to 8 percent 20 years ago. “Law school has been historically the most popular root for a political career,” Stohr said. “In terms of opening doors, there is precedent there.” ❱ And while one may not always strike it rich in politics, 73 percent of LSAT takers said high-income potential was a “very important” or “important” factor in their decision to attend law school. “First-year starting salaries are very, very high,” Stohr said. “If that is your motivation, you’ve got to be thinking about where this school places people and be thinking, ‘This is a really competitive school, so what does it take to get in?’” —Michelle Weyenberg Pre-law students allegedly scammed ment, but students never received anything. Lowry is charged with one count of theft, but police are interviewing more than 30 additional victims. Lowry graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1981 and founded the review program the same year. The program no longer is in operation. Authorities have accused an Austin, Texas, man stealing thousands of dollars from law schools nationwide. Thomas Lowry, owner and operator of LSAT Intensive Review, allegedly scammed college students with a fake prep course. According to the Austin City Police Department, Lowry canceled the class and promised some reimburse-

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of preLaw Magazine - Spring 2008

preLaw Magazine - Spring 2008 Contents From the Editor For the Record Large Gender Gap Remains Among Political Hopefuls Man Charged in LSAT Scam Barry Dean Recognized New Report Examines Legal Ed Drexel Receives Accredidation New Mexico No. 1 for Hispanics A Film Journey in Law A Law Student at Last Debt Salvation Great Law Schools for Minorities Grad Opts Out of Big Firm Job Specialties Helpful Advice

preLaw Magazine - Spring 2008

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