- What is AAMPLE ®?
The Alternative Admissions Model Program in Legal Education (AAMPLE ®) permits applicants who otherwise would not be granted admission to law school the opportunity to earn a place in the entering class. The courses are offered in two formats: on-campus (with courses scheduled during the day only) and online. The courses in both formats are taught by experienced full-time faculty members. Participants in the AAMPLE ® program are admitted to the Fall J.D. class if they earn a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.50. Both grades must be a "C" or better.
- Can I apply for the AAMPLE ® program?
Our Summer conditional program, AAMPLE ® , is by invitation only. Applicants will be considered for the program based on a submission of a J.D. application. You cannot apply directly for the AAMPLE ® program.
- How do I gain admission into the Nova Southeastern University Law Center?
- Can I work full time while participating in the Online AAMPLE ® program?
The AAMPLE ® program is a time consuming and difficult program. We do not advise students to hold full time jobs or take any other classes during the program.
The Online program will have mandatory chats in each class that may be during the day.
The On Campus classes will be held Monday through Friday. Each class will meet 2 hours a day, approximately 4 days a week. The classes will be scheduled between the hours of 8:00-6:00 PM.
The AAMPLE ® program is a time consuming and difficult program. We do not advise students to hold full time jobs or take any other classes during the program. The Online program will have mandatory chats in each class that may be during the day. The On Campus program is held M-F 8:00-6:00 PM so students normally do not work.
- Who is the program designed for?
The Alternative Admission Model Program for Legal Education (AAMPLE ®) offers determined individuals - whose outright admission to law school has been barred based on traditional applicant criteria (LSAT and GPA) - the opportunity to earn a place in the classroom. This performance-based admissions program rewards students who demonstrate the desire, commitment, and level of achievement necessary to manage the rigors of law school. Those admitted through the AAMPLE ® program demonstrate a strong potential for success in law school.
- What are the chances of successfully completing the AAMPLE ® program and being admitted to the Nova Southeastern University Law J.D. program?
Not all students who complete the AAMPLE ® program are admitted to the Nova Southeastern University Law class. There is no "quota" on the number of AAMPLE ® students who will be admitted to the NSU Law Center. All those who are deemed successful (2.5 Cumulative GPA and a "C" or better in both classes) are offered admission into the NSU Law Center. The success rate has varied in the 24 years plus that the Law Center has offered the program.
The success rates for the following years of the Online AAMPLE ® program are as follows:
| Online |
On campus |
|
2005 - 11%
2006 - 22%
2007 - 71%
2008 - 37%
2009 - 34%
2010 - 58%
2011 - 50%
2012 - 72%
|
2005 -
2006 - 45%
2007 - 39%
2008 - 42%
2009 - 49%
2010 - 62%
2011 - 50%
2012 - 50%
|
- Can I qualify for financial aid to cover the costs of the AAMPLE ® program?
Because AAMPLE ® in not a degree seeking program, participants do not qualify for federal financial aid. However, participants may apply for a private loan through their lending institution or nonprofit organization of choice. If admission is gained to the Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, then students may apply for federal financial aid. For additional loan information, please visit the NSU Web site at
http://www.nova.edu/financialaid/grantsloans/graduate/alternative_private.html or contact the Financial Aid Office at 954-262-3380 or 1-800-541-6682.
- What types of courses are taught?
- Introduction to the 4th Amendment - This course is used to assess the capacity of applicants for the successful study of law through the study of the basic principles and arguments concerning the Fourth Amendment and the exclusionary rule using the case method. Applicants will not receive academic credit for successful completion of AAMPLE ®, and grades earned during AAMPLE ® will not be used in calculating their law school grade point average.
- Negotiable Instruments - This course is used to assess the capacity of applicants for the successful study of law through the study of the basic principles and arguments concerning Negotiable Instrument law using the problem method to study statutory law. Applicants will not receive academic credit for successful completion of AAMPLE ®, and grades earned during AAMPLE ® will not be used in calculating their law school grade point average.
- Are the Nova Southeastern University Law Center and the University fully accredited?
Yes.
The Shepard Broad Law Center is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Nova Southeastern University is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
- How long is the program?
AAMPLE ® online begins with a mandatory online orientation during May 6-10, 2013. Classes begin on May 13, 2013 and run through June 14, 2013. Final exams are given the week of June 17th, 2013 on the NSU Campus. For more information please refer to Online AAMPLE ®.
On Campus begins with a mandatory on campus orientation on May 10, 2013. Check in will begin at 8:30 AM. Classes begin on May 13, 2013 and run through June 14, 2013. Final exams are also given the week of June 17th on the NSU Campus. For more information please refer to On Campus AAMPLE ®.
Further information regarding the final exam dates and times will be given during the course of the program.
- Where will I take classes?
If given the option students may take classes either online or on-campus. AAMPLE ® online will use email, chat rooms, streaming audio and video, and bulletin boards to communicate with other students and faculty. On-campus students must meet the regular attendance standards and participate in classes conducted at the Law Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Admission into both programs are by invitation only , and the invitations are not interchangeable.
- What G.P.A. is needed to gain admission to Nova Southeastern University Law?
AAMPLE ® students must earn a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.50 or higher and receive two grades of a C or better at the end of the program to gain admission into the next entering class at The Shepard Broad Law Center. Students must also meet all admission requirements for the Nova Southeastern University Law Center (such as submitting transcripts, seat deposits, and other required documentation by the deadline).
- Will other accredited law schools accept the grades I earn in the Nova Southeastern University Law AAMPLE ® program?
No. Based on the ABA rule, other schools will not be able to use the grades from AAMPLE ®. However it is up to the school to decide if they will use the results as part of their admissions decision.
- How much time do I dedicate to studying?
In the past, successful students have told us they spend and average of 60 - 80 hours a week studying the materials in the AAMPLE ® Program.
- What are the minimum technical requirements for the online option?
Laptop computers are required prior to the commencement of the school year. Additional information from our Library & Technology Center regarding laptop purchase and specifications is forthcoming. We strongly suggest that you review this information prior to making a final decision or purchase. Please be advised that personal training in Windows and Microsoft Office prior to the start of law school classes would be extremely helpful and beneficial. Many community colleges and adult education programs offer these classes at convenient times for reasonable fees.
- What type of technical support is offered to students?
- How will I take my finals?
All AAMPLE ® Final exams will be given at the main campus of NSU in Davie Florida on the days and times provided. Students are required to test on the days assigned. Exams are given during the week during the day. Exams cannot be reviewed more than 120 days after the final exams are taken. All records of Final Exams are kept in the AAMPLE ® office for 2 calendar years.
- Who grades the quizzes and the final exams?
Full time Law School Professors.
- How much do I need to know about computers in order to take online courses?
You must first have a computer system that meets the technical requirements of the program. Students must also complete and submit the computer literacy form. Students must be able to access the Internet, send emails with attachments, know the difference between upload and download, and understand how to view a CD. The classes being taught are law courses the students will not be taught how to use the computer.
- How often do I have to log on to class?
Each course will meet 4 hours live each week, attendance is mandatory. Other than the live chats, there is no required amount of time students must access the courses online, however it is recommended that students access each course at least once a day in order to keep up with the postings and the emails. The time and flexibility of the online program is that class is always open. Students may access their classes at any time. Students are required to attend the mandatory live chats in each class each week..
- How do I know if the online or the on-campus format is right for me?
Online classes are taught through Blackboard via the Internet. All coursework including lectures, assignments, and correspondence is completed through Blackboard. In order to be an online student you must meet the computer requirements. Students will be using bulletin boards, email and chat rooms. The on-campus classes are taught in the traditional classroom setting at the Nova Southeastern University Law Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Classes will be held Monday through Friday. Each class will meet 2 hours a day, approximately 4 days a week. The classes will be scheduled during the day, between the hours of 8:00-6:00 PM. The decision is different and personal for each applicant.
- Can I take one class in the Online format and one class On-Campus?
No, students must choose to complete the AAMPLE ® program in either the online environment or the on-campus setting.
- Will I receive a copy of my final exams with comments?
Due to security issues, a copy of students final exams with comments will NOT be made available. Please be assured that all exams are graded by exam number only and much time is spent to ensure that the grade issued is fair and accurate. You will have the opportunity to review your score sheet and grade. Should you have further questions, you may choose too schedule an appointment with the grading professors to discuss your final exam. There is no grade appeal process at the law center. All grades are FINAL..
- Will I receive any credits from the AAMPLE ® Program?
You will not receive any credit hours for participation in the AAMPLE ® Program. Both classes are offered at zero credits. No credits will transfer into the Law Center for successful students. The ABA does not allow the Law Center to count the grades earned in AAMPLE ® courses in a student's GPA or count AAMPLE ® towards a student's 90 credits required for graduation.
- Will I receive feedback on my Final Exams?
Comments will not be given on Final Exams. Students can make appointments with the professors that graded the exams to review the exams. No grade appeal process exists at the Law Center and all grades are final.
All AAMPLE ® Final exams will remain in our records for a period of 2 years.
