"You can't replace or redo the next four or five years, and I think they're better spent getting an education at Dordt than nearly anywhere else you might be considering."
Jay Kroese
Senior attorney with Cargill, Inc.,
Minneapolis, MN
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Pre-Law
The American Bar Association (ABA) recommends that students considering pursuit of a law degree “seek courses and other experiences that will engage them in critical thinking about important issues, that will engender in them tolerance for uncertainty, and that will give them experience in structuring and evaluating arguments for and against propositions that are susceptible to reasoned debate.” As a Christian liberal arts college, we think this is what Dordt College does best. The goal of our institution is to offer broad preparation for all of life, preparing our pre-law students not only for a courtroom, but also for their roles as citizens, family members and human beings. A Dordt education provides deeper perspectives on issues, emphasizing thinking, speaking and writing about a range of issues, thereby preparing lawyers for this profession. What To Study Law schools look for students with skills in writing, analysis, and logical argument, which can be obtained with any number of majors. Common majors for future lawyers might be business administration, history, political studies, and English. Dordt College also offers an “Individual Studies” major, which allows students to custom-blend an interdisciplinary major. A faculty advisor assists in developing this course program that meets general educations requirements while giving you the diversity in subject matter that you desire. Dordt’s general education courses and reformational perspective in preprofessional study gives students this framework and a solid knowledge base. Taking courses across a broad spectrum, all taught in the light of God’s Word, helps our students open their eyes and hearts to the needs and concerns of others — and in serving them, also serving God. Getting into Law School
The depth of Dordt’s pre-law program has meant an excellent placement record for Dordt College graduates. Exceptional LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) scores have translated into acceptance letters from top tier law schools including Harvard, Notre Dame, the University of Iowa, Columbia University, Chicago, Duke, Georgetown, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida State – all of which are considered to be among the top 25 law schools in the country. Not only have they been accepted, but in many cases Dordt College grads have performed in the top 10 percent of the law school graduating class. An example is Nathaniel Zylstra, a ’98 grad who went on to graduate from the school of his choice, Yale Law School. Zylstra says, “You can learn all the facts and information about various topics just about anywhere, but there are few places you can go to that challenge you to learn more important things: faith and values. Without the kind of Christian faith and worldview you will be challenged to develop at Dordt, all the knowledge and information in the world will be meaningless.” Hands-on Experience
Many of Dordt’s academic offerings give you the opportunity to take your classroom knowledge and try it out in a hands-on situation. Some Dordt College pre-law students have even had the opportunity to intern with local law firms or at the district attorney’s office. These internships allow students to work beside professionals in the workplace, learn what it’s like to have a job in that career area and test out classroom principles in real-life situations. You may also receive academic credit for your experience. Lessons for a Lifetime
Jay Kroese graduated from Dordt in 1991 with a degree in accounting and business administration. The Hull, Iowa, native was accepted at several good law schools, and opted to attend the University of Iowa Law School, where he graduated with highest distinction, number three in his class. Kroese was hired by Cargill, Inc., after graduating and is now a senior attorney with this international marketer, processor and distributor of agricultural, financial and industrial products. He provides legal council to the company with 97,000 employees. Visit Us The best way to judge Dordt College’s pre-law program is to tour the campus, attend a class and talk to the professors and students. We invite you to visit us and encourage you to contact Chris Rehn at rehn@dordt.edu or the Office of Admissions at admissions@dordt.edu if you have any questions. “I was well prepared for law school and the challenges I’ve encountered in the workplace,” says Kroese in retrospect. “I think you will receive an education at Dordt College that will prepare you well for law school. More importantly, you will receive instruction from a reformed, Biblical worldview, and that’s education the way God intended it to be.” Gail Jansen agrees. “Dordt College will give you tools with which to craft a life of service to Christ,” says Jansen, a grad who is a private practice attorney in Arizona. “It will enable you to engage our culture as a Christian instead of encouraging you to flee our culture or assimilate into our culture. You can build life-long friendships with other students who will help you to grow in your faith walk with Jesus. Dordt is committed to educating ‘the entire you’ from a Biblical viewpoint.” Speaking from experience, Jansen encourages young adults from urban areas to consider a more rural, small-town college experience on a young, dynamic campus to provide a strong base for future growth. |
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