Law School Welcomes New Class, Receives Record Applications

August 19, 2005

On August 18, 2005, the Law School welcomed a new entering class of more than 250 students at its opening convocation ceremony and gavel ceremony. The gavel ceremony reinforces the Law School’s ideals of professionalism and ethics in entering students by presenting each of them with a gavel from a university dignitary. The Hon. Algenon L. Marbley, Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, was the featured speaker and joined the faculty and administration to welcome the new students.

“This year’s class was selected from the largest applicant pool in the school’s history,” says Linda Mihely, assistant dean of admission and financial aid. “A record 1,627 applications were received — a 15 percent increase over the previous year.”

According to Law School Admission Council, Capital is one of only 37 law schools in the country that experienced an increase of more than 10 percent in its applications, with most schools experiencing a shrinking applicant pool.

“I am impressed by the quality and diversity of our students,” says Dean Jack A. Guttenberg. “This year’s class is academically stronger and more diverse – geographically and ethnically.”

A smaller percentage of applications were accepted this year, 38 percent compared to 44 percent in 2004. The new class represents 18 states, is 13 percent ethnic minority and includes more scholarship recipients than in recent years.

Assistant Dean Mihely attributes the success Capital experienced this year to a number of factors, including engaging more alumni in the admission process, recruiting more heavily through the use of targeted e-mail blasts, and Capital’s strong programs and location. “Capital’s faculty are excellent teachers; our joint degrees and concentration programs afford students excellent opportunities that give them a competitive edge as they enter their careers. Capital’s strengths, combined with our location in an exciting and growing city surrounded by a strong governmental, judicial and legal community make Capital a great choice for students.”