Earn a B.A. and a Law Degree in Six Years

Hofstra University offers a unique program where students can earn a B.A. and a J.D in six years. The program is called the Legal Education Acceleration Program (LEAP). Two students working in the Admission office, Stephanie Kahn and Eric Maratta, shared their experience with LEAP, offering helpful advice to determine if LEAP is right for you.

How would you explain LEAP to a prospective student?

Eric: LEAP is a program offered by Hofstra to make the process of going to law school a little quicker for those interested in law school. Basically, LEAP students will spend on 3 years in undergrad, and go to their first year of law school at Hofstra instead of having a 4th year of undergrad. Simply put, it is 3 years of undergrad and 3 years of law school. You won't need as many credits as the typical student, but your distribution and major requirements must be completed, as well as maintaining a good GPA.

Stephanie: Exactly, it's 3 years of undergraduate work towards your Bachelors degree and then in what would be you senior year of college is your first year of law school.

What made you want to join LEAP?

Eric: The reason I chose to join LEAP is I would be able to apply for law school quicker than I would regularly.

Stephanie: I wanted to join LEAP because financially one less year of schooling, 3 years undergrad + 3 years law school was easier on my family financially rather then an extra year in undergrad. Also I thought it would be great to reach my dream of being a lawyer in one year earlier if I could.

What has been the best part of LEAP so far?

Eric: The fact I am able to complete my degree in less time and needing slightly less credits to do so.

Stephanie: Being able to get into my major very quickly into college and meeting fellow LEAP program students who have similar interests as myself.

Any advice for incoming students looking to join?

Eric: The only advice I would recommend to students looking to join LEAP is to be prepared to work hard to complete their degree early and maintain their GPA. Additionally, I highly recommend being certain of what they would like to major in.

Stephanie: The advice I would give is if you join just work hard but enjoy college and get involved in many extracurriculars because college and school after that is about how well rounded a person you are.

Thank you Stephanie and Eric. If you have any more questions about LEAP, leave us a comment or go to the LEAP FAQ page for information.