CONCORD LAW SCHOOL RANKING

Introduction

Are you looking for a full-time online law program? While the legal education landscape changes and many schools introduce programs online to meet the needs of students who need the flexibility of online learning, one institution making headlines in this regard is Concord Law School.

What sets Concord apart from traditional law schools is its fully online program, which provides students with the ability to pursue their legal studies from any location and at times that suit their schedules. This flexibility is important for those with professional obligations on top of their academic ones.

This article will cover Concord Law School rankings, and the admissions process, including the key statistics and requirements prospective law school students should be aware of. We will also explore the unique benefits and challenges associated with this mode of learning, providing readers with a clear understanding of what they can expect from an online legal education.

Overview of Concord Law School

Is Concord Law School legitimate? Since its founding in 1998, Concord Law School is the first fully online law school in America. It was created to provide students who are working, serving their families and communities, or are located remotely, the opportunity to receive an affordable legal education. Concord provides several programs with state and national accreditations, such as Juris Doctor (JD) and Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) degrees, both of which are registered with the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California for graduates to take the California Bar Exam.

Is Concord Law School Part of Purdue?

Purdue University acquired Kaplan University, and Concord Law School became part of Purdue University Global in 2017. This strategic move aimed to extend Purdue’s educational reach to non-traditional students and align with its reputation for academic excellence. The acquisition gave Concord access to Purdue’s broad resources, technological back-end, and faculty knowledge, greatly increasing its stature and capacity. The result of this integration is that Concord remains committed to evolving its online learning to be the best and most desirable legal career path for students who value flexible and comprehensive legal education.

Is Concord Law School ABA Approved?

Many students have asked is Concord Law School legit since it’s purely online. Although Concord Law School does not have ABA accreditation, it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The decision reflects the association’s rule requiring to have a physical campus, a requirement Concord does not meet as an online law school. However, Concord holds accreditation by the State Bar of California, enabling its students to sit for the California Bar Exam.

Concord Law School Ranking and Admissions Statistics

There is no Concord Law School Ranking because it is an online law school that is not accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). The school does not have a physical campus or a traditional classroom setting. Since Concord is not ABA accredited, it is not included in the ranking systems used by major publications like U.S. News and World Report and others that rank law schools. 

If you’re still exploring how to get into Concord Law School, these statistics are invaluable. The following information will help you determine if this law school is the right choice for you and assess your competitiveness for admission:

2023 Concord Law School Acceptance Rate

The Concord Law School acceptance rate was 97.47%. Out of the 592 applications they received, 577 students were admitted. This high acceptance rate demonstrates the school’s commitment to providing access to a flexible and high-quality legal education to a wide range of students.

Concord Law School GPA

1. 75th Percentile GPA: 3.51
2. 50th Percentile GPA: 3.10
3. 25th Percentile GPA: 2.70

A high GPA indicates to admissions committees that you can handle intense academic demands and can manage your time better. You should aim for a median GPA of 3.10 or higher to optimize your acceptance odds.

Concord School of Law Bar Pass Rate

The bar pass rate is a major factor to consider when choosing a law school. At Concord, 35% of graduates nail the bar exam on their first try, and 57% is the ultimate pass rate. Now, we know these numbers might not seem mind-blowing, but they speak volumes about the grit and determination of Concord students. Plus, the school has your back with Concord online law school review support and resources to help you crush that bar exam.

Concord Law School Employment Outcomes

The main purpose of going to law school is to get a good job, and it shows that Concord Law grads do well at this. In 2021, 67% of those graduates of 2020 held full-time, long-term positions for which a JD degree was required, and 33% held positions in which a JD degree was an advantage. These statistics validate the versatility and worth of a Concord Law School degree, setting grads up for competitive success in traditional legal jobs and in the non-traditional legal workforce.

What to Expect in a Concord Law School Online Program

Concord Law School presents an online learning experience that allows you to pursue your law degree online from anywhere. You will attend virtual classes, participate in group discussions, communicate with your professors and other students, complete assignments, and take quizzes and exams through an online platform. 

When you do need to research papers, Concord provides you access to all of the legal resources you need online. Even more impressively, you receive the same rigorous legal education as you would at a traditional law school.

Here are the law programs offered by Concord Law School online:

Juris Doctor (JD) Program

The JD program (4 years) is ideal for those lawyers who are interested in a California State Bar Exam and entering the practice of law in California. Accredited by the State Bar of California, Concord guarantees that you will be well prepared for the exam and for your legal career.

Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) Program

The EJD program is a great choice for business people who want a solid paralegal background but are not interested in being a licensed attorney. It is 3 years, as opposed to the 4-year JD program, and also less expensive since you’re in need of not to study for the bar. The course is great for anyone working professionally and looking to acquire more legal education without navigating all the complexities of getting an attorney license.

Concord Law School Program Costs

A significant scholarship may be available to you if you are a first-year student enrolling at Concord Law School, further reducing the costs associated with a legal education. For JD students, this will save $2,500-$10,000 per year; EJD students will receive an annual tuition reduction of $7,500. And – since Concord Law School is now participating in the Federal Student Aid program, you may be entitled to financial aid for your legal education.

Concord Law School Admissions Process

You must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 before applying. 

Step 1: Apply Online

Firstly you will have to submit an Enrollment Agreement form as part of the admission process. Once sorted, a qualifying Admissions Advisor will contact you to help with the rest and an executed copy of your agreement. 

Step 2: Complete the Online Admissions Exam

Next, you’ll take the Purdue Global Law School Online Admissions Exam. You don’t need to worry since this exam evaluates your reading comprehension and logical analysis skills. You can take this exam from anywhere with a stable internet connection, and there’s no testing fee. And if you want to prepare, Concord offers a free prep course to help you ace it.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

Finally, submit your college or university transcripts along with your completed online application. LSAT scores are not a must unless you’ve been academically disqualified from a law school before. But, if you have LSAT scores, submit them (they might qualify you for partial scholarships). We offer a Live Online LSAT Prep Course if you need help preparing and mastering the new LSAT structure. Once you have completed the necessary steps a decision will be made by the Admissions Committee and you will hear from them shortly!

Tips to Strengthen Your Concord Law Application

With the Concord Law School admissions process in mind, there are actually a few other things you can do that may also strengthen your application and improve your chances of acceptance. Offering a more comprehensive application package not only shows your dedication to law school but also your future profession.

LSAT Score

Although not required, taking the Law School Admission Test and your result score can significantly boost your chances of admission to Concord Law School. The Concord Law School ranking and acceptance rate are not that competitive, so the admissions process may not be as rigorous as most top law programs. But as online law programs gain popularity, getting into Concord is getting harder, and you’ll need a strong application to apply. Here are our available LSAT prep courses, including our expert LSAT instructors to help with your specific questions:

• LSAT Prep Course

Join our LSAT prep course to unlock your full potential and excel on test day. Our course materials and resources stay current, and we have already incorporated changes to the LSAT beginning August 2024; the changes then will add another Logical Reasoning section, replacing an Analytical Reasoning section. 

• LSAT Tutoring

Get personalized LSAT tutoring to maximize your score and boost your chances of admission to your dream law school. If you prefer a more personalized approach, we have LSAT tutors who scored 170 or better who will provide you with highly individualized feedback on your graded test and build your own study plan. Follow their advice and you will be ready to take the LSAT and attain your score for entry into Concord Law School.

Personal Statement

Your law school personal statement gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your passion for the law. Strongly consider a narrative essay that tells your story – your strengths, your experiences, and perhaps your goals. Focus on your successful experiences and what YOU can bring to their program.

Letter of Recommendation

A great law school letter of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors can give valuable insights into your academic capacity, personality, and efforts to exceed the expectations of a law school. Select recommenders who are familiar with you and can voice out your strengths and accomplishments.

Resume

Your law school resume must include your academic history, work history, extracurricular activities, and any professional skills/awards. Craft a resume that accentuates these pursuits to show your interest in law to anyone who sorts through resumes.

Diversity Statement

A law school diversity statement is your chance to share your unique life experiences, background, and perspectives with the admissions committee. If you have overcome adversity, highlight these to provide more context about your unique experiences.

Addendum (Optional)

A law school addendum can help provide explanations and context if there are gaps or discrepancies in your academic record or application materials. As such, what is expected of you in your addendum, is that you are straight-up, and you get to the point about how you had to face your challenges and your learnings from that experience.

Let our experienced consultants guide you through the law school admissions process and secure your spot at the best institution for you. Our admissions consultants stand by to map out an admissions roadmap to help you tackle the full range of application requirements on time. From applications to essays to interviews, we’ll help you with every component to maximize your chances at Concord Law School. 

Final Thoughts

Is Concord Law School good or bad? Concord is definitely a good option. Although it’s not ABA accredited and has no Concord Law School ranking, which can limit some career options, Concord holds accreditation by the State Bar of California. This in turn allows graduates to take the California Bar Exam and open opportunities to practice law in California. Concord is the first law school to offer an entirely online law program, making legal education accessible and affordable. Its flexible approach is ideal for those needing to balance studies with other commitments, bringing a legal career within reach for many who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.

If you have any questions regarding LSAT prep or the admission process, schedule an LSAT Free Consultation. We also offer a 3-week LSAT Free Class to let you experience our LSAT strategies and learning style before fully committing. This trial period can help you decide if our approach fits your needs.

Always remember, Odyssey Test Prep is here for your law school and LSAT concerns!