Frequently Asked Questions
Application Questions
When are applications open?
Applications open every year during the fall semester. If you are interested in applying, please contact [email protected] or (212) 237-8710. A list of cyber informational sessions will be posted on our website. You should register and participate in one of these sessions to find out more information.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated.
How do I apply?
To apply, please complete our application here and sign up to attend a cyber informational session.
When are applications due?
The priority deadline is Dec 1 and the final deadline is Jan 31. Applications are due late November in the year prior to the Summer you wish to participate. For example, for Summer 2024, applications are due November 2023. Exact dates will be posted on the website at the beginning of every fall semester.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay updated.
How will I know you have received my application?
After submitting your application, you will receive an automated email response confirming receipt.
What type of writing sample should I submit?
Your writing sample should be no less than 5 pages and no more than 10 pages in length. Please submit an academic paper with a grade of B+ or better, preferably a cited paper you authored recently for a college course. It should not have any visible revisions, grading edits, or corrections. Make sure it has been proofread by the Writing Center prior to submission.
What should my Personal Statement include?
Your personal statement should be two (2) pages, double spaced. It should be transparent and can be as personal as you wish. Make sure to please answer and explain why:
- You are interested in attending law school.
- You want to participate in the JJC Rising Scholars of Justice Pipeline Program with our partner law schools.
- You think our program will assist you in achieving your law school career goals.
What should my Diversity Statement include?
Your diversity statement should be two (2) pages, double spaced. Please include and explain:
- Any cultural, economic, physical or educational disadvantage(s) you (or your immediate family) have experienced.
- How YOU are or have overcome the obstacles you are sharing?
- How will your experience in overcoming obstacles will help you bring a diverse perspective to our program?
Eligibility Questions
What are the requirements to apply?
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0 by June 1, 2024
- Must be enrolled at John Jay College.
- Low-income first-generation college student and/or a student representative of a group underrepresented in law school and the legal profession.
Can I apply if I am a non-CUNY student?
Yes. If you are a non-CUNY student, please apply directly to our host law school programs.
You can find our host law school programs here.
You can find our host law school programs here.
Can I apply if I graduated from John Jay already?
Yes. If you have graduated college, you can apply directly to our host law school programs.
You can find our host law school programs here.
You can find our host law school programs here.
Can I apply if I am undocumented/DACAmented?
Yes, undocumented/DACAmented students are encouraged to apply to our program. If you would like to speak with an undocumented/DACAmented Fellow to understand the experience, please reach out to us for more information.
Recommendation Letter
How many recommendation letters should I have?
We require two recommendation letters, and both must be from faculty members. We prefer letters from John Jay College of Criminal Justice professors who have graded your performance in a course you took for credit.
*If you are a transfer student, please schedule a call with one of our team members to discuss this requirement. *
*If you are a transfer student, please schedule a call with one of our team members to discuss this requirement. *
How do I submit my recommendation letters?
DUE TO COVID19, please DO NOT MAIL LETTERS to us.
Recommendation letters should be EMAILED by your professors, NOT BY STUDENTS, to [email protected] to:
Dr. Jodie Roure
Rising Scholars of Justice Diversity Pipeline Program
Department of Latin American & Latinx Studies
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
524 W. 59th Street, 8.62.02 NB, New York, NY 10019
Recommendation letters should be EMAILED by your professors, NOT BY STUDENTS, to [email protected] to:
Dr. Jodie Roure
Rising Scholars of Justice Diversity Pipeline Program
Department of Latin American & Latinx Studies
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
524 W. 59th Street, 8.62.02 NB, New York, NY 10019
Is there a deadline to submit my recommendation letters?
The letter of recommendations deadline is the same as the application deadline, which is determined at the start of every fall semester. Please make sure your recommenders also complete, sign, and submit the Recommendation Form with their letter of recommendation which must be on letterhead.
Selection Process
Is there an interview process?
Yes. The first round of interviews is held every Spring with our Director, Dr. Jodie Roure and the Admission Committee which includes an alumnus of the Program. If you are selected for the second round of interviews, you will be interviewed by our partner law school who will host the summer portion of our diversity pipeline program.
When will I know if I was admitted to the host summer program?
The law school host summer program will contact you as soon as a decision is made, typically in early April until late May. You should not contact the host law school until after you are notified. If you do not hear from the host law school, it is because they are in the process of making decisions. We ask your patience as this is a rigorous process which takes time.
Thank you for your interest.
Thank you for your interest.