Texas A&M International University recently instituted an early decision plan for students interested in pursuing a degree in law through a partnership with Texas Tech University.
Texas Tech University School of Law has announced the establishment of two Presidential Merit Scholarships, create a "3+3" early admission scholarship, and implement an early decision plan for A&M International students.
The scholarships and early admission plan were created because of the success of A&M International as an institution and of its graduates, said W. Frank Newton, academic dean of Texas Tech School of Law.
"Texas A&M International University has been the major academic success story of the past decade in Texas," said Newton. "It seems clear that its graduates will succeed as they complete their studies and it seems equally clear that there will be more and more graduates in future years. Texas Tech School of Law is anxious to establish a partnership with A&M International."
The new partnership will be a boon to area students interested in pursuing a law career, said Dr. Ray Keck, president of A&M International. "This partnership will now make it possible for Laredo students to benefit from innovative programs that can lead them to a career in law. Successful entry and completion of law school is a mighty challenge, but we know that our students will rise to that challenge by making the most of these new opportunities," he said.
The new Tech initiative is a natural extension of the university's honors program, the D. D. Hachar Honors Program, and the Presidential Scholars Program, noted Keck.
"Thanks to donor support, we've provided these programs for high-ability students, many of whom have resolved to study law," he said. "The Tech program will be a natural next step."
A&M International will select the students for the Presidential Merit Scholarship, ensuring they meet Texas Tech's criteria, said Keck. The first scholarship student must score 158 or better on the LSAT and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better. This scholarship will be renewable so long as the recipient remains in the top third of the class in law school. The second scholarship student must score 151 or better on the LSAT, have an undergraduate GPA of 3.1 or better and better represent the diverse populations of Texas.
The 3+3 Scholarship will allow two A&M International students each year to enter Texas Tech School of Law at the end of their third year of undergraduate education. To be eligible, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5, be a resident of Texas or counties in New Mexico and Oklahoma contiguous to Texas, and have an SAT of at least 1300 or an ACT of at least 31.
Each of the four new scholarships exceeds $9,500 and includes tuition, fees, and a $300 book allowance. The combined total value is over $38,000.
Under the early decision plan, exceptional applicants from A&M International to Texas Tech School of Law would receive notification of their acceptance during their junior year. Students would enroll in the law school after receiving their baccalaureate degree. Students must have a minimum GPA of at least 3.5, an LSAT score in the top 25 percent nationwide, and be a resident of Texas or counties in New Mexico and Oklahoma contiguous to Texas.
Elizabeth Martinez could be considered the pioneer for the new agreements with Texas Tech School of Law. After graduating from A&M International in 1997 with a bachelor's in English, Martinez enrolled in Texas Tech School of Law and received her doctor of jurisprudence in 2000.
She has been working as an assistant Webb County attorney for about seven months and says that the combination of A&M International and Texas Tech prepared her well for her current position.
"The learning environment at A&M International allows any student the opportunity to excel academically, thus affording a student with the chance to pursue their dream," she said. "At Texas Tech School of Law, electives provide students with the opportunity to choose courses in certain fields of law that are of particular interest to the student--fields of law that a student may wish to practice one day."
Upon hearing of the new agreements with Texas Tech, Martinez said that she thought it sounded like a terrific match.
"From my understanding, these programs will greatly benefit students interested in pursuing the study of law," she said. "The assistance being offered will ease the financial burden often associated with going to law school. Texas Tech School of Law is a superb law school where professors actually care for their students. Much like my experiences at A&M International, I was able to build strong and lasting relationships with other students, professors, and administration. Texas Tech School of Law, much like the city of Lubbock, is a friendly, close-knit community. A&M International students who plan to continue their studies at Texas Tech School of Law will leave Texas Tech with a unique and valuable education."

For more information about the new pre-law scholarships or the early decision program, please contact Dr. Nasser Momayezi by phone at (956) 326-2616, visit offices in the Killam Library, room 432A, or email nmomayezi@tamiu.edu.