TENNESSEE INSTITUTE FOR PRE-LAW (TIP)

To help achieve diversity in the classroom, each summer the University of Memphis School of Law & the University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Law operate the Tennessee Institute for Pre-Law Program (TIP) for Tennessee residents who are not admitted through the regular admissions process, but who show potential for the study of law and bring diversity to the class. TIP seeks to matriculate students from diverse backgrounds and circumstances who are capable of participating successfully in law school curricular and co-curricular programs. Applicants who are admitted into TIP and successfully complete the summer program will be eligible for admission, beginning in the fall semester, to the law school where the applicant submitted an application for admission. Students interested in admission at both the University of Memphis School of Law and the University of Tennessee College of Law must complete the application process for both schools. 

University of Memphis School of Law:  Students interested in being considered for TIP and admission at the University of Memphis must complete and submit the University of Memphis School of Law Application for Admission, the TIP portion of the application, and the required supplemental TIP statement by March 1. The TIP portion of the application requests information on ethnic background or race: whether a student graduated from an historically black college or university; whether a student is a first-generation college graduate, foreign-born, or a first-generation U.S. citizen; whether a student has a physical disability; whether a student was raised in an economically disadvantaged inner-city environment; or, whether a student is or was economically disadvantaged.  The required TIP supplemental statement asks the student to describe the circumstances that qualify the student for participation in the program, the way in which the student might contribute to the law school’s diversity, and requests that the student attach corroborating information concerning an economic or educational disadvantage if such information is available.

University of Tennessee College of Law:  Students interested in being considered for TIP and admission at the University of Tennessee College of Law should contact the UT admissions office for the appropriate application process.

The TIP program is only available to applicants who are graduating college seniors or who will have met the requirements for a baccalaureate degree prior to the program’s commencement. Applicants who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree and are otherwise qualified to attend law school may also apply. The TIP program is a five-week program of classroom instruction that simulates the first-year law school curriculum. The program is held at the University of Memphis School of Law and begins in early June.

Application to TIP is optional and available only to Tennessee residents. Admission to TIP is competitive and only a limited number of seats are available. Notification of the TIP admission decision will be made during the early part of May. Please contact the Director of TIP, Dean Yolanda Ingram, at 901.678.2528 if you have additional questions.  

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information Booklet - Summer 2008