REAL Scholars Program

The REAL Scholars program takes a holistic approach to a student’s law school experience. The program is designed to orient students to the study of law and help incoming 1Ls feel prepared, confident, and welcomed in the Fordham Law community. Through mentorship, in-depth instruction, and community building, the REAL Scholars program provides incoming J.D. students with the academic and social skills necessary to succeed in law school and the legal profession. It is important to note the REAL Scholars program is a supplement, and not a substitute, to attending Fordham Law School’s general 1L Fall Orientation. Students are still required to attend 1L Fall Orientation.

The REAL Scholars program is a year-long commitment beginning with the week-long REAL pre-orientation (prior to 1L Fall Orientation for the entire Fordham Law incoming class) and culminates at the end of the 1L year. If selected, students are required to participate in all aspects of the REAL pre-orientation week agenda as well as programming during the academic year, including study group sessions, peer mentor meetings, events, workshops, etc.

REAL provides support to incoming first year J.D. students who have encountered barriers on their path towards law school which may include members of a community that has been historically underrepresented or under-recognized in the legal profession.

The REAL pre-orientation week provides incoming J.D. students with an opportunity to participate in simulated classes, enhance leadership and professional skills, and meet faculty, senior staff, and upper-class students. During the week of pre-orientation, students will read and brief legal cases, building community with fellow students, and obtain the necessary skills for professional and academic success in law school and the legal profession.

The REAL Pre-Orientation begins August 4, 2025 and ends on August 8, 2025 comprising five days of programming from morning to late afternoon or early evening.

No. The REAL Pre-Orientation is a mandatory component of the REAL Scholars Program and Scholars must attend and fully participate in all scheduled sessions during the week of Pre-Orientation which begins each day around 9:00 AM and ending around 5:00 PM with a few events in the evening which Scholars will also be required to attend.

Yes. Scholars are required to attend and participate in any program, event, workshop, study session, or the like which are designated as “Mandatory Attendance”, which includes, but not limited to, REAL TA study sessions, Office of Student Affairs study sessions, REAL Peer Mentor meetings as well as meetings with other mentors and advisors, law firm receptions, and workshops or seminars.

The REAL Scholars program will continue to offer students support throughout the school year. There will be various academic and social offerings to build upon the skills that were introduced during pre-orientation week. Additionally, students will have access to peer mentors and teaching fellows who will be available to assist them throughout the academic year.

No. The number of students accepted to the REAL Scholars program will depend on the capacity of the program administrators which will vary from year to year. Students who are not selected to participate (or choose not to apply) can expect to engage in robust programming and resources to orient them to the law school experience such as wellness, community building, and more beginning at Fall Orientation and continuing throughout the school year. Students will also be able to fully participate in the Academic Success Program, which provides students with tutoring opportunities in the Fall and Spring semesters.

Yes. REAL Scholars are assigned a REAL Peer Mentor and a REAL Teaching Fellow. The REAL Peer Mentor will assist the student with their transition to law school, provide you with resources and answer any questions you have as you acclimate to the law school environment. The REAL Teaching Fellows teach REAL Scholars the necessary tools for academic success such as study skills, class preparation, and exam writing. REAL Scholars will also have various touchpoints with staff, faculty, and alumni.

Applications for the REAL Scholars Program will open on April 2025.

The program is free for all participants, including selected meals and activities throughout the week of pre-orientation. Additionally, we will provide each participant a small stipend to cover meals and other incidentals not provided during pre-orientation week. Room and board are not covered. Candidates must plan for their own living arrangements.

We expect Scholars to plan their living arrangements in order to be in New York City prior to the start of Pre-Orientation so that they will be present on the first day of Pre-Orientation.

We continue to monitor the CDC guidelines around COVID-19. At this time, we do not anticipate that there will be any cause for the program not to take place. At most, we would take steps to offer some or all of the week in an online or hybrid format.

Yes. All students participating in the REAL Scholars program will be required to be fully vaccinated prior to the start of the program. If you are admitted into the program and are unable to be fully vaccinated by the start of the program, please contact us at [email protected] and we can make arrangements for you to be vaccinated on campus. 

If you have questions regarding the REAL Scholars program, contact us at [email protected].