BVU Student to Earn Juris Doctor Degree as Part of 3+3 Accelerated Entry to Law School Program

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Taylor Loy

STORM LAKE, IA (07/17/2018) (readMedia)-- Approximately three years after learning she was the first Buena Vista University (BVU) student to be accepted into BVU's 3+3 accelerated entry to law school program, Taylor Loy is set to begin her studies at Creighton University School of Law (CUSL) in Omaha, Neb. in the fall.

Established in 2014, the unique program allows students to complete three years at BVU as a pre-law student and three years at either CUSL or the University of Iowa College of Law. Students participating in the 3+3 program complete all general education and academic major requirements by the end of their third year of undergraduate study at BVU.

While students may still choose to complete a bachelor's degree at BVU in four years before applying to and attending law school, the accelerated program gives them the chance to obtain a law degree in a shorter amount of time, resulting in one less year of educational costs and the ability to practice law earlier.

"It was a little intimidating at first, knowing that I was the first student at BVU to take part in the program," said Loy, who is double majoring in political science (legal studies track) and Spanish. "I also felt very proud and excited to be accepted into the program knowing I would have the great opportunity to pursue my interests in less time."

After acceptance and successful completion of one year of full-time study at law school, a bachelor's degree from BVU is awarded. Upon completion of the remainder of the law school program, students earn their juris doctor degree.

"When we built the program, Taylor was exactly the kind of student we hoped would apply," said Lisa Kesting Best, interim dean of the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business at BV. "During her time at BVU, Taylor has demonstrated exceptional aptitude and academic performance, effective leadership both inside and outside the classroom, a strong dedication to the public good, and has built an excellent portfolio of professional skills. I am confident that Taylor will be a successful law student and an asset to this honorable profession."

To date, BVU is one of the only institutions in the country with a dedicated legal studies track and accelerated partnership with multiple law schools. The program, as well as the encouragement of Kesting Best, cemented Loy's decision to attend BVU.

"What made me decide that the 3+3 program was the path for me was when I visited campus and talked with Lisa," said Loy, who is from Indianola. "She had a fully developed plan for the program and it gave me full confidence that I would be in good hands and fully prepared to enter law school after three years."

Loy, who plans to pursue family law, added, "I'm excited to be able to focus in on my interests and learn even more in depth about law and the legal process, but what I'm going to miss most about BVU are the people that I've met and connected with, as well as all of the memories I've made during the last three years."

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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