High School Pre-Law Academy

Outreach

Summer 2025 Pre-Law Academy
June 15-21, 2025

SFA’s high school pre-law program
Información en español

Are you a high school student interested in a law career? Established in 2014, SFA’s Pre-Law Academy is a unique opportunity for rising juniors and seniors and students currently completing their senior year. 

Our program is a fun, intense week of interaction with our state’s top judges and attorneys as well as SFA professors. You’ll get to participate in an exciting mock trial competition with guidance from experienced local attorneys. 

Whether you’re discussing contemporary issues in U.S. law, competing in our mock trial tournament, or working a simulated crime scene, you’ll get to discover if a career in law might be right for you. Prepare to leave SFA with great experiences, memories, new friends and inspiration for your future.

Get a preview of your law career

During your pre-law academy week, you’ll attend lectures and panel discussions on a wide range of topics, from how to prepare for law school to an in-depth look at trials and the criminal justice system. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences, including:

  • Crime scene investigation simulation
  • Discussions of court cases and controversies
  • Mock negotiations
  • Mock trial competition

Stay on campus

During your week on campus, you’ll get the real college experience: You’ll live in an SFA residence hall and eat in the university dining hall. Counselors will be available throughout your stay for guidance and help.

How to apply and register

2025 Pre-Law Academy
June 15-21, 2025
Registration opens January 8, 2025!

All applicants to the Pre-Law Academy must be high school students in their sophomore, junior or senior year. Students interested in applying for admission to the Pre-Law Academy must submit the following:

  1. One letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor

  2. A 250-word essay that explains why you want to attend SFA’s Pre-Law Academy


    Please email essay and recommendation letter to mdp@sfasu.edu.

    NOTE: Returning applicants only need to submit registration form, application fee and tuition.
     

  3. A completed registration form and a non-refundable application fee of $25:

Once accepted, you will receive an email notification along with the following forms that must be filled out and returned.

  • Health & Wellness
  • Medical/Liability Waiver
  • Photo Consent
  • Code of Conduct

Cost

Total cost for the Pre-Law Academy is $850 (not including $25 registration fee), which covers all program costs, including programming, meals and housing. Tuition can be paid in full or in three installments. Students who plan to drive and park on campus will need to purchase a parking pass for an additional $21. 

Payment

Submit credit card payments or mail checks by the following due dates:

  • Option to pay in full (1st, 2nd Tuition & Meal Plan) $800 due on April 1, 2025.
  • First tuition installment of $300 is due on April 1, 2025 to reserve a seat.
  • Second tuition installment of $300 is due on May 1, 2025 to confirm your participation.
  • Third installment - Meal Plan of $250 is due on June 1, 2025.
  • Students driving and parking their car on campus will need to purchase a parking pass. The cost for the pass is $21 and is due June 1, 2025. Payment can be made online or by check.

Late-Tuition Fee Policy: After June 1, 2025, a late fee of $100 will be added to the total cost of the program.

Cancellation Policy: Tuition is refundable until May 1, 2025. No refunds will be made after this date.

Payment Options:

If paying by credit card, visit our online marketplace. Credit card payments are only accepted online.

If paying by check, please make it out to Stephen F. Austin State University and mail it to:

Division of Multidisciplinary Programs
Pre-Law Academy
P.O. Box 6082, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962-6082

The College of Liberal and Applied Arts Scholarship

SFA’s Pre-Law Academy offers the College of Liberal and Applied Arts Scholarship for qualified students. The application deadline is March 15, 2025.

This scholarship is for students who have a family income of less than $50,000 per year. Priority will be given to students who demonstrate strong academic credentials and a commitment to their communities.

Download the College of Liberal and Applied Arts Scholarship application.