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Villanova takes a fairly traditional approach to introductory course work, and students say, 鈥淭here is still a heavy reliance on the Socratic Method and many classes use a lecture format (especially in the first year).鈥 In the next two years, students continue studying the basic principals of law, while adding elective courses to their schedule. Experiential learning is emphasized throughout the curriculum, and students dole out praise for the school鈥檚 strong legal writing and research courses, simulation programs, clinics, and externships. The school has a 鈥渃lear emphasis鈥 on 鈥渟olidifying students鈥 legal writing skills.鈥 In addition, students take on real legal work thanks to the school鈥檚 鈥渟trong commitment to community service and pro bono work.鈥
For a Catholic institution, it should come as no surprise that a 鈥淐atholic identity鈥 reigns supreme. However, some students wish opportunities for service were not restricted by the administration鈥檚 commitment to Catholic values. (鈥淣o 鈥榬egular hours鈥 in the forty-hour work week can be spent helping efforts to litigate for women鈥檚 reproductive freedom, and the participating organization must be aware of the policy.鈥) Ultimately, many wonder 鈥渉ow the administration will balance the school鈥檚 Catholic mission with its mission as a legal institution.鈥
Villanova鈥檚 eagerly anticipated, state-of-the-art law school facility opened in August 2009 on a site adjacent to the university鈥檚 suburban Philadelphia campus. Law students no longer have cause to bemoan the 鈥渟evere lack of classrooms, computers, parking spots, hallways, lockers, and space in general鈥 that they complained about in years prior as the new facility offers twice as much space as the old building and a new 500-car parking garage, to boot. While they may complain that the campus has a 鈥渉igh school atmosphere,鈥 students also say they leave Villanova well-prepared for their professional career in the adult world. Students insist that 鈥渙pportunities for practical experience are abundant,鈥 and the 鈥淐areer Services Department works really hard to help students find jobs in the private and public sectors.鈥 They note that the school has 鈥渟trong professional contacts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware鈥 and that 鈥渕ajor firms routinely interview on campus and hire many Villanova graduates.鈥
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Still, many students choose to maintain a life outside of school, living off-campus with their friends or spouses. Getting to campus is easy since 鈥渢he train runs literally out the front door of the law school.鈥 One student advises, 鈥渢here is a bar that students usually hang out at which can be fun, but sometimes after seeing these people all day and every day, it鈥檚 good to do something away from the law school crowd.鈥 Luckily, that is easy to accomplish at Villanova thanks to the school鈥檚 鈥渁mazing鈥 location. One student enthuses, 鈥淚t is twenty-five minutes from Philadelphia, as well as a short drive to New York City, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, the beaches, and skiing!鈥
Most students say that they get along with their classmates, though some say the student body is pretty 鈥渉omogenous鈥 and 鈥渘ot exactly diverse.鈥 However, 鈥淰illanova has openly stated that they feel that diversity is a compelling interest at the institution鈥 and many believe that 鈥渋n time, Villanova will be one of the more diverse legal institutions.鈥
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Interim Assistant Dean of Admissions
Villanova, PA 19085