Advice and comments from Capital Law School students who participated in ASP as a summer scholar or during the year:
ASP was extremely helpful to me for a number of reasons. As en evening student, the demands on my time were significant, so I was very reluctant to spend an extra evening at school if I did not have to. However, I also thought I should give myself every advantage possible, so I figured I'd try attending ASP for a month. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my law school career so far. The weekly ASP class not only provided me with useful and immediately applicable information on how to succeed in law school, it also forced me to take an hour out of my week to slow down and prioritize. Having that mini-reset every week was tremendously helpful in keeping on top of all of my competing priorities. Additionally the information was invaluable. It was all skill based exercises and information that made me a better law student, not necessarily smarter or a better/faster reader. I learned how to process the information more efficiently and answer exam questions with more clarity and the specificity my professors required. I highly recommend the program to everyone and have often stated it should be required for all entering 1L’s.
-Laurin Wisnor – Rising Eve 3L, 2007 ASP Summer Scholar, 2009-2010 ASP Fellow
I came from a field of blue mud two feet deep and had no idea what I was getting into. ASP helped me adjust to law school, know what to expect, and was really the only way I survived my first year.
-Joshua Johnson, Rising Day 3L, 2009-2010 ASP Fellow
Law school might be frightening at times, but Professor Bodine is more than willing to help you through whatever problems you might have (no matter how big or small you might think it is). I have never had a Professor that is so easily reachable and dedicated to your success. ASP is totally worth your time. I suggest that any 1L, who might have questions on how to tackle the daily grind of law school, attend.
-Luke Almendinger, Rising Day 2L, 2008 ASP Summer Scholar
The summer ASP program at Capital provides an encouraging, hands-on experience before launching into the demands of the first year. With the no-risk environment, students feel comfortable experimenting with new study techniques, asking questions, and learning the basics of legal reasoning. The mock classes and exams provide a glimpse into what is expected of a law student. The support from professors and other administrators graciously welcome the student, and help alleviate anxiety associated with launching into the unknown world of law school. You also have the opportunity to meet other law students and establish lasting friendships. You come into law school with an invaluable edge.
The ASP program during the school provides great opportunities to learn study techniques, time management, and exam taking skills. The program also assists students by providing a welcoming environment to communicate anxiety or ask for help. Professor Bodine's dedication to his students is unparalleled, and individuals who participate in the program reap great benefits from his support and encouragement.
-Paige Kohn, Rising 3L, 2007 ASP Summer Scholar, 2008-09 ASP Fellow, Dean’s List, Law Review Executive Notes Editor
The atmosphere in the classroom was very supportive. I do not remember ever sitting in a class where the professor offered as much positive reinforcement as was offered by Professor Bodine.
-Professor Mark Strasser
Every type of student would benefit from participating in ASP, the skills and strategies acquired through participation help each individual find for themselves the best ways in which they should approach law school coursework and examinations.
The ASP program ensures success in law school because it addresses every aspect of what it takes to succeed in law school. Beginning by using tools to first determine how each student best learns, then creating a personalized strategy for approaching coursework and continuing through the semester to prepare for finals, and strategies for taking the actual examinations.
-Ashley Wnek – ASP Scholar
ASP is the missing element at many law schools. They all teach you legal substance and legal writing, but none of them teach you about learning for law school. ASP has taught me the art of adapting my learning style to the requirements of every class I've taken. It has also taught me to respect my learning process. It has sharpened the natural skills that work, and helped me to adjust those that don’t. I credit ASP with any success I've had my first year. The lessons and strategy will stay with me forever, as will Prof. Bodine's encouragement.
-Yosara Trujillo – ASP Summer Scholar; Dean’s List Scholar
I highly recommend ASP to all incoming students because the introduction to doctrinal course and personal skill building really prepares you for the rigors of law school!
-Tommy Siwo – ASP Summer Scholar
I did not attend summer ASP and felt a little left out once classes started, but I joined the program as soon as the opportunity arose during fall semester. ASP is extremely helpful with acclimating you to law school, you get to meet with your classmates and learn how to brief cases adequately and actively, prepare for classes, and get a ton of insight on how to prepare outlines and prep for exams. The ASP fellows were great resources to reach out to, they tell you the "truth" about law school and tell you what to expect from your professors. I am proof that the ASP program works. I was a great student academically in undergrad graduating at the top of my class however, law school is very different. After receiving my first midterm grade, I realized I was near the bottom of my class, which was shocking and scary. Of course I panicked but ASP was there to help. After attending the weekly program, I learned exactly what my strengths and weaknesses were and how I learned. I learned what study techniques were best for me and had all the support I needed. At the conclusion of first semester, I went from being at the bottom of the class to deans list. I think ASP is a wonderful program it helps you adjust to law school life and it proved helpful to me.
-Hannah Colamartino – Dean’s List Scholar
