“Not everything that counts”
Next week, we will greet the largest first-year class at CSU|Law since at least 2009. Over 200 students—nearly one-third in our part-time, online JD—will start their first year of law school on August 20. The 2025 1L class represents a remarkable milestone: the largest number of out-of-state students ever admitted at CSU|Law. Nearly 40% of the class—15% full-time and 82% part-time, online—come from outside of Ohio, representing 29 different states, the District of Columbia, and Canada.
We selected these students from a pool of close to 1800 applicants, making this one of the most competitive law school application cycles in recent memory. On the numbers alone, these students are extraordinary, with an average undergraduate GPA of 3.5 and LSAT of 155.
But we don’t admit students based solely on the numbers. As the sociologist William Bruce Cameron famously noted: “not everything that counts can be counted.” We selected each student in this talented group because of who they are—the rich, varied, and diverse set of experiences that motivated them to seek a law degree. And also because of what they want to do with their CSU|Law degree.
Below, you can read a small sample of the many heartfelt and compelling stories our incoming 1Ls shared—stories that convinced us they’re not only ready to succeed at law school but also to share our mission: Learn Law. Live Justice.
“Being a child of war has given me perspective on life I wouldn't have otherwise. . . . Undeniable human rights, like the right to feel secure in one’s own home, the right to speak your mind without fear of punishment, the right to live in dignity are my catalysts for wanting a career in law. These laws and this justice system are what give us all dignity. I want to use my legal education to advocate for those who need it the most. I am eager to attend Cleveland State University College of Law for this reason. It is a school that has always emphasized the value of justice.”
“Through the adversity I faced this past year, I have not only learned resilience but also developed a deep sense of empathy for those experiencing hardship. My mother’s tragic death highlighted the fragility of life. I realized that my passion for law stems from a desire to support others navigating their struggles, much like I have had to do. I aspire to use my experiences to advocate for those who may have faced injustices, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.”
“The sheer pain and frustration those individuals’ actions caused my family was immeasurable. I could have let this catastrophe emotionally debilitate me. However, I denied this scenario of having any power over me. From that moment I was focused on doing whatever it would take to achieve my dream of helping families like mine. As I write this it has been five years since I lost one of the most impactful humans in my life, and it has also been five years since I decided I wanted to pursue law.”
“Over the course of several weeks, our mission gained the attention over 6,900+ followers. We believe since it was done in a fun, positive and informative manner, it got the attention of the school’s administration. . . . This resulted in the remodeling of many of the dorm bathrooms, thus fixing a problem that was important to the students. Ultimately, our social media campaign account caught the university’s attention, and they acted because of it. Mission accomplished.”
“As a first-generation Mexican-American college student from a low-income background I struggled severely my first couple years in undergraduate. My struggles navigating financial aid, learning college norms, and overcoming economic barriers made me deeply aware of the situations that my students might also face. Teaching at a community college I understand that many of my students face the same hardships I did while in undergrad. But as a faculty member and their professor, I strive to offer guidance and mentorship to help students overcome similar barriers and challenges.”
“CSU College of Law is a community of compassionate and understanding individuals dedicated to equity, equality, and social justice through the teaching and study of law. . . . I am excited to rejoin my CSU family and resume my pursuit of ‘learning law and living justice.’”
“My path to law school has been anything but traditional, and while my academic statistics may not be the most impressive on paper, my real-world experience has given me a depth of perspective and resilience that cannot be quantified by numbers alone. . . . My journey has reinforced the value of perseverance, adaptability, and initiative, which are all qualities that I will bring with me into law school and beyond. I am not just seeking a law degree; I am seizing an opportunity that once felt impossible, determined to use my experiences to advocate for others who, like me, have been told to dream smaller.”
“As a disabled Purple Heart combat veteran and police officer, I have a unique familiarity and understanding of the legal system and a burning desire to create positive change. No other profession impacts so directly to drive change across nearly every other field.
I have connected with an alumna of CSU, The Honorable Michelle L. Paris. Her experiences and accomplishments have cemented my decision to attend this institution for my legal education. . . . In fact, it was a conversation years ago, held while executing my police duties at the court, which made the idea of becoming a lawyer feel “real” for the first time. It was during this exchange that she mentioned CSU’s law program and suggested I investigate it when I was ready. Her guidance and advice have been invaluable to me, and I am excited to attend the same institution that produced such a successful alumna.”
Brian Ray