TN INSTITUTE FOR PRELAW

The Tennessee Institute for Pre-Law (TIP) is an admission by performance program for historically underrepresented Tennessee and border county residents who show potential for law school success. 

The TIP Program consists of five weeks of classroom instruction, taught by UM professors, that simulates the first-year law school curriculum. 

Applicants who are selected to participate in TIP, and successfully complete program requirements will be eligible for Fall admission to the University of Memphis School of Law. 

The TIP Summer 2025 Program is tentatively scheduled to run from May 29 to July 3 at the University of Memphis School of Law . 

Please Note: Because the TIP Program begins in late May and seats are limited, TIP candidates are encouraged to take the LSAT no later than February 2025. Candidates who take the April 2025 LSAT applicants will be considered, pending seat availability.   ​ 

The applicant must be​: 

• A Tennessee or Border County resident (Crittenden County, AR and Desoto, Marshall, Tate and Tunica Counties in MS)   
• A graduating college senior or applicant who will have obtained a baccalaureate degree prior to program commencement    
• Able to demonstrate underrepresented background by one of the following:  
  • 1st Generation college graduate   
  • Foreign-born or a 1st Generation US citizen   
  • Economically Disadvantaged   
  • Disability

By April 1, interested TIP Applicants must submit the University of Memphis School of Law Application and all required documentation, including your transcript(s), LSAT or GRE score, personal statement, admonitory action documentation, if any, and optional supplemental essays or addendums. Please note: GRE scores must be from the preceding five-year period. All applicants who have taken the LSAT are considered LSAT applicants even if GRE scores are submitted.  

Within your application and personal statement, you should include the way(s) in which you meet the eligibility requirements listed above (i.e., TN or border county residency and demonstrate an underrepresented background). You may also include the way(s) in which your underrepresented background may inspire or motivate your interest in the study of law.   

Application to TIP is optional and admission to TIP is competitive. Only a limited number of seats are available.   

Financial Assistance 

There is no fee to participate in the TIP Program. Outside employment and concurrent enrollment in an academic program is prohibited. Program participants are provided the following for the duration of the program:  

• • • $1000 stipend  
    • Free parking  
    • Free wifi, printing, and e-mail access  
    • Main campus housing for non-Shelby County residents (limited availability) 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and notification of TIP decisions will be provided by mid-to late April.  If admitted to TIP, admissions to the law school will be pending successful completion of the TIP program. 

Please contact Jacqueline O’Bryant, Interim Assistant Dean for Access & Multicultural Affairs, at (901) 678-3231 or at jmbrynt2@memphis.edu if you have any questions.