TENNESSEE INSTITUTE FOR PRE-LAW (TIP) 

The Tennessee Institute for Pre-Law (TIP) is a rigorous, five-week, admission-by-performance program designed to promote access to the legal profession and admit students with the talent, ability and drive necessary for law school success. 

Each summer, TIP participants immerse themselves in non-credit first-year law school coursework taught by University of Memphis School of Law professors. Participants also engage in workshops that promote academic success and professional development.  

Upon successful completion of the program, TIP participants are eligible for Fall admission to the University of Memphis School of Law.   

Summer 2026 Program Details 

• Dates: May 28 – July 2, 2026 
• Location: University of Memphis School of Law 
• Program Format: Monday-Friday, in-person 

Please Note: TIP coursework and activities require full-time commitment for in-class and out-of-class preparation. As a result, outside employment or engagement in other programs are prohibited.

What TIP Offers 

TIP offers a unique preview of the law school experience, a pathway to law school admission, and preparation for law school success!  

Participation in TIP is also FREE! During the program, TIP participants will receive: 

• $500 stipend
• Course Materials
• Access to Law Student Mentors
• Free Parking

TIP is more than a program—it’s your launchpad to a future in law! 

Who Should Apply 

The TIP program seeks individuals whose application demonstrates academic ability and meets the following criteria: 

• Residency: Applicants must be a resident of: 
  • Tennessee 
  • Crittenden County, Arkansas 
  • Desoto, Marshall, Tate, or Tunica County, Mississippi 
• Education: Applicants must have obtained a baccalaureate degree prior to program commencement (May 2026) 
• Eligibility Factors: Applicants must demonstrate at least one of the following qualifying life experiences: 
  • First-generation college graduate 
  • Economically disadvantaged  
  • Person with a disability 

How To Apply 

To apply to the TIP program, applicants must submit a University of Memphis School of Law application, including: 

• Official Transcript(s) 
• LSAT or GRE score  
  • Scores must be from within the past five years 
  • If you’ve taken the LSAT, you will be considered an LSAT applicant even if you also submit GRE scores. 
• Personal Statement 
  • Your personal statement and/or application should explain how you meet TIP eligibility requirements. You may also explain how your background shapes your interest in pursuing a law degree. 
• Any Required Disclosures 
• Optional Supplemental Essays or Addendums 

Application to TIP is optional and admission is competitive.  

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026.  

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 2026. Candidates who take the April 2026 LSAT applicants will be considered, pending seat availability.       

TIP applications are also reviewed on a rolling basis, with final TIP admission decisions communicated beginning mid-April 2026. If admitted to TIP, admission to the University of Memphis School of Law will depend on successful completion of the TIP program. 

Contact 

To learn more about the TIP program, contact Jacqueline O’Bryant, Assistant Dean for Access & Multicultural Affairs at (901) 678-3231 or email LawAccess@memphis.edu.