Sydney Roche is thriving as a first-year law student at on a full-ride scholarship, and she credits much of her success to the foundation she built at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University.
Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, the 2025 graduate discovered ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì through a friend's enthusiastic recommendation. Though the university hadn't been on her radar initially, one campus tour changed everything.
"I went and I toured and I loved it, and I noticed that they had a pre-law center," Roche said. "They had the degrees I was looking for."
She enrolled in fall 2022, was accepted into the Honors College and began pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in criminology — a strategic combination that aligned both her law school ambitions and her genuine academic interests.
"I chose those just because that’s what I was interested in at the time," Roche said. "I felt like it was a pretty good background to go into law school."
Her adviser at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì helped her navigate course selection thoughtfully, recommending the criminology minor over a pre-law minor to avoid repetitive coursework with her political science major—guidance that gave her broader exposure across disciplines while still preparing her for legal education. Through her major, Roche was also able to explore elective courses including Pilates, Yoga, Adulting 101, and Communication class that quickly became a favorite.
Support for Students from Any Major
Roche's success story exemplifies the value of ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì's Pre-Law Center, which serves students across all majors and disciplines. The center doesn't require students to declare a specific major or minor, instead welcoming everyone from political science and criminology students to those studying business, English, American Sign Language or even undecided majors.
This inclusive approach allowed Roche to pursue the academic path that genuinely interested her while simultaneously accessing the resources, advising and preparation necessary for law school admission.
The Pre-Law Center offers professional mentorship, skill-building workshops, networking opportunities and guided advising to help students thrive academically and prepare for legal careers. Services include assistance with course selection that best prepares students for the LSAT, guidance on navigating law school application processes, career exploration in legal fields, and connections with mentors and professionals in the legal community.
The center's support extends beyond academics to help students understand the realities of legal education and practice, prepare competitive applications and develop the skills needed to succeed in law school and beyond. For Roche, working with Erin Franczak, academic program coordinator in the Pre-Law Center, provided crucial guidance — from learning how to research law schools' median LSAT and GPA scores to understanding how to target schools where she would be competitive.
"Having a strong and reliable pre-law advising center prepared me for not being afraid to reach out for help, because asking questions is very important in law school!" Roche said.
Building Skills Beyond the Classroom
The combination of Roche's Honors College coursework and her regular class load proved invaluable preparation for the demands of legal education.
"Being in the Honors College plus my normal class load prepared me for the rigors of law school and helped strengthen my time management skills," Roche said.
From Mock Trial to Law School
Roche's interest in law grew from relatable beginnings.
"I was that typical girl that's just really good at arguing," Roche said, recalling how people would tell her, "You should be a lawyer. You'd be great at it."
In high school, her participation on the mock trial team transformed that casual interest into genuine passion, providing her first taste of legal proceedings and courtroom dynamics.
At ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì, Roche built on this foundation both academically and professionally. She worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, developing strong interpersonal and organizational skills while teaching water safety to children. Her work in sustainability and community outreach fostered a passion for philanthropy and environmental stewardship — experiences that now inform her legal interests.
"I am a team player and am always open to learning new skills to add to my wheelhouse," Roche said.
Finding the Right Fit
A pivotal moment in Roche's law school journey came when she attended a Law School Open House and Career Fair hosted by the Pre-Law Center, where she was introduced to schools throughout the region.
During her senior year at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì, Roche applied to four law schools with a regional focus: Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State University, the University of Akron and the University of Pittsburgh – all institutions within reasonable proximity to her Pennsylvania roots and her adopted Ohio home.
The preparation and guidance she received through ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì's Pre-Law Center from LSAT preparation to application review and interview skills positioned her as a competitive candidate across all her applications. When Case Western offered her a full-ride scholarship, the opportunity was too significant to pass up.
"They sold themselves very well," she said of Case Western's recruitment process, which included an all-day open house with presentations, tours and the opportunity to shadow a class.
Now at Case Western, Roche is exploring multiple areas of legal practice. Her interests span criminal law and sports contracts — diverse fields that reflect both her criminology background and her varied professional experiences.
"I love Cleveland. I love the school. I love my teachers," Roche said of her law school experience.
Looking back, Roche recognizes how ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì's Pre-Law Center provided more than just academic preparation — it offered the comprehensive support system, resources and guidance that transformed her interest in law into a full-ride scholarship at one of the region's premier law schools. For students considering legal careers, the Pre-Law Center stands ready to provide that same foundation, regardless of major or background.
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