Preparing for Law School


A law student highlights notes during a class in a courtroom.

Overview

Prepare for law school by pursuing a challenging undergraduate program and making sure you've completed our checklist for applying. Visit the Taking the LSAT and Applying to Law School pages for a detailed guide.


Can I Major in Pre-Law?

The University of Kansas has no officially prescribed pre-law major or program. This position is consistent with advice from law school deans and is reiterated by the American Bar Association. Students are encouraged to pursue a challenging undergraduate program that fosters critical thinking, logical reasoning, and effective writing. Your academic efforts should be enriched by extracurricular activities that promote awareness of a broad range of social issues, develop your leadership skills, and challenge you to creatively and collaboratively solve problems.

Highly prepared high school seniors and first-semester freshmen can apply to KU's accelerated (3+3) law program. The Legal Education Accelerated Degree (LEAD) Program allows qualified students within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences to earn both a bachelor of arts (BA) and juris doctor (JD) degree in six years instead of seven. Learn more about choosing your own pre-law major at KU, including options in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, below.


What Do I Need to Do to Apply to Law School? 

Applicants are required to:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university prior to entering law school
  • Have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
  • Register with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
  • Complete the application for the law schools you’d like to attend. Application requirements could include:
    • Filling out the application
    • Uploading a personal statement
    • Submitting at least two letters of recommendation
    • Designating if you have character and fitness issues

Pre-Law Advising

KU students can visit with the university's pre-law advisor for support preparing for law school.

Contact:

Jake Brillhart
Pre-Law Advisor
785-864-7896
jbrillhart@ku.edu

Get law school application advice during drop-in advising hours. While fall and spring semester classes are in-session, in-person and virtual drop-in advising is available for KU students.