Preparing for Law School
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