Stuckert Career Center

Pre-Law

Classes

Prelaw students are encouraged to challenge their thinking and reasoning skills by pursuing a rigorous and diverse undergraduate program.

Law schools do not require or expect a particular undergraduate degree program. Therefore, are no specific course requirements or recommended majors, so students are urged to choose a major in which they are truly interested. It is not so much what you study that matters, rather it is selecting courses that motivate you, challenge you, and require you to use research, writing, and analytical skills. You may consider taking additional writing, philosophy, or sociology classes to increase your skills.

Application Process

Most Law schools start their newly admitted classes once a year in the Fall.

Applications are submitted at least 6-12 months in advance of the desired enrollment date.

To maximize your opportunities, you should apply to law schools the Fall before you wish to enroll. While applying early in the cycle has advantages, the best time for you to apply is when your application is the best it can be.

Requirements vary from Law School to Law School. Research schools for specific information about requirements.

The Law School Application includes 5-6 components:

  1. Entrance Exam-The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or the GRE (Select Programs)
  2. Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report
  3. Application form
  4. Personal Statement
  5. Letters of Recommendation
  6. Resume (Most Schools)

Application Timeline

May - September

  • -Set up your free LSAC Account Online: https://www.lsac.org/jd-applicants/steps-apply-jd-programs
  • -Register for the LSAT. *Take it by November if possible. June/July is optimal as you know your scores early and it allows for Fall repeat if necessary.
  • -Subscribe to the Credential Assembly Service CAS at http://www.LSAC.org
  • -Make a list of potential law schools
  • -Start to talk, tour, or visit virtually the schools you are interested in
  • -Meet with a pre-law advisor

September - December

  • -Meet with a Pre-Law Advisor
  • -Familiarize yourself with the applications online
  • -Make a checklist and schedule for each school application
  • -Send transcript request forms to all undergraduate and graduate schools you have attended. Transcript Request Forms are available through your CAS subscription
  • -Approach your recommenders and schedule an appointment to discuss writing a letter.
  • -Finalize your personal statement
  • -Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)  in October.
  • -Submit your applications. Thanksgiving time is a good time to shoot for.

January - August

  • -Meet with a Pre-Law Advisor
  • -Receive monthly updates from CAS
  • -Wait for the acceptances to come in
  • -Talk, tour, or visit virtually the schools you are interested in
  • -Decide which offer to accept. Send in acceptance of admission and financial aid and seat deposit
  • -Until April 1, seat deposits should be refundable if you change your mind. After that, they generally are not

 

Application Materials: Letters of Recommendation/Personal Statement

Letters of Recommendation/Support 

Requirements for letters vary between schools, most law schools require 1-3 letters of recommendation. Begin early to establish a network of professors and supervisors (for volunteer or paid work) who are familiar with your work. It is important to choose recommenders who know you well.

Academic Letters: At least one to two letters, should be from faculty members who have taught you in a class and are able to make specific observations about your personal and academic achievements and your potential for law school. Get to know your Professors early, start your Freshman year.

Personal Statements

Law schools will want a Personal Statement on who you are and your interests with the field of Law.

Resumes

Many law schools require resumes as part of their applications, and those that don’t will often accept one anyway. A resume allows you to highlight all your activities and accomplishments in your own way. It can’t be stressed enough, however, that the resume is not a substitute for completely filling out the school’s application form.

The format of your resume is not all that critical as long as the information is clear and concise. A resume for law school can be a bit longer and more detailed than a resume for a job. It is okay for it to be 2 pages, especially if you have been working for some time. In addition to paid employment, you can add sections to list volunteer experience, research, and important leadership/activities.

Entrance Exam

The LSAT (The Law School Admissions Test) is designed to help predict your success in law school by measuring the skills necessary to succeed in that program. It is not a measure of how good of a lawyer you will be.

*Note Due to COVID-19, they are now administering the LSAT-FLEX for some dates. Please check https://www.lsac.org/lsat for the most updated information on your testing date

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Some Law Schools now accept the GRE in lieu of the LSAT; however, the LSAT is still the preferred exam for most law school admissions. If you have questions about taking the LSAT vs. the GRE, refer to LSAC or talk with a Pre-Law Advisor

Interviewing

Most Law schools do not have or require an interview for part of their application process. However, if yours does, you can schedule a mock interview with us at the button “Schedule Appointment” or practice through BigInterview in your Handshake account.

Involvement/Volunteering

Involvement allows you to supplement a strong academic record. Law school admissions committees like to see evidence of initiative, creativity, leadership and collaboration, and organizational skills. However, it is important to remember that such activities will not substitute for poor grades, so don’t sacrifice study time for activities.

Search UK Student Organizations/Programs at BBNVolved  https://uky.campuslabs.com/engage/

Here are a few examples of UK Student Organizations that are related to law:

  • -Phi Alpha Delta (Law Fraternity)
  • -Black Law Student Association
  • -Mock Trial Team
  • -WilDCats at the Capital

Volunteering

Lawyers are leaders in their communities. However, their work also requires collaborating with others, so interpersonal skills are essential for attracting and working productively with clients, co-counsel, opposing attorneys, expert witnesses, and many others.

Search UK Service-Learning and Civic Engagement for opportunities to help in the community: https://servelearnconnect.uky.edu/community-organizational-needs

 

Schools

Law Schools in Kentucky

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Resources

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Schedule an Appointment

Wildcats at the Capitol

  • University of Kentucky
  • Lexington, Kentucky 40506
  • Phone: (859) 257-9000