Martin-Gatton CAFE advisors offer support and guidance to all UK students interested in applying to law school. In addition to recommending coursework and guiding students through the application process, advisors also connect students to university programs, such as UK Education Abroad, National Student Exchange or the Center for Community Outreach, which enhance law school applications.

"There is an adage that the primary purpose of law school is to teach you to think like a lawyer. This is reinforced through the case method approach. Although the memorization of specifics may be useful to you, the ability to be analytical and literate is considerably more important than the power of total recall. Because laws continually change and evolve, specific rules may quickly lose their relevance, but the ability to think critically will be of the highest value. This is why critical thinking ability is assessed on the LSAT as a predictor of likelihood of success, and why preparing for the LSAT helps students once they’re in law school." – Law School Admission Council

Prepare

A broad, liberal arts education is considered excellent preparation for law school. There is no fixed, comprehensive pre-law curriculum prescribed by any American law school. Students are advised to choose a major that is the best fit for their personal interests, strengths and alternative career options. Students are also strongly encouraged to explore courses in logic and philosophy.

Pre-law students should research law schools of interest and understand their admissions standards. While applicants to law school must be academically qualified to study law, law schools typically consider both academic and non-academic factors in the review process.

Join the University of Kentucky pre-law listserv to stay connected with pre-law announcements. To subscribe to the listserv, email listserv@lsv.uky.edu and type “SUBSCRIBE PRE-LAW-L” in the body of the message. Students connected on the pre-law listserv may also attend special law school events and programs through the UK College of Law and James W. Stuckert Career Center.

Almost all law schools require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT 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. For more information on the Law School Admission Council and to register for the LSAT, visit www.lsac.org.

Visit Stuckert Career Center Pre-Law to find a step-by-step timeline of the law school application process as well as details on materials you will need to prepare, interview, take the entrance exam and more.

Applying to Law School

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, so students should 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)

Contact a Pre-Law Advisor

Students can discuss admission processes, application materials and more with a Stuckert Career Center advisor.

Log on to Handshake and choose the Pre-Professional Advising category to schedule an appointment with a pre-law advisor.

Get Involved

Law school admissions committees like to see evidence of initiative, creativity, leadership and collaboration, and organizational skills.

Other Resources

Come See for Yourself

To learn more about this program, campus life, and chat with an advisor, schedule a campus visit. Virtual visits may be necessary in some cases. 

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