Students and Alumni:  Thinking about law school?

Take a free practice LSAT test to get a baseline score, learn test-taking strategies from test experts, and see one of the most recent versions of the LSAT.  Meet Carlow pre-law advising staff and start (or advance!) your preparation for this critical test.

Kaplan Test Prep offers “walk-in Wednesdays” – take a prep test for free; no appointment necessary.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Graduate legal education, leading to the J.D. degree, is a program of professional study that is open to students in any major field.  Most students attend law school after completing four years of university study.  Preparation for law school should begin as early as possible in the undergraduate program and include coursework across various disciplines that will focus on analytical reasoning, critical thinking, verbal and writing competencies. 

Whether you are certain that you want to become a lawyer, or considering law as one of several possible careers, you will benefit from building a toolbox of academic skills, courses, internships, and professional and collegial relationships gained throughout your four years of university study. 

Students who are considering law school should contact Dr. Lowe as early as possible in their academic careers for advice and guidance on how best to prepare for law school – both in and outside of the classroom.

The checklist below, will provide some initial guidance on the progress you should make in each year of your studies prior to entering law school:

Checklist for Students Interested in the 3/3 Program:

First Year: Acquire the tools for academic success

• Focus on developing good study and time management skills.
• Attend and participate in class.
• Identify a major field of study which interests and inspires you.
• Explore campus leadership opportunities.
  
  

Second Year: Build your academic toolbox and your leadership resume

• Settle into your chosen major, and build upon your first-year success in the classroom.
• Select courses that will develop your skills in analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and expository writing.
• Move into positions of responsibility in student and campus activities
• Complete a law-related internship.
• Attend a PLEN course in Washington, D.C.
• Attend law-related events on campus.
• Develop options to law school, remembering that your goals may change.
  
  

Third Year: Continue to refine your academic tools & apply for the LSAT

• April: apply for the LSAT (applications in Pre-Law Director’s office, or apply on-line. Allow the advisor to receive a copy of your score).
• April to June: PREPARE FOR THE TEST – seek Pre-Law Director for suggestions on test preparation. • June: take the LSAT.
• July: receive LSAT score. • August: subscribe to LSDAS.
• August-September: have official transcript(s) sent to LSDAS.
• August: Deadline for applying for LSAT October re-testing, ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PRE-LAW DIRECTOR.
• August – September: seek Pre-Law Director’s recommendations on where to apply.

Fourth Year: Draw from your academic tools to apply to law school

• September: ask faculty for permission to use them as recommenders.
• September: check LSDAS report for accuracy.
• September: request recommenders to send letters to LSDAS. Give each of them a postcard to return to you when they send their letters.
• September: send for law school applications.
• September-November: consider attending a Law School Forum. The Pre-Law Director maintains information on these forums.
• October-November: fill out and send applications to four or five law schools.
• November-December: check to make sure your application is complete, including letters of recommendation.
• January: file your financial aid applications.
• April-June: pay your seat deposit on time.

The 3/3 Program with Duquesne University

In exceptional circumstances, properly qualified students who are committed to obtaining a legal education may elect to pursue an accelerated path to law school by applying for acceptance into the 3/3 program between Carlow University and Duquesne University School of Law.

The 3/3/ Program between Carlow University and Duquesne University School of Law is an accelerated curriculum that provides qualified students with the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor (law) degree in six years.  

To qualify for consideration under the 3/3 program, students must first complete 90 credits of undergraduate coursework during their first three years at Carlow, meet the University’s requirements for graduation, and must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.  Students must take the LSAT examination no later than the spring term of their junior year and receive a score that places them in the 60th percentile or higher. 

Only students who meet the above requirements will have their applications reviewed by the Director of Pre-Law Advising for recommendation to the 3/3 Program.  Students who receive a favorable recommendation from the Pre-Law Advisor, based upon their attainment of the above criteria and other indices of academic achievement and preparedness for law school, will be referred to Duquesne Law School’s Director of Admissions for an interview.

Students who successfully fulfill all requirements and who gain admission to Duquesne University School of Law can start law school during their fourth year of study at Carlow.  Students may withdraw from the 3/3 program at any time and complete a traditional four-year course of study for the baccalaureate degree.

Interested students are urged to contact Dr. Lowe as early as possible for advice and guidance on how to best to prepare for this program. 

The checklist below, will provide some initial guidance on the progress you should make in each year of your studies prior to entering law school:

Checklist for Students Interested in the 3/3 Program:

First Year: Acquire the tools for academic success

• Meet with the Pre-Law Advisor and obtain a copy of the suggested curriculum for students interested in the 3/3 program – use it to guide you in selecting courses
• Focus on developing good study and time management skills.
• Attend and participate in class
• Complete four courses in your major
• Explore campus leadership opportunities.

Second Year: Build your academic toolbox and your leadership resume

• Keep the Pre-Law Advisor apprised of your progress and maintain your GPA
• Complete an additional four courses in your major; continue to follow the suggested curriculum for the 3/3 program.
• Move into positions of responsibility in student and campus activities.
• Complete a law-related internship
• Attend a PLEN course in Washington, D.C.
• Attend law-related events on campus
• Remain open to other options in the event your goals begin to change.
• Seek advice from the Pre-Law Advisor on preparing for the LSAT.
• Use the second summer to begin to study for this test – register for the first LSAT given in the start of the fall semester (usually late September or early October)

Third Year: Complete your Carlow Education and Apply to Duquesne Law School

• Complete your major and core requirements for your Carlow degree, using the 3/3 course selection sheet.
• Ask faculty members for letters of recommendation
• Take the LSAT no later than the February testing date; make certain you have your scores sent to the Pre-Law Advisor
• Consult with the Pre-Law Advisor after your LSAT score becomes available
• If you are approved as an applicant for the 3/3 program, consult with the Pre-Law Advisor on how to prepare for your interview at Duquesne Law School