Pre-Law
UNI’s strong academic programs will prepare you to succeed in the law school of your choice. Our faculty pre-law advisors will assist you through all stages of preparation including course selection, Pre-Law Club involvement, LSAT preparation and application assistance.
UNI has developed 3+3 program partnerships with the University of Iowa College of Law and Drake University Law School to make the process of earning a law degree more efficient. These accelerated programs allow you to complete a bachelor’s degree at UNI and a Juris Doctorate at Iowa or Drake in six years rather than the normal seven.


3+3 Partnerships
Earn your Juris Doctorate in six years rather than seven at the University of Iowa College of Law or Drake University Law School

Personal Advisors
Pre-law advisors are here to assist you through all stages of law school preparation

Pre-Law
Club
UNI Pre-law Club will connect you with working lawyers and introduce you to law school representatives to help with the application process
Preparing for Law School
Although we often refer to “pre-law” students, there is no such thing as a standard pre-law curriculum, and at UNI there is no particular pre-law major. There are, however, certain standards that law schools expect students’ undergraduate work to live up to. Law school is extremely demanding, and admissions committees are looking for students who have the skills that are likely to lead to success in law school and in their subsequent careers. These skills are fostered through supplementing UNI’s core curriculum with challenging courses throughout a broad range of majors.
According to the American Bar Association, there is a list of skills, values, knowledge and experience that will provide a sound foundation for a legal education. They include:
- Problem Solving
- Critical Reading
- Writing and Editing
- Oral Communication and Listening
- Research
- Organization and Management
- Public Service and Promotion of Justice
- Relationship-building and Collaboration
- Background Knowledge
- Exposure to the Law
Common Pre-Law Majors
3+3 Partnerships
Partnerships with Drake University Law School and the University of Iowa College of Law are designed for you to complete both a bachelor’s degree at UNI and Juris Doctorate in six years, rather than the traditional seven years.
You may choose any major to complete the 3+3 program, but it must be one that will allow you to complete its requirements before the end of your junior year. This will require careful planning and coordination with your academic and pre-law advisors.
The Old Capitol located on the University of Iowa campus. (Photo courtesy of the University of Iowa)
Pre-Law FAQs
First and Second Years of Your Undergraduate
- Take interesting and challenging Liberal Arts Core classes. Make sure you’re taking classes that help you improve problem solving, logical thinking, reading and writing skills.
- Talk to your academic advisor about your goals, your possible interest in law school, and how your course of study relates. Plan out course of study to permit light course-load during semester preparing for LSAT.
- Meet with pre-law advisor periodically to discuss interest and goals
- Once choose a major, discuss with academic advisor and pre-law advisor whether any additional courses would be useful to help prepare for law school
- Write a draft of your personal statement at least once each year and get feedback from pre-law advisor
- Attend UNI Pre-law Club events to learn about the legal profession and law school
Junior Year of Your Undergraduate
- Take Elementary Logic (PHIL 1030)
- If possible, plan to take a light course load during semester studying for LSAT
- Visit with pre-law advisor to discuss preparing for LSAT
- Devote at least 200 hours to LSAT preparation
- If you haven’t already, consider internship, job shadow, and/or volunteer opportunities that will help you explore your interests in legal careers
- Attend UNI Pre-law Club events to learn about the legal profession and law school
- Before school dismisses, ask professors to write letters of rec for you.
- Over summer, start on resume and personal statement
- Narrow down list of schools considering applying to
Senior Year of Your Undergraduate
- Take the LSAT no later than September/October.
- By early September, ask professors for letter of rec and provide with any information they request to help them write it
- Write and edit resume and personal statements. Be sure to get input from pre-law advisor on drafts
- Visit with pre-law advisor to finalize list of schools to apply for, in light of LSAT scores
- Submit applications no later than Thanksgiving
- Visit with pre-law advisor as you make final decision about where to attend.
- Notify school that you’re accepting offer and pay seat deposit