Admissions process
Thank you for your interest in UMKC School of Law! The admissions process is both highly competitive and selective, due in large part to the limited number of seats available to an entering class. Please know that each application is reviewed in its entirety.
Applications for admission are accepted beginning September 1 prior to the year of entrance. We do not have an official application deadline; however, we do suggest you submit your application as early as possible, preferably before March 1.
Before applying
Earn a bachelor’s degree based on a program of courses with substantial intellectual content from an approved institution, or;
Complete at least 90 hours of credit in courses with substantial intellectual content from an approved institution, completed all non-elective coursework toward a bachelor’s degree, and make arrangements with the school that will award the degree to accept law school credits for the remainder of the work required to earn that degree, so that the student will earn that degree either previous to or concurrent with the J.D. degree.
Application components
Please use your admissions checklist to ensure you have completed each application step.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
We recommend you take the LSAT as early as possible (June, October or December). You may take the test more than once. UMKC considers all scores when reviewing files. Scores should be no older than five years.
Credential Assembly Service (LSDAS) registration
The Credential Assembly Service collects applicants’ transcripts, letters of recommendations, writing samples and evaluations. Reports are then sent to UMKC School of Law along with your LSAT score.
Transcripts
All undergraduate and graduate official transcripts must be submitted to LSAC.
Two letters of recommendation should be written by an academic professor or if you’ve been out of school for more than three years, an employer or someone who knows you well. The letter should address issues of intellect, motivation and communication skills. Applicants must use the LSAC service for submitting letters.
UMKC School of Law application
An application for UMKC must be completed and submitted electronically. You may
also submit a
paper
application if you so choose.
Résumé
Applicants should include an updated résumé in their application materials uploaded to their LSAC accounts.
Personal statement
The personal statement should be kept to two pages, double-spaced and submitted with LSAC. It should not tell us anything that is already in your application. Write about something you want us to know about you – your motivation, what you bring to the classroom, etc. Some applicants tell a story, some use bullet points. Make sure your statement is free of spelling and grammatical errors, and always have a friend read it over.
