Applying for the J.D. degree program

Applications to UMKC Law must be completed and submitted electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website.

Admission requirements

Before applying you should:

• Have or be working toward a bachelor's degree completion prior to law school from an approved institution with courses that challenge you intellectually.
• Complete the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) 
• Sign up for the Credential Assembly Service through LSAC as a way to collect LSAT test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation and LSAT writing sample.
• (International applicants) We require that international applicants who attended a post-secondary institution in which the primary language of instruction was not English submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score taken within the past two years.
• (International applicants) Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, if admitted, will be asked to supply additional documents required for processing by the UMKC International Student Affairs Office. In order to give adequate time for this processing, applications from international students must be completed by March 1.

Enrollment options

We understand that our primary J.D. enrollment starting in the fall might not work for all of our students. To assist each of our students in meeting their legal education goals, we offer a variety of enrollment options.

Summer Start program 3+3 program Part-time enrollment

Key deadlines

Every application is reviewed in its entirety and action is taken on a rolling basis, although there are deadlines for the following:

• Summer Start and international student applications: March 1
• Fall Semester entry application deadline for full admission consideration: April 1

Visit dates and deadlines, for a full listing.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for the processing of your complete application to receive a decision.

There are some major scholarship opportunities (including several prestigious full-ride scholarships) that will be awarded in early March.  In order to have a chance to be considered for those, you would need to apply by the beginning of February.  If you apply after that point, there are still many excellent scholarship opportunities for which you will be considered.  But if you want to be considered for every possible scholarship, you must apply by the beginning of February.

After reviewing the application requirements listed on this page, if you have questions about the process, you can email us or call 816-235-1651.

Dates and deadlines

Admissions policy

Admission to the School of law is competitive and seats are limited; therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit their materials in a timely manner.

Substantial weight is given to each applicant’s LSAT score and undergraduate GPA, although UMKC Law and its faculty also consider other factors in shaping an entering class.

These factors include:

• Advanced or specialized educational achievement demonstrating the potential for academic excellence in the study of law
• An individual's unique history of overcoming challenges and barriers based on socio-economic disadvantage
• Demonstrated leadership qualities
• A significant and sustained commitment to public or community service
• Other accomplishments or qualities that indicate the applicant will contribute to the School of Law’s academic and service missions 

UMKC School of Law prohibits the use of artificial intelligence technology and tools, such as ChatGPT, to assist in any aspect of the admissions application including drafting and final submission. Our admissions philosophy aims to give weight to the entirety of an applicant’s authentic skills and experience. AI generated text cannot provide that authentic insight. We expect all written submissions to be generated and originated by the applicant and reflect their personal voice, individualized experiences, and ideas.

Application process

Find out more about the application process and materials required on the application instructions page.

J.D. application instructions

Apply online through LSAC

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the processing of your application from the time your application is complete to receive a decision.  Please plan accordingly for the March 1 priority deadline and submit your complete application allowing for this processing time prior to March 1 as this is during the height of the admissions cycle.

Apply now

Check the status of your application

Stay up to date on the status of your application via LSAC. Check back often — our admissions team is continually reviewing applications. 

Find application status