University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law

The urban public law school with a small liberal arts feel

FAQ’s: Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is required for admission to law school? · A completed application with the $50.00 application fee; · Your LSDAS Report which should include the LSAT report, and all transcripts; · Two letters of recommendation; · Your personal statement; · Your resume. 2. What is Law Services? Law Services is an organization located in Pennsylvania that administers the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). UMKC School of Law requires applicants to register for both services. You may obtain an LSAT booklet by writing: Law Services, Box 2000, Newtown, Pennsylvania, 18940 or calling (215) 968-1001 or visit their website: www.lsac.org 3. When should I take the LSAT? We recommend you take the LSAT as early as possible (June, October or December). We will consider applicants who take the test in February for the following Fall; however, we do recommend taking it earlier. You may take the test more than once. UMKC considers all scores when reviewing files. UMKC will accept LSAT scores no older than 5 years from the date of your law school application. 4. What are the average GPA and LSAT Scores for the Fall 2007 entering students? For the class admitted for the Fall of 2007, the average GPA is 3.35 and the average LSAT Score is 154. 5. When is your application deadline? We do not have an official application deadline since we admit on a rolling basis. However, we highly recommend that applications be submitted prior to March 1 for Fall entry. 6. How long does it take to complete law school? The full time program generally takes three years to complete the 91 hours required for graduation. 7. Do you have a part-time program? Yes, we have a Flex program, which allows students to attend law school on a part-time basis during the day. The Flex program allows the student a maximum of five years to complete the program and obtain the J.D. degree. Please visit our on-line catalog for more information. 8. How long should my personal statement be, and what should I write about? Personal statements should generally be kept to two pages, double-spaced. The statement should not tell the Committee anything that is already included with your application (where you went to school or anything which might already be included in your resume). Write about something you would like us to know about you – what motivates you, why we should admit you over someone else. Tell us what you can bring to a law school classroom and how you feel you are prepared to succeed in law school. Some applicants tell a story, some use bullet points to emphasize certain attributes and then give more detail about them. Make certain you have spell checked and grammar checked. Have a friend or family member read it over. 9. Who should write my letters of recommendation, and how do I use the Letter of Recommendation Service offered by Law Services? If you are still in undergraduate school or you have recently graduated, ask professors to provide a letter of recommendation (especially if you have done well academically). If you have been out of school for at least 3 years, ask an employer or someone who knows you well. The recommender should be able to address issues that will be important in your success for law school: intellect, motivation, communication skills (written and verbal), etc. Again, the recommender should know you well. Applicants must use the Letter of Recommendation Service provided by LSAC. This service is included in your LSDAS registration. Your letters will be copied and sent to us along with your LSDAS registration. To use the Letter of Recommendation Service, follow the directions for submitting letters outlined in the annual LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book, page I-9, on the LSAC website or on the LSACD. 10. May I work during law school? UMKC School of Law does not allow full-time students to work during their first year of law school. You may work during your second and third year as your schedule permits.