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Everything You Need To Know About Direct Admission

Want to attend law school but despise the LSAT? You might want to consider direct admission.

Direct admissions programs allow undergraduate students to apply directly to law school at a partner institution, typically within the same university, Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach and contributor at US News, says. Kuris recently broke down the basics of direct admission and explained both the benefits and downsides of taking this admissions pathway.

HOW IT WORKS

Direct admission applicants are typically required to submit a resume, personal statement, and recommendation letters. Instead of LSAT/GRE scores, however, they can submit their SAT/ACT scores.

“The admissions process for direct admission programs tends to resemble the process for accelerated B.A.-J.D. programs,” Kuris says. “Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate program within the same university or at a partner institution.”

Many law schools currently offer direct admission, including Texas A&M University School of Law, the William S. Boyd School of Law of the University of Nevada—Las Vegas and Loyola Law School at Loyola Marymount University.

PROS AND CONS

One of the biggest benefits of direct admission is the ease of applying.

“Direct admission programs are perfect for undergraduate applicants who meet the admission requirements, want to stay in the same area and want a shortcut to law school without the hassle of studying for the LSAT or submitting multiple law school applications,” Kuris says.

But experts also warn that the direct admission pathway isn’t for everyone—especially those who prefer options.

“It can be hard for applicants to know in advance which law school will offer the best opportunities for their interests, the best location for their career or the best financial aid package for their budget,” Kuris says.

If you are intent on direct admission, you’ll want to first make sure that the world of law if the right one for you.

“Perhaps most importantly, you should pursue undergraduate internships and other hands-on experiences in the legal field,” Jessica Tomer, of ABA For Law Students, says. “Otherwise, it can be hard to know if your expectations of the work measure up to reality.”

Sources: US News, ABA For Law Students

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