Iowa Law’s 3 + 3 Program allows eligible undergraduates at partner institutions to apply to law school in their junior year. Students admitted under the program fulfill their senior year of undergraduate credits through the successful completion of their first year law school courses, allowing them to graduate with both a bachelor’s and law degree in just six years, saving a year of tuition and related costs.

Applicants

Pursuant to Iowa Law’s 3 + 3 policy, an applicant must be in his or her junior year at an undergraduate institution with which Iowa Law has a 3 + 3 agreement.  Applicants must also meet his or her undergraduate institution’s criteria for eligibility. Each undergraduate institution determines which majors and programs are eligible for participation. 

Application Requirements

In addition to being an eligible junior at one of Iowa Law’s partner institutions, applicants must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), complete the law school application, and submit a certification of eligibility from their current schools. Applicants can request the certification form from the contact person at their institution as listed above. 3 + 3 candidates are considered alongside Iowa Law’s regular pool of applicants.

Applicants to the 3 + 3 program are encouraged to take the LSAT in October or December and apply in January after their fall grades are available. However, later applications, including those from June LSAT-takers, will be considered.

Important information for international applicants regarding post-graduation employment in the United States

• For international students coming to study in the United States on F-1 and J-1 visas, obtaining employment after graduating from law school can be very challenging. U.S. immigration laws do not provide F-1 or J-1 visa holders with long-term work authorization after graduation, and the College of Law cannot provide sponsorship for employment-based visas for our graduates.
   
• Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) are therefore advised to make careful and concrete plans for their post-graduation employment, taking into account the limitations imposed by U.S. immigration law.
   
• The College of Law carefully reviews all applications from international students and will discuss those long-term, post-graduation employment plans with any applicants who are not U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents.  Your personal statement should  address questions including what you intend to do with your U.S. law degree.

Tuition

Students admitted under the 3 + 3 program will pay tuition only to Iowa Law.

Next Steps

Students at partner institutions should talk to their school’s 3 + 3 advisor to determine their eligibility. Contact your advisor early in your college career to allow time to meet your school’s requirements. You should also learn more about Iowa Law by attending one of our Explore Iowa Law open houses, scheduling a personal visit, or attending a recruiting event. During your junior year, you will take the LSAT and submit your law school application along with the certificate of eligibility from your school.

Questions

Questions about the 3 + 3 program can be directed to your school’s 3 + 3 advisor. You can also contact Iowa Law’s Admissions Office for general information or to schedule a visit.