Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) Program

Program Overview and Eligibility

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, or whose life experiences will bring a unique or fresh perspective to campus, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students, recent graduates from any undergraduate institution, and nontraditional applicants. Priority consideration will be given to students applying for the next cycle of law school applications.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams.

The program will open applications for the next cycle in late-January or early-February. Please see program requirements and timeline for more information.

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+Class Structure

Classes are held virtually three times a week in the evenings for 11 weeks in the summer. Two classes a week consist of LSAT instruction for 2.5 hours. One class a week consists of other law school preparation and typically includes a presentation from Minnesota Law career center staff, a panel discussion with current law students and alumni, a visit to a local law firm, and the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors.

Since the summer of 2020 MPLS has been held virtually. Optional in person activities may be offered.

+Cost

+Attendance & Study Time

+Program Requirements & Timeline

Successful completion is defined as being present on the first day of class, missing no more than 3 sessions (class or practice exam), making up a practice exam within one week of the original date, arriving to all classes on time, and reporting all six practice LSAT scores.

The tentative schedule for 2025 is as follows

February 3, 2025 – MPLS application available
March 16, 2025 – MPLS applications due at midnight
week of April 7, 2025 – Decisions will be emailed to all applicants
One week after acceptance emails – student commitment response returned
Week of May 5 – Orientation meeting
June 2, 2025 – First day of class
August 17, 2025 – Last test completed by midnight

Applications are designed to provide additional information on a candidate's maturity, judgment, communication, analytical skills and motivation to pursue a legal education. The Admissions Committee will complete a holistic assessment of all application materials. A completed application includes the application form, unofficial undergraduate transcript(s), and statement of interest. Applicants may also submit an optional ACT or SAT score in the application. Letters of recommendation are optional as well. No more than two letters can be submitted to prelawscholars@umn.edu.

+Application

The application will be available in late January or early February.

Applications are designed to provide additional information on a candidate's maturity, judgment, communication, analytical skills and motivation to pursue a legal education. The Admissions Committee will complete a holistic assessment of all application materials. A completed application includes the application form, unofficial undergraduate transcript(s), and statement of interest. Applicants may also submit an optional ACT or SAT score in the application. Letters of recommendation are optional as well. No more than two letters can be submitted to prelawscholars@umn.edu.