Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) Program

Track One

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 virtual visit to a local law firm, and the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors.

Track Two

Admissions and career preparation sessions are held virtually on Monday evenings throughout the summer. These sessions typically include a presentation from Minnesota Law career center staff, a panel discussion with current law students and alumni, a virtual 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.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. 

For those in track one, all study materials will be provided and students will have access to the materials for a short time after program completion to prepare for fall LSAT dates.

Track One

Attendance is mandatory for all LSAT prep classes and will be taken at each session. Success in this program is largely dependent on outside study, and students are expected to study 15–20 hours a week outside of class. Attendance at the admissions and career sessions is optional, though highly encouraged, and you may opt in to the sessions that are most relevant to you.

Track Two

Attendance at each individual session is optional, though it is highly encouraged to attend as many as possible. You will be invited to attend all sessions, but may choose those most relevant to you.

Track One

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 2026 is as follows

• January 26, 2026 – MPLS application available
• March 15, 2026 – MPLS applications due at 11:59 pm
• week of April 6, 2026 – Decisions will be emailed to all applicants
• One week after acceptance emails – student commitment response returned
• Week of May 4 – Orientation meeting
• June 1, 2026 – First day of class
• August 16, 2026 – Last test completed by midnight

Track Two

• January 26, 2026 – MPLS application available
• March 15, 2026 – MPLS applications due at 11:59 pm
• week of April 6, 2026 – Decisions will be emailed to all applicants.
• Week of May 4 – Orientation meeting
• June 8, 2026 – First admission/career prep session

Summer 2026 Applications are now open and due by 11:59 pm Central Time on March 15, 2026.

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:

1. Completed application form
2. Unofficial undergraduate transcript(s) from all institutions
3. Statement of interest that includes all of the following prompts (11 pt font minimum, up to two pages, double spaced) PDF recommended
   1. discuss your interest in attending law school and professional goals
   2. describe how you will bring a unique perspective or set of experiences to the legal field
   3. share how this program will impact your journey to law school
4. (Track One only) Practice or official LSAT score

One letter of recommendation is optional and can be emailed to [email protected]. Letters of recommendation must also be received by the application deadline.