Legal Studies BA/Law JD - Applying to the Program

Admission to UB is based on a holistic review. We consider high school average, class rank (where applicable), strength of the high school academic record and SAT or ACT scores, if applicable. UB supports SUNY’s decision to temporarily suspend SAT and ACT requirements for admissions for the 2021-22 academic year. This temporary change of admissions eligibility requirements applies to the spring 2021, fall 2021 and spring 2022 cycles. A personal essay, recommendations, documented creative talent, demonstrated leadership, community service and special circumstances are also considered.

The following is not required for admission, but is suggested as adequate preparation for university-level coursework:

• Four years of English (with a substantial writing component).
• Four years of social studies.
• Three years of college-preparatory science.
• Three years of a second language.
• Three years of college-preparatory mathematics.

Visit Undergraduate Admissions to learn more.

All entering first-year students who select Legal Studies BA on their UB applications will be listed as approved majors. Continuation in the major will be contingent on completing PSC 101 and HIS 161 or HIS 162 with a minimum grade of C in each, and attaining a UB grade point average of 2.000, within three semesters of admission to the major. 

Please note: A student must have a minimum UB grade point average of 3.500 to be eligible for admission to the JD.

The Legal Studies BA is coordinated by the Social Sciences Interdisciplinary (SSC) program. Ongoing advisement concerning program requirements and expectations for maintaining good standing in the program will be provided by the SSC staff in 203 Clemens Hall.

For information on matriculation into the JD portion of the degree please see “Current UB Students Applying to the Program.”

Transfer students must first apply to the university and meet the university's transfer admission requirements. Applications are then forwarded to the staff in the Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Program (SSC) office, which oversees the major, for review and major course equivalency evaluation.

All entering transfer students with an interest in the Legal Studies BA will be listed as approved majors. Continuation in the major will be contingent on completing PSC 101 and HIS 161 or 162 with a minimum grade of C in each, and attaining a UB grade point average of 2.000, within three semesters of admission to the major. 

Please note: A student must have a minimum UB grade point average of 3.500 to be eligible for admission to the JD.

The SSC office will provide all transfer students in the major with information and expectations for maintaining good standing in the program.

Transfer students must complete at least 50% of the undergraduate major course work at the University at Buffalo.

For information on matriculation into the JD portion of the degree please see “Current UB Students Applying to the Program.”

Current UB students seeking admission to BA/JD will be added to the undergraduate major upon request. Continuation in the major will be contingent on completing PSC 101 and HIS 161 or 162 with a minimum grade of C in each, and attaining a UB grade point average of 2.000, within three semesters of admission to the major. Students should visit the Social Sciences Interdisciplinary (SSC) program in 203 Clemens Hall for advising and assistance.

Please note: A student must have a minimum UB grade point average of 3.500 to be eligible for admission to the JD.

The undergraduate Legal Studies major is coordinated by the Social Sciences Interdisciplinary (SSC) program. Ongoing advisement concerning program requirements and expectations for maintaining good standing in the program will be provided by the SSC staff in 203 Clemens Hall.

Matriculation as a Law JD Student

During the fall of their junior year, Accelerated BA to Law JD students should consult with their academic advisor to ensure that all core and Legal Studies BA requirements will be met by the end of the their junior year or to arrange for an agreement in writing to accept courses taken at the School of Law as satisfying any remaining major or minor requirement(s).

To be eligible for matriculation to the School of Law, Accelerated BA to Law JD students must take the LSAT no later than January of their junior year and must fulfill the following requirements:

• An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.500.
• An LSAT score at or above the median LSAT for the School of Law’s previous year’s enrolled class or GRE scores at or above the 70th percentile on the Verbal Reasoning section and at or above the 40th percentile on the Quantitative Reasoning section.
• Submit two academic letters of recommendation from members of the College of Arts and Sciences faculty no later than February 1 of their junior year.
• Submit a Personal Statement (1-2 pages) no later than February 1 of their junior year. The statement should address (1) the student’s most significant personal experience beyond academic accomplishments, and (2) the student’s personal and career ambitions.
  

The School of Law reserves the right to conduct an in-person interview of the student prior to matriculating to the JD Program.

HIS 161 U. S. History I or HIS 162 U. S. History II
PSC 101 Introduction to American Politics
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology