Application Instructions

JD Application Instructions

Application Review Process

All of the information submitted with the application will be carefully considered by the Admissions Committee as such it may be several weeks before an admissions decision is rendered. Beyond an applicant's LSAT score and undergraduate academic record, Drake Law School carefully considers an applicant's writing skills, letters of recommendation (academic letters preferred), leadership experience, community and extracurricular involvement and work and life experiences. Applicants are welcome to attach a resume and/or addendum to include any such relevant information.

Apply online at www.lsac.org. The following items must be received by the Drake Law School Office of Admission before your application is considered complete:

• When to Apply

  To begin in the Fall of 2025:
  Online application is available September of 2024.
  
  We have a rolling admission process, therefore, we continue to accept applications past the priority deadline. For best consideration of admission and financial aid we encourage applicants to apply by the April 1st priority deadline.

• Application

  The online application form is available through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at www.lsac.org. There is no online application fee. Any affirmative answers to the Character and Fitness question require a detailed explanation to be uploaded with the application.

• Personal Statement

  Drake Law seeks to enroll students who show the ability to succeed in the practice of law; we want students who will be leaders in their communities; who will be ethical and professional; and who represent a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Your academic record, including the rigor of your curriculum, along with your LSAT score, will provide us with important information.  We recognize, however, that the potential for success and your contribution to our class cannot be measured solely by a standardized test or by past academic records. Therefore, we use a holistic admissions model that evaluates non-academic skills and experiences in addition to academic credentials. Non-academic factors Drake Law may consider include: 

  • Extracurricular and co-curricular activities, in particular those that helped you develop your leadership, academic, or interpersonal skills. 
  • Professional or work experiences, or community engagement. 
  • Your resilience in overcoming obstacles or barriers.   
  • Experiences or opportunities interacting with individuals from different cultures or backgrounds, including your fluency in other languages. 
  • Your career goals and motivations for going to law school, including how Drake Law in particular would further those goals. 
  • Your potential contribution to the law school environment and legal profession (for example, relating to your background, perspectives, or experiences).  

  Please include a separate statement with your application, not exceeding two pages. We encourage you to discuss any information that might help the Admissions Committee evaluate how you meet the above criteria. 

• Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report

  All JD applicants are required to have a valid CAS report. Please visit www.lsac.org to establish your account. The following items wil be sent from LSAC and included in your report:
  
  Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
  We will use your highest score in the last 5 years in consideration for admittance. We will not accept LSAT scores obtained after June of the year in which classes commence.
  
  Applicants who wish to apply with a GRE or JD Next test score must contact the Office of Admissions at lawadmit@drake.edu. Please note that LSAT scores will be considered for applicants who have taken, or will take, the LSAT prior to their enrollment.
  
  LSAT Writing
  Applicants applying with an LSAT score are required to complete the LSAT Writing portion of the LSAT exam. This must be completed before LSAC will release your CAS report.
  
  Transcripts
  Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be sent to LSAC.
  
  Letters of Recommendation

  At least one letter of recommendation is required, and up to three letters will be accepted. Letters of recommendation from academic sources are strongly encouraged.

• Scholarship Form(s)

  The above application materials will be used in determining eligibility for merit scholarships. Applicants will be notified of such awards at the time of admission. There is one scholarship that requires an application: the Justice Chester Cole Public Service Scholarship. For application materials, please visit the Cost and Financial Aid portion of the website.

Once you have applied, you will be able to keep track of your application status by checking the Application Status Online (ASO) system.

Applicants to Drake Law School's LLM program must submit the following items: (International and Foreign Trained lawyers please refer to this page for application requirements)

• Completed application
• Official law school transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• At least one letter of recommendation (up to three letters will be accepted)

LLM Application Instructions

The LLM program will start each Fall semester. The application priority deadline is April 1. Drake offers rolling admission; therefore, applications will continue to be accepted after the priority deadline.

Download the application below or request an application by contacting the Drake Law School Office of Admission (515-271-2782).

Fall 2025 LLM Application

Application materials can be submitted via email to Law-Admit@drake.edu or mailed to:

Drake Law School
Office of Admission and Financial Aid
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311

Application Instructions

MJ in Compliance and Risk Management

This is an online program with rolling admission.

Complete the Online MJ in Compliance and Risk Management Application. Select "Master of Jurisprudence in Compliance and Risk Management" on the dropdown menu.

Applicants to Drake Law School's MJ in Compliance and Risk Management program must submit the following items through application site listed above:

• Completed application
• Official transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• At least two letters of recommendation
• Copy of graduate examination scores (if applicable)

Questions? Call 844-254-4221.

MJ in Individualized Legal Studies 

This is an in-person program.

The application priority deadline is June 1 for the fall semester. Drake offers rolling admission; therefore, applications will continue to be accepted after the priority deadline.

Download the Fall 2025 MJ Application or request an application by contacting the Drake Law School Office of Admission (515-271-2782).

Applicants to Drake Law School's MJ in Individualized Legal Studies program must submit the following items:

• Completed application
• Official transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• At least one letter of recommendation (up to three letters will be accepted)
• Copy of graduate examination scores (if applicable)

Application materials can be submitted via email to  Law-admit@drake.edu or mailed to:

Drake Law School
Office of Admission and Financial Aid
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311

Note: Credits earned as an MJ student are not transferrable should a student later decide to pursue the JD program.