Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the 3+3 Law Program work? 

A: 3+3 Law Program participants must complete their JCU core and academic major requirements within three years. The first year of law school counts as the fourth year (senior year) at JCU. Students will receive their undergraduate degree after successfully completing all fourth-year program classes, or the equivalent of 120 credit hours.

There are two points at which students may apply to the 3+3 Law Program:

1) As incoming freshmen via the JCU Gateway; and

2) As juniors in their fall semester.

• Incoming freshmen who meet the criteria for the 3+3 Law Program will be granted access to apply via the JCU Gateway. Students who signal their interest on the application are not obligated to attend Case Law School in their fourth year.
• JCU students who did not join the program through the JCU Gateway may still participate by applying to CWRU School of Law’s Early Admission option in the fall of their junior year. In so doing, they will still be able to apply the first year of law school courses towards their undergraduate degree. If they apply as juniors, however, they must attend CWRU School of Law once their application is accepted.

Q: What are the benefits of the 3+3 Law Program to students? A: Benefits of the 3+3 Law Program to students are substantial:

• An opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and law degree in six years.
• Students receive advising from both JCU and CWRU’s School of Law.
• Regular visits and presentations by CWRU School of Law representatives on the JCU campus.
• Opportunities to attend lectures and symposia at CWRU.

Q: When do I take the LSAT? A: The LSAT is taken in June following the student’s sophomore year or in October of her junior year.

Q: If I sign the intent form for the 3+3 Law Program, does this obligate me to participate in the program? A: If you are an incoming freshman, no, it does not. Even if you have already enrolled in it, you do not have to participate in the 3+3 Law Program. The case is different, however, for junior applicants. Juniors who are accepted into the program after applying directly to CWRU School of Law’s Early Admission option are obligated to attend CWRU.

Q: As a student in the 3+3 Law Program, am I obligated in any way to go to law school at CWRU? A: If you applied as an incoming freshman, no, you are not. Junior student applicants, however, are obligated to attend CWRU.

Q: I applied to the 3+3 Law Program convinced that I only wanted to study at JCU for three years. I’ve changed my mind and would like to stay at JCU for four years. Can I switch to a 4+3 Law Program? A: If you applied as an incoming freshman, you always have the option to turn down the 3+3 Law Program offer from CWRU so that you may stay at JCU. Should you want to continue into CWRU’s JD Program after graduating from JCU, you would need to reapply to CWRU the following year as a regular applicant.

Q: What are the requirements to gain admission to the 3+3 Law Program?

A: JCU will invite incoming freshmen to opt into the 3+3 program if they express interest in pre-law and have at least a 3.4 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Freshmen who opt in, maintain a JCU GPA of 3.4, score in the 70th percentile on the LSAT, and apply to Case law school will be accepted but are not obligated to attend. Thus we encourage all incoming students who meet the requirements and may be interested in the 3+3 program to opt in.

JCU students who did not select into the 3+3 program before matriculating and students who transferred to JCU with 32 or fewer hours of accepted transfer credits may still participate in the program if they obtain a college GPA of 3.4 by the fall of their junior year.  Students who make at least a GPA of 3.4, score in the 70th percentile on the LSAT, and apply to Case Law School will be accepted.  However, if they apply they are obligated to attend (as is typical with early admissions applications).

Consistent with JCU’s test-optional policy, admission to the 3+3 program is test-optional.

Q: What are the requirements to stay in the 3+3 Law Program? A: The established requirements for JCU students to stay in the 3+3 Law Program and to maintain dual-admission status with CWRU School of Law are:

• Achieve and maintain a 3.4 overall GPA by their fourth semester; and
• Earn a minimum 70th percentile on the LSAT.

Q: I want to apply to the 3+3 Law Program. I meet all of the criteria except one. Is there still a chance I’d be accepted? A: In order to be guaranteed a spot in the 3+3 Law Program, you must meet all admission criteria. CWRU program directors, however, would be happy to speak with you about your circumstances so that they may consider your application.

Q: How do I apply for the 3+3 Law Program as a high school senior?

A: High school seniors admitted to JCU will have access to the JCU Gateway. Once you are able to access the JCU Gateway, you will need to opt in to the 3+3 Law Program. This will serve as your application, and your eligibility will then be reviewed. Students who opt in are under no obligation to attend CWRU School of Law.

Q: If I didn’t enroll in the 3+3 Law Program at the start of the freshman year, can I still enroll in the Program?  A: Yes, you may apply in the fall semester of your junior year with an anticipated start date of the beginning of the following fall semester. The criteria for junior year applicants will include standardized test scores as well as demonstrated academic achievement at the college level, including meeting the eligibility requirements on your JCU GPA and your LSAT score.

Keep in mind that you will still need to complete your JCU core and academic major requirements in your first three years. Because course planning is essential to this program, you should meet with JCU’s Pre-Law Advisor as soon as you begin to consider applying to the 3+3 Law Program.

So that students planning to enroll in the 3+3 Law Program in their junior year may share in the same benefits as incoming freshmen, we urge you to make your interest in the program official as soon as you would like by filling out our online Interest Form. This form is not binding, nor does it mean you are enrolled in the program. Instead, this form allows us to reach out to you with information about LSAT prep seminars and CWRU School of Law events.

Q: As a transfer student, am I eligible for the 3+3 Law Program? A: Yes, you are eligible to apply for the 3+3 Law Program in the fall semester of your junior year. The number and type of credits, however, that you bring to JCU will affect the ease with which you can complete both the JCU core and academic major requirements in the intended three years at JCU. Again, student circumstances vary and each case is different.

It is vital for transfer students who wish to enroll in the 3+3 Program to consult with their major advisor and with JCU's Pre-Law Advisor to help them decide whether this program is right for them.

Incoming transfer students who are undecided in their major should consult with the Office of Academic Advising to help them decide how the 3+3 Law Program might fit into their path toward graduation.

Q: How will I know that my application to the 3+3 Law Program has been approved? A: You will be notified of your acceptance into the program through email.

Q: If I was accepted as a freshman and choose to stay in the 3+3 Law Program, will I be automatically admitted to the CWRU School of Law?  A: Admission to the CWRU School of Law takes into account three sets of criteria that the student must meet:

1) Academic standing: These requirements are the same as our 3+3 Law Program’s GPA and LSAT requirements. You must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4 in John Carroll courses and earn a minimum 70th percentile on the LSAT. You should take the LSAT no later than October of your junior year.

2) Personal development: Your personal development is measured by your engagement with the academic and local community and how that community participation—whether leadership in undergraduate activities and community programs, scholarly pursuits and research, artistic or athletic activities, or other experiences—helped further your personal growth.

3) Character and fitness: The CWRU School of Law Admissions Committee will consider any character or fitness issues that you may have—for example, criminal charges, academic dishonesty charges, or dubious social media content—when making its final decision on your admission.

Junior year applicants will also need to meet these three criteria set out by CWRU School of Law.

Q: If I was accepted as a freshman into the 3+3 Law Program, do I still need to apply to the CWRU School of Law’s JD Program? A: Yes. You must still complete the School of Law’s JD application by November 30th of your junior year.

Q: Are students from all majors eligible for the 3+3 Law Program?

A: Yes, students from all majors are eligible for the 3+3 LawProgram. However, the 3+3 Law Program works best for students with majors that allow them to complete their University core and academic major requirements within the intended three years at JCU.

It may be more difficult for students in majors that have large credit hour requirements to complete their JCU core and academic major requirements within three years.

Student circumstances vary and each case is different. For example, some students enter JCU with a substantial number of credits, many students change majors, some students take summer classes, and so on.  A number of circumstances can affect whether it makes sense for the student to enroll in the 3+3 Law Program.

It is vital for students who wish to enroll in the program to consult with the JCU Pre-Law Advisor to learn how the 3+3 Law Program works in their particular case.

Q: Can I double major while in the 3+3 Law Program? A: This would be difficult and would likely involve summer school. You need to plan with your academic advisor and JCU’s Pre-Law Advisor so that you complete your core and academic major requirements in three years.

Q: What is JCU’s transfer credit policy? A: Decisions regarding whether and how transfer credits apply at JCU are governed by JCU academic policy. The main points of that policy are:

The College of Arts and Sciences:

• At least 50% of the credits for the B.A./B.S. degree must be earned at John Carroll or through an approved study abroad, exchange, or dual-degree program, including the 3+3 Law Program with the CWRU School of Law.
• At least 50% of the credits for the major must be earned at John Carroll or through an approved study abroad, exchange, or dual-degree program, including the 3+3 Law Program with the CWRU School of Law.

The Boler School:

• The Boler School has clearly stated rules concerning how much coursework can be transferred in for either Boler core courses or for a major in Boler.
• Students in the Boler School of Business should consult Boler rules about transfer coursework for their majors.

Q: Can 3+3 Law Program students receive JCU core credit for courses taken at CWRU? A: Yes. CWRU School of Law’s required Year One LLEAP course has been approved for AW (Additional Writing) and OP (Oral Presentation) credit in the JCU core.

Q: When will I take my capstone course in my major? A: Your major department will determine this on an individual basis. Case Law does not permit students to take any undergraduate courses during the first year of law school.

Q: Can I study abroad? A: If you plan carefully so that study abroad courses fit into your core and/or the academic major, this should be possible. You should plan this with your academic advisor.

Q:  When will I receive my Bachelor’s Degree? A: Upon your successful completion of the first year of law school (120 credit hours), the JCU Bachelor of Arts Degree is awarded. Whether or not you go on to complete the JD at CWRU’s School of Law, you will have earned a B.A. after four years.

Q: After completing my first year at CWRU, will I have the opportunity to walk with my graduation class?

A: Yes! In order to do so, make sure to follow these steps:

• As soon as possible after April 1 of your third year at JCU, you should apply for the fourth year graduation–this is so you don’t fall off the radar when you start taking your law school courses. JCU’s Registrar’s Office will know that you are planning to graduate, and you will be kept in the loop with communications, deadlines, etc. from JCU; and
• In the spring of your first year at CWRU, you will have to ensure that the Law School sends your first year transcript to JCU so that the first year law courses can transfer back and be counted towards your JCU bachelor’s degree.

Q: Will my JCU financial aid work for the fourth year?

A: The JCU financial aid award is for the first three years of the program. Once you begin your JD studies at CWRU School of Law, CWRU tuition policies take over. CWRU, however, does offer merit based scholarships that consider your LSAT score as well as your undergraduate GPA. If a scholarship cannot be found, loans are an alternative option you may pursue. Once you receive a CWRU School of Law financial aid offer, you will be able to choose whether to continue on to law school or stay for the fourth year at JCU.

More information regarding the total cost of attendance can be found here.

Q: What if I do not pass all my courses at CWRU School of Law?

A: If you do not pass a course, you will not receive credit for it. Once you begin law school, you must still earn the remaining credit hours to obtain a bachelor’s degree from JCU. Your future at CWRU, however, is determined by Case officials.

Q: What if I decide during the first year at Case Law that I don’t want to continue?

A: You still need to earn the remaining credit hours to graduate from JCU. At this point, you may return to JCU to finish your bachelor’s degree. All qualifying credit hours earned from CWRU may be transferred to JCU.