Pacific Lutheran University

Begin your J.D. while completing your bachelor's at Pacific Lutheran University

Gonzaga University School of Law and Pacific Lutheran University's joint program provides students who have not yet completed a bachelor's degree the ability to apply to and graduate from law school a year sooner.

Criteria for Application

PLU students seeking admission to Gonzaga Law through the 3+3 Program must meet the following criteria:

  1. Successful completion of at least 100 PLU semester hours;
  2. Successful completion of at least 64 PLU credits, including the completion of all major requirements, in residency at PLU;
  3. Declaration and successful completion of all required minimums for a PLU major – including courses, grades, credits, and undergraduate grade point average (UGPA) - or written approval from the appropriate PLU unit chair that the first-year Gonzaga Law courses will fulfill any remaining electives to complete the major;
  4. Provide written approval from the appropriate PLU official indicating that the applicant in on track to meet all PLU graduation requirements for early entry to Gonzaga Law prior to enrolling in law school; and
  5. Acceptance to Gonzaga Law through its established admission process.

Gonzaga Law Admittance

Students must apply for admission to Gonzaga Law’s full-time, regular J.D. program. We must receive all required application materials no later than March 15 of the calendar year in which you hope to matriculate (see full timeline and required materials below). Applicants meeting or exceeding the previous year's UGPA/LSAT medians are given priority consideration for admission to Gonzaga Law, subject to the holistic review process and consideration of the applicant's character and fitness to eventually be licensed to practice law.
 

Gonzaga Law reserves the right to deny admission to applicants who otherwise meet or exceed the LSAT and UGPA medians if, in its sole discretion, the applicant is not otherwise prepared or eligible for admission. Failure to achieve the minimum LSAT score and UGPA requirement does not result in denial of admission but rather disqualifies the applicant for priority consideration for admittance to Gonzaga Law.

Suggested Application Timeline

June - July prior to start of junior year:

  • Assess the academic performance to date to ensure that all PLU requirements are on track;
  • Prepare for the LSAT

October - December of junior year:

  • Consult with faculty advisor to plan course selection for spring semester of junior year to ensure that all requirements for the baccalaureate degree, other than courses to be taken in the first year of law school, will be fulfilled;
  • Take October or December administration of the LSAT

November - January of junior year:

  • Receive LSAT score and determine if eligible to submit application;
  • Submit transcripts, including fall semester junior year grades, to CAS report system;
  • Submit application materials to Gonzaga University Law, including:
    • Application form;
    • CAS report (includes undergraduate transcript and LSAT scores);
    • Two letters of recommendation;
    • Resume;
    • Personal statement;
    • Letter of eligibility for 3+ 3 Program from faculty advisor

January - March of junior year:

  • Take February LSAT if necessary.

Tuition and Financial Aid

During their first three years at PLU, students will pay tuition and fees to PLU at the approved undergraduate rate and be eligible to receive undergraduate financial aid. During the completion of their law degree at Gonzaga Law, students will pay tuition and fees to Gonzaga University at the approved tuition rate and receive law school financial aid. Aid may not be combined.