Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) Program
Preparing historically underrepresented students for the LSAT exam and the law school admissions process.
Program Overview and Eligibility
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all programming and instruction will be conducted virtually for the 2020 MPLS program. More information will be sent to admitted students by April 15.
Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material. MPLS is an approved DiscoverLaw.org event.
College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.
Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams.
Class Structure
All classes are held at the University of Minnesota Law School twice a week in the evenings for 10 weeks in the summer. The majority of the class consists of in-person, Princeton Review-led LSAT instruction. A portion of the class 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 visit to a local law firm, and the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors. Please note housing is not provided.
Cost
There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided.
Attendance & Study Time
Attendance is mandatory 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.
Program Requirements & Timeline
Students who are accepted into the program are required to submit a $100 seat deposit before the first day of class. This seat deposit must come in the form of a check. The deposit is fully refundable upon successful completion of this program. 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.
- January 3, 2020 - MPLS application available
- March 6, 2020 – MPLS applications due at midnight
- April 15, 2020 – Decisions will be emailed to all applicants
- May 1, 2020 — Seat deposits due for admitted students
- Early June 2020 – First day of class
- Mid-August 2020 – Last day of class
Application
Application closed for summer 2020
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 the application form, optional ACT or SAT score, unofficial undergraduate transcript(s), and three essays. Letters of recommendation are optional and can be submitted to prelawscholars@umn.edu
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Sara Halimah ('20)
Most Valuable Preparation
“The MPLS program is far more than a LSAT review class; it is a window into how to apply and succeed at the University of Minnesota.” - Alex Shaner (‘20)