This rigorous program offers an opportunity for highly qualified and motivated students to apply to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School during what is generally the first semester of a student’s junior year (between 16 and 23.99 c.u.). If accepted, the student will submatriculate into the JD program in their senior year. Applicants must be committed to the study of law in its theoretical and practical aspects.

• Prospective applicants to the BA/JD program should have fulfilled most — if not all — of their undergraduate degree requirements by what is generally a student’s junior year (between 16 and 23.99 c.u.).
• A prospective applicant should have a G.P.A. of 3.4 or above to apply.
• Students pursuing dual degrees or coordinated dual degrees are not eligible to apply for this program.
• Following matriculation to the Law School, four College courses (400-level or above) must be taken and will be counted toward both the BA and the JD. These courses must be approved by a Law School advisor.
• Up to four Law School courses may be counted toward the BA, either as free electives (as long as the student has taken a total of 16 College course units outside the major) or as major-related courses (as approved by the major advisor).
• No more than 8 c.u. in all can be double counted toward both degrees. Students must satisfy all the requirements for the JD during their fourth, fifth and sixth years of study.
• Students in the program must complete an advanced-level seminar or independent study in their major field of study by the time they have completed 23.99 c.u.

Students on financial aid who are considering submatriculation are urged to consult with Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS) before applying. The calculation of tuition and eligibility for undergraduate financial aid may be affected by enrolling in graduate courses, even during the regular eight semesters of the student’s undergraduate program. Some programs require students to become graduate students after their fourth year in the College, which is likely to mean that their tuition is no longer covered by undergraduate financial aid. Again, consultation with SRFS is essential.

Students apply to the Law School for admission to this program in the fall semester of their junior year. The application includes an essay explaining the relationship between the student’s experience in the College and the study of law, plus a proposed plan of study developed in consultation with the College advisor.

Please visit the how to apply page for more information.

All applicants must take one of the following approved standardized test: the LSAT, GRE, or GMAT.

Although the Law School makes the final decision about acceptance into the submatriculation program, the student’s application must also be approved by the College committee.

Students who are serious about this program should contact Dr. Hocine Fetni at 215.898.6341 for an appointment to discuss their plans.

For more information, applicants or prospective applicants to the Law School should contact contactadmissions@law.upenn.edu.