CAS & Gonzaga Law 3+3 Pathway

Gonzaga University School of Law and Gonzaga University College of Arts & Science's (CAS) joint pathway provides students who have not yet completed a bachelor's degree the opportunity to apply to and potentially graduate from law school a year sooner.

Please note that this 3+3 pathway is designed with the unusual undergraduate student in mind, and admission to Gonzaga Law School is not guaranteed simply as a result of completing necessary undergraduate coursework. This 3+3 pathway is intended for students who have a compelling and demonstrated record toward a career in law (including, e.g., relevant work or internship experience in the legal sector), have significant life experience (e.g., non-traditional students, veteran students, working parents, or those with indicia of thriving in the face of adversity), and are highly motivated and high achieving. Any fully eligible 3+3 applicants must still apply by the spring of their junior year, be reviewed, and offered admission through Gonzaga Law’s regular review process.

For additional information, please refer to the CAS FAQ document. 

Criteria for Application

Gonzaga CAS students seeking admission to Gonzaga Law through the 3+3 pathway must meet the following criteria:

  1. Successful completion of at least 100 undergraduate credits, including all College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate degree requirements for any major, minor, and concentration pursued by the student as well as all university core requirements.
  2. Receive written approval from the appropriate CAS official indicating that the applicant will meet all graduation requirements for early entry to Gonzaga Law prior to enrolling in law school.
  3. Be accepted to Gonzaga Law through the following 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 exceeding the previous year's GPA & LSAT medians are given priority consideration for admission to Gonzaga Law, subject to our holistic review process and consideration of the applicant's character and fitness to eventually be licensed to practice law.

Suggested Application Timeline

June - July prior to start of junior year:

  • Assess the academic performance to date to ensure that all Arts & Sciences 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 November administration of the LSAT

November - January of junior year:

  • Receive LSAT score and determine eligibility to apply for 3+3 pathway
  • Submit transcripts, including fall semester junior year grades, to CAS
  • 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:

  • Re-take the January or February LSAT, if necessary.