3 + 3 Accelerated Law

Frequently asked questions

• What academic credentials do I need to apply?

  We look for high academic achievement in the most challenging courses offered by your high school, as well as a class rank in the top 10 percent (if provided by your school).

  Standardized test scores are required for this pathway, with target minimums of a 1290 SAT or a 28 ACT.

  Finally, you’ll submit a compelling short essay with your application sharing what draws you to this combined degree program.

• What degrees can I pursue at Union before entering Albany Law School?

  The 3+3 Accelerated Law Program is flexible and applies to both Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree tracks at Union College.

• Do I need to take the LSAT?

  Yes. You will take the LSAT during your third year at Union College. Continuing on to Albany Law School is guaranteed by maintaining a 3.4 GPA at Union regardless of your final LSAT score; however, your merit scholarship package at Albany Law School will be determined by academic criteria, which includes your LSAT score.

• Can I apply through Early Decision or Regular Decision?

  Yes. You can apply through Early Decision, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision.

  Admission to Union’s combined degree programs is connected to our application rounds. You may apply through the admission plan that best fits your goals (Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision). Binding application rounds require a commitment to attend Union College regardless of the outcome of your combined degree program application.

  All required application materials, supporting documents, and financial aid forms must be submitted by the earliest applicable deadline—whether for the combined degree program, admission round, or December 1 priority scholarship consideration.

  • For example:
    • A student applying to the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program through Early Decision I must apply by November 15.
• How do high school AP credits and summer courses fit into the 3-year timeline?

  You can complete your Union B.A. or B.S. degree in three years by combining your standard term coursework with advanced high school credits (such as AP courses), taking advantage of free fourth courses offered through the Law Scholars Program, and taking pre-approved summer courses (up to three pre-approved courses can be completed at institutions other than Union). If you prefer a traditional pace, you also have the flexibility to spend four full years at Union before entering law school.

  Below is an example showing a student completing the Union degree in three years. A variety of scenarios, including multiple credits from high school, multiple internships, summer course work at another college, can reduce the number of classes a student would have to take during the fall, winter, spring terms. Students have the option of spending four years at Union, should they choose to do so.

  	Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer/Other
  First Year	3 Classes	4 Classes	4 Classes	Use 1 AP credit from high school
  Second Year	3 Classes	4 Classes	4 Classes	Classes taken outside of Union
  Third Year	3 Classes	4 Classes	4 Classes	Internship for academic credit

  For complete details on course requirements, term limits and credit transfers, view the full course catalog description.

• When do applications open for the 3+3 Accelerated Law Program?

  If you are a high school student applying for first-year admission to Union College, program applications follow Union's standard undergraduate admission deadlines.

  For enrolled Union students already in the program, the formal application transition to Albany Law School opens in the fall of your third year at Union.