3+3 Juris Doctor

A partnership agreement which creates opportunities for Bryant students to gain direct, early access to one of the nation's preeminent law schools.

The Bryant globe and a Villanova clock.

Program Overview

Bryant University has partnered with Villanova University, Charles Widger School of Law to create a direct entry admission program for qualified students to pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at Villanova University. At the completion of the program, students will have a bachelor's degree from Bryant University and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Villanova University School of Law.  

Undergraduates will have two pathway options to pursue direct, early-access admission:

  • Bryant-Villanova "3+3" program will allow Bryant students to complete their undergraduate requirements in three years at Bryant University, before enrolling at Villanova for three years. Credits earned at the successful completion of the first year of law school will transfer back to Bryant to satisfy final graduation requirements. 
  • Bryant-Villanova "4+3" program will be available for qualifying seniors, who will apply and directly matriculate to Villanova after fulfilling graduation requirements at Bryant.

Related: Bryant University partners with Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law to create a pathway to law for Bryant students

Program Advantages

The Bryant-Villanova partnership will allow students to accelerate their education and break through traditional law school barriers. The advantages include:

  • Application fee waived for applicants who meet all qualifications
  • Direct admission without the competition of the regular applicant pool
  • Qualified third-year students (juniors) will receive an annual guaranteed full-tuition scholarship during the three-year program (automatic renewal provided the student maintains good academic standing and observes the Code of Conduct and academic rules and policies)
  • Qualified fourth-year students (seniors) will receive an annual guaranteed half-tuition scholarship during the three-year program (automatic renewal provided the student maintains good academic standing and observes the Code of Conduct and academic rules and policies)

Additional Resources

3+3 Juris Doctor Flyer
  • Complete a minimum of three years of coursework and 72 credits at Bryant
  • Earn a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA at or above the 50th percentile of the most recent class to matriculate at the School of Law
  • Apply by February 1 of the year in which you seek to enter the School of Law
  • Junior applicants: Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) no later than January of junior year, and earn a minimum LSAT score at or above the 75th percentile of the most recent class to matriculate at the School of Law
  • Senior applicants: Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) no later than January of senior year, and earn a minimum LSAT score at or above the 50th percentile of the most recent class to matriculate at the School of Law 
  • Obtain a strong recommendation from Bryant's Pre-Law Advisor
  • Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing throughout the time at Bryant
  • Meet all fitness, character, and other criteria for admission as required by the Office of Admission of the School of Law
  • Personal statement not exceeding three double-spaced pages
  • Resume
  • Official LSAT score(s)
  • At least one letter of recommendation
  • Interview successfully with the School of Law prior to receipt of final admission decision
  • Credit Assembly Service (CAS) report with official transcripts from all colleges, universities, junior or community colleges

The application can be accessed through the Law School Admission Council.

Ilisabeth Bornstein, J.D.
Pre-Law Advisor
Bryant University
Faculty Suite F, Room 2403
ibornstein@bryant.edu

Phillip Harrinarine
Interim Assistance Dean of Admission
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
(610) 519-7263
pharrina@villanova.edu

What Bryant academic majors work best for this program?

While the Bryant curriculum is flexible to accommodate an accelerated undergraduate degree, students are encouraged to contact their pre-law and academic advisors to further discuss academic planning. 

What transcripts are needed?

Students are required to submit transcripts from the following institutions even if a degree was not awarded:

  • Community colleges
  • Undergraduate institutions
  • Institutions attended for summer or evening courses
  • Institutions from which you took a college-level course while in high school
  • International transcripts (if applicable)

For additional information regarding transcripts, please contact your pre-law advisor.

Are transfer students eligible?

Yes, transfer students are eligible provided you meet all program academic requirements. Students are encouraged to contact their pre-law and academic advisors to discuss academic planning.

What does direct admission mean?

Students applying under the Bryant-Villanova partnership will be reviewed for academic fit by the School of Law admission committee without comparison to the larger applicant pool. 

If I change my mind, am I able to opt out of the program?

Yes, the flexible structure of the Bryant-Villanova program will allow students to opt-out at any time. Students who opt-out must contact their pre-law advisor to discuss options and will continue their Bryant undergraduate degree requirements following a traditional four-year timeline. 

Will opting out of the program affect any scholarships received from Bryant?

Any Bryant academic scholarship that was awarded is renewable up to four years (eight semesters), provided that you maintain full-time (at least 12 credits) enrollment status and the cumulative grade point average on the scholarship letter you receive from the Office of Admission. 

May I defer my acceptance to the "4+3" program?

The program is intended for students heading directly from an undergraduate program to law school. Unexpected circumstances warranting a different timeline are handled on a case-by-case basis and should be discussed with your pre-law advisor.

Will I still be considered if I meet most, but not all admission requirements?

An exemplary junior who wishes to be considered to the School of Law but does not meet the requirements because their LSAT score or cumulative undergraduate GPA, but who meet all other requirements may petition the School of Law for an exception. The School of Law's Admission Office will determine whether the student is eligible to apply and will review these students on a case-by-case basis. 

Seniors who do not meet the eligibility requirements will still be considered for regular admission to the School of Law. 

What support is available to students?

A pre-law advisor and academic advisor are dedicated to overseeing academic fit and eligibility for the program. 

What if I have additional questions about the Bryant-Villanova program?

Current students should consult with their pre-law and academic advisors with any questions regarding the program and academic planning.

Prospective students who are interested in learning more may contact the Office of Admission at (800) 622-7001, or email admission@bryant.edu.