Drake Law seeks to enroll students who show the ability to succeed in the practice of law; we want students who will be leaders in their communities; who will be ethical and professional; and who represent a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. Your academic record, including the rigor of your curriculum, along with your LSAT score, will provide us with important information. We recognize, however, that the potential for success and your contribution to our class cannot be measured solely by a standardized test or by past academic records. Therefore, we use a holistic admissions model that evaluates non-academic skills and experiences in addition to academic credentials. Non-academic factors Drake Law may consider include:

• Extracurricular and co-curricular activities, in particular those that helped you develop your leadership, academic, or interpersonal skills.
• Professional or work experiences, or community engagement.
• Your resilience in overcoming obstacles or barriers.
• Experiences or opportunities interacting with individuals from different cultures or backgrounds, including your fluency in other languages.
• Your career goals and motivations for going to law school, including how Drake Law in particular would further those goals.
• Your potential contribution to the law school environment and legal profession (for example, relating to your background, perspectives, or experiences).

This section is optional.

Applicants are welcome to attach a resume or application addendum if further information is necessary. Please limit each additional document to one page in length.

If you answer YES to any Character and Fitness questions you must explain each incident in full in an electronic attachment (see Attachments section).

1. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any violation of criminal, administrative, or military law (including any deferred, expunged, or sealed judgments)? This question includes, but is not limited to, all alcohol-related incidents. However, the question is not meant to include minor traffic violations.

2. Are there any criminal charges pending against you?

3. Have you ever been dismissed, placed on probation, or otherwise disciplined by any school or college for either academic or disciplinary reasons?

This section is optional.

The Career Opportunity Program (COP) is an alternative study program offered to a limited number of highly qualified, highly motivated students whose circumstances preclude full-time study of law. COP students have the option to enroll in a reduced course load of regular daytime classes. At any time, a COP student may elect to pursue full-time study. Students must complete the 90 credit degree requirement within seven years of enrollment.

COP applicants must explain their circumstances in this attachment. This explanation needs to include their employment plans in the Des Moines or Central Iowa area starting with the entrance year they are applying to Drake Law School.