So, I’m starting to do some basic research into grad school admissions once I complete my undergrad degree in either Spring 2027 or Spring 2028, depending on how my AP and dual enrollments transfer. My end educational goal is to earn a Dual MBA/JD, and I’m trying to get a better grasp on the process. Can someone give some ideas on what I should be doing starting Freshman year of college to be competitive? Is it basically the same as undergrad admissions or is it totally different? I know about the LSAT and have started working on getting ready for that, but that’s all I really know that is different. Also, I would appreciate some suggestions of schools that offer Dual MBA/JD programs. I’m targeting Ivy Leagues mostly since I want to attend a very prestigous law school, but I’m having trouble finding match and safety schools that offer this program. Thank you all so much!
Many schools offer both. You simply need to, for example, look at top law schools and then google it plus jd mba to see.
A target or safety may be like my grad school - ASU - ranked in the 30s for both. It may be a reach. Your tests and work experience will matter a lot and help determine this. So not just LSAT but GMAT as well - at least at some.
A few of the programs I just looked up don’t relax requirements for either degree so in the MBA case, you might need to work two years post college.
You should have a pre law advisor at your school who can help. Good luck.
in general, each school’s admission decision is separate, so you apply to both on different applications. Law school is mostly all about two numbers: LSAT + Undergrad GPA. Top B-schools require work experience as well as GPA + test scores + recs.
btw: why do you want a dual degree? What do you hope to do with them?
Thank you for that info. I’ve done an LSAT practice test and got a 160 on my first practice test without studying, so I’m hoping to be able to raise that to perfect or near perfect by the time I take it for real. I just want to do both because I would like to do corporate and business law and having the MBA would be a great thing to add value for my clients. Also, it will be something for me to fall back on in case law does not work out for whatever reason or I just want to switch things up.
Columbia, Northwestern, and Univ. of Chicago all use a joint application for those seeking to enter the JD/MBA program. Only one standardized test is required (GMAT, GRE, LSAT).
Biggest advantage may be participating in on-campus recruiting for each degree.
Many law schools permit 3 courses to be taken in another graduate program; probably only requires permission from each program rather than a formal app.
You should focus on getting the best undergrad education you can. If you focus on what comes next you will miss the opportunity to be an undergrad. You have the rest of your life to grind.
I know and I will enjoy it. But I need to plan for next steps early to make sure everything works out.
Top mba programs want to see work experience…you have more time than you think…
Agree that you are early to focus on this. Give yourself room to explore different interests and options while in college.
I will note that some people get a combined JD and LLM in taxation which might be another option to consider down the road.
Typically want 2 years to 5 years of post undergraduate work experience. This is why I suggest that you consider taking 2 or 3 MBA courses while in law school rather than attempting the joint degree. At most law schools, the 2 or 3 MBA courses taken while in law school will count toward your law degree.
Trying to get into a combine MBA/JD program can be very diffcult. However, once accepted into a JD program AND assume you do well, adding another year for the MBA is actually less difficult and may involve only walking over to another building to talk with someone.
However, most people by that point realize it’s the job that get you the degree and not the degree getting you a job. I was at a T14+1 (at the time) school and in my class of 385, there were approx 4 joint degree students. Most law students do not care for getting a MBA.