Weigh Types of J.D.-MBA Programs, Applications

Typical law school programs involve three years of study, while MBA programs require two years. Instead of students devoting five years to pursuing both degrees, traditional joint programs allow students to earn the two credentials in four years. Schools like Harvard University, Stanford University and the University of Chicago all follow the traditional J.D.-MBA approach.

Gaining admission typically requires separate applications to both the law school and business school. This usually means taking both the LSAT and GMAT.

Often applicants apply contemporaneously to several J.D.-MBA programs. Getting a "match" of admission to both schools makes the application process more competitive. Another option is to apply during your first year of law school, which means submitting an application to your school's corresponding MBA program.

[Decide if a J.D.-MBA dual degree is right for you.]

Because each school's admissions office reviews applications separately, prospective students may try to take short cuts by submitting identical material. But recycling application material can backfire. It is important to establish why you need an MBA when applying to business schools and why you need a J.D. when applying to law schools. Neither degree should come across as ancillary.

While you can submit the same letters of recommendations, your recommenders will need to upload their letters separately to each program. As such, I advise applicants to ask recommenders to draft two letters each: one targeting business school and one targeting law school.

Adjust your personal statement to highlight different skills and goals. For MBA programs, emphasize how your professional experience shapes your desire to work in the corporate sector. For J.D. programs, reflect upon how the law intersects with your experiences and why understanding legal issues is crucial to your career path.

Applicants can write about the same experiences, but should adjust the discussion to focus on either law or business. You may also want to share in your application that you are pursuing a joint degree.

You can also modify your resume. MBA programs value practical work experience. Descriptions of your professional accomplishments should be concrete and specific. J.D. programs value work experience, too, but they also like to see evidence of research, writing and extracurricular involvement.

[Check out five key qualities of successful MBA applications.]

Three-Year Programs

Since joint J.D.-MBA degrees have grown more popular, some schools offer even more integrated programming. Instead of four years of study, you can earn a joint J.D.-MBA in three years.

Advantages of three-year programs include graduating with peers from both schools, as well as saving time and the costs associated with a fourth year in academia. Disadvantages include less time to network and less opportunity to explore academic pursuits.

Yale University and Columbia University, for example, both have three-year integrated J.D.-MBA programs.

[Consider these five reasons not to get a dual J.D.-MBA.]

Integrated Applications

Several programs have begun to integrate their applications. There is a lot of variability in how schools process these applications, so be prepared to research application requirements thoroughly.

For example, New York University's traditional four-year J.D.-MBA program involves an integrated application, but applications are still reviewed separately, which means prospective students need to gain admission to both programs. Note that the GMAT or GRE is optional -- but the LSAT is mandatory.

In contrast, you can apply to Northwestern University's three-year accelerated program with one integrated application to the business school. GMAT scores are necessary, but applicants are not required to submit a separate law school application or even an LSAT score.

The University of Pennsylvania's J.D.-MBA also has a three-year program with an integrated application, but requires both the GMAT and LSAT.

Unlike separate applications, you will be submitting one set of materials. Therefore your application needs to showcase how your professional experiences position you for both a corporate and legal career path.

Unsure how to articulate your interest in business and law? You can reach me at lawadmissionslowdown@usnews.com.