University of Kentucky

KY · Public · East South Central

Acceptance rate: 41% (1,236 applicants)
Median LSAT: 159 (middle 50%: 156–162)
Median GPA: 3.72 (middle 50%: 3.52–3.90)
Tuition: $49,836 (per year, nonresident)
Bar passage: 79.8% (+1.0 pts vs. state average)

Deadlines

If you want money, file by Feb. 1. That's UK's priority scholarship date and the cutoff for the Combs and Ashland scholarships, even though the application stays open until April 15. Rolling review means the seats and the scholarship budget both shrink as spring goes on.
Early decision here is binding and has a deadline of Nov. 15, 2026. UK's page says ED admits are among the first evaluated for scholarships, but the offer arrives with the decision and you can't shop it. Only apply ED if UK is your first choice at any price.
UK names the writing in your statements as a factor after GPA and LSAT. The optional UK Law interest statement is the only place in the file where you can say why Lexington and why this school. If you have a real reason (Kentucky practice, a clerkship goal, one of the dual degrees), write it.
There's no admissions interview, so letters and the statement carry your voice. UK asks for at least two letters. Pick recommenders who can speak to your writing and analysis, since that's what the committee says it reads for.