FALL 2026 RECRUITMENT
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Pi, Cornell's Premier Professional Pre-Law Fraternity.
Applications will open on the first day of classes. Our full recruitment timeline will be announced closer to the start of the semester; join our mailing list to be the first to know.
If you have any questions in the interim, please reach out to our VP of Fall Recruitment Hansa Suresh (hs2279@cornell.edu), VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Shrayes Gunna (sg2386@cornell.edu), or President Fiona Yin (fgy3@cornell.edu).
Mailing List
Sign up for our recruitment listserv to stay up to date with our upcoming recruitment events!
Summer Coffee Chats are Here
WHAT IS A COFFEE CHAT?
A coffee chat is a conversation with a brother, providing a chance for you to learn more about KAPi, and for us to learn about your interest in the law and the ways you're involved on campus. Though it is not a required component of our application, we strongly encourage every prospective member to reach out for a coffee chat before recruitment begins to get to know the brotherhood firsthand, and for us to start getting to know the person behind the application.
HOW DO I REQUEST ONE?
We've put together a short guide to help you draft a coffee chat email with confidence. Simply fill out our Coffee Chat Match Request Form, and we'll pair you with a brother who shares your legal interests or other interests. All summer coffee chats will take place over Zoom — once you're matched, you'll receive an email with your brother's info to set up a time that works for you both.
Resumes
Not sure where to start? Use our resume template, built specifically with pre-law applicants in mind, to help organize your experience clearly and effectively.
Headshots
We only use your submitted photo to help match names to faces. A professional headshot is not required. If you'd like one anyway, Cornell Career Services runs a Profile Picture Kiosk available to all students. More information is available here.
FAQ
Do I need a certain GPA to apply?
No. There is no strict GPA cutoff; we evaluate the applicants holisitcally, not just a number.
Do I need prior debate or public speaking experience?
No. Our process is designed to reveal how you think and work with others, not to test formal debate training. We welcome applicants of every background.
Is a coffee chat required before I apply?
No. Coffee chats are optional but encouraged. They're a low-pressure way to get to know the brotherhood prior to recruitment.
What happens after applications close?
Invited applicants move through up to three rounds. You'll be notified in advance of each round if you've been invited to continue.
What's the time commitment like as a member?
During your first semester after being accepted, you'll go through KAPi's New Member Education program, a deeply personalized experience made possible by our small class sizes and dedicated new member educators, who tailor the semester around your specific legal interests. Along the way, you'll get to know both current brothers and alumni through coffee chats and professional development events. Alongside NME programming, you'll take part in professional events like legal panels, philanthropic initiatives (such as our recent volunteer day at the Ithaca ReUse Center), and social events that bring everyone together outside a professional setting.