Law school essay prompts
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Please submit a personal statement that discusses any factors you feel would be relevant to the Admissions Committee to reach a decision on your file. Utilize this as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee. Bearing in mind that the Committee evaluates applicants beyond grades and test scores, we encourage you to consider multiple different potential topics in drafting your statement.
Topics can include, but are not limited to, your personal and professional goals; what educational, employment, community, and/or family experiences inform your decision to attend law school; a situation where you exhibited resilience in the face of obstacles; why you wish to pursue the study of law; and why Seton Hall Law is a good fit for you. Additionally, per the Supreme Court's opinion in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc., you are free to discuss "how race impacted [your] life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise." 600 U.S. __ (2023) (slip op. at 39).
When preparing your personal statement, please use word processing software, such as Microsoft Word and format all your documents to be 8-1/2 x 11 inches, double spaced, with 12-point font and one-inch margins. Most importantly, please include your name, LSAC number, and "Personal Statement" in the top header of each page and abide by the word limit.
Please write a minimum of 350 words and a maximum of 1,000 words.
This section is optional.
Applicants may submit an optional statement on their lived experiences.
Please describe any distinct experiences in your life or unique attributes that you can trace back to your past or current circumstances that you think would benefit the community of Seton Hall Law School and the legal community overall.
Relevant experiences could touch on, but not be limited to, financial hardship, physical, mental, or psychological differences, special talents, specific employment or community service experience, first generation or immigrant experience, gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientation, unusual urban or rural upbringing, forging resilience, military background, or unique family and/or personal circumstances or experiences. Additionally, per the Supreme Court's opinion in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc., you are free to discuss "how race impacted [your] life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise." 600 U.S. __ (2023) (slip op. at 39).
When preparing this statement, please use word processing software, such as Microsoft Word and format all your documents to be 8-1/2 x 11 inches, double spaced, with 12-point font and one-inch margins. Most importantly, please include your name, LSAC number, and "Lived Experience Statement" in the top header of each page and abide by the word limit.
Please write a maximum of 500 words.
This section is optional.
If you wish to scan and attach any supplemental information to document answers provided elsewhere in this application, you may attach/scan the document(s) and attach them here. If the documents are in reference to one or more sections or questions, please include a cover sheet with each set of documents referencing to which question or section they apply.
Do not include or attach letters of recommendation, they must be submitted via your CAS Report.
Do not provide academic or employment-related writing samples; the Admissions Committee will not review or evaluate them.
This section is optional.
Applicants may submit an optional statement on advocacy.
Part of Seton Hall Law's mission is that we "encourage students to engage in pro bono work and representation of indigent clients both during and after law school." Please share an experience where you advocated for another person, cause, or organization that otherwise would have not been advocated for. This can be informal advocacy (for example, advocating for the well-being of a loved one in a medical setting or a friend who was being wrongfully accused of something by another person), formal advocacy (through, for example, a governmental, judicial, or political process), or group mobilization (such as a protest).
When preparing this statement, please use word processing software, such as Microsoft Word and format all your documents to be 8-1/2 x 11 inches, double spaced, with 12-point font and one-inch margins. Most importantly, please include your name, LSAC number, and "Advocacy Statement" in the top header of each page and abide by the word limit.
Please write a maximum of 500 words.
Please consider and respond to the below questions regarding your collegiate (undergraduate and graduate) and/or law school records. In considering the response to this section, we advise you to consult your academic transcripts and other records or appropriate school officials. Omissions or incorrect responses may result in referral to the LSAC?s Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admissions Process, impact state bar admissibility, or other consequences (up to and including dismissal) should you matriculate at Seton Hall University School of Law.
The submission of this application is an indication that you understand your obligation to update your responses should the answers change anytime between the submission of this application and enrollment.
If you answer any of these questions affirmatively, you must include a detailed explanation in the appropriate attachment found in the ?attachments? section of this application. The explanation should discuss the nature of the occurrence, as well as all relevant facts, dates, and events. Additional instructions are included with the appropriate attachment prompt.
1. Have you ever been placed on academic probation, asked to resign or permitted or advised to withdraw, warned, suspended, dropped or expelled for academic reasons from any post-secondary school, college, university, professional school or law school?
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Have you ever been disciplined, reprimanded, suspended, placed on probation, expelled, asked or advised to resign, or permitted to withdraw from any post-secondary school, college, university, professional school or law school for other than academic reasons (including but not limited to housing violations and student conduct violations)?
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Have you ever been the subject of a formal or informal disciplinary procedure, honor code charge, and/or student conduct code charge that was not disclosed above, regardless of the disposition of the charges?
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If you previously enrolled in the JD or LLM program at any law school in the United States or Canada please give the name of that law school, the degree program, and the dates you attended. Please have a transcript from the prior law school sent to the LSAC to be placed in your CAS file. Additionally, please have a letter of standing sent from that law school to Seton Hall Law's Admissions Office. (maximum characters 100)
This section is optional.
If you are seeking admission via the LEO program, you must attach this supplemental essay that explains the educational disadvantages you have overcome in your journey to law school.
To be eligible for the LEO Program, students must demonstrate resiliency and perseverance in the face of social, economic or educational challenges, or other hardships, and bring determination, compassion, and leadership skills to the Seton Hall Law community. Your essay should not simply reference/refer to information you provided in other attachments to your application. Even if the nature of the explanation of your hardship is related to circumstances provided in other attachments, write your response as if this were a stand-alone document. Please note that eligibility for the LEO Program turns on challenges you faced before entering college (though you may also discuss challenges during college that impacted your college grades or standardized test score). When relevant to your application, you should please address the following issues:
Family Circumstances: Explain how your family circumstances affected your educational opportunities and/or achievements. Have any of your immediate relatives attended college? (If so, who?)
Economic Hardship: Explain how your family's economic circumstances have affected your educational opportunities and/or achievements. If you attended a private elementary or high school, what was the source of tuition/financing? Be sure to note in your application any income-dependent scholarships or grants that you received during college. Documentation of economic hardship may be submitted such as personal income tax return(s) for the last two years and/or financial aid award letters. These should be scanned and attached to the application, or mailed to the Admissions Office. (Please redact SSN and Dates of Birth from all documents.)
Inadequate Pre-College Schooling at under-resourced and/or low performing schools: Explain how the shortcomings of schools attended prior to college affected your education. Make sure to list in your application form the names and location (city/town, state) of schools you attended prior to college that you believe provided an inadequate education. Students must have been educated in the United States prior to college to be eligible for the LEO Program.
English is not your first language: If you were not born in the United States, when did you arrive? What was the primary language spoken in your home? At what age did you learn English? What is the current language spoken in your home? How did this impact your primary or secondary educational progression?
Physical/Learning/Other Disability: Describe the nature of the disability, including your age at onset and diagnosis. Describe what help, if any, you have had in dealing with this condition and how it has affected your educational development and academic record. Documentation of the existence and nature of the disability with recent reports from treating physicians, counselors, or other professionals may be scanned and attached to the application, or mailed to the Admissions Office.
Format this document to be 8-1/2 x 11 inches, double spaced, with 12-point font and one-inch margins, include your name, LSAC number, and "LEO Essay" in the top header of each page.
Please write a minimum of 350 words and a maximum of 1,000 words.
Provide a résumé or curriculum vitae indicating all employment experience since secondary/high school until the present. You should include part-time and summer work. Include number of hours worked and if employment was part-time. If you have never been employed, you may attach a letter explaining this in lieu of a résumé.
The American Bar Association Standards and Rules of Procedure require law schools to advise each applicant that state bar requirements deal with character and fitness of an applicant at the time they seek certification to register for a state bar examination. The ABA allows the law school to seek information on character and fitness to ensure that appropriate law school qualifications are met. Acceptance by the law school does not guarantee certification by state bar examiners. If you are concerned about facts that may impact your eligibility to practice law, you should discuss the matter with the Board of Bar Examiners in the state and jurisdiction where you expect to practice.
Please consider and respond to the below questions. When considering your responses to this section, we advise you to review each question carefully to determine whether your personal or professional history requires an affirmative response. Please consult judicial or administrative records, as appropriate, when responding to ensure that you need not amend your application later.
Your law school application is a living document, meant to represent your character and fitness to practice law from the time of application through admission to the bar. Submission of this application indicates your understanding that you have an obligation to update these character and fitness answers any time your answers change between the time of application submission and the time of admission to the bar. Updates should be sent to Seton Hall Law's Associate Dean for Academics.
A "Yes" answer to any "Yes/No" question in this section requires that you submit the appropriate "Character and Fitness" attachment. Your application will not be complete without the attachment(s).
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
1. Have you ever been cited for, charged with, taken into custody for, arrested for, indicted, tried for, pled guilty to, or convicted of the violation of any law (other than a minor traffic violation) or been the subject of a juvenile delinquent or youthful offender proceeding or received a conditional discharge, adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, or pretrial diversionary program? (Note: driving while intoxicated or impaired, driving without insurance, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving while suspended are NOT considered minor traffic offenses for the purposes of this section). The entry of an expungement or sealing order does not relieve you of the duty to disclose the matter(s). You may indicate the existence of such an order in your explanation.
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Have you ever been charged with fraud, larceny, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, misrepresentation, perjury, false swearing, conspiracy to conceal, or a similar offense, regardless of its status as a felony, misdemeanor, violation, or otherwise? The entry of an expungement or sealing order does not relieve you of the duty to disclose the matter(s). You may indicate the existence of such an order in your explanation.
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Have you ever been a named party (e.g., plaintiff/defendant) in any civil proceeding, regardless of the age of the matter or whether the final disposition was a dismissal or a settlement? This includes, but is not limited to, negligence actions, medical/professional malpractice, unintentional torts, landlord/tenant matters, contract matters, or domestic relations matter, including divorce, custody, visitation, support, petitions for protection from abuse, restraining orders and/or peace orders. (If you were the child in question in a custody proceeding, you were not considered a named party).
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Have you ever been discharged from any employment or requested or permitted to resign in lieu of disciplinary action? Or, in connection with your employment, have you ever been subject to any formal or informal charges of improper behavior that had any part in your quitting, being permitted to resign, being discharged or resulting in a suspension, demotion or loss of pay?
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If you currently hold, or have ever held, a professional or occupational license of any kind, please list the license(s), dates held, and the jurisdiction or authority that issued the license. If you need additional space, please upload an attachment as a "Supplemental Document" to your application. (maximum characters 200)
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Have you ever been disciplined as a member of any licensed profession or occupation including, but not limited to, being suspended from practice, reprimanded, censured, disqualified, revoked, permitted to resign, admonished, sanctioned or removed, or have any complaints or charges, formal or informal, ever been made or filed or proceedings instituted against you in such capacity? If yes, you must complete the "Character and Fitness" attachment explaining the nature of the matter, providing full details including a narrative of facts, dates, names of adjudication authorities and final disposition, including the current status (active, suspended, etc.) of any professional or occupational licenses held.
Seton Hall Law JD Application Instructions
To be eligible for admission to Seton Hall Law's Juris Doctor program, you must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or the U.S. equivalent from an international institution) or have completed the equivalent of six semesters and expect to graduate during the current academic year prior to the start of law school in Fall 2026 (or be in an approved 3+3 program with a partner institution completing your Junior/third year of study).
Typically, the Admissions Committee selects the first-year class from a pool of approximately 2,800 applicants. Decisions are based on several factors, including academic records, personal statements, optional essays, recommendation letters, standardized test results, extracurricular activities, work experience, leadership, and personal circumstances.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $65. You can request an application fee waiver.
All applicants must provide an electronic signature for the certification at the end of this application form.
Application Materials
- Application Form
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report, which includes the following:
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- LSAT score & LSAT writing sample (if applying with the LSAT)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume or CV
- Personal statement
- GRE Score Report & GRE writing sample (if applying with the GRE)
- If applicable, Academic History and/or Character & Fitness responses
- If applicable, Legal Education Opportunity (LEO) Program Essay
Additionally, you may submit an optional Lived Experience Statement, Advocacy Statement, and/or other supplemental statements.
Application Updates
Although the Office of Admissions strives to keep you informed about the status of your application, it is your responsibility to ensure that all parts of your application are received. You may remain abreast of the status of your application after September 15 via the Online Application Status Check system once we acknowledge receipt of your application. To receive this email, you must apply with a valid email address.
Applicants will be notified of their decisions electronically; therefore it is imperative that your email address remains correct. Decisions are not provided over the phone under any circumstances.
Application Formatting Guidelines
In preparing any of your written statements or Academic History/Character & Fitness responses, you should use a word processing software, like Microsoft Word, and format all your documents to 8-1/2 x 11 inches, double spaced, with 12-point font and one-inch margins. Most importantly, please include your name, LSAC number, and statement type (e.g., personal statement, lived experience statement, etc.) in the top header of each page and abide by any word limit.
If you have difficulty with the electronic application or lack access to a computer, you may request a PDF copy of the application by contacting the Office of Admissions at admitme@shu.edu. Being granted use of a PDF copy of the application does not absolve the applicant of any other requirements.
Demographic Information
While the application asks for race/ethnicity information, the information is masked from reviewers in accordance with the June 2023 Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. and is used for demographic reporting purposes only.
Credential Assembly Service Report
The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report contains a summary of each applicant?s academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT scores and LSAT writing samples if applicable.
You are required to register for the CAS. Please request official transcripts from all your undergraduate institutions (and graduate institutions, if applicable) to be sent to the LSAC for inclusion in the CAS Report, regardless of age or number of credits obtained. Although the LSAC attempts to inform each applicant about the receipt of transcripts, you are responsible for ensuring all transcripts are received by the LSAC. Missing transcripts may delay your CAS Report and completion of your application.
If you received your undergraduate degree from an educational institution outside the United States, its territories, or Canada, you are also required to register with the CAS and their Authentication & Evaluation (A&E) services. The LSAC will forward your transcripts for evaluation and once the evaluation is complete your CAS will be available to the law school. The process for internationally educated applicants takes more time; please allow for this when requesting and transmitting the transcripts. Applicants who receive an undergraduate degree from a domestic college or university, and did a study abroad program through a domestic college or university, typically do not need to participate in the A&E service as long as a domestic transcript shows the study abroad coursework and any applicable grades.
Letters of Recommendation
Two (2) letters of recommendation are required and must be submitted through the CAS. You may also submit an additional letter for a maximum of three (3) for this cycle. The letters should be completed by someone who may evaluate your academic performance (e.g., college professor) or professional performance (e.g., current or former supervisor, client, or co-worker). The Admissions Committee strongly discourages purely personal references.
Please be sure to designate Seton Hall Law as a recipient of these letters through your CAS account.
Standardized Test Scores: LSAT or GRE
Applicants to Seton Hall Law (both day and weekend divisions) must take either the LSAT or the GRE and submit valid result(s) as a part of their application. Valid scores can be up to five (5) years old. You may submit scores from only one test and the LSAT will control if more than one type of test is submitted.
LSAT results are sent directly from the LSAC via your CAS Report. Therefore, if you have taken the LSAT and have a valid score on file, it will automatically be transmitted to Seton Hall Law - it cannot be waived from your application. The LSAT is offered eight (8) times during the 2025-26 application cycle. Applicants may register for the LSAT through the LSAC website.
In the alternative, applicants may submit GRE scores if they have not taken the LSAT and will not have a valid LSAT score on file. If you elect to submit GRE scores and have taken the GRE more than once in the last five (5) years, then you must submit all valid GRE results. ETS requires that we we manually download your GRE Score Report, please use school code 4717 to make the report available. Once we download from ETS, we will request your CAS Report; this takes additional time and should be accounted for by the applicant. You do not need to prompt us to download your GRE Score, members of the office staff typically log into the ETS system once a week during processing periods.
If an applicant applies with a GRE score and receives a decision of ?Admit? but later obtains an LSAT score, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to reevaluate the applicant?s file and make a new decision taking the LSAT into consideration.
Future Scores
If you have a valid standardized test score, Seton Hall Law will not automatically hold your file from review pending a future test unless such a hold is affirmatively requested by the applicant after submission of the application. Hold requests made prior to submission will not be honored. Please send requests to hold your file to admitme@shu.edu and include your name, LSAC Number, the exam type (LSAT or GRE), and exam date. Once your file enters the review process, hold requests will not be honored. New LSAT scores will automatically upload into your file when they are available; if you have new GRE scores, please alert us to redownload your record from ETS.
JD-Next
Seton Hall Law does not accept JD-Next in lieu of the LSAT or GRE requirement. Applicants who have a JD-Next score in addition to a LSAT or GRE may submit the JD-Next score to aid in the Admissions Committee's holistic review process.
LEO Program Admission
This section is exclusively for those seeking admission as a Legal Education Opportunity (LEO) Fellow. If you are not applying for admission as a LEO Fellow, please proceed to the Personal Statement discussion. LEO applicants must abide by all instructions, within and outside of this section.
Candidates may apply to be considered for admission as a Fellow in the LEO Program. The LEO Program provides a pathway and transition to law school for students, including those from historically underrepresented communities, who have overcome educational and personal hardships and show great promise as future lawyers. To be eligible for admission to the LEO Program, applicants must demonstrate resiliency and perseverance in the face of social, economic, or educational challenges, or other hardships, and bring determination, compassion, and leadership to the Seton Hall Law community.
Fellows admitted to the LEO program are required to attend the LEO Summer Institute, a two-week intensive course that provides Fellows with a jump start in their transition to law school. The program also provides LEO Fellows with mentoring opportunities, academic enrichment, and a support network of students, faculty, administrators, and alumni for personal and professional growth.
Applicants requesting LEO consideration should anticipate a longer review process regardless of metrics. If admitted to Seton Hall Law, it may be done with or without admission as a LEO Fellow. If admitted as a LEO Fellow, your notification will specifically indicate it.
LEO Deadlines & Process
To receive LEO consideration, please check the appropriate box in the application and complete the accompanying application section. Additionally, complete the LEO Essay and attach any necessary supplemental documents (as one PDF). For a complete description of the structure and requirements, please visit the LEO website.
The LEO Program has a priority deadline of March 1, 2026, and a final deadline of April 1, 2026. The application and CAS Report must be submitted and complete by April 1, inclusive of an LSAT/GRE score and letters of recommendation. The last LSAT administration acceptable for LEO consideration is February 2026 and the last GRE administration is February 28, 2026.
If your file is not complete by April 1, 2026, your application will receive consideration in the general application pool without consideration for LEO.
LEO Essay
LEO applicants should bear in mind that your application must clearly demonstrate how you have faced social, economic, and/or educational challenges and have responded with resiliency and perseverance. You should utilize the LEO Essay to discuss the challenges you have faced and how you have overcome those challenges. More information and guidance is available in the "Attachments" area of the application portal.
Word limit: 1,000 words.
Required Essay: Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself and discuss any factors you feel would be relevant to the Admissions Committee. We encourage that you consider various topics, from personal and professional goals, experiences that have informed your decision to attend law school, to why Seton Hall Law is the best fit for you.
In conjunction with the Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. decision, applicants are welcome to discuss "how race impacted [your] life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise." 600 U.S. __ (2023) (slip op. at 39) when drafting your narrative statements.
When reviewing the application for admission, in particular your personal statement, the Admissions Committee is most concerned about getting to know you and your writing ability. It should represent your authentic self. More information and guidance is available in the "Attachments" area of the application portal.
Word limit: 1,000 words.
Optional Essays
Seton Hall Law has several optional essays applicants can utilize to enhance their application and provide a different perspective or additional information regarding their candidacy. These essays are the Lived Experience Statement, Advocacy Statement, and any other optional statements or addenda.
You will find the prompt and word count for each in the attachments area of the application portal.
Application Filing Period
Applications for admission are accepted starting September 1 and are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in November. Applicants should complete the application process as early as possible, as an early application often yields an earlier decision. Applicants requesting LEO consideration should anticipate a longer review process which may begin as late as mid-January.
Securing Your Seat in the Class
To secure your seat in the Fall 2026 entering class, all admitted applicants will be required to submit non-refundable seat deposit(s) totaling $1,000 by deadlines provided near the time of admission, which will be credited to the tuition bill upon matriculation. If you need accommodations or considerations in fulfilling your seat deposit requirement, please reach out to the Admissions Office as quickly as possible after notification of your deadlines.
Reapplicants
While Seton Hall Law maintains applications from prior years in accordance with document retention policies, all reapplicants must submit a full application, including updated materials, valid standardized test scores, and CAS Report, for the current cycle.
Required Disclosure
Please note that federal regulations require higher education programs that are intended to meet professional licensure and certification requirements to disclose to students whether the program meets licensure and certification requirements in other states. The regulations, which were enacted on November 1, 2019, can be found at 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v) (https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2019-23129.pdf).
This section is optional.
As explained in the application instructions, we require you to choose to write at least one personal essay chosen from the 8 topics listed in the application instructions. You may also choose to respond to up to three prompts. If you are writing an optional third personal essay, attach that essay below, indicating at the top of the submission which essay you are answering, by referencing the corresponding number.
This section is optional.
As explained in the application instructions, we require you to choose to write at least one personal essay chosen from the 8 topics found in the application instructions. You may also choose to respond to up to three prompts. If you are writing an optional second personal essay, attach that essay below, indicating at the top of the submission which essay you are answering, by referencing the corresponding number.
As part of your application, you are required to submit at least one, and no more than three, personal essays selected from the eight prompts listed in the application instructions.
Attach each essay as a separate document, clearly indicating at the top which prompt you are answering by referencing its corresponding number.
We understand that some applicants may feel obligated to respond to Prompt #1 because it resembles the traditional personal statement required by many law schools. Others may feel similarly about Prompt #8, which focuses on a more specific interest in attending Tulane. Rest assured: our Admissions Committee does not give preference to any specific prompt.
Prompts #1 and #8 are included in part because we know some applicants may already have written a similar essay for another school. However, you should feel entirely comfortable skipping those prompts if another topic, or combination of topics, better represents who you are. For example, an applicant might choose to respond only to Prompt #2.
Please select the prompt(s) that best allow you to convey the information you would like us to consider as part of your application. Our goal in offering a variety of structured choices is to give you the flexibility to frame your written work in a way that will be helpful in our review process but also allows you to highlight your strengths.
Each essay must be entirely your own work. While there is no required minimum or maximum length, we recommend approximately 2 to 3 typed, double-spaced pages per essay using a font size of at least 11 points. Essays that are significantly shorter or longer should demonstrate exceptional writing and editing skills.
Please do not use your personal essay(s) to explain academic performance issues, LSAT scores, or conduct matters. If you wish to address these topics, use the optional “GPA/LSAT Explanation” question, which may be submitted regardless of how many personal essays you choose to write.
Applicants who answer “yes” to any Character and Fitness questions must submit a separate written explanation. This disclosure is required and is not considered one of your personal essays.
Respond to at least 1 and at most 3 of the following essay options:
Option 1: Share a personal experience that has meaningfully shaped your values, goals, or sense of purpose. How has it influenced your interests or perspectives today? (Optional: You may begin by writing the question(s) your story helps answer.)
Option 2: Describe a challenge your community faced and how you helped address it. How did your background or perspective shape your response? Share the impact of your actions and how you define ?community.?
Option 3: Describe a time you stood up for something you believed in, even when it was unpopular. How did your values or background shape your actions? What did you do, and what impact did it have?
Option 4: Describe a time you used empathy to resolve a disagreement with someone who saw the world differently. What did you learn?
Option 5: Tell us about a connection you formed across difference. How did it shape your perspective or personal growth?
Option 6: Tell us about a time you balanced competing priorities like school, work, and family or community responsibilities. How did you decide what to prioritize, and what impact did your choices have on others or a cause you care about?
Option 7: Describe a time your background or identity shaped how you understood or responded to a situation. How did it influence your perspective or actions?
Option 8: If you feel a strong connection to Tulane, New Orleans, our region, or the opportunities offered by the law school, what experiences or aspirations have shaped that connection? How do you see Tulane Law supporting your growth?
This section is optional.
You may attach an additional statement to describe any experiences or circumstances not addressed elsewhere in your application that may have adversely affected objective measures of your academic performance (such as grades, GPA, or course evaluations) or your standardized test results.
If you choose to provide this information, the Admissions Committee would appreciate it if you also answered the following questions:
Do the circumstances you describe still exist today?
If so, how might they affect your success in a law school program?
Please do not simply reference or refer to information provided in other parts of your application. Even if the explanation relates to something discussed in a personal essay or other materials, your response should be written as a stand-alone document.
We emphasize that this statement is truly optional. There is no expectation that you disclose personal information unless you are comfortable doing so. We offer this space only to ensure that you do not feel obligated to use your personal essays to explain grades, scores, or similar issues, particularly if you prefer to use those essays to convey different aspects of your background and potential.
There is no required length for this statement. For some candidates, particularly if you are explaining a single course grade or test score, a single paragraph may be sufficient.
Please electronically attach a current résumé. At a minimum, your résumé should include:
All post-secondary educational institutions attended
All paid employment since beginning post-secondary education
All volunteer work or internship placements since beginning post-secondary education
Any special skills or talents (e.g., language proficiency, professional certifications or licensure)
Participation in any structured pre-law preparation programs
For each entry, be sure to include dates. If a position was part-time, indicate the average number of hours per week.
If you have had significant family responsibilities (such as caring for a sick or elderly relative) that affected your availability for other commitments, you are welcome to include that information on your résumé if you believe it adds helpful context.
Extracurricular activities such as athletic participation or leadership roles in clubs and organizations may be listed on your résumé or in the optional ?Extracurricular Activities? attachment. You may choose the format that best organizes and represents your experiences.
- The Tulane Law School Admission Committee requires complete disclosure regarding any violation or alleged violation of law (including traffic offenses) and regarding any university disciplinary actions, including a fully descriptive narrative of the event or events. In some cases, committee members may request additional information and/or supporting documentation. State bar character and fitness committees require bar applicants to provide such detail, and bar examiners compare the candidate's disclosure on law school applications with bar application disclosures after a background check that includes purged, sealed, and dismissed actions.
The failure to disclose an act or event such as the ones described in the questions below is often more significant, and leads to more serious consequences, than the act or event itself. Failure to provide truthful answers, or failure to inform the Office of Admission of any changes to your answers, may result in revocation of admission or disciplinary action by the Law School, or denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek admission to the bar.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
We strongly urge, if you are unsure as to whether to make a disclosure, that you err on the side of disclosure. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about what you are required to disclose. Please note also that it is your responsibility to update your application by notifying the Tulane Admission Office if any criminal charges or disciplinary actions are filed or expected to be filed between the date you submit this application and the date you enroll at Tulane. Further, students have a continuing duty to supplement their responses to questions in the admission application concerning disciplinary action, arrests, convictions (whether or not sentence was imposed), pleas of guilty or nolo contendere, or violation or alleged violation of any law while enrolled at Tulane.
- Have you ever been subject to disciplinary action (for scholastic or other reasons) in any of the colleges, universities, graduate or professional schools you have attended? This includes being dropped, suspended, warned, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, disciplined, expelled, or requested or advised to resign from any postsecondary school, college, university, professional school, or law school.
If your answer to either question concerning disciplinary action is yes, please electronically attach a statement marked "Character/Fitness: School" with an explanation of the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, the disciplinary action(s), or any pending action. Be sure to provide the dates of the events you are disclosing, along with a full description of what took place.
- Have you ever been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere for a violation of any law? For purposes of questions 4 and 5, you should include offenses that resulted in purged, sealed, obliterated, dismissed, or destroyed records, regardless of whether you have been told that you need not disclose any such event, including traffic offenses. These will also be requested by state bar authorities in many states. If you are not sure about the nature or the ultimate disposition of a particular charge, you are advised to make full disclosure, as a subsequent finding that you failed to disclose relevant information could have disqualifying consequences.
If your answer to either question concerning violations of the law is yes, please electronically attach a statement marked "Character/Fitness: Legal" with a full explanation of the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, your arrest or conviction, or any pending charges. Be sure to provide the dates of the events you are disclosing along with a full description of what took place.
4. Have you ever been discharged from any employment or requested or permitted to resign in lieu of disciplinary action? Or, in connection with your employment, have you ever been subject to any formal or informal charges of improper behavior that had any part in your quitting, being permitted to resign, being discharged or resulting in a suspension, demotion or loss of pay? Or, in connection with work requiring licensure, have you ever been disciplined as a member of any licensed profession or occupation including, but not limited to, being suspended from practice, reprimanded, censured, disqualified, revoked, permitted to resign, admonished, sanctioned or removed, or have any complaints or charges, formal or informal, ever been made or filed or proceedings instituted against you in such capacity?(You need not answer this question in the affirmative if a work discharge was not connected to disciplinary action or charges of improper behavior.)
- If you currently hold, or have ever held, a professional or occupational license of any kind, please list the license(s), dates held, and the jurisdiction or authority that issued the license. If you have not held such a license, please simply respond "N/A".
If your answer to the question concerning employment/professional discipline is yes, please electronically attach a statement marked "Character/Fitness: Employment" with a full explanation of the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, your discipline and/or resignation/discharge. Be sure to provide the dates of the events you are disclosing along with a full description of what took place.
If you have significant college or graduate school activities (such as clubs, organizations, community involvement, or family responsibilities) that are not included in your required résumé, you may use this optional attachment to list and describe them in more detail. You are encouraged to note any awards, honors, or notable accomplishments associated with these activities.
This space is intended to help applicants who feel their résumé would be less organized if these items were included there. For example, candidates with extensive professional experience may prefer to use this optional document to present earlier educational activities more clearly.
If your résumé already presents this information effectively, you do not need to submit this optional attachment.
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The LSAT, administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), is required for all applicants to the first-year JD program. Tulane does not accept any other tests for first-year applicants, nor is it test-optional for the Fall 2026 application cycle.
We recommend taking the LSAT as early as possible to allow time for full preparation. We will accept LSAT scores through April 2026 for enrollment in August. June 2026 scores may be considered for late applicants or waitlisted candidates, but please note that space in the class will be very limited by the time scores are released. The Committee may reach a decision before the June score becomes available.
We will accept any LSAT score that is considered current and reportable under LSAC policies, regardless of format or delivery method. Tulane only considers the highest reported LSAT score in its review process.
Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
Register with LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) to send required academic transcripts and your LSAT score.
Arrange for CAS to receive your college and university transcripts. CAS registration can be completed when you register for the LSAT. The CAS registration fee includes access to LSAC?s Letter of Recommendation Service.
LSAC may not forward a CAS report to Tulane until transcripts from every undergraduate institution you attended are received. Reapplicants to Tulane must submit a new CAS report, even if there are no updates. Refer to LSAC.org for complete CAS policies and procedures.
If you attended a college or university outside the U.S. or Canada for more than one year (excluding study abroad or exchange programs through a U.S. or Canadian institution), you must submit those transcripts through the LSAC CAS Authentication and Evaluation (CAS A&E) Service. An International Credential Evaluation by AACRAO will be incorporated into your CAS report. Do not use this service for international enrollment of one year or less.
Direct questions about CAS and CAS A&E to LSAC.
Application Form & Written Attachments
Submit the Tulane Law School application electronically via LSAC, including all required written materials.
Answer all questions completely and accurately. Some questions may require further explanation; attach responses as instructed within the application.
We communicate primarily via email regarding application status. Please check spam folders regularly.
Note that the "Character and Fitness" portion of the application requests full disclosure of charges, arrests, convictions, guilty and nolo pleas relating to any violation of any law. This includes offenses that resulted in purged, sealed, obliterated, dismissed, or destroyed records, regardless of whether you have been told by an attorney or other official that you need not disclose any such event, including traffic violations.
Many state bar authorities require that the law school provides a copy of your admission application when you apply for admission to a state bar. If state bar authorities note any discrepancy between answers to questions on the admission application and responses to questions on the state bar application (for example, in response to questions about criminal or disciplinary proceedings, or in response to questions about previous enrollment at educational institutions), they will investigate further. In some cases, discrepancies of this sort have caused serious problems for recent law school graduates seeking bar admission.
Applicants are cautioned to provide full and accurate responses to all character and fitness questions on the law school application. This includes dates and surrounding circumstances.
You must submit a resume and at least one personal essay. You may submit up to three personal essays, selecting from the prompts below.
No essay prompt is given preferential weight. Submit the response(s) that best reflect your background, values, and potential for success in law school.
Each essay should be your own original work. While there is no required length, we suggest 2?3 double-spaced pages per essay using a font of at least 11 points. This guideline is flexible.
Do not use your personal essay(s) to explain academic performance, LSAT scores, or conduct matters. Instead, use the optional "GPA/LSAT Explanation" section. If you answered "yes" to any character and fitness questions, you must submit a separate written explanation. These disclosures are distinct from personal essays.
Respond to at least 1 and at most 3 of the following essay options:
Option 1: Share a personal experience that has meaningfully shaped your values, goals, or sense of purpose. How has it influenced your interests or perspectives today? (Optional: You may begin by writing the question(s) your story helps answer.)
Option 2: Describe a challenge your community faced and how you helped address it. How did your background or perspective shape your response? Share the impact of your actions and how you define ?community.?
Option 3: Describe a time you stood up for something you believed in, even when it was unpopular. How did your values or background shape your actions? What did you do, and what impact did it have?
Option 4: Describe a time you used empathy to resolve a disagreement with someone who saw the world differently. What did you learn?
Option 5: Tell us about a connection you formed across difference. How did it shape your perspective or personal growth?
Option 6: Tell us about a time you balanced competing priorities like school, work, and family or community responsibilities. How did you decide what to prioritize, and what impact did your choices have on others or a cause you care about?
Option 7: Describe a time your background or identity shaped how you understood or responded to a situation. How did it influence your perspective or actions?
Option 8: If you feel a strong connection to Tulane, New Orleans, our region, or the opportunities offered by the law school, what experiences or aspirations have shaped that connection? How do you see Tulane Law supporting your growth?
Additional Requirements: Fees & Optional Letters of Recommendation
The $60 non-refundable application fee is automatically waived for applicants who apply before February 1. Applicants on or after February 1 must pay the fee unless they have obtained a waiver. Payment must be made by credit or debit card through LSAC.
Fee waivers may be granted in cases of serious financial hardship. Contact Tulane before submitting your application if you intend to request a fee waiver. Submitted fees are non-refundable.
If you receive a Tulane Law fee waiver, enter your unique waiver code in the application. If you were granted an LSAC fee waiver, your Tulane application fee will be waived automatically.
Letters of recommendation are optional but strongly encouraged, especially if you wish to address any weaknesses in your application. Letters should be written by individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic or professional ability. No more than three letters should be submitted.
We prefer letters to be submitted through LSAC?s Letter of Recommendation Service (included in CAS registration). Letters may also be sent directly to the Tulane Law Office of Admission.
Application Review Process: Policies and Procedures
We begin reviewing complete applications in November. Some decisions may be deferred until mid-to-late spring. A waitlist will be created in the spring; offers of admission from the waitlist may continue into summer until the class is full.
An application is considered complete when the application form is submitted with all required responses and attachments, the application fee (or fee waiver) is processed, and the LSAC report with LSAT scores and transcript analysis has been received.
Our office will acknowledge receipt of your application by email and send information on how you can monitor your application status online.
Applicants who submit complete applications earlier receive optimal consideration for merit scholarships. For federal loans and other financial aid, ensure that your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is submitted on time.
For questions, contact the Tulane Law Office of Admission at admissions@law.tulane.edu or (504) 865-5930. Our website is law.tulane.edu.
Please inform us of any changes in your contact information or circumstances (e.g., disciplinary actions or changes in graduation date). Do not rely solely on postal mail forwarding services.
Tulane conducts a holistic review of each application. We do not use a fixed scoring system. Each reviewer considers an applicant?s strengths and weaknesses in context, in consultation with the Assistant Dean of Admission and/or the Faculty Admissions Committee. The rolling admissions process may require increasing selectivity over time, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
While standardized test scores and academic records are key predictors, Tulane also considers optional materials such as essays and recommendation letters. Note that responses to optional demographic information questions such as those on race/ethnicity are not accessible to those reviewing or deciding on applications.
We recognize no one applicant will perfectly reflect all aspects of our institutional values and identity. However, we aim to enroll students who show leadership, have illustrated past academic and professional growth, and demonstrate potential contributions to the law school classroom and the legal profession. We seek students who will engage with Tulane?s areas of academic strength, its New Orleans location, and our pioneering public service requirement and experiential learning opportunities.
The dean of admissions consults regularly with the law school dean and faculty admissions committee in implementing review policies and procedures.
Certification
By submitting your application to Tulane Law School, you certify that you have read and understood these instructions. You confirm that all information provided, including any attachments or separately submitted materials, is accurate. Any false or omitted information may result in referral to the LSAC misconduct process, denial of admission, revocation of an offer, or dismissal.
You also confirm that your essays are your own original work and understand that your application may be reviewed by bar authorities during their character and fitness evaluations. It is your responsibility to inform the Tulane Law Office of Admission of any changes to the information provided in your application, including updates to academic records, disciplinary or criminal matters, and employment status changes related to misconduct.
The Admissions Committee requires a personal statement. In no more than three typed, double-spaced pages, please discuss your reasons for pursuing a legal education and your goals or future plans upon graduation. You may discuss any obstacles that you have overcome (for example, English is not your native language, discrimination, economic or family hardship, severe medical condition, etc.). If applying electronically, use an electronic attachment.
This section is optional.
Please attach any addendum you would like to include to be reviewed.
Please submit a current résumé with your application. Please include your significant work experience, educational history, college and community activities, and honors and awards you have received. Include dates for all items listed on your résumé. Please provide complete information; there is no required length and your résumé may exceed one page.
This section is optional.
If you answer yes to any of the Disciplinary Information questions, submit with your application a full statement of the relevant facts for all incidents. You may be required to furnish the College of Law with copies of all official documents explaining the final disposition of the proceedings.
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In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Applicants who respond in the affirmative to any question addressing character or fitness, including questions regarding criminal, academic, or conduct history, for admission to the College of Law are not automatically barred from admission, but are subject to additional review. All applications responding affirmatively to questions of character and fitness, including questions regarding criminal, academic, and conduct history, must be accompanied by a written explanation and current or final disposition of the proceeding. All official documentation explaining the current or final disposition of the proceedings may be requested at a later date. Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, disciplined (including dormitory infractions), expelled, or requested or advised to resign from any postsecondary school, college, university, professional school, or law school? You should disclose each instance, regardless of sanctions or outcomes, here or in the attachment section.
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If yes explain, (maximum characters 4000)
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Are you currently the subject of any criminal or disciplinary proceedings? You should disclose each instance, regardless of sanctions or outcomes, here or in the attachment section.
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If yes explain, (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you ever been arrested, detained or restrained, taken into custody, or accused formally or informally of a violation of law or ordinance (whether or not the record has been sealed or expunged)? You should disclose each instance, regardless of sanctions or outcomes, here or in the attachment section.
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If yes explain, (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you been arrested, charged, or convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs? You should disclose each instance, regardless of sanctions or outcomes, here or in the attachment section.
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If yes, explain. (maximum characters 4000)
Instructions: Florida International University College of Law Admissions Application Procedure
Please read the following instructions carefully before completing the application.
To apply for admission, you must provide the following documents before the application deadline. Applications for admission will not be processed more than one year in advance of the date for which entrance is sought.
1. Application for Admission
The Application for Admission form must be accompanied by your $20 nonrefundable application fee, completed in full, and signed. Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning mid September/ early October. The deadline for submission of a completed application is June 30. Applications received or completed after this date will be considered as class space permits.
For scholarship and financial aid priority consideration applicants must submit their FAFSA application as well as their application for admission by February 15th, 2026.
To apply to the FIU College of Law:
- LSAC electronic applications - Visit LSAC.org and either sign on or create an account.
- Follow the links to retrieve our application from the list of all ABA-approved law schools.
- Supplemental documents may be attached to your LSAC application. If you need to submit additional electronic documentation after submitting your application, you may do so by e-mail to lawadmit@fiu.edu.
- For questions or problems with your account, please contact LSAC via e-mail at LSACinfo@LSAC.org or call (215) 968-1001.
2. Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Scores or GRE Scores
All Applicants seeking admission to FIU Law must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or GRE.
Admission Test Scores (LSAT) - Applicants can choose to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and register with LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). FIU College of Law will not accept LSAT scores earned prior to June 2021. Students must sit for the LSAT no later than June to be considered for admission in August of the same year.
Admission Test Scores (GRE) - Applicants sitting for the GRE, should select Florida International University College of Law as a recipient of the GRE results using the ETS School Code 4431. Please note it must be a valid score within the last 5 years. Students must sit for the GRE no later than June to be considered for admission in August of the same year. NOTE: The Admissions Committee will consider your highest GRE score, but will see all your reportable scores (Including the GRE and LSAT).
Applicants may submit either the LSAT or GRE as part of their application, but not both tests. If an applicant has an existing reportable LSAT score, a GRE score will not be considered in lieu of the existing LSAT. GRE scores may be utilized only when a reportable LSAT does not exist
Optional Test Score (JD Next) - Applicants are encouraged to supplement their LSAT or GRE score with their JD-Next course completion. FIU Law will consider successful completion of the JD-Next course as part of the law school?s holistic decision-making process. If you plan to include the JD-Next scores as a part of your application, please email us at lawadmit@fiu.edu to hold your application until the scores are received. You can learn more about JD-Next here: https://www.aspenpublishing.com/programs/jd-next
3. Official Transcripts
Official transcript from each undergraduate, graduate and professional school you attended must be sent directly to LSAC. All candidates must have been awarded a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution prior to enrollment at FIU Law. Prior to matriculation, admitted students must request that their undergraduate, graduate and professional schools submit a final official transcript to FIU Law?s Director of Admissions and to LSAC.
4. Academic Honors, Extracurricular Activities, and Work Experience
Applicants have the option of submitting a resume/curriculum vitae. Your resume/curriculum vitae should include examples of professional, academic, civic and extracurricular accomplishments (e.g. employment history, honors and awards, community service, extracurricular activities, foreign language proficiencies, military service, etc.).
5. Recommendations
Applicants may submit one letter of recommendation, and can submit an additional letter if they desire. We recommend that current college students or recent graduates submit an academic recommendation. Letters of recommendation should attest to the applicant?s character and preparedness for law school. FIU Law prefers that all letters of recommendation be submitted through LSAC.
6. Personal Statement
The Admissions Committee requires a personal statement. In no more than three typed, double-spaced pages, please discuss your reasons for pursuing a legal education and your goals or future plans upon graduation. You may discuss any obstacles that you have overcome (for example, English is not your native language, discrimination, economic or family hardship, severe medical condition, etc.).
6. Interviews
Interviews are not required for admission consideration and will not be factored into the Admissions Committee?s final decision regarding your application. However, FIU Law encourages you to visit our community. Individual appointments and group informational sessions are scheduled throughout the year. To schedule a visit, please complete the campus visit reservation HERE.
7. Transfer Students
Students attending an ABA accredited law school may apply for transfer to FIU Law if they are in good standing at their current institutions and their academic rank (if applicable) is in the upper-third of their first-year class. Transfer credit will not be awarded for correspondence courses or for work not done in residence at an ABA accredited law school.
Transfer applicants must also submit the following information:
- A letter of good standing from the Dean or Registrar of the current law school, including class rank (if applicable)
- An official law school transcript showing full first-year academic record
- A copy of the Credential Assembly Service or LSAT Law School Report on file at the current law school
- A personal statement articulating reasons for wanting to transfer to the FIU College of Law
8. International Candidates
International candidates must also comply with the following requirements:
Foreign transcripts must be submitted to the Credential Assembly Service of the Law School Admission Council for transcript authentication and evaluation. Candidates for whom English is not their first language must take the Test of English as a Foreign language (TOEFL). Information on the TOEFL may be found at www.ets.org/toefl.Scores must be sent directly to the FIU College of law Office of Admissions. Candidates who receive a 159 LSAT score or better may request a waiver of the TOEFL examination from the Office of Admissions.
Note: No transfer credit will be granted for previously completed coursework
9. JD for Foreign Lawyers: JD with Advanced Standing
The FIU College of Law offers the possibility of advanced standing for students already holding a first degree in law from a country outside the United States. The JD with advanced standing program permits students to obtain credit for legal studies they have done elsewhere in the world. Students may receive up to 30 hours of credit towards the JD for prior legal studies in another country. If a maximum amount of credit is applied towards the JD at FIU, students may complete the degree in approximately two years of full-time study. Students with advanced standing may also be admitted to the part-time program, with mostly evening classes, and may complete their studies in as little as three years. Students may also receive credit towards the JD for coursework done completing a graduate degree in law, such as an LLM, here in the United States at an ABA-accredited law school. In any event, students must complete at least 59 credits in residence at FIU for an award of the JD.
The total amount of credit towards the JD is assessed on an individual basis by the Office of International and Graduate Studies, the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and the Dean of the College. The ABA Standards for the Approval of Law Schools govern advanced standing credit for applicants from foreign law schools. In general, coursework at the foreign law school must have been done ?in residence? at the law school and have been of satisfactory quality to apply to the graduation requirements of the foreign law school. Furthermore, the ABA Standards require that FIU College of Law is satisfied that the quality of the educational program at the foreign law school was at least equal to that of an ABA-approved school.
To Apply
- Transcripts from outside the United States must be submitted for evaluation and translation, if necessary, to the Credential Assembly Service of the Law School Admission Council for transcript authentication and evaluation. To become a candidate for the JD degree, students must have either a bachelor's degree from a US regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an international institution. This process will determine if your international degree satisfies this requirement. For the Credential Assembly Service of the Law School Admission Council, visithttp:// www.lsac.org/jd/applying-to-law-school/cas.
- All applicants for the JD with advanced standing must take the LSAT.
- Some applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL).Candidates for whom English is not their first language must take the TOEFL if their LSAT score is under 156. Candidates must request that scores be sent directly to the FIU Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Candidates who receive a score of 156 or higher on the LSAT may request a waiver of the TOEFL from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Information on the TOEFL may be found at www.ets.org/toefl.
For additional information on foreign lawyers requesting advanced standing, please visit our website at http://law.fiu.edu.
10. Residency Classification
This form (available here) must be completed in full if you claim Florida residency for tuition purposes. If you have any questions about the form or its contents please contact the Office of Admissions at 305.348.8006. Please NOTE: residency status will be updated ONLY if the applicant is admitted.
Residency Classification will be processed once admitted to the program. Your file will be "out-of-state" while under review.
Checklist: Florida International University College of Law
Please be certain to submit the following items as part of your application. Missing items will delay processing.
- Completed and electronically signed application
- LSAT or GRE Score(s)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (2)
- Resume/CV
- Personal statement
- Residency Classification Form
- $20 application fee
All materials and correspondence relating to admission or your College of Law application should be directed to the College of Law Office of Admissions. Once submitted, all materials become the property of the College of Law and will not be returned. Please keep a copy of your application for your records.
Electronically attach your personal statement. This is your opportunity to support your application with anything you wish to say about yourself and your abilities, interests or personal history. This statement should be limited to two pages double-spaced.
This section is optional.
Feel free to attach an optional statement and share your lived experiences. Please limit to no more than two pages double spaced.
This section is optional.
This is your opportunity to attach any statement or explanation regarding your academic performance. This may include your performance on the LSAT or GRE.
This section is optional.
OPTIONAL ONLY FOR NON RESIDENTS OF GEORGIA
This is your opportunity to further reiterate your desire to attend the Georgia State University College of Law. Feel free to discuss the reasons for relocating to Georgia (i.e. employment, military assignment, or any past or current Georgia ties).
This section is optional.
Electronically attach your resume.
- Has your college, university, graduate, professional or technical school course of study ever been interrupted for one or more terms, for any reason?
If YES, explain fully on a separate electronic attachment, including at least the following information for each instance: date, school name, reason for interruption and any condition(s) placed upon your return.
- Have you ever been expelled, suspended, or placed on probation or discipline, academic or otherwise, by any school, university, college, trade or professional organization for any reason?
If YES, explain fully on a separate electronic attachment, including at least the following information for each instance: date, school or organization name, reason for probation or discipline and any condition(s) placed upon your return or reinstatement.
- Are you currently charged with, or have been found guilty of, any violation of academic honesty, honor code, or conduct regulations of a previously attended institution?
If yes, you must list each separate charge pending against you or with which you have been found responsible. For each charge, you must list the corresponding dates and provide a concise description of the circumstances and provide a letter of good standing from the Dean of Students at the institution(s) where each charge occurred.
- Are you aware of any circumstances in your background that might prohibit you from being admitted to the practice of law?
If YES, explain fully on a separate electronic attachment, including at least the following information for each instance: date and a description of the circumstances. For a description of circumstances that might prohibit you from being admitted to the practice of law in Georgia, see http://www.gabaradmissions.org.
- EXCLUDING ONLY PARKING VIOLATIONS, have you ever been detained, arrested, formally accused, cited or prosecuted for the violation of any law (including ALL traffic citations, such as speeding, reckless driving, running a red light or stop sign, failure to yield, etc.)? If YES, electronically attach a statement, including at least the following information for each instance: date, description of the offense(s), and disposition.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must disclose each instance even if the charges have been dismissed, or you were acquitted, or allowed to plead nolo contendere, or adjudication was withheld, or a conviction was reversed, set aside or vacated, or the record sealed or expunged and regardless of whether you have been told you need not disclose any such instance. This includes all juvenile charges. Such instances do not necessarily disqualify you from admission to law school. All circumstances are carefully considered by the College of Law Admissions Committee.
If you have been convicted of offenses other than minor ones, or if you withhold required information on this application, you may have difficulty gaining bar admission. Bar admission authorities often review an applicant's law school application and school record when application is made to the bar. Your answers on this application will be part of your record.
Every American jurisdiction in which you may practice law after graduation from law school requires each applicant for admission to the bar to meet character and fitness requirements as a condition of eligibility for admission. You are encouraged, as you go through the law school application process and before you enter law school, to determine the requirements of the jurisdiction(s) where you intend to practice law. If you are uncertain where you will practice law, you may wish to review the Standard NCB Character and Fitness Application, titled Request for Preparation of a Character Report, of the National Conference of Bar Examiners, which is used by a number of jurisdictions’ bar admission authorities. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available at www.ncbex.org.
- LAW VIOLATION CERTIFICATION (Please initial below)
I hereby certify that the information I have provided in response to Question 4 of the Character and Fitness Section is true and complete. If anything occurs that makes my response incomplete or inaccurate, I will amend my answer as soon as is reasonably possible after the occurrence of any such event. I understand that this obligation to ensure that these responses are correct (and amend, if and when necessary), continues until my graduation from the College of Law.
Instructions: Georgia State University College of Law
Incoming First-Year J.D. Applicants
The Admissions Committee will consider individuals who have (or will have) graduated from a regionally accredited college or university, prior to fall enrollment, or have attended an ABA accredited law school in good standing and has not completed the first year of full-time enrollment as an incoming first-year JD applicant.
First-Year J.D. applicants are accepted in the fall semester only. Applications for admission for the Fall 2026 first-year entering class will be accepted beginning September 1, 2025. The priority application deadline for merit scholarship consideration is March 15, 2026. The final application deadline is June 1, 2026.
Bar Character and Fitness Requirements
Every American jurisdiction in which you may practice law after graduation from law school requires each applicant for admission to the bar to meet character and fitness requirements as a condition of eligibility for admission. You are encouraged, as you go through the law school application process and before you enter law school, to determine the requirements of the jurisdiction(s) where you intend to practice law. If you are uncertain where you will practice law, you may wish to review the Standard NCB Character and Fitness Application, titled Request for Preparation of a Character Report, of the National Conference of Bar Examiners, which is used by a number of jurisdictions? bar admission authorities. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available at www.ncbex.org.
Steps to Apply (Required)
- Complete Online Application
Fill out the required online application and submit it along with your $50.00 nonrefundable application fee, paid by debit card, credit card or online check through LSAC.org. We recommend that you make a copy of your application for your personal files.
- Submit Personal Statement
Attach a typed personal statement electronically to your online application file. This is your opportunity to support your application with anything you wish to say about yourself and your abilities, interests or personal history. The personal statement should be no more than two pages double-spaced.
- Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
Contact LSAC.org to initiate your "LSAC Law School Report," which the CAS will forward to us once they have received all required documentation for your application, including your official LSAT score(s), transcripts of all undergraduate and post-graduate work, and letters of recommendation. Keep in mind that this service needs ample time before deadlines to receive, process and forward your materials.
- Standardized Test: Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
All applicants, excluding those through the Panther Scholars Program, must have a reportable LSAT or GRE score. LSAC administers the LSAT several times a year at a variety of locations around the world. The June 2026 LSAT is the final testing date considered for Fall 2026 entry. If you're planning to take the GRE, scores must be received no later than June 15, 2026.
The Admissions Committee considers all LSAT and GRE scores in the admissions decision process, however, scores more than three years old will not be considered. For more information on LSAT registration, go to LSAC.org. Visit ETS.org for more information on GRE registration.
- Submit Letters of Recommendation
The College of Law requires two letters of recommendation, no more than two years old, which must be submitted through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Instructions for this service, which is included in your CAS registration, are available at LSAC.org. We prefer letters from college professors who can attest to your ability to enter a competitive professional program. If you have been out of school for some time, letters regarding your work experience will serve our requirements. You may submit up to four letters of recommendation.
Personal Interviews
Personal interviews are not a part of the application process. The admissions staff may assist you with the application process. You should note, however, that counselors have no authority to make admission decisions. You should not construe any of their statements as promises or contracts binding the College of Law.
Notification of Decision
We will notify you by e-mail when we have received your online application. It is then your responsibility to monitor the status of your file through our Applicant Status Online (ASO) system. Your application will be carefully considered and you will be notified of our decision by email.
International Applicants
The College of Law welcomes applications from citizens of other countries. International applicants must satisfy all Incoming First-Year J.D. Applicant requirements. The College of Law has no special grading standards for international students. Please read below for additional requirements and policies that may apply.
- English as a Second Language
Applicants whose native language is not English are encouraged to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language. For information, contact TOEFL Services, Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6151 Princeton, NJ 08541, USA, or go to www.ets.org.
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
International applicants must register for and take the LSAT or GRE.
- Transcripts
International applicants who have graduated from a college or university outside the U.S. are required to submit their international transcripts to the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for evaluation. You will register for the CAS evaluation when registering with LSAC, and your documents will be included with your LSAC Law School Report. To ensure that your transcripts are received and evaluated in time, print out a Transcript Request Form for each institution when registering and send it to them promptly.
Note: CAS authentication evaluation does not apply to foreign work completed through a study abroad consortium or exchange program sponsored by a U.S. or Canadian institution when the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript.
- Visa/ I-155 Permanent Resident Card
International applicants must provide documentation of their visa and financial status prior to admission. Permanent Residents must provide an electronic copy of their U.S. Permanent Resident card.
This section is optional.
If you are a Non-Resident Alien, please submit an electronic copy (front and back side) of your Visa.
If you are a U.S. Permanent Resident, please submit an electronic copy (front and back side) of your I-155 or Permanent Resident card.
We expect that all written components of the application will be your original work.The use of any artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the completion of your application is not allowed. You are encouraged to review Loyola University Chicago's Statement on Academic Integrity and the Use of Artificial Intelligence. Please share your motivation for continuing your schooling, your career aspirations and how you believe Loyola's program will help you meet your goals. Your personal statement should be no longer than two pages (double-spaced and 11 or 12 point font).
This section is optional. We expect that all written components of the application will be your original work.The use of any artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the completion of your application is not allowed. You are encouraged to review Loyola University Chicago's Statement on Academic Integrity and the Use of Artificial Intelligence. The admissions committee takes into consideration any number of factors that could place your application in context. You may choose to submit an optional statement of background, perspectives and experiences to supplement your application. The essay should be about one page in length (no more than two, double-spaced and 11 or 12 point font).
This section is optional. If you believe any item in your application requires clarification, and/or you would like to provide more context to the admissions committee, you are welcome to submit a brief addendum (no more than one page). Please be sure to label each addendum with your name, LSAC account number and document type (i.e. GPA addendum).
It is required that applicants attach a current resume or curriculum vitae.
While answering the questions below, when in doubt, err on the side of full disclosure, as the failure to fully answer any question may result in exclusion from law school or denial of the opportunity to take a state bar examination. Note that an affirmative answer to any of the questions does not necessarily preclude or even prejudice admission. Your answer will be reviewed on an individual basis in relation to all aspects of your experience, academic achievement, and potential. Please be aware: In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every US jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
The following questions require a "yes" or "no" response. If you answer "yes" to any question, you must provide a detailed written explanation of the circumstances. If you are unsure whether to answer "yes" to any question, we recommend answering "yes" and fully disclosing all incidents. Failure to answer these questions completely and with candor may result in the revocation of an offer of admission to Loyola or other action under Loyola's Code of Conduct.
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While enrolled at a college, university or other higher education institution, were you ever suspended, dismissed, expelled, placed on probation, or otherwise disciplined for academic or non-academic reasons (including, but not limited to misconduct related to alcohol or substance abuse)? You must disclose any matters or proceedings that are pending at the time of your application.
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Were you ever suspended, expelled, terminated, placed on probation, or otherwise disciplined by any organization or agency charged with regulating professional or business conduct, or are any such proceedings pending?
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Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense or accepted/admitted responsibility (such as by paying a fine) for a criminal citation other than a minor traffic violation (fine $200 or less)? You are not required to disclose arrests that did not result in a criminal charge or citation, or criminal charges or citations (or juvenile adjudications) that have been dismissed, expunged or sealed. You must disclose any criminal charges or citations that are pending against you at the time of this application.
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Has your driver's license ever been suspended for any reason?
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Did you answer "yes" to any of the questions in the Character and Fitness section? If so, you are required to provide a detailed written explanation of the circumstances. If you answered "yes" to more than one question, please include all explanations in one document, identifying each. You must include in the explanation(s) the date, year, location, circumstances of the violation and the fine and/or sanctions or remedial measures imposed. Please include your name and LSAC account number at the top of the page. Do not provide official documentation in lieu of a written explanation of circumstances.
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Continuing Duty to Disclose: After you submit this application, and throughout your attendance in law school, if admitted, you are required to inform Loyola University Chicago School of Law promptly and in writing of any matters that require any change or addition to your responses to any questions. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in adverse action under Loyola University Chicago School of Law's Code of Conduct.
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Professionalism: Our law school is a student-focused, Jesuit law school, where everyone is valued, and where intellectual openness, the exchange of ideas, inclusivity, and respect for others are the bedrock principles. Ignatian principles of magis (excellence), cura apostolica (care for the community), and cura personalis (care for the whole person) serve as foundations for our work together. Building an inclusive community of ethical professionals committed to justice requires respect for other in deeds, language, tone, and intention. In law school, law students train to join a profession that is pivotal to improving society and individual lives. Professionalism and openness are essential characteristics expected of law students and lawyers.
Please submit an essay on any topic. One hallmark of a Northeastern University School of Law education is the freedom to pursue the areas of law that interest you, both in and out of the classroom. Likewise, we are granting you the freedom to decide what to cover in your personal statement.
Your essay should be in your own words, no longer than two pages, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins and in 12-point font.
Your essay(s) should be in your own words, one page, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins and in 12-point font, with a label at the top of the page indicating which prompt(s) you are answering.
Prompt 1:
Over the past few years, most law schools have come to recognize the importance of hands-on legal experience. At Northeastern, we have been incorporating practice directly into the curriculum since 1968. Ranked #1 in Practical Training by the National Jurist, our signature Cooperative Legal Education Program (co-op) guarantees you nearly a year of full-time work experience in the areas of law that interest you, anywhere in the world.
What field(s) of law would you like to pursue on co-op and why?
Prompt 2:
Northeastern is a nationally recognized leader in public interest law with a strong reputation for producing accomplished leaders in the field. The success of our graduates in part reflects our social justice mission.
What specific social justice issue are you most passionate about, and how have your professional or personal experiences influenced your interests?
Prompt 3:
At Northeastern University, diversity is about excellence and inclusion. It’s about the way in which we engage with the world, the opportunity to learn from new perspectives, a core value for the University, an essential element of contemporary life, an expression of cultural pride, and a reflection of our campus, community, and global partners.
Northeastern University School of Law, in keeping with the mission of Northeastern University, is committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community of faculty, students, and staff that welcomes and respects all persons, regardless of race, gender, age, creed, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family structure, first-generation status, socio-economic status, or ability status. We strive to develop an open and respectful environment that draws on talent from every sector of society and engages the global community. We are dedicated to the integration of multiple, divergent perspectives, and to the principle that a diverse and inclusive community not only supports innovation and creativity, but also creates and promotes cultural understanding throughout Northeastern’s community. With these guiding principles, the School of Law aspires to promote a thriving society built on equal opportunity and social justice.
How has your background shaped who you are today or your future aspirations, and how will your presence enhance the Northeastern community?
If there is anything about your application that you would like to address, you may submit an addendum.
Your addendum should be no more than one page, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins and in 12-point font.
Please provide a current résumé. Include work experience - including paid or unpaid employment, internships and volunteer work - as well as activities. Limit the résumé to no more than two pages.
- In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Because of the high ethical standards to which lawyers are held, the failure to disclose an act or event can lead to more serious consequences than the act or event itself. Failure to provide truthful answers, or failure to inform the Office of Admissions in a timely manner of any changes to your answers in advance of matriculation or during school enrollment, may result in revocation of admission or disciplinary action, including dismissal, by the School of Law, or denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek bar admission.
Note: Bar examiners, both in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions, may require additional information pertaining to character and fitness history that Northeastern Law is not permitted to seek under state law. Acceptance into Northeastern Law's JD program does not guarantee you will be permitted to sit for a state's bar examination or be admitted to practice in your preferred jurisdiction.
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Have you ever been convicted of, pled guilty or no contest to, any felony or is any felony charge currently pending against you?
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Within the past five years, have you been convicted of, or released from incarceration for, a misdemeanor (or its equivalent in the applicable jurisdiction), other than for a first offense for drunkenness, simple assault, speeding, minor traffic violations, affray, or disturbance of the peace?
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Have you ever been subject to academic or behavioral proceedings, probation, discipline or other sanction, or are any such charges pending against you, by any college, university or professional school?
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Have you ever been separated from any branch of the armed forces of the United States, the Peace Corps, Teach For America, City Year, or any other service organization under conditions other than honorable?
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Have you ever been discharged, suspended, laid off, permitted to resign (in lieu of termination), or terminated from any job?
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Have you ever been the subject of any charges, complaints or grievances (formal or informal), alleging that you engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, including any now pending?
General Information
Thank you for your interest in Northeastern University School of Law. We look forward to reviewing your application. If you have questions about the admissions process or your application, please call us at (617) 373-2395 or email us at lawadmissions@northeastern.edu.
Applicants may choose among three types of admission options.
Early Decision - December 1st application deadline
Choose Early Decision if Northeastern is your number one choice and you are committed to attending if admitted. You are confident that Northeastern is the right academic, social and financial fit. A binding early decision plan is one under which an applicant and a law school mutually agree at the initial point of application that the applicant will be given an admission decision at a date earlier than usual. The applicant must commit to enroll, withdraw all pending applications at other law schools and not initiate new applications if admitted via binding early decision. You must sign the early decision contract in order to apply.
Applicants for whom financial aid will be an important factor in their enrollment decision should carefully consider whether to apply as an Early Decision candidate, as candidates will be unable to compare offers from other law schools.
Early Action - December 1st application deadline
Choose Early Action if Northeastern is a top choice and you want to hear from us in February instead of waiting for the Regular Decision date in April.
Regular Decision - March 1st application deadline
Choose Regular Decision if you want the option to take the LSAT in February, or if you are currently a college student and would like us to review information from the first semester of your senior year. Applications submitted after the March 1st deadline will be evaluated; however, decisions may not be rendered until late summer.
Table 1
Application Components
A complete application for first-year admission includes the following:
- Electronic application submitted via LSAC.org
- Résumé
- Personal statement
- LSAT and/or GRE score report(s) from the last five years
- CAS report that includes LSAT results, letter(s) of recommendation (one letter required; two allowed) and all required transcripts
- Optional essay(s)
- Optional addendum
LSAT and GRE Scores
All applicants must submit a valid LSAT or GRE score; scores are valid for five years and score reports for all tests taken within that five year period must be submitted. If an applicant has score reports for both exams, the applicant may choose to report LSAT scores only. If an applicant has both LSAT and GRE scores, we are required to report the highest LSAT to the American Bar Association.
The CAS report summarizes undergraduate academic work and includes copies of all transcripts and letter(s) of recommendation. If an applicant has taken the LSAT, the LSAT score(s) and LSAT writing sample(s) will be included in the CAS report. GRE score reports must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) using the code 3446 (Northeastern University School of Law). Northeastern Law will not receive score reports sent to other Northeastern program codes.
Personal Information and Demographics
If you are an international student, please list your name as it appears on your passport.
If you are a citizen of both the United States and another country, please select "US Citizen."
Northeastern values diversity in all its forms and questions regarding ethnicity, race, LGBTQIA+ status and first-generation status are optional. Applicants may select "Decline to respond."
To ensure compliance with American Bar Association (ABA) reporting requirements, our law school includes an optional question on applicants' ethnic identity. This information is treated with confidentiality and has no impact on the admission decision-making process or your application file. We value fairness and inclusivity in our admissions process and thank you for your cooperation in providing this optional information to meet ABA standards.
Character and Fitness
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Contact information for all relevant agencies in the United States is available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Because of the high ethical standards to which lawyers are held, the failure to disclose an act or event can lead to more serious consequences than the act or event itself. Failure to provide truthful answers, or failure to inform the Office of Admissions in a timely manner of any changes to your answers in advance of matriculation or during school enrollment, may result in revocation of admission or disciplinary action, including dismissal, by the School of Law, or denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek bar admission.
Certification
By submitting this application electronically, you certify that to the best of your knowledge and belief the information provided in this application is accurate and complete, and you agree to notify the School of Law of any substantive changes in this information in a timely manner. Any misrepresentation or delay in notification may be cause for denial or revocation of admission or subsequent dismissal from the School of Law.
Policy on Equal Opportunity
The Northeastern University Policy on Equal Opportunity strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy or pregnancy related condition) gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, veteran or disability status. This policy and all related bias-incident complaints are overseen by the Office for University Equity & Compliance (OUEC) located at 125 Richards Hall.
The Early Decision contract must be signed and submitted by all candidates wishing to apply to Northeastern University School of Law via the binding Early Decision program. Applicants who fail to submit the agreement will not be considered for admission as an Early Decision candidate. The deadline to apply as an Early Decision candidate is December 1, 2025. A decision will be rendered no later than December 31, 2025.
Please submit a two-page, double-spaced, typed Personal Statement: The Admissions Committee seeks to identify how each applicant might enhance our community and use his or her legal education to have a positive impact. In your Personal Statement, please describe how your life experience provides evidence relevant to these considerations.
If there is additional information you would like to attach to your application in order to help the admission committee make a decision on your file, please attach it here. We ask that you limit the size to 2 pages, double-spaced typed. Thank you.
Please attach your résumé.
- Have you ever been dismissed, suspended, expelled, subject to discipline (including disciplinary probation for plagiarism, cheating, dishonesty, fraud, social media content that you either shared or created, or any other reason), or withdrawn or been denied enrollment in lieu of discipline from any academic institution or organization beyond high school, for any reason?
If your answer is "Yes," please explain in an electronic attachment.
- Are there any disciplinary charges pending or expected to be brought against you?
If your answer is "Yes," please explain in an electronic attachment.
- Are you currently or have you ever been arrested, charged, cited, accused, or prosecuted for any crime by a law enforcement agency, or have you ever been the subject of any investigation by a law enforcement agency, civil or administrative agency, professional organization, corporation, board, or any other agency (including, but not limited to, the lawyer Disciplinary Board, Attorney General's Office, government entity, law firm, etc.)? This does NOT include summary (minor) motor vehicle violations for which you were given a citation (ticket).
Expunged or sealed convictions or sanctions MUST be disclosed.
If yes, please give dates and complete details (use an electronic attachment).
The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is a diverse community of learning whose essential mission is to help lawyers and legal institutions meet the demands of a rapidly changing legal and professional environment.
- All application requirements must be completed before the Admissions Committee will review the application. Please visit www.law.pitt.edu/admissions/process for specific requirements.
- Please submit a $65 non-refundable application fee on-line through LSAC.
- Pitt Law does not use Ethnicity/Race information in making admissions decisions. We collect it to inform ongoing assessment of our recruitment and admissions processes.
- Please submit a two-page, double-spaced, typed Personal Statement: The Admissions Committee seeks to identify how each applicant might enhance our community and use his or her legal education to have a positive impact. In your Personal Statement, please describe how your life experience provides evidence relevant to these considerations.
- The Admissions Committee requires one letter of recommendation but will accept up to three letters of recommendation.
- If you are taking an alternate test (GRE, JD NEXT) as part of your admissions process, please email admitlaw@pitt.edu and share with us what test you are taking. Failure to do so may result in a delay of processing your application.
Priority Deadline is February 1. To be considered for all scholarships, your application must be complete by that date.
Application Deadline is May 1. Applications submitted by this date will be considered for any available or remaining scholarships.
Thank you for your interest in Pitt Law!
A thoughtfully crafted and well-written personal statement is the most effective means of communication with the Admissions Committee. Within this statement, applicants can offer a deeper understanding of their overall background and the driving motivations that will shape their journey at the College of Law. Furthermore, the personal statement serves as a testament to the applicant's writing prowess, showcasing their ability to articulate ideas effectively. You can find information on how to write an effective personal statement under the Admission Requirements section on the JD Program page.
Please choose one of the following prompts below:
- Describe your specific interest in attending the University of Cincinnati College of Law and how you believe our institution will uniquely support your academic and career aspirations. In your response, please highlight any programs, faculty, or resources at Cincinnati Law that align with your goals and how you envision yourself contributing to the vibrant legal community on our campus.
- Discuss a significant life experience or personal challenge that has shaped your interest in pursuing a legal education. How did you overcome this obstacle, and how has it influenced your vision for using the law to effect positive change?
- Reflect on an instance where you observed an injustice or inequality in society. How did this experience motivate you to pursue a career in law? Describe the steps you have taken to prepare yourself for the challenges and responsibilities of advocating for justice and fairness.
- In your opinion, what is the most pressing legal issue facing our society today? How do you plan to contribute to addressing this issue through your legal studies and eventual career? Provide specific examples of actions you have taken to educate yourself on the matter.
- Law is a dynamic field with many different areas of specialization. Describe your current interests within the legal profession and why they appeal to you. How do you envision yourself making a meaningful impact in these areas, and what steps will you take to become a successful and dedicated practitioner in your chosen field?
- Discuss any topic of your choice.
Note: Remember that personal statements for law school should reflect your genuine experiences, aspirations, and motivations. Ensure that your responses are specific, well-articulated, and showcase your unique qualities as an applicant.
- Please submit a brief statement describing why you're interested in attending Cincinnati Law (in 500 characters or less).
This section is optional.
If you are required or wish to provide additional information to support your application, please include it in a brief written statement and upload it as an attachment here.
A current résumé is required
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners www.ncbex.org. Acceptance by the University of Cincinnati College of Law does not guarantee certification by any state’s Board of Law Examiners.
As part of this screening, the College of Law must provide a report on each student's character and fitness. To enable the College to compile that report, you must provide detailed information concerning your past conduct. Your failure to disclose past conduct that bears on your character and fitness could result in revocation of your admission to the College, discipline under the College Honor Code, or a state's refusal to admit you to the practice of law.
Please respond to the following questions, keeping in mind that complete candor is an indication of good character and fitness to practice law. Your answers are confidential, except for the report to bar examiners, unless you authorize the College to release them. If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, (including questions six through eight which ask about tickets), you must provide a full response explaining the circumstances in the space provided below the question. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application that will not be processed.
If your explanation to any of these questions exceeds the space provided, please upload your full response as an addendum in the Attachments section of the application.
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Have you ever been disciplined, placed on probation, warned, suspended, asked to resign, or expelled by an educational institution? This includes any formal, or informal, proceedings that occurred as a resident in on-campus housing.
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Have you ever had to discontinue or pause your college education or full-time employment for more than 30 days for any reason?
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Have you ever been discharged, suspended, disciplined, or asked to resign by any employer?
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Have you ever filed or been the subject of a petition for bankruptcy?
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Have you been cited for, arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any violation of any law, including as a juvenile (except parking tickets)?
Note: This should include matters that have been expunged, dismissed, sealed, subject to a diversion program, or otherwise set aside even if you were advised by an attorney that these offenses are no longer subject to disclosure.
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Do you have outstanding or unpaid fines, court costs, or tickets, including those for traffic or parking violations?
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Have you ever been charged with any alcohol- or drug-related traffic violations, regardless of when they occurred? Note: This should include matters that have been expunged, dismissed, sealed, subject to a diversion program, or otherwise set aside even if you were advised by an attorney that these offenses are no longer subject to disclosure.
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Have you ever been charged with any moving traffic violations that were not alcohol- or drug-related during the past ten years? Note: This should include matters that have been expunged, dismissed, sealed, subject to a diversion program, or otherwise set aside even if you were advised by an attorney that these offenses are no longer subject to disclosure.
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Have you ever been suspended, censured, removed, denied a license for, had a license revoked, or been otherwise reprimanded or disqualified as a member of another profession, or as a holder of public office?
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Are disciplinary actions or criminal charges currently pending against you?
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Have you ever been subject to any discipline, court-martialed, or dishonorably discharged from the military?
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Have you been summoned for a violation of any statute, regulation, or ordinance?
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Have you been removed, resigned, or asked to resign as a guardian, executor, administrator, trustee, or other fiduciary?
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Have you ever been in default on any debts, including student loans?
Default means you have failed to make payments as agreed for an extended period (typically 90 days), which may have led to serious consequences such as collections or credit reporting.
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To your knowledge, have you either been denied a security clearance or have you had a security clearance previously granted to you revoked?
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Have you ever been, or are you currently, a party to any civil action or administrative proceeding?
University of Cincinnati College of Law
Holistic Admission Review Policy
To be considered for admission, a candidate must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by the date of anticipated enrollment. A notice of acceptance may be issued before the undergraduate degree has been obtained, but such acceptance is conditional upon the applicant's actual receipt of the degree.
Admission to the College of Law is based upon a holistic evaluation of each application file. The Admission Committee carefully examines the applicant's undergraduate grade-point average and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score to assess their academic potential. Additionally, non-quantitative factors believed to be relevant to success in law school are taken into consideration. These factors encompass an applicant's academic performance, involvement in community service or significant extracurricular activities, employment experience, graduate work, thoughtful letters of recommendation, and a writing sample.
The Admissions Committee recognizes the paramount importance of personal narratives and diverse intellectual and lived experiences when evaluating candidates. The evaluation of the writing samples provides valuable insights into the applicant's communication skills, critical thinking ability, and potential for success in legal studies. It also grants the Committee a glimpse of the applicant's distinctive qualities, which are closely tied to their potential to make positive contributions to our vibrant and inclusive academic community.
By considering both quantitative and qualitative aspects of each applicant, the College of Law aims to curate a dynamic student body capable of excelling in their legal education and future careers. The holistic review process enables the Admission Committee to identify promising individuals who possess not only strong academic credentials but also the qualities necessary to make a positive impact in the legal profession and the community at large. Emphasizing these aspects ensures that the College of Law continues to foster an enriching learning environment that nurtures aspiring legal professionals and encourages their active engagement in society.
JD PROGRAM OPTIONS
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
The checklist below outlines the required materials for a complete application. You must use your current legal name at the time of application to the College of Law.
1. Online Application for Admission
All applicants must complete an electronic application for admission through the LSAC. Failure to complete the application in its entirety will delay the processing of your application. The application must be signed electronically by the applicant.
2. Application Fee
Application fees are waived automatically if you apply on or before February 1, 2026. After February 1, a nonrefundable $40 application fee must accompany the application.
The College of Law is committed to removing financial barriers in the application process. To this end, we strive to keep our application fee as low as possible. The College of Law will waive the application fee by request for any applicant who has been awarded a need-based fee waiver for the LSAT/Credential Assembly Service by LSAC. The College of Law will also consider other written need-based fee waiver requests on a case-by-case basis.
3. Standardized Test Score
Applicants must take the LSAT or the JD Next Exam. The College of Law does not accept the GRE.
For the LSAT, it is recommended that applicants take the June, August, September, October, November, January, February, or April administration of the LSAT. Applicants are strongly encouraged to retake the LSAT if the initial score is significantly below the College's published LSAT median.
For the JD NEXT exam, applicants must take the August 2025, November 2025, or January 2026 exam to be considered for Fall 2026 admission.
4. Two Letters of Recommendation
To complete the application process, two letters of recommendation are mandatory and must be submitted using the LSAC's Credential Assembly Letter of Recommendation Service. An ideal reference would be a college professor who possesses firsthand knowledge of the applicant's academic capabilities and work ethic, enabling them to craft a meaningful recommendation. For those individuals who have been out of college for an extended period or face challenges in contacting professors, obtaining references from employers, supervisors, or attorneys who can vouch for the applicant's qualifications for law study is acceptable.
5. Transcripts
Applicants for admission are required to register for LSAC's Credential Assembly Service. The applicant is responsible for sending official transcripts to LSAC for each undergraduate or graduate college or university attended. The Credential Assembly Service will analyze the applicant's transcripts, verify letters of recommendation, and send a Credential Assembly Service Law School Report to the College of Law.
6. Personal Statement
A thoughtfully crafted and well-written personal statement is the most effective means of communication with the Admissions Committee. Within this statement, applicants can offer a deeper understanding of their overall background and the driving motivations that will shape their journey at the College of Law. Furthermore, the personal statement serves as a testament to the applicant's writing prowess, showcasing their ability to articulate ideas effectively. You can find information on how to write an effective personal statement under the Admission Requirements section on the JD Program page.
Please choose one of the following prompts below:
- Describe your specific interest in attending the University of Cincinnati College of Law and how you believe our institution will uniquely support your academic and career aspirations. In your response, please highlight any programs, faculty, or resources at Cincinnati Law that align with your goals and how you envision yourself contributing to the vibrant legal community on our campus.
- Discuss a significant life experience or personal challenge that has shaped your interest in pursuing a legal education. How did you overcome this obstacle, and how has it influenced your vision for using the law to effect positive change?
- Reflect on an instance where you observed an injustice or inequality in society. How did this experience motivate you to pursue a career in law? Describe the steps you have taken to prepare yourself for the challenges and responsibilities of advocating for justice and fairness.
- In your opinion, what is the most pressing legal issue facing our society today? How do you plan to contribute to addressing this issue through your legal studies and eventual career? Provide specific examples of actions you have taken to educate yourself on the matter.
- Law is a dynamic field with many different areas of specialization. Describe your current interests within the legal profession and why they appeal to you. How do you envision yourself making a meaningful impact in these areas, and what steps will you take to become a successful and dedicated practitioner in your chosen field?
- Discuss any topic of your choice.
Note: Remember that personal statements for law school should reflect your genuine experiences, aspirations, and motivations. Ensure that your responses are specific, well-articulated, and showcase your unique qualities as an applicant.
7. Character and Fitness Disclosures
It is crucial to acknowledge that the information provided in the application pertaining to character and fitness may be incorporated into a future state bar application. The application will only be deemed complete once all Character and Fitness questions have been answered, and an accompanying explanation, detailing any responses marked "yes," has been submitted and received.
8. Résumé
All applicants are required to submit a current resume. For law school applications, the resume should focus on academic and employment accomplishments. Additionally, it is advantageous to highlight any leadership roles, professional responsibilities, and volunteer experiences you have undertaken.
9. Applicants with International Degrees (if applicable)
The University of Cincinnati College of Law requires the submission of international transcripts through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. If applicants have completed any postsecondary education outside the U.S. (including its territories) or Canada, they must use this service for the evaluation of their international transcripts. The only exception to this requirement is for applicants who completed international work through a study-abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a U.S. or Canadian institution, and this work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. The Credential Assembly Service registration fee includes this evaluation service, which will be conducted by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). The evaluation will then be incorporated into the applicant's Credential Assembly Service Law School Report.
To utilize the Credential Assembly Service, log in to your online account and follow the registration instructions. Make sure to print out a Transcript Request Form for each institution and send it promptly to them. Please note that additional time is usually required to receive international transcripts. For any inquiries regarding the Credential Assembly Service, please contact LSAC at 1.800.336.3982 or LSACinfo@LSAC.org.
Documentation of English proficiency is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. The following exams and minimum scores are accepted as proof of English proficiency:
- TOEFL: minimum score of 80 iBT
- In-person and at-home (online) exam scores accepted. TOEFL Essentials and My Best Test scores are not accepted.
- IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 overall band
- In-person and at-home (online) exam scores accepted. One Skill Retake is not accepted.
- Duolingo (DET): minimum score of 110
- PTE: minimum score of 54
UC only accepts official scores sent directly from the testing agency to the LSAC or the University of Cincinnati College of Law, preferably via electronic sending methods. Self-reported scores will not complete your application nor will scores that are below the minimum qualifying scores listed above.
Applicants should contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and request their TOEFL score to be sent to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The applicant's TOEFL score will be included in the international credential evaluation document, which will be a part of the Credential Assembly Service Law School Report sent from LSAC to the College of Law. Moreover, the English proficiency requirement is also met for applicants with degrees (e.g. a Bachelor's or Master's) earned in English from accredited universities and colleges in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other English-speaking countries.
10. Prior Law School Information (if applicable)
If you have previously attended any law school, it is mandatory to provide an addendum detailing the name of the institution, the dates of attendance, and the reasons for your departure. Furthermore, along with your completed application, you must include a letter of good standing and a transcript from the respective law school.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
The University of Cincinnati is fundamentally committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all by providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment. The university reaffirms its policy that discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, military status (including veteran status), national origin, parental status (including status as a nursing mother and status as a foster parent), pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law (collectively, ?protected class?) are prohibited in any of its activities, programs, admissions, or employment.
The University does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on these bases and takes steps to ensure that students, employees, and third parties are not subject to a hostile environment in University programs or activities. A complete Notice of Nondiscrimination can be found at http://www.uc.edu/about/policies/non-discrimination.html.
Notice of Privacy
Learn more about the University of Cincinnati's Privacy Statement.
Application Timeline
To ensure sufficient time for processing and reviewing all applications, we encourage applicants to complete their files as early as possible. Applications submitted for Fall 2026 between September 1, 2025, and March 15, 2026, will be given priority consideration.
Important Dates:
- September 1, 2025: Application Cycle Opens
- February 1, 2026: First Choice Application Deadline
- March 15, 2026: Recommended Application Deadline
- July 15, 2026: Final Application Deadline
To maximize the opportunities for scholarship awards, fellowship considerations, and participation in Admitted Student Open Houses, we strongly advise applicants to submit their applications by the First Choice Application Deadline of February 1, 2026.
We understand that circumstances may vary, and we will continue to accept and review applications until the Final Application Deadline on July 15, 2026. However, it is important to note that early submission is highly recommended, as spaces may be limited, and the competition for admission might become more intense as the deadline approaches. Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your potential and secure your place in the application pool by submitting early.
Notification of Admission Decisions
The Admissions Committee is committed to providing timely and thorough evaluations of all applications to ensure a fair and efficient admissions process. The Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis, starting from late October and continuing until the final application deadline. Typically, every applicant can expect to receive a decision (acceptance, waitlist, or denial) within four to six weeks after their application is completed. In preparation for any potential openings during the spring and summer, a waiting list will be established. This allows the opportunity to fill vacancies that may arise with qualified candidates from the waiting list.
This section is optional.
If you have previously enrolled in another law school, please include a statement indicating the name of the school, your dates of attendance, and your reasons for leaving. Additionally, a letter of good standing and an official transcript must be sent directly from that law school to the University of Cincinnati College of Law as part of your application.
Applicants must submit a personal statement with their application that is approximately two double-spaced pages in length. What you choose to write about is entirely up to you. The personal statement is a chance for you to tell the Admissions Committee who you are, using your unique experiences, ideas, and qualifications as illustration. You may wish to use this opportunity to write about your career aspirations, academic interests, life experiences, family background, or talents.
This section is optional.
(Optional) You may submit an optional essay that responds to the following prompt: Tell us how your lived experience has been made more challenging or been enhanced by obstacles or circumstances you have encountered, and how that impact has informed your personal journey.
This section is optional.
(Optional) You may include an explanation related to your academic or work history that is not otherwise described in the law school application.
Please submit a current resume.
This section is optional.
If you answered yes to any of the disclosure questions, please submit an attachment with a detailed explanation.
Instructions: Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible, as space availability diminishes as the year progresses. Application deadlines can be found on our website here: https://drexel.edu/law/admissions/how-to-apply/. If you are applying for the Global Access JD Program, please return to the applications page and select the Global Access JD application.
To apply to Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law you must submit:
- Application
- Resume: Attach a resume describing any relevant experience, including your employment, volunteer, and leadership experience.
- Personal statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement with their application that is approximately two double-spaced pages in length. What you choose to write about is entirely up to you. The personal statement is a chance for you to tell the Admissions Committee who you are, using your unique experiences, ideas, and qualifications as illustration. You may wish to use this opportunity to write about your career aspirations, academic interests, life experiences, family background, or talents.
- Optional Essay: You may submit an optional essay that responds to the following prompt: Tell us how your lived experience has been made more challenging or been enhanced by obstacles or circumstances you have encountered, and how that impact has informed your personal journey.
- Letters of Recommendation: Submit at least two letters of recommendation through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. Letters of recommendation should come from professors or employers of the applicant.
- An LSAT or *GRE score.
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report. Your CAS report will include your undergraduate academic summary, all academic transcripts from all schools, colleges, and universities attended after high school and LSAT score(s) if applicable.
*We will not accept a GRE score from an applicant who has taken the LSAT. If you take the LSAT after applying with a GRE score, your application and any potential scholarship will be reevaluated with the LSAT score.
International Students
International applicants are required to use LSAC's credential evaluation service to evaluate their foreign educational credentials.
For more information on I-20/DS-2019 and supporting financial documents please go here: http://drexel.edu/studentlife/get_involved/international_students_scholars/
ABA Standard 504
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
This section is optional.
(Optional) Public Interest Law Scholarship Program is limited to up to five students each admissions cycle. Decisions for this program are made by a faculty committee.
The Public Interest Scholarship program expands our long-standing commitment to pro bono service and legal practice by financially supporting qualified students committed to the public good.
Public Interest Scholars will receive:
- A personal public interest lawyer mentor
- An invitation to participate in a Public Interest Colloquium and other special events
- Selection priority for co-ops and clinics
- Public Interest research opportunities
If you are interested in being considered for the Public Interest Law Scholarship Program, please attach an addendum addressing the following questions (maximum 1-page double-spaced):
- Please describe any public interest work you have done.
- Please describe any volunteering experience/public service work you have done.
- What type of pro bono work are you interested in doing in law school?
- State briefly your sense of relevancy of public interest work to society.
- What are your career goals?
This section is optional.
(Optional) The Courtroom Scholarship Program is limited to up to five students each admissions cycle. Decisions for this program are made by a faculty committee on a rolling basis.
The Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law features a unique commitment to trial advocacy. We offer a championship mock trial team, eight courses in trial advocacy and evidence, two full-time trial advocacy faculty and more than a dozen adjunct professors and coaches, and the Kline Institute of Trial Advocacy (a building in Center City devoted to courtroom excellence). That's why we have Courtroom Scholarships, which can be as large as a full scholarship, for outstanding undergraduate mock trial competitors who are admitted to Drexel Kline School of Law.
Courtroom Scholars will:
- Be honored at a special event
- Receive a personal trial lawyer mentor
- Get selection priority for all Trial Advocacy Courses
- Serve as scoring judges at annual Trial by Combat tournament
Only students who participate in American Mock Trial Association undergraduate competitions are eligible for Courtroom Scholarships. The Courtroom Scholarships will be awarded based on experience and success in undergraduate mock trial competitions and on academic achievement.
If you are interested in being considered for the Courtroom Scholarship Program, please attach an addendum addressing the following questions (Maximum 1-page double-spaced):
- In which years did you participate in college mock trial tournaments?
- List the college mock trial tournaments (name and year) at which you competed, including both invitational tournaments and AMTA (American Mock Trial Association) tournaments.
- Summarize the roles you performed at collegiate mock trial tournaments. (Example: "I have competed as an attorney at seven tournaments, and I have delivered opening statements. I have also portrayed a witness at three tournaments. This year, I am the program vice president.")
- List any tournaments (name and year) at which you won an attorney award.
- List any tournaments (name and year) at which you won a witness award.
- If you have a coach, what is her/his name and contact information? If not, can you provide the name and contact information of a coach familiar with your trial performance?
- How interested are you in participating in trial competitions in law school?
- Anything else we should know about your experience and interest in trial advocacy?
- Please provide a link to a YouTube video of yourself competing, if possible. A video of a speech or a cross examination is preferred, but any video will suffice. Please contact the Director of Trial Advocacy, Phil Pasquarello, at pmp45@drexel.edu with any questions.
The Admissions Committee values good writers and considers the personal statement a key component in the application process. Please provide a statement with additional information or commentary that you believe will assist the Committee in evaluating your candidacy. You may refer to concrete examples drawn from your background and life experience. The personal statement is your best opportunity to share something personal with the Committee. We recommend providing insight into who you are, why you wish to pursue a law degree, and what impact you hope to have post-graduation. Your response should not exceed 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font.
Important Notice Regarding Automated Content Generation
While automated systems can create grammatically accurate and well-structured text, they cannot capture your unique identity or showcase your individual writing style and thought process. As a result, relying on automated content may have negative implications for your application.
This section is optional.
UB School of Law values diversity of any and all types. Describe how your background, life experience, and/or perspective will enhance the diversity of the University at Buffalo School of Law. The Committee is particularly interested in any disadvantages, discrimination, and/or adversity faced, how you dealt with it, and how your experience could contribute to the law school and legal profession. Your response should not exceed 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font.
Important Notice Regarding Automated Content Generation
While automated systems can create grammatically accurate and well-structured text, they cannot capture your unique identity or showcase your individual writing style and thought process. As a result, relying on automated content may have negative implications for your application.
This section is optional.
Why are you interested in pursuing your law degree at University at Buffalo School of Law? Your response should not exceed 1 page, double-spaced, 12-point font.
Important Notice Regarding Automated Content Generation
While automated systems can create grammatically accurate and well-structured text, they cannot capture your unique identity or showcase your individual writing style and thought process. As a result, relying on automated content may have negative implications for your application.
This section is optional.
You may choose to attach an additional statement addressing one or more of the below topics if you feel the information would help put your qualifications into context. Your response should not exceed 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font.
LSAT (or GRE): If you do not believe that your standardized test score(s) accurately reflect your ability to succeed in law school, tell us why and share what you believe is a better indicator for your potential.
GPA: Provide additional context for anything in your academic history (e.g., weak grades, gaps in education, numerous withdrawals, etc.) that negatively impacted your cumulative GPA.
Important Notice Regarding Automated Content Generation
While automated systems can create grammatically accurate and well-structured text, they cannot capture your unique identity or showcase your individual writing style and thought process. As a result, relying on automated content may have negative implications for your application.
Please submit a résumé listing employment, extracurricular and/or public-service activities, honors, awards, and special interests related to your academic career to date. Indicate offices held.
Pursuant to policy established by the State University of New York (SUNY), the University at Buffalo School of Law does not make inquiries into the criminal records of applicants for purposes of admission.
Important Note*: Admission to the University at Buffalo School of Law is based on our judgment of your ability to successfully complete a course of legal study. However, neither admission to nor graduation from UB School of Law constitutes a judgment that you are eligible for admission to practice law; that is a decision for state bar authorities, not law schools. A criminal record can be an obstacle for bar admission. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are eligible for admission to the bar, and we encourage you to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which you intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the* National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Post-Admission: Successful applicants may be asked to declare their criminal history, including any prior felony conviction(s), post-admission, if and when they seek campus housing or apply to participate in certain other activities that require such checks (i.e. study abroad programs and experiential courses that involve working at outside organizations or in settings that require criminal background checks). Certain responses could, but not necessarily, impact ones' ability to pursue the aforementioned opportunities.
You must provide a full explanation for any "Yes"(Y) response to the below questions via an electronic attachment titled "Character Profile Addendum." Information provided on your law school application must be consistent with answers provided on state bar applications. Full disclosure is in your best interest.
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Have you ever been discharged or requested to resign from employment?
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Have you ever been, or are you currently, a named party in a civil (non-criminal) lawsuit, regardless of the outcome?
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Have you ever been found to have engaged in academic dishonesty (cheating or plagiarism) at any time?
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Have you ever been dismissed, suspended, or placed on probation from a college/university for nonacademic reasons?
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Have you ever had a professional license suspended or revoked, or have you otherwise lost such licensure?
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Have you ever been dismissed or prohibited from the programs or properties of a college or university?
Note: Being prohibited from the programs or properties of a college or university is defined as permanent separation from an institution of higher education on the basis of conduct or behavior. An affirmative response to this question will not automatically prevent admission, but you will be asked to provide additional information. This information will be reviewed by a campus committee to ensure campus safety. Any falsification or omission of data may result in denial of admission or dismissal.
This document should be a one or two-page essay detailing why you are a unique candidate poised to be successful at Belmont University College of Law and how you will contribute to the Belmont Law community. You may cite life experiences or background that have led you to the study of law and/or illustrate your aspirations in benefiting the legal profession upon completing the Juris Doctor degree. The personal statement should be well written, thoughtful, and original.
This section is optional.
You may share additional information regarding parts of your application (i.e. LSAT score, GPA) or lived experiences that offer a more in-depth view of why you will be successful at Belmont College of Law.
Please attach a current resume here.
If you answer any of the following questions in the affirmative, you must provide a written and detailed explanation. Please note that there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in each jurisdiction. Belmont Law encourages each applicant to determine what those requirements are in the state(s) in which the applicant intends to practice.
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Does your citizenship status impact your eligibility to become licensed to practice law in any United States jurisdiction?
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Please provide an explanation. (maximum characters 4000)
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While you were in high school, were you ever dismissed, suspended, expelled, placed on probation, or requested to withdraw for any reason (academic or non-academic) by any institution?
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Please provide an explanation. (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you ever as a juvenile been cited for, arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any violation of any law? Note: Include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. Do not include simple fines for parking and moving violations (e.g. speeding, failure to yield); however, driver's license suspension and other court actions taken beyond paying a simple fine must be disclosed.
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Please provide an explanation: (maximum characters 4000)
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While in postsecondary, graduate, or doctoral education were you ever dismissed, suspended, expelled, placed on probation, or requested to withdraw for any reason (academic or non-academic) by any institution?
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Please provide an explanation. (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you ever as an adult been cited for, arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any violation of any law? Note: Include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. Do not include simple fines for parking and moving violations (e.g. speeding, failure to yield); however, driver's license suspension and other court actions taken beyond paying a simple fine must be disclosed.
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Please explain: (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you ever been a party to or otherwise involved in any legal proceeding (civil or criminal)?
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Please explain: (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you ever filed a petition for bankruptcy?
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Please explain: (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you ever been denied a license for business, trade, or profession or had such a license suspended or revoked?
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Please explain: (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you ever been addicted to or had a problem with, or have you undergone treatment or counseling for the use of narcotics, drugs, or intoxicating beverages or other substances?
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Please explain: (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you ever been discharged or requested to resign by an employer?
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Please explain: (maximum characters 4000)
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While in military service, were you ever charged with violating the Articles of War or any provision of the Uniform Code of Military Justice?
This section is optional.
If you have proof of a Green Card and/or Visa you may attach it here.
Please submit a 1-2 page personal statement as part of your application.
This section is optional.
The Optional Essays provide us with important, relevant information that may not be found in other parts of the application for admission. Please complete one or more of the essays on the topics provided. Essays should be one to two pages in length (double spaced, with 11 point font). Please include the essay title at the top of the page.
This section is optional.
You are welcome to provide additional information as part of your application.
The Admissions Office requires applicants to provide a current résumé. Please provide as an attachment.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
1. Have you ever been convicted of, pled guilty, or pled no contest to any crime, other than a minor traffic violation (i.e., parking or speeding citations) that has not been subsequently expunged? Failure to fully disclose, unless a matter has been expunged, is often more serious than the acts that gave rise to the offense.
- Have you ever been arrested, charged, prosecuted, or cited for any crime, other than a minor traffic violation (i.e., parking or speeding citations) for which the matter has not yet been fully adjudicated or otherwise resolved?
If you answered yes to any of the above, please provide a detailed answer below. Please include dates, jurisdiction (if applicable), and resolution. Additionally, you should provide a narrative that explains the circumstances of the incident.
Please note that this question is consistent with the Pennsylvania Clean Slate Act. Further, you may be required to provide a more in-depth disclosure to the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners, which is exempt from the PA Clean Slate Act, or to Bar Examiners in other jurisdictions. In addition to the bar examination, there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
We strongly recommend that you fully disclose any convictions or guilty pleas on the application for admission because your admissions application will later be reviewed by the Bar Examiners for consistency with your bar examination application. Answering ?Yes? and providing details of an incident will not preclude your admission. All applications are reviewed in light of the entire record including academic work, experience, and potential for success in the program.
3. Please provide a detailed explanation. If you need more space, please attach a document with your explanation. Include dates, jurisdiction (if applicable), and resolution. (maximum characters 3000)
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Please provide a detailed explanation. If you need more space, please attach a document with your explanation. Include dates, jurisdiction (if applicable), and current status. (maximum characters 3000)
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Have you ever been placed on probation, received an academic warning, been suspended, dismissed, expelled, placed on leave, or disciplined by any college or university, including any law school?
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Please provide a detailed explanation below. If you need more space, please attach a document with your explanation. Include dates, school, and resolution. (maximum characters 3000)
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Are there currently pending any conduct or academic disciplinary processes at any current or past academic institution? The word ?pending? as used here is meant to include any such process that was not completed to closure for any reason.
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If yes, please provide a detailed explanation. (maximum characters 3000)
This section is optional.
If applying Early Decision, please complete the Binding Early Decision Agreement.
This section is optional.
Please have the bottom portion of the 3/3 Certification Form completed by your undergraduate academic advisor or your pre-law advisor and attach it to your application.
We require every applicant to submit a personal statement. Your personal statement is an opportunity to share your voice, perspective, and values. These values are not limited and encompass lived experiences, unique backgrounds, and other attributes that enable our students to contribute to the LSU Law educational environment from their own unique perspective. Whatever you ultimately choose to write about, it is important that you write clearly, succinctly, and effectively. Take time to edit and proofread your personal statement before you submit your application.
Please do not use ChatGPT, Bard, or any other generative AI applications to assist you with your personal statement. The Admissions Committee will discount any personal statement that the Committee believes the applicant has generated in this way.
This section is optional.
Optional Addendum or Statement. Up to 2.
LSU Law Center's mission is to train highly competent and ethical lawyers capable of promoting justice and advancing the common good. Please describe how your goals overlap with LSU Law?s mission and why you believe LSU Law, specifically, is the appropriate place for your legal education. Your response to this inquiry is required for completion of your application.
Please do not use ChatGPT, Bard, or any other generative AI applications to assist you with your answer to this question. The Admissions Committee will discount any ?Why LSU Law? statement that the Committee believes the applicant has generated in this way.
You are required to submit a résumé detailing your educational history, extracurricular activities, community and volunteer activities, and your part time and full time work experience.
NOTE: In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Contact information for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Failure to fully disclose information may result in disciplinary action, revocation of your admission offer, or denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek admission to the bar. Applications to take state bar examinations ask similar questions and bar examiners often require that you include our law school application as part of your application for admission to the bar. Accordingly, we strongly urge you to fully disclose all incidents. If there is any question regarding whether you should fully disclose something, you should err on the side of disclosure. It is also your responsibility to update your application by notifying the LSU Law Center Admissions Office if any disciplinary or criminal charges are filed against you between the date you submit this application and the date you enroll at LSU.
IF YOUR ANSWER TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS IS YES, PLEASE ATTACH A FULL STATEMENT OF RELEVANT FACTS FOR ALL INCIDENTS AND FURNISH THE LAW CENTER WITH COPIES OF ALL OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS REFERENCING THE CURRENT STATUS OR FINAL DISPOSITION OF ALL PROCEEDINGS. FAILURE TO SUBMIT RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN RECEIVING AN ADMISSIONS DECISION.
1. Have you ever been dismissed, expelled, or suspended from any college, university, graduate school, professional school, or law school for any reason?
(You must report all incidents, regardless of how minor; regardless of whether the record of the incident has been sealed, expunged, or otherwise removed from the school records; and regardless of whether you have been advised that you would not be required to disclose the incident.)
2. Have you ever been placed on academic, disciplinary, or any other probation related to your academic studies for any reason?
(You must report all incidents, regardless of how minor; regardless of whether the record of the incident has been sealed, expunged, or otherwise removed from the school records; and regardless of whether you have been advised that you would not be required to disclose the incident.)
3. Have you ever been charged with and/or convicted of stalking, cyberstalking, rape, or sexual battery?
(You must report all incidents, regardless of how minor; regardless of whether the record of the incident has been sealed, expunged, or otherwise removed from the school records; and regardless of whether you have been advised that you would not be required to disclose the incident.)
4. As an employee in a paid or unpaid position, or as a member of any profession or professional organization, have you ever been disciplined or reprimanded for unethical conduct?
(You must report all incidents regardless of how minor; regardless of whether the record of the incident has been sealed, expunged, or otherwise removed from the organization’s records; and regardless of whether you were advised that you would not be required to disclose the incident.)
5. Have you ever been separated from any branch of the US Armed Forces under less than honorable conditions?
6. If you have been separated from any branch of the US Armed Forces under less than honorable conditions, explain the circumstances. (maximum characters 500)
This section is optional.
If you have ever been enrolled in any law school, please explain the circumstances of your enrollment and departure, and your current status at the school.
Juris Doctorate & Optional Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law (JD/DCL)
Each fall a new entering class enrolls at the LSU Law Center. The following admission materials should be submitted electronically to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Applicants must submit their materials no later than June 1 of the year for which admission is sought.
Thank you for your interest in the LSU Law Center. Each application (upon completion) will be reviewed by members of the Admissions and Scholarships Committee. The committee reviews all credentials broadly and holistically, believing that a simple formula cannot measure an applicant's potential for the study of law and potential to contribute to the law school itself.
Providing demographical information related to race and ethnicity is optional and will not be used in the admissions process. It is collected to comply with federal as well as accreditation reporting requirements. Your answer, or decision not to answer, will have no bearing on the admissions decision because the Admissions and Scholarships Committee will not see your answers to these questions.
Below, there is information that will be helpful as you complete your application for admission. Please feel free to visit the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center's website with additional questions at http://www.law.lsu.edu/ or contact the Office of Admissions at (225) 578-8646 or lawadmissions@lsu.edu for assistance.
Application Checklist:
- Application for JD/DCL Admission
- Application Fee is waived
- Résumé
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Why LSU Statement
Electronic Application Process
You must apply to the LSU Law Center and submit all materials through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC.org) and register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). We only accept applications submitted through LSAC. Please read the application instructions and follow them carefully.
We will not accept any paper application materials or paper updates to your application. All updates must be done electronically.
Disabled applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should contact the Office of Admissions at (225) 578-8646 or lawadmissions@lsu.edu with their request.
Academic History
You must provide all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts reflecting a complete academic history. All transcripts must be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
Law School Admission Test
You are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and submit a valid LSAT score. The LSAT score is considered valid if it was received within five years of the date of your intended enrollment.
Résumé
You are required to submit a résumé detailing your educational history, extracurricular activities, community and volunteer activities, and all part time and full-time work experience including fellowships or internships.
Letters of Recommendation
The LSU Law Center requires two letters of recommendation but will accept up to three. Letters of recommendation received after a third letter will not be reviewed. You must submit your letters of recommendation through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). When using the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), remember to assign the letters of recommendation you want to be sent to the LSU Law Center. In reviewing your letters of recommendation, the Admissions Committee is seeking insight into a candidate's academic performance, as well as personal qualities such as intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm, and commitment. We strongly recommend you submit at least one academic letter (from a professor or advisor) who has a well-informed view of your academic ability. We understand, however, that if you have been in the workforce and out of school for a while, that you may submit recommendations from employers. Letters of recommendation from individuals, including prominent individuals, who lack a personal knowledge, or your academic ability do not assist Admissions Committee members in assessing your potential aptitude for the study of the law, and should be avoided.
Personal Statement
We require every applicant to submit a personal statement. Your personal statement is an opportunity to share your voice, perspective, and values. These values are not limited and encompass lived experiences, unique backgrounds, and other attributes that enable our students to contribute to the LSU Law educational environment from their own unique perspective. Whatever you ultimately choose to write about, it is important that you write clearly, succinctly, and effectively. Take time to edit and proofread your personal statement before you submit your application.
Why LSU Law?
LSU Law Center's mission is to train highly competent and ethical lawyers capable of promoting justice and advancing the common good. Please describe how your goals overlap with LSU Law's mission and why you believe LSU Law, specifically, would be a good place for you to pursue your legal education. Your response to this inquiry is required for completion of your application.
Application Fee
The application fee is waived for applicants.
Application Deadline
The priority application deadline is March 1. Applications submitted after March 1 will be evaluated on a space available basis. Most students apply in early fall, and LSU evaluates files on a rolling admission basis. The earlier you complete your application for admission, the earlier you will receive a decision. The application deadline is June 1, 2026.
JD/DCL-MBA Dual Degree Program
Admission requirements for the JD/DCL-MBA (Juris Doctorate/Diploma in Comparative Law/Master of Business Administration) program include all requirements for admission to the LSU Law Center, plus all requirements noted in the LSU Graduate School Catalog for the Master of Business Administration program. For more information on the MBA component of the dual degree program, please consult the LSU Graduate School Catalog or contact the LSU Flores MBA program at 225-578-8867, or lsumba@lsu.edu.
JD/DCL-MPA Dual Degree Program
Admission requirements for the JD/DCL-MPA (Juris Doctorate/Diploma in Comparative Law/Master of Public Administration) program include all requirements for admission to the LSU Law Center, plus all requirements noted in the LSU Graduate School Catalog for the Master of Public Administration program. For more information on the MPA component of the dual degree program, please consult the LSU Graduate School Catalog or contact the LSU Department of Public Administration at 225-578-6743, or pa@lsu.edu.
JD/DCL-MMC Dual Degree Program
Admission requirements for the JD/DCL-MMC (Juris Doctorate/Diploma in Comparative Law/Master of Mass Communication) program include all requirements for admission to the LSU Law Center, plus all requirements noted in the LSU Graduate School Catalog for the Master of Mass Communication program. For more information on the MMC component of the dual degree program, please consult the LSU Graduate School Catalog or contact the Manship School of Mass Communication, at 225-578-1899, or masscomm@lsu.edu.
JD/DCL-MSF Dual Degree Program
Admission requirements for the JD/DCL-MSF (Juris Doctorate/Diploma in Comparative Law/Master of Science in Finance) program include all requirements for admission to the LSU Law Center, plus all requirements noted in the LSU Graduate School Catalog for the Master of Science in Finance program. For more information on the MSF component of the dual degree program, please consult the LSU Graduate School Catalog or contact the LSU Department of Finance at 225-578-6291, or finance@lsu.edu.
JD/DCL-MSW Dual Degree Program
Admission requirements for the JD/DCL-MSW (Juris Doctorate/Diploma in Comparative Law/Master of Social Work) program include all requirements for admission to the LSU Law Center, plus all requirements noted in the LSU Graduate School Catalog for the Master of Social Work program. For more information on the MSW component of the dual degree program, please consult the LSU Graduate School Catalog or contact the LSU School of Social Work at 225-578-5875, or dchiass@lsu.edu.
This section is optional.
If you are a permanent resident of the United States, please submit the front and back copy of your Resident Alien Card.
The personal statement gives the Admissions Committee an opportunity to evaluate your writing abilities and learn more about you beyond your academic achievements and resume. While there is not a specific prompt or question to address, it is highly encouraged that you briefly mention your desire to pursue law. Feel free to discuss any special conditions you believe relevant in evaluating your application.
The submission may be no more than two, double-spaced pages, size 12 font, 1-inch margins.
This section is optional.
Texas Tech University School of Law's mission is to prepare individuals for the effective and ethical practice of law in a rapidly changing, dynamic, and interconnected world; to engage in meaningful scholarship; and to foster a culture of public service. Consistent with this mission, Texas Tech Law seeks to enhance the educational experience of all students by admitting talented applicants who bring a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives to the Law School and the legal profession.
Applicants may use this space to describe experiences or unique perspectives that you reasonably believe would contribute to the community at Texas Tech Law. This statement may include, but is not limited to: experience as a first-generation college graduate or adult learner; demonstrated commitment to community and public service; experience with limited or non-traditional educational opportunities; experience with homelessness; experience with an incarcerated parent; or any other unique personal or family circumstances.
This section is optional.
You may use this section to upload any other additional information you would like us to consider. This may include, but is not limited to, writing about socioeconomic status and how that may have affected your academics or testing opportunities, a period of poor grades, historically poor standardized test performance, discrepancies in GPA, LSAT score(s), etc., or any other information you believe would be relevant to the Committee's decision. If you are submitting more than one addendum, you must combine them in a single electronic document.
Please attach your current resume highlighting any post-high school achievements or experiences, including but not limited to, education, honors & awards, employment history, extracurricular activities, community service activities, any military service, honor societies, etc.
Please read carefully. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Because of the high ethical standards to which lawyers are held, failing to disclose an act or event such as the ones described below is often more significant and leads to more serious consequences than the act or event itself. Failing to provide truthful answers or to inform the Admissions Office of any changes to your answers may result in the revocation of admission or disciplinary action by Texas Tech Law or denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek admission.
Although affirmative answers to the questions below may not necessarily preclude admission to Texas Tech Law, persons who have been convicted of more serious criminal offenses may have difficulty in gaining admission to the bar. State licensing agencies often require you to include your law school application as part of your application for admission to the bar, and the bar admissions process often includes a full criminal background check. Any discrepancies between your law school application and the results of that check could jeopardize your ability to be admitted to practice law.
1. Have you ever been disciplined in any way for any matter by any college, university, law school, or other institution of higher learning, or by any professor, administrator, employee or entity representing any college, university, law school or other institution of higher learning, or have you been allowed to withdraw from such an institution to avoid such discipline, whether or not the record of such action was retained in your file? (Please note even if an action/warning/violation/fine/sanction/etc. was dismissed, it still needs to be disclosed.)(Discipline includes, without limitation, a letter or other written notice of reprimand or warning, suspension, expulsion, adjustment of grade, assignment of community service, any form of probation, or any other adverse action).(Entity includes, without limitation, residential facilities or other facilities owned or managed by a college, university, law school or other institution of higher learning.) If so, please explain below. If additional space is required, please provide a separate attachment.
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Are you currently under investigation or subject to pending disciplinary action at any postsecondary institution for conduct involving violence, sexual assault or sexual misconduct, including but not limited to harassment, stalking, or relationship violence? If so, please explain below. If additional space is required, please provide a separate attachment.
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Have you ever been: arrested, cited or ticketed, charged with any violation of the law; or have you ever been convicted of an offense, placed on probation, granted deferred adjudication or any type of pretrial diversion? Even if a ticket/arrest/violation/citation/charge/etc. is dismissed, it still needs to be disclosed
You must report:
- Any such offenses involving alcohol or drugs.
- Any failure to appear conviction resulting from any offense.
- Any conviction for failure to maintain financial responsibility (legally required auto insurance).
An applicant does not need to disclose information about a juvenile or criminal record that has been sealed or expunged; however, it is up to each applicant to ensure that their offense is in fact expunged and sealed under the relevant state law. It is recommended that you obtain a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question. If an applicant fails to disclose information that is not in fact expunged or sealed, the applicant may be subject to disciplinary action. If so, please explain below. If additional space is required, please provide a separate attachment.
You may exclude only Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.
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Are there any charges pending against you which, if you were convicted, would require you to answer "yes" to the previous question? If so, please explain below. If additional space is required, please provide a separate attachment.
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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. If, after submitting this application, you are disciplined by a postsecondary institution described above or convicted of an offense, placed on probation, or granted deferred adjudication or any type of pretrial diversion that would require you to answer 'Yes' to the previous questions, you must inform Texas Tech Law immediately. You must also attach a statement providing complete details. Answering 'Yes' to this item indicates you acknowledge this obligation and agree to comply with it.
This section is optional.
If you have ever attended another law school, attach a statement that includes the name(s) of the institution(s), dates of attendance, the number of credit hours earned, and reason(s) for leaving. You must submit a copy of your law school transcript(s) to LSAC. We must also receive, directly from your other law school(s), a letter of good standing indicating whether you are still eligible to return.
This section is optional.
If you answered "Yes" to the question 'Have you ever been separated from any branch of the US armed forces under less than honorable conditions', please attach a statement explaining any disciplinary proceedings (Article 15 or court-martial) and any type of discharge other than "Honorable."
There is no limit as to the length of the required personal statement, but it will be evaluated for clarity, content, and skill of presentation. While there is no required topic, it is to your advantage to convey information and views that you feel are important and that you believe should be weighed in the consideration of your application for admission, including your specific interest in UC Law SF.
This section is optional.
Other addenda can be attached here, if desired. Visit www.uclawsf.edu/admissions for more information about addenda.
I. LEOP QUESTIONS (Required)
Answer all of the questions below. There is no required word count, but responses of 50?250 words are typically sufficient. This supplemental information will be used to evaluate your claim of significant adversity and to determine whether to offer admission. Your application to the LEOP program will not be considered without this information. If your claim of significant adversity does not meet LEOP admissions requirements, your application will automatically be considered for general admission by the Admissions Office.
- Describe the financial situation of your family from birth to college entry. Please include sources of income, income estimates, number of household wage earners, and number of dependents. Please describe any unusual expenses.
- Please describe the occupation(s) and the educational background(s) of the person(s) who raised you.
- Describe your early educational experiences through high school. Discuss the expectation level of and support for educational and career achievement in your family and community. What impact, if any, did it have on your education?
- Please list your source(s) of financial support in college by approximate percentage: Family: Employment: Loans: Grants/scholarships: Other assistance:
- Describe any paid or unpaid test preparation, academic support, or tutorial services you have used since elementary school.
- Identify and describe the community(ies) in which you resided from birth to age of college entry. Describe any bias you faced as a member of such community(ies) and explain what impact, if any, it had on your academic performance.
- Are you an immigrant or the child of immigrant parents? If yes, please include the country of origin, year of arrival in the U.S., and the reason for immigrating.
- If English is not your first language, how old were you when you first learned English? Was English the primary language spoken in your home?
- Have you had any learning or physical disability that may have adversely affected your academic performance? Please indicate what accommodations, if any, you were provided in high school and college. If possible, please include supporting documentation of your disability and/or accommodations.
II. LEOP STATEMENT (Optional)
Please submit a statement in which you identify and describe in detail the challenges and obstacles that you have faced and the impact they may have had on your academic preparation. The obstacles may be cultural, economic, educational, familial, geographic, linguistic, or social in nature. Include specific information on what you have done to meet and/or overcome these challenges that are not evidenced by your responses to the LEOP Supplemental questions above or in the general personal statement.
Please provide a résumé which includes all significant employment, internships, memberships, and professional and volunteer activities during and after college. Include any honors, awards or other recognition (scholastic, collegiate, extracurricular, or community) you have received and the basis for your selection. Include dates of participation. Be sure to account for all significant blocks of time since the completion of your undergraduate degree, including your activities this year while applying to law school. Please limit to two pages.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction.
You must answer all of the character questions in section 8 of the Application Questions. A "yes" answer does not disqualify you from admission, but an explanation must be provided for each "yes" response. Additionally, if you answer "yes" to any of the questions in this section, you should consult the rules and regulations of the Committee of Bar Examiners of the state in which you wish to practice law to determine if there is anything that may affect your eligibility for admission to the bar. For your reference, linked here are the California Bar guidelines for Moral Character Determination. Please note that the qualifications for admission to the bar are different in every U.S. jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
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Have you ever enrolled in any Juris Doctor program in the United States?
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If you answered yes to a question #1, please note where and when, and explain why you left in the following text box. (maximum characters 1000)
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Have you ever been subject to dismissal, suspension, probation or other academic or disciplinary sanction, been found to have violated a conduct or honor code, or been warned by any college or university or professional school?
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If you answered "yes" to question #3, an explanation must be provided in the following text box. (maximum characters 1000)
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Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, or is any such charge now pending against you?
- For purposes of this question, a conviction includes a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or a verdict or finding of guilt, regardless of whether sentence is imposed by a court.
- Traffic violations which must be reported under this question include Failure to Appear, Driving Without a License, Driving with a Suspended License, and Reckless Driving, as well as all traffic violations that resulted in a misdemeanor or felony conviction.
- You need not answer ?yes? because of an arrest that did not result in a conviction as long as the charges are no longer being adjudicated.
- You need not answer ?yes? for any arrest or conviction that has been sealed, expunged, dismissed, or set aside.
- If you answered "yes" to question #5, an explanation must be provided in the following text box. (maximum characters 1000)
University of California Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) welcomes your application for Fall 2026.
Deadlines:
April 15th is the deadline for JD admission and scholarship consideration.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements for UC Law SF provided at uclawsf.edu/admissions/jd-how-to-apply/.
- Candidates must have earned a bachelor?s degree (or its foreign equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher education prior to beginning the JD program.
- Candidates must take the LSAT or GRE no later than June of the year of matriculation. Valid scores cannot be more than five years old. The highest score will be used in determining the Admission Committee?s decision.
- Candidates must register with the Law School Admission Council?s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
- Candidates who have been academically disqualified at any law school are ineligible for admission to UC Law SF.
Register for the LSAT or GRE:
UC Law SF requires that all applicants take a standardized test for admission?either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is the preferred test, or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). UC Law SF will not receive standardized test scores until the Writing Sample is complete.
- Applicants who take both the LSAT and the GRE must submit their LSAT scores, but can choose whether to submit their GRE scores.
- Applicants applying with only GRE scores are still required to use the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for the submission of their application materials.
If you are applying with only a GRE score (meaning you have not taken the LSAT and you do not plan to do so), please send an email as soon as possible to admissions@uclawsf.edu so that we can manually complete your application in our system.
LSAT: Official scores must be from LSAT examinations administered between June 2020 and June 2026.
GRE: Official scores must be from GRE examinations administered within five years of the date you submit your application to UC Law SF. For example, scores for a test taken on September 17, 2024, are reportable through September 16, 2029.
Register for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS):
UC Law SF requires the use of LSAC CAS for all JD applicants.
Applicants must submit official undergraduate and graduate (for those who have attended graduate school) transcripts directly to the LSAC CAS. Study abroad transcripts are not required as long as the study abroad program?s credits are recorded on your main transcript. For those students who are applying to law school before the conferral of their undergraduate degree, please be aware that the American Bar Association (ABA) requires law schools to have a final, official transcript clearly showing your degree has been conferred on file by October 1 of the year of your law school matriculation. Failure to comply with this policy will result in not being able to register for first year law Spring courses until UC Law SF has received your transcript(s) verifying all academic credits undertaken and degree(s) conferred.
Application:
Please be sure to answer all required questions. The Admissions Office communicates primarily with applicants via email, so make sure messages from UC Law SF will not be caught in your spam filter. If you have any updates to your contact information after you submit your application, send the new information to admissions@uclawsf.edu. Be sure to include your LSAC account number on all materials and communications submitted on behalf of your application.
UC Law SF is required to report to federal and state agencies the ethnic/racial composition of enrolled students. Responding to questions about race and ethnicity is optional; however, we ask that you respond to the questions about your racial and ethnic background since the application form is the primary source of information about the demographic characteristics of the College?s student body. The College considers this information confidential and it will be used only for aggregated statistical purposes. This information will be used by the Admissions Office for statistical and reporting purposes only. It will not be made available to the UC Law SF Admissions Committee and it will not influence the application review process.
Letters of Recommendation:
Two letters are required. Applicants have the option of submitting a third letter if they would like to do so. The Admissions Office prefers letters from individuals familiar with your academic work, but letters from employers or others who can attest to your skills, talents, and accomplishments relevant to the study of law will also be considered.
Résumé:
Please provide a résumé which includes all significant employment, internships, memberships, and professional and volunteer activities during and after college. Include any honors, awards, or other recognition (scholastic, collegiate, extracurricular, or community) you have received and the basis for your selection. Include dates of participation. Be sure to account for all significant blocks of time since the completion of your undergraduate degree, including your activities this year while applying to law school. Please limit to two pages.
Personal Statement:
There is no limit as to the length of the required personal statement, but it will be evaluated for clarity, content, and skill of presentation. While there is no required topic, it is to your advantage to convey information and views that you feel are important and that you believe should be weighed in the consideration of your application for admission, including your specific interest in UC Law SF. Personal statements should be attached in the Attachments section of the application.
Character and Fitness:
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction.
You must answer all of the character questions in section 8 of the Application Questions. A "yes" answer does not disqualify you from admission, but an explanation must be provided for each "yes" response. Additionally, if you answer "yes" to any of the questions in this section, you should consult the rules and regulations of the Committee of Bar Examiners of the state in which you wish to practice law to determine if there is anything that may affect your eligibility for admission to the bar. For your reference, linked here are the California Bar guidelines for Moral Character Determination. Please note that the qualifications for admission to the bar are different in every U.S. jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
LEOP Applicants:
UC Law SF created the Legal Education Opportunity Program (LEOP) in 1969 to make an outstanding legal education accessible to those who come from disadvantaged economic and educational backgrounds. Students planning to apply to UC Law SF through LEOP should review the LEOP Supplement in the Attachments section of this application. LEOP applicants must answer all questions on the Supplement, and they are encouraged to attach a separate LEOP statement describing the adversity they faced and its impact on their academic preparedness for law school. If a question does not apply to the applicant, they may write "N/A" or similar. Diagnostic reports documenting disabilities and/or accommodations can be submitted as addenda.
Notification of Status:
You will receive an email acknowledgement when the Admissions Office receives your application. Please add "admissions@uclawsf.edu" to your safe senders or contacts lists to ensure you receive our messages. Please note that the Admissions Office cannot in any circumstances release decisions over the telephone. The Admissions Office will make every effort to notify all candidates by the end of June. All admissions decisions are final, and there is no appeal process.
Financial Aid:
UC Law SF awards both merit-based scholarships and need-based grants. Students who wish to be considered for need-based grants and/or U.S. government student loans must provide their Social security number (SSN) and must submit the FAFSA and the UC Law SF Financial Aid Supplement as soon as possible. If you do not have a Social Security Number, please enter N/A. You may find more information about financial aid at UC Law SF at uclawsf.edu/applyforaid.
Non-Discrimination Policy:
The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of the following protected categories: age, ancestry, childbirth or related medical condition, citizenship, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender transition status, genetic information (including family medical history), marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition (e.g., cancer-related or genetic characteristics), national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, sex- or gender-stereotyping, or any combination of these or related factors. The College?s full notice of non-discrimination is available here. Concerns and questions regarding sex discrimination may be reported to the Title IX Coordinator.
The personal statement should provide information about yourself that you consider significant to our evaluation of your file. We are interested in learning about the qualities that you would bring to the legal profession, the law school classroom, and the community. For example, you may wish to describe service you provided to your community, contributions you made to causes that are important to you, or describe a significant experience in your life. Alternatively, you may wish to discuss your interest in or motivation for attending law school. Your statement will be evaluated for writing ability as well as the content. Do not treat your personal statement as a narrative of your resume.
Your personal statement must be no more than 2-3 pages, double-spaced, with normal margins, and no smaller than a 10-point font.
This section is optional.
Non-Montana residents are required to submit a brief statement of interest explaining why they wish to attend the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana.
Montana residents may optionally submit a brief statement of interest explaining why they wish to attend the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana.
This section is optional.
You may describe any other factors you wish the admissions committee to consider that relate to your likelihood of success in law school. You may offer an Addendum in explanation of your undergraduate GPA and/or LSAT. You may choose to describe economic, cultural, or social factors that have presented obstacles you have had to overcome that you wish the Admissions Committee to consider in evaluating your application.
Addendums should be no longer than 3 pages and should not address topics discussed in your personal statement.
Please attach a personal résumé.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
If you answer "Yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions, you must submit an explanation in an electronic attachment.
1. Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on scholastic or disciplinary probation, expelled, requested to resign, allowed to resign in lieu of discipline, otherwise subjected to discipline, or requested to discontinue your studies by any school, college or university?
- Have you ever been
(1) cited for, arrested for, charged with, pled guilty to, or convicted of any violation of any law at or after age 18 or
(2) convicted of a felony prior to age 18?
Note: When answering include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to a deferred imposition of sentence, a diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. Omit traffic violations..
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Have you ever been cited for, arrested for, charged with, pled guilty to, or convicted of (1) any alcohol or drug related traffic violation other than a violation that was resolved in juvenile court, or (2) of any moving traffic violation during the past ten years? When answering include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to a deferred imposition of sentence, diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. Omit parking violations.
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Have you ever been disciplined by a professional regulatory body for violating standards of conduct, or have you ever been disciplined, terminated, or allowed to resign in lieu of termination by an employer for an employment offense (such as stealing, falsifying records, or abusing intoxicants or drugs or similar concerns).
This section is optional.
This section is required if you identified as a Montana resident. Please upload each of these supporting documents, and be sure the date of issue on each document is prior to August 26, 2024. If a document was issued after August 26, 2024, please also include the expired version to show that you have been a resident for 12 months prior to the first day of school 2025:
(1) Montana driver's license,
(2) voter registration if you are registered to vote (go to the SOS Voter Information Lookup and take a screenshot),
(3) Montana vehicle registration if you own or operate a vehicle, even if the vehicle is not yours,
(4) first page of a Montana tax return.
Generally all of these documents are required for a final residency determination. If any documents are missing when you turn in your application, your application will be considered; however, you will be classified as an out-of-state resident until you provide full documentation.
This section is optional.
If you identified as an enrolled American Indian/Alaska Native tribal member, use this section to upload a copy of your enrollment document(s).
Personal Statement: Please submit a personal statement describing the circumstances that have led you to pursue a law degree. Among other topics, you may wish to highlight your unique personal and professional experiences, any specialized talents and skills you possess, challenges you have had to overcome, and/or opportunities you have had to exemplify leadership, determination, or courage. Your statement should be no more than 500 words.
This section is optional.
In addition to your personal statement, you are welcome to submit one or more additional statements that provide additional insight into you, your commitments, or your life experiences. For example, you may choose to submit a statement that highlights how you hope to contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. You may also choose to submit a statement that provides context about your grade point average, your LSAT score, or other aspects of your application materials. Please limit any optional statement that you elect to submit to 250 words.
Your résumé should include, but is not limited to, the following:
- All post-secondary institutions attended with attendance dates, degree(s) received, and major(s)
- Employment with dates, responsibilities, and accomplishments
- Extracurricular, political, public interest, and community activities
- Honors and awards
- Please take particular care in responding to this acknowledgement and the following four questions.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
You should be aware that any state bar to which you apply will receive a copy of this application. In rare cases, bar candidates, after graduating from law school and passing the bar examination, have been denied admission to the bar on character and fitness grounds.
- Regardless of whether the record has been expunged, cancelled, or annulled, or whether no record was made, have you ever been accused of cheating, plagiarism, or other academic dishonesty at any college, university, law school, or post-secondary institution you attended?
If "YES", provide a statement describing what happened in your own words.
- Have you ever been accused of a violation of an honor code or student conduct code, ever been warned for any disciplinary or academic reason, placed on disciplinary or academic probation, suspended, requested or advised to discontinue your studies, dropped, expelled or requested to resign, or otherwise subjected to discipline by any school, college, university, law school, or other post-secondary institution? Include, for example, any warnings or discipline for violation of school or dormitory policies related to alcohol or controlled substances. Issues of academic dishonesty should be reported on the previous question.
If "YES", provide a statement describing what happened in your own words. In addition to the statement described above, if the incident resulted in a Title IX investigation, also include a copy of any incident report, notice letter, decision letter, or other documentation regarding the action from the institution.
- In the last five years, have you been investigated, arrested, cited for, charged with, or convicted for any traffic violation? Exclude speeding tickets that do not rise to the level of reckless driving. Include all matters that have been dismissed for any reason, subject to a diversion or a deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. You do not need to disclose any incident (including a juvenile one) that ended in the sealing or expungement of the incident by a court. Expungement or sealing of a record is different than a dismissal as it is conducted by a court and results in a court order. You must report any failure to appear charges resulting from the offenses.
If "YES", please explain fully, including the facts, date, location, all initial charges, and the outcomes, including all charges plead to or found guilty of, and any sentence or penalty. In addition to the statement (1), if you were convicted of or pled guilty to any charges (including any deferred sentences that were ultimately dismissed), also include (2) a copy of the charging document, complaint, indictment, or citation, (3) the disposition or sentencing order, and (4) substantiation of successful completion of any sentences.
- Have you ever been investigated, arrested, cited for, charged with, convicted, imprisoned, or placed on probation or parole for any offense against the law? Exclude violations disclosed in the previous traffic related question. Include all matters that have been dismissed for any reason, subject to a diversion or a deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. You do not need to disclose any incident (including a juvenile one) that ended in the sealing or expungement of the incident by a court. Expungement or sealing of a record is different than a dismissal as it is conducted by a court and results in a court order.
If "YES", please explain fully, including the facts, date, location, all initial charges, and the outcomes, including all charges plead to or found guilty of, and any sentence or penalty. In addition to the statement (1), if you were convicted of or pled guilty to any charges (including any deferred sentences that were ultimately dismissed), also include (2) a copy of the charging document, complaint, indictment, or citation, (3) the disposition or sentencing order, and (4) substantiation of successful completion of any sentences.
If you answered "YES" to any of the admissibility to practice questions, include all required statements and materials into one document then upload into the attachment section under admissibility to practice.
We follow a rolling admission process. Applications are reviewed for admission and scholarship on a first-come, first-serve basis. The timing of when you submit a complete application will impact your admissions decision. Applying earlier in the application cycle (November/December) is strongly encouraged.
- Complete as much of the data requested as possible. Items/fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required and must be completed in order to submit your application. While other items are optional, the data provided will assist us in our review process. The University of Denver recognizes the importance of protecting personal privacy. Read our Privacy Policy, including notifications for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Designate the preferred division, Full-Time or Part-Time.
- Personal Statement: Please submit a personal statement describing the circumstances that have led you to pursue a law degree. Among other topics, you may wish to highlight your unique personal and professional experiences, any specialized talents and skills you possess, challenges you have had to overcome, and/or opportunities you have had to exemplify leadership, determination, or courage. Your statement should be no more than 500 words.
- Submit a résumé which should include the following:
- All post-secondary institutions attended with attendance dates, degree(s) received, and major(s)
- Employment with dates, responsibilities, and accomplishments
- Extracurricular, political, public interest, and community activities
- Honors and awards
- Two letters of recommendation are required through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). These letters should preferably be from college professors who can attest to your ability to enter a competitive program in the law. Letters from professional work environments may be useful if that experience is more recent than your previous educational institution.
- Official transcript(s) from all post-secondary educational institutions must be submitted to LSAC for the CAS report. These transcripts must be sent by the institution(s) directly, and not by the applicant.
- A non-refundable application fee of $65.00 must be submitted with the application.
- English Language Proficiency - Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or C1 Advanced are required of all applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Scores are valid for two years from the test date. Request that your test scores be sent from the testing organization to LSAC or to the Office of Admissions. The requirement can be waived if you have completed a post-secondary degree at an institution whose language of instruction and tests is English. The whole program of study must have been completed in English.
TOEFL
The minimum TOEFL score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 95 (internet-based test) or 587 (paper-based test).
- LSAC TOEFL Code: 0058
- University of Denver Institution Code: 4842
IELTS
The minimum IELTS score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 7.0.
C1 Advanced
The minimum C1 Advanced score accepted by the Sturm College of Law is 185.
All materials submitted as part of the application process become the property of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and cannot be returned.
Contact: University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Office of Admissions
2255 East Evans Avenue, Suite 115, Denver, CO 80208
303.871.6135Admissions@law.du.edu
Two letters of recommendation are required through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). These letters should preferably be from college professors who can attest to your ability to enter a competitive program in the law. Letters from professional work environments may be useful if that experience is more recent than your previous educational institution.
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.
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Are there any criminal charges pending against you?
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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.
Please attach a 500 word personal statement on a subject of your choice. You may wish to discuss your lived experiences, aspirations, values, or what inspires your interest in law and in earning a Juris Doctor (law degree).
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Permanent State of Residency
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Have you ever been a resident of Hawai‘i?
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What draws you to the William S. Richardson School of Law? Why do you believe we are the right fit for your legal education?
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Tell us an interesting or fun fact about yourself.
This section is optional.
If you wish to include any addenda to your application, please attach them here. For clarity, we recommend adding a heading to each addendum that clearly indicates the question or topic you are addressing.
Please upload a current résumé, curriculum vitae (CV), or a summary of your academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences. This helps us understand your background, interests, and the path that led you to law school.
Because lawyers and law students are held to high ethical standards, you must be truthful and candid during the entire admissions process. The Law School expects you to furnish requested information in a complete and accurate manner. Failure to disclose an act or event may be more significant, and may lead to more serious consequences, than the event itself. Failure to provide complete and truthful information, or failure to inform the Admissions Office of any changes to your answers over time, may result in dismissal from or disciplinary action by the Law School, revocation of a degree, or denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek bar admission. Your obligation to disclose does not end upon admission and continues throughout your law school career.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting that jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
1. Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on scholastic probation, expelled, requested to resign, allowed to resign in lieu of discipline, otherwise subjected to discipline, or requested or advised to discontinue your studies by any college or university for academic misconduct reasons?
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Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on scholastic probation, expelled, requested to resign, allowed to resign in lieu of discipline, otherwise subjected to discipline, or requested or advised to discontinue your studies by any college or university for non-academic misconduct reasons?
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Have you ever been cited for, arrested for, or charged with any violation of any law other than a case that was resolved in juvenile court? Include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to a diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. Omit minor traffic violations, but include DUI, DWI, OVUII, etc.
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Have you ever been convicted of any violation of any law other than a case that was resolved in juvenile court? Include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to a diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside. Omit minor traffic violations, but include DUI, DWI, OVUII, etc.
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Have you ever been discharged or dismissed from the Armed Forces other than by honorable discharge, awarded non-judicial punishment, court-martialed, or allowed to resign in lieu of court-martial?
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Have you ever been disciplined, suspended, permitted to resign in lieu of termination, terminated, reprimanded, disqualified, or the subject of any charges, complaints, or grievances (formal or informal) related to your employment, profession, or public office, including any currently pending?
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Have you ever failed to satisfy any financial obligation (including credit card or charge accounts, student loans, federal or state taxes, etc.) or filed a petition for bankruptcy?
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Have you ever been named as a party (plaintiff or defendant) in any civil lawsuit or had a complaint or action initiated against you in an administrative action? This includes family law matters (such as divorce proceedings, subpoenas related to child support, warrants related to child support or paternity proceedings), contract disputes, personal injury, medical malpractice, landlord/tenant disputes, and class action suits?
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Have you ever attended another law school?
Please submit a personal statement, written in your own words, that provides more information about you. You may not use artificial intelligence to generate your personal statement. The subject matter is up to you, but keep in mind the reader will be seeking a sense of you as a person and also as a potential student and graduate of the University of Maine School of Law. It is an opportunity for you to include any information that will help the Admissions Committee act on your application and that sets you apart in a significant way from other applicants. We encourage you to develop a statement that provides the Committee with insights that cannot be obtained from the LSAC Credential Assembly Service report, resume, or other information contained in the application. You are encouraged to address why you believe you are suited to the study and/or practice of law, or why you have chosen to pursue the study of law. We will be assessing your academic abilities, your purpose in pursuing the study of law, and your impact on the Maine Law community. Please note: a resume may not be submitted in lieu of the personal statement, as the Admissions Committee attaches significant value to these statements.
Your personal statement should be in 12 point font and double spaced.
This section is optional.
Please share how your life experience has impacted your personal trajectory, inspired you, and or molded your perspective on law and learning. This may include but is not limited to challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned due to discrimination, personal or family hardship, a rich life experience, your role as a parent, your socio-economic status, and multi-cultural experiences.
University of Maine System Non-Discrimination Notice:
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
This section is optional.
If you believe the University of Maine School of Law is the right law school for you, in a brief statement, please let us know why.
This section is optional.
If you believe your undergraduate GPA, LSAT score, and/or resume do not represent your ability to excel in law school, please include a brief statement explaining why. This may include gaps in your resume, concurrent obligations with your undergraduate studies, personal or family struggles, or other information you believe will provide context for the Admissions Committee.
Please electronically attach a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
Because of the high ethical standards governing lawyers, the failure to disclose an act or event, such as the ones described below, is often more significant and leads to more serious consequences than the act or event itself. Failure to provide full and truthful answers may result in revocation of admission, referral to LSAC, disciplinary action by the School of Law, or denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek admission. You have a continuing obligation to disclose any violations from the list below throughout your law school enrollment. Because state requirements vary, we advise you to obtain information about qualifications for admission to the bar of the state in which you intend to practice. Acceptance to Maine Law does not guarantee that you meet the requirements for admission to any state's bar.
If you answer "Yes" to ANY of the following questions, you MUST provide a full and complete explanation in an attachment, clearly answering the question, including the ultimate disposition. Your file will remain incomplete if this addendum is not attached. Note: An affirmative answer to any of these questions will not automatically preclude your admission.
If you have any past or pending criminal charges, you must provide all court documents and police reports.
Should your response to any of these questions change while your application is pending or, if admitted, prior to matriculation, you must immediately inform the Admissions Office and update your application accordingly. Note also that you have a continuing duty to disclose any act or event relevant to the questions below that occurs up until your official graduation from Maine Law.
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Have you ever been dropped, suspended, placed on disciplinary probation, or expelled, or have you withdrawn, requested to withdraw, or been allowed to withdraw in lieu of discipline from any school (excluding high school) or otherwise subjected to discipline by any such institution? Note: Academic probation does not need to be reported.
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Have you ever been terminated, suspended, or disciplined, or have you resigned in lieu of termination, from any job or organization for any reason?
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Have you ever had a professional license denied, suspended, or revoked, or are there now pending any charges, complaints, or grievances (formal or informal) concerning your conduct as a member of any profession or as a holder of public office?
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Have you been cited or arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any moving traffic violation during the past ten years? You do not need to disclose citations, arrests, charges, or convictions for speeding unless you have more than five such incidents in the past two years. You do not need to disclose parking tickets.
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Have you ever been cited for, arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any violation of any law, other than a violation that was resolved in juvenile court? (Moving traffic violations should be disclosed in response to the previous question.) You do not need to disclose any matters that have been sealed or expunged.
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Are there any other criminal charges pending against you (not reported above) or is there an ongoing investigation that could lead to criminal charges being brought against you?
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
The University of Maine School of Law JD Application
The University of Maine School of Law, located in the coastal city of Portland, is a small school with regional impact and global reach. Maine Law serves as a force for the common good, while preparing graduates for careers as leaders inside and outside of the traditional legal profession.
Eligibility to Apply
An applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution by the time they begin study or be enrolled in one of Maine Law's 3+3 programs. The applicant must have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) within the past five years and have registered with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
All Applicants
All applicants should review the admissions section of the University of Maine School of Law website at https://mainelaw.maine.edu/admissions*.* The instructions provided below should also be reviewed prior to applying.
Admission decisions are based on your completed file, which must contain the following items:
- Completed application;
- The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report, inclusive of the LSAT score(s), college transcript(s), analysis of college transcript(s), and graduate school transcript(s);
- Letters of recommendation;
- Resume;
- Personal statement; and
- Addenda (if applicable).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure their application file is complete. We will make every effort to notify applicants, via the primary e-mail address listed on the application, if their application is incomplete.
Transfer Applicants
Transfer student applicants must have successfully completed credits at an ABA-approved law school. No student will be admitted who is ineligible to return to the institution last attended without an affirmative showing that the prior disqualification does not indicate a lack of capacity to complete our program of legal education and be admitted to the bar. Transfer students must submit the following materials:
- Letter of Good Standing from Dean or Dean's designee of the current law school;
- Official law school transcript with class standing;
- Completed application;
- The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report, inclusive of the the LSAT score(s), college transcript(s), analysis of college transcript(s), and graduate school transcript(s);
- Letters of recommendation;
- Resume;
- Personal Statement; and
- Addenda (if applicable).
Visiting Applicants
Visiting student applicants must be currently enrolled at an ABA-approved law school and have successfully completed a minimum of one year of law study. Visiting students must submit:
- Letter of Good Standing from Dean or Dean's designee of current school;
- Letter of Permission to Visit from Dean or Dean's designee;
- Official law school transcript with class standing;
- Personal Statement; and
- Addenda (if applicable).
Dual Degree Applicants
Students interested in combining a second degree with their JD must complete and submit separate applications to both Maine Law and the respective graduate program granting the second degree. The application process and acceptance decisions are separate for each school, and admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other.
International Applicants
International applicants are required to apply as first-year students and must submit the same materials as all other prospective students. Maine Law requires foreign transcripts be submitted through the Credential Assembly Service. If any post-secondary work was completed outside the US (including its territories) or Canada, the CAS must be used for the evaluation of your foreign transcripts. The one exception to this requirement is foreign work through a study-abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a US or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the Credential Assembly Service registration fee. An International Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), and incorporated into your Credential Assembly Service report. If you need to submit a TOEFL score*, you must contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and request that your TOEFL score be sent to LSAC. LSAC?s TOEFL code for the Credential Assembly Service is 8395. Your score will be included in the Foreign Credential Evaluation document that will be included in your International Credential Assembly Service Law School Report.
To use the Credential Assembly Service, log in to your online account and follow the instructions for registering for the service. Be sure to print out a Transcript Request Form for each institution and send it promptly to them. More time is usually required to receive foreign transcripts.
*TOEFL: All classes are conducted in English. Therefore, students must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to English. Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have their scores sent directly to LSAC to be included in the Credential Assembly Service report. For more information, contact TOEFL at www.toefl.org or TOEFL, PO Box 6154, Princeton, NJ 08541, 609.951.1100.
International applicants must also be prepared to verify financial ability if accepted.
Application Review Process
Early Action Admission Program
Applicants who apply through the non-binding Early Action Admission Program must take the LSAT no later than the November administration and submit an application for admission no later than December 1. Any application received after December 1 will be considered along with the Regular Decision Rolling Admission applications. To ensure your application is complete by December 1, we encourage you to register with the Credential Assembly Service by mid-October the year before desired entry. The Admissions Committee will provide a response on all completed Early Action applications no later than January 15.
Regular Decision Rolling Admission Program
The Admissions Committee begins to review applications as soon as they are complete. Decisions are released on a rolling basis. Applicants are notified of the Committee's decision by email as soon as possible after the decision is made. However, the applicant can check the status of an application via the status checker through LSAC. Because Maine Law is a rolling admissions program, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Applications close July 15th.
Transfer and Visiting Student Admission
Transfer and visiting student applications are due by July 1st. The Admissions Committee begins to review applications as soon as they are completed. Applicants are notified of the Committee's decision by email as soon as possible after the decision is made.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the LSAC Electronic Application program at www.LSAC.org, via the online services tab. All Credential Assembly Service (CAS) registrants with LSAC online accounts will have free access to the current electronic JD applications for all ABA-approved law schools, including the "flow-as-you-go" common application information. This distribution of online applications allows you to electronically package your applications with the transcripts, letters of recommendation, and CAS Reports that are being processed and sent to law schools by LSAC. Applications submitted to LSAC for transmission to Maine Law will be considered postmarked the day they are submitted.
Registering for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
All applicants must register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The CAS provides a means of centralizing and standardizing undergraduate academic records to simplify the admissions process. There is a registration fee for the Credential Assembly Service as well as a fee for each law school report you request. For CAS registration and fee information go to www.LSAC.org. Note: It may take several weeks from the date of request for us to receive your CAS report.
All applicants must take the LSAT. Information on the LSAT, test dates, and registration information is available from the Law School Admission Council at www.LSAC.org. To be considered for admission, you should take the LSAT no later than February of the year in which you are seeking admission. Applicants may take the LSAT more than once; Maine Law accepts the highest LSAT score. The LSAT must have been taken within the last five years to be valid.
Letters of Recommendation
The Admissions Committee requires at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation. There is no separate recommendation form. Letters of recommendation must be sent through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service (information available at www.LSAC.org). Please be sure Letters of Recommendation are assigned to Maine Law.
If you are still in undergraduate or graduate school, or if you graduated from college or a graduate degree program within the past three to five years, at least one recommendation should be an academic reference (i.e. professor). If you have been out of school longer than this and do not have access to an academic reference, your recommendation may come from a professional source. In all instances, the recommender should be able to address and have personal knowledge of issues that will be important to your success in law school, including analytical abilities, judgment, motivation, communication skills (written and verbal), critical thinking, and aptitude for the study of law, as well as any unique talents you may possess.
Transcripts
Official transcripts from each college or university you have attended must be submitted to LSAC for the CAS report.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
All applicants must submit a resume or CV.
Personal Statement, Character and Fitness Addendum, and Optional Statements
- All applicants must submit a personal statement. The application form contains complete instructions regarding the personal statement. All statements should be in 12-point font and double-spaced. Length is not specified, but no more than two pages is preferred. The statement should be written in your own words without the use of artificial intelligence.
- In addition to the personal statement, applicants must submit a Character and Fitness addendum explaining any "Yes" answer to a Character and Fitness question. If you have past or pending criminal charges, you will also be required to submit all court documents and police reports relating to your charges. If the applicant answered "Yes" to any Character and Fitness question, the application will not be considered complete until an addendum is included. If an addendum is not included before the application is submitted, please email the addendum to lawadmissions@maine.edu.
- Applicants may also submit an optional statement explaining or highlighting elements in their application that are not readily apparent. The application form contains complete instructions regarding the optional statement.
- We also encourage you to share how your life experience has impacted your life, inspired you, and/or molded your perspective on law and learning. This may include discrimination, personal or family hardship, a rich lived experience, your role as a parent, your socio-economic status, multi-cultural experiences, and more.
- You may also write a brief addendum if you believe that Maine Law is a good fit for you.
Tuition Categories
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Maine Resident (includes Canadian, Alaskan, and Military applicants).
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New England Regional Program (NEHBE): Applicable to Vermont and Rhode Island residents.
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Non-Maine Resident
Please see the Maine Law website for current tuition and fee rates.
Military Benefits for Veterans and Current Military Personnel
On March 22, 2014 the Governor of Maine signed into law L.D. 1768 - H.P. 1267, which renders all current members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces eligible for in-state tuition, regardless of residency status. If you are a veteran or currently serving in the Armed Forces, please include a DD 2-14 and a Certificate of Eligibility with your application. If you are currently serving in the Armed Forces, you must also provide a copy of your military ID.
Maine Resident Regulations
The regulations of the Board of Trustees of Maine governing residence are set forth below for your guidance:
A student applying for admission to a degree program is classified as eligible or not eligible for in-state tuition at the time of acceptance to the university. The decision, made by the Chief Financial Officer, or other officials designated by the campus (this authority is granted to all admissions directors), shall be made based on information and documentation furnished by the student and other information available to the university. No student is eligible for in-state tuition classification until he or she has become domiciled in Maine, in accordance with university guidelines, before such registration. If the student is enrolled full-time in an academic program, as defined by the university, it will be presumed that the student is in Maine for educational purposes, and that the student is not in Maine to establish a domicile. A residence established for the purpose of attending a UMS campus shall not by itself constitute a domicile. The burden will be on the student to prove that he or she has established a Maine domicile for other than educational purposes. An individual who has lived in the state of Maine, for other than educational purposes, one year prior to registration or application to a campus is considered an in-state student.
A student, or spouse of a student, who currently has continuous, permanent full-time employment in Maine before the student decides to apply for degree status at the university will be considered in-state for tuition purposes.
In-state tuition is not available to anyone who holds a nonimmigrant United States visa. If an individual is not a domicile of the United States, they cannot be a domicile of the state of Maine.
A student who attended an out-of-state educational institution at in-state tuition rates in the immediately preceding semester shall be presumed to be in Maine for educational purposes and not to establish a domicile. Again, the burden will be on the individual to prove that he or she has established a Maine domicile for other than educational purposes.
Change of Tuition Status
To change tuition status:
A) A "Request for Change of Tuition Status" application must be filed with the Executive Director for Financial Resources on or before the campus's first day of classes for the summer session, fall or spring semester for which residency is requested. All applications shall be prospective.
B) If the Executive Director for Financial Resources' written decision, to be issued within 30 days of the first day of classes, is considered incorrect by the student, the student may appeal that decision in writing, within 30 days, in the following order to:
- The Director of Admissions at Maine Law. After receiving a written decision from this level within 30 days, the student has 30 days to submit a written appeal to:
- The Treasurer of the University System whose decision shall be final.
In the event the campus Chief Financial Officer, or other designated official, possesses facts or information indicating a student's change of status from in-state to out-of-state, the student shall be informed in writing of the change in status and will be given an opportunity to present facts in opposition to the change. The student may appeal the decision of the Executive Director for Financial Resources or other designated official as set forth in the preceding paragraph.
Applications for "A Request for Change in Tuition Status" are available from the law school registrar. Completed applications should be returned to the Portland Business Office located at 128 Payson Smith.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
- All admitted students are considered for merit-based scholarships. There is no additional application necessary. Priority consideration is given to applications completed by December 1.
- You are welcome to submit a request for a need-based scholarship directly to lawadmissions@maine.edu. This statement should specify your individual circumstance that precludes you from attending law school without financial support.
- The priority deadline for financial aid applications is January 15. Do not wait for an admission decision to apply for financial aid. To apply, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be filed electronically. Maine Law coordinates with the University of Southern Maine to process FAFSA applications. Applicants to Maine Law must use the University of Southern Maine code 009762 on the FAFSA.
Deposits
Once accepted, in order to hold your place in the class, the student must submit a non-refundable $500 deposit. The first non-refundable installation of $250 is required no later than April 15 (or by a specific date stated in the acceptance letter if after this date). The second non-refundable installation of $250 is required by June 1. These deposits will be credited toward tuition and fees.
Transfer and Visiting Student's deposit of $500 is due on or before August 1.
Changes
Promptly notify the Admissions Office at lawadmissions@maine.edu of any change in your contact information as well as any new facts that may change the response on any part of your application.
Communication About Your File
Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, we will share information about the status of your application file only with you, the applicant. If you expect to be out of the country or otherwise unavailable during the application process, it is advisable to designate an individual, typically a parent, partner, sibling, or spouse to communicate on your behalf with the Law School. To do so, please send a letter to the Admissions Office authorizing and naming your designate to work with our office on your behalf.
Bar Admission
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Application Timeline
Maine Law only admits a new class for the fall semester of each year.
September 15: Applications open
December 1: Early Action Deadline
December 1: Priority deadline for merit-based scholarship consideration
January 15: Decisions for Early Action applicants issued
January 15: FAFSA priority deadline
April 15: First Deposit Due for Accepted Students
June 1: Second Deposit Due for Accepted Students
July 15: Application Deadline
August 1: Transfer & Visiting Student Deposit Due
QUESTIONS?
Direct all correspondence and inquiries to:
Admissions Office University of Maine School of Law 300 Fore Street Portland, ME 04101 lawadmissions@maine.edu 207.780.4341
You may also find useful information on our website at www.mainelaw.maine.edu
Questions about the LSAT or the CAS? Go to www.LSAC.org for more information.
For specific questions about your Credential Assembly Service profile, transcripts, policies and procedures, letters of recommendation, or Credential Assembly Service reports, use the LSAC Automated Telephone System at 800.575.5722 or go to www.LSAC.org.
For technical problems with Online Services, contact the LSAC Technical Support Staff at 800.575.5722 or go to www.LSAC.org and fill out the online support form.
For international applicants with questions about the Credential Assembly Service, contact LSAC at 800.575.5722, or e-mail LSACinfo@LSAC.org.
A statement no longer than three typed pages (double spaced, 12 point font, one-inch margins). Through the personal statement, the Admissions Committee seeks to gain insight into the abilities, motivation, and experiences of an applicant and to assess his/her writing ability. An applicant's personal statement also should explain his/her specific interest in pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at the Boyd School of Law at UNLV.
This section is optional. An optional statement (no longer than 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins) addressing the applicant's background, including any i) disadvantages, ii) lived experiences that inform the applicant's view of the law, iii) past service and/or leadership in the applicant's communities, and/or iv) the applicant's plans to their law degree to address the needs of underserved communities, that can help assess the applicant's potential in the study and practice of law.
This section is optional. Should you wish to provide any additional information that you feel the Admissions Committee should be aware of, do so here.
This section is optional. All part-time applicants must submit a brief statement describing the reasons why they are applying to either of the part-time programs.
A descriptive résumé listing employment, honors, publications, extracurricular activities and community service. If you were not employed or not attending school on a full-time basis for any period of time, indicate dates and how your time was spent.
If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions you must provide a statement describing your actions and a detailed description of the arrest, charges and/or sanctions against you. A "yes" answer to any of these questions does not necessarily adversely affect admission, but failure to disclose relevant information may lead to disciplinary action by the law school or affect your admission to the bar. Include full details, including relevant date(s) of the incident(s), status(es) of final disposition of the charge(s), and the name and address of the authority in possession of your record. You are strongly encouraged to err on the side of inclusion rather than exclusion in answering these questions. It is common for bar examiners to ask questions that differ in depth, breadth, and/or scope from the character and fitness questions above. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. It is also common for bar examiners to ask questions about character and fitness-related conduct after an application is submitted. If your response to any of these questions changes between today's date and the date of your graduation from the Boyd School of Law, you should disclose the relevant event to the Boyd School of Law when it occurs so that the law school is in a position to assure character and fitness examiners that you have satisfied your obligation to disclose character and fitness-related information in a timely manner.
- Have you ever been subject to sanction or discipline by any academic institution, or do you have pending any charges which could lead to discipline? (You do not need to include sanctions stemming from academic probation or academic dismissal.)
- Have you ever been arrested?
- Have you ever been convicted of a crime or adjudicated delinquent, or are there any criminal charges pending against you? (You need not report either juvenile matters for which records have been sealed or minor traffic violations.)
- Have you ever been, or are you presently subject to a disciplinary proceeding by any professional organization or licensing body?
- I understand that once I submit my application, I have an ongoing obligation to notify the admissions committee in writing within 48 hours of any conduct that might cause me to amend my answers in the Character and Fitness section of the admission application.
- Did you use artificial intelligence (AI) to help prepare any part of your admission application, including your personal statement, lived experiences statement, addenda, or other materials?
- If you answered "yes," explain how you used AI in the preparation of your admission application. (maximum characters 350)
We want to get to know you better. Please respond to the following prompt with clear and succinct writing that helps us learn more about your story, experiences, and perspectives.
Oregon Law does not prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the application process, nor is there a penalty for its use. It is, however, prohibited to use AI without disclosure. Proper citation reflects integrity and is core to the credibility of our profession. To learn more about properly citing generative AI, see this information from the MLA Style guide.
Please provide an example of your writing in the form of a personal statement which shares something about yourself and your goals for pursuing a law degree. You could describe an event, achievement, adversity you have overcome, personal circumstance, experience, or any part of your story that offers insight into your aspirations for the future.
Your statement should be no longer than 2 pages with 1-inch margins, no smaller than 11-point font, and double-spaced.
Please do not submit an academic paper as a personal statement.
This section is optional.
We believe equity, inclusion, and basic fairness in society are keys to the intellectual, educational, and social mission of the law school, the university, and the legal profession more broadly. At Oregon Law, we are not satisfied with simply preparing students to be lawyers. We believe we have a parallel responsibility to develop leaders with skills and capacity to engage and lead effectively on behalf of all members of society. As a learning community, we should each be working towards addressing systemic inequities thoughtfully, working with differing perspectives, and holding firm to a shared belief that we can learn from each other.
Please describe how you will contribute to such a learning community at the University of Oregon School of Law.
Your statement should be no longer than 2 pages with 1-inch margins, no smaller than 11-point font, and double-spaced.
Required.
In this essay, our Admissions Committee would like to learn more about you. This essay should describe why, specifically, you want to pursue your legal education at Oregon Law in particular. Please type your answer to this short essay directly in the text box below. Do not attach a separate statement. (maximum characters 2000)
This section is optional.
If there is any additional information you would like the admissions committee to consider, please attach a separate statement. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Further explanation of any character and fitness issues,
- Additional context about your undergraduate GPA, or
- Significant changes in your LSAT score (e.g., an increase or decrease of 5 or more points).
A résumé is required.
- List your employment history. Include specific dates (month/year) and specific locations (city/state).
- List academic awards, scholarships, and other noteworthy achievements.
- Include participation in community service, volunteer work, sports and recreation, and local leadership.
Your résumé should be no more than three pages. Ensure that the information you provide is thorough, current, and that the appearance of your résumé is professional.
You are required to answer each of the questions below. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Inconsistencies between the content of your law school application and that of a future bar application can result in an investigation by bar examiners, and lack of candor in and of itself may be enough to deny certification to practice in some jurisdictions.
If you answer ?Yes? to any of these questions, you must describe the event(s), including why, when, and where it occurred. Describe what disciplinary actions were taken. Answering ?Yes? to any of these questions does not necessarily preclude your admission.
Should a sanction or action, criminal arrest, investigation, or conviction occur after you have submitted your application, you must promptly notify the Admissions Office in writing. An addition to your record may, but does not necessarily, result in a change in admission status. If you have any questions, please contact the Oregon Law Admissions Office.
1. Have you ever been placed on academic warning or probation, suspended, expelled or been required to withdraw, had a scholarship or award revoked, or been the subject of any other disciplinary action or proceedings for academic or social misconduct in your post-secondary education (beyond high school)?
2. Have you ever been placed on probation, suspended, expelled, terminated or otherwise disciplined by any professional organization, state agency, or place of employment?
3. Including any matters that may have been expunged, except expunged juvenile matters, have you ever been cited, arrested, charged, or convicted of a criminal offense?
4. Are there any such disciplinary actions, charges, or proceedings referenced in the three questions above pending or expected to be brought against you?
Hello from the Knight Law Center in Eugene, Oregon!
Since 1876, the University of Oregon has served the state, nation, and world through a commitment to exceptional teaching, discovery, and service. As part of this mission, Oregon Law prepares students to think critically, communicate clearly, and lead with integrity. Rooted in Oregon's spirit of innovation and public service, we educate the whole person--developing skilled advocates, creative problem-solvers, and socially conscious leaders equipped to make a difference in a diverse and interconnected world.
Your application is your opportunity to show us not just what you've accomplished--but who you are and where you're headed. We want to understand your academic journey, your goals, and the unique experiences that have shaped your perspective. Your voice matters, and we're excited to learn how you might contribute to the Oregon Law community.
As you complete your application, please keep in mind that integrity is a cornerstone of the legal profession--and of any career path grounded in legal education. Whether you plan to practice law or use your degree in another field, honesty, accuracy, and full disclosure are essential. In fact, a lack of candor alone may be grounds for denial of bar admission on moral character grounds. You also have a continuing duty to disclose any relevant updates or additional information that arises after submission. We expect you to approach this process with the same ethical standards you'll carry forward in your professional life.
The University of Oregon School of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and complies with all ABA standards. Per ABA Standard 504(a):
"In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners."
We're excited that you're considering Oregon Law. This is your next step toward becoming the kind of leader the world needs--thoughtful, driven, and ethical.
Thank you for applying--and Go Ducks!
- Applicants should submit a typed essay, preferably between 500 and 1,000 words, to support the application for admission to Regent University School of Law.
- Here are some helpful tips in regards to the personal statement:
- Be transparent about the events that led you in the direction to practice law.
- Do not be afraid to talk about yourself.
- Look at the mission of the law school and incorporate/apply those ideas within your personal statement (if they are truly applicable to you).
- Monitor grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word count.
- Talk about the future hopes you have at Regent Law and beyond in the legal profession.
You may attach a diversity statement here.
If applicable, please ensure that your explanation includes a comprehensive description, including dates, of all academic, disciplinary charges, or financial claims from any institution pending against you. Failure to provide adequate information may result in delays with reviewing your application and conveying an admission decision. Note that official transcripts withheld due to a financial hold from an academic institution will prevent the application from moving forward.
If applicable, please ensure that your explanation includes the school name, date, and a comprehensive description of the academic or disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, or other disciplinary action. Failure to provide adequate information may result in delays with reviewing your application and conveying an admission decision.
You may attach additional addendums here.
If applicable, please ensure that your explanation includes a comprehensive description of all proceedings, including dates. Failure to provide adequate information may result in delays with reviewing your application and conveying an admission decision.
If applicable, please ensure that your explanation includes a comprehensive description, including dates. Failure to provide adequate information may result in delays with reviewing your application and conveying an admission decision.
You may attach a current resume or curriculum vita.
- In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
After a law student applies to take a bar examination, the respective bar examiners require the School of Law to provide an evaluation of the student's character and fitness to practice law. Therefore, the School of Law performs an essential function in assessing a student's character and fitness to practice law when it considers an applicant for admission and poses the questions below.
If you answer any of the following questions affirmatively, you must provide a complete explanation, including essential information (e.g., a thorough description, the date, the jurisdiction, the original charge, and the disposition).
Central to determining one's character and fitness to practice law is the act of voluntary disclosure. If the school learns that your answer to any of these questions is not accurate, your acceptance may be revoked, and the details surrounding your misrepresentation may be reported to LSAC. If you are already enrolled, you may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal. You are under a continuing duty to notify the School of Law of any changes in your answers to these questions.
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Have you ever been on academic or disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, or otherwise disciplined or sanctioned in any way by any postsecondary educational institution (i.e., after high school)?
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Are there any academic or disciplinary charges, or financial claims from any academic institution pending against you?
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Have you been charged, arrested, convicted, fined, jailed, placed on probation, or ordered to do community service, for the violation of any law, including traffic or toll violations, but excluding parking violations? (Note: You should answer this question affirmatively if you have been charged and/or sanctioned in any way for the violation of any law. This question includes, but is not limited to, traffic camera violations, juvenile offenses, deferred findings, charges that were ultimately dropped by the prosecuting entity (nolle prosequi) or dismissed by the court, violations of protective/restraining orders, and violations of terms of probation. The only charges that need not to be disclosed are parking tickets and charges that have been formally expunged in accordance with the process provided in applicable state law. If a charge has been expunged, you must have an order of expungement from the court in your possession.)
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Have you ever been the subject of a military demotion, military discipline, military non-judicial punishment, military court martial hearing, dishonorable discharge from the military, or administrative separation from military service with other than an honorable discharge?
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Have you ever been discharged or asked to resign from employment or volunteer service as a result of an accusation that involved dishonesty, theft, discrimination, harassment, or a threatening and/or physical altercation, regardless of whether your employer or supervisor documented such accusation in writing?
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Have you ever been a named party (as a plaintiff/complainant or defendant/respondent) to any civil lawsuit, other court proceeding, written complaint, or government administrative action or proceeding? (Note: This question includes, but is not limited to, proceedings involving divorce/child custody/adoption, bankruptcy, debt collection, landlord/tenant disputes, protective/restraining orders, workers compensation, unemployment/disability/social security/other government benefits, civil rights, or employment discrimination/harassment/retaliation.)
Application Instructions to
Regent University School of Law
Regent Values
Regent University School of Law maintains a distinctive Christian purpose. All applicants must have a full understanding of the school's commitment to integrating professional preparation with Christian principles. Applicants should read the Philosophy of Education (see section 22), Honor Code, and Standards of Personal Conduct carefully before signing the Community Life Statement within the application.
Race and Ethnicity Information
Regent University School of Law collects race and ethnicity information for statistical purposes only. Race and ethnicity are not considered in admissions or financial aid decisions.
Deadlines
Applications for the Juris Doctor law degree are accepted between September 1 and July 31. Applications for the Early Commitment Program must be received by February 15. Regent Law?s Early Commitment Program (ECP) is a binding decision program with exclusive benefits for those who commit to enroll at Regent Law by March 1, if admitted. Priority consideration for admission is given to applications received by March 1; classes begin in August. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, typically within two to three weeks of the date the applicant's file becomes complete. Files are not considered complete until all required documents have been received.
Prerequisites for Admission
Applicants for admission should possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before enrollment at Regent Law. Applicants for admission must register for and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and subscribe to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The LSAT is offered several times throughout the year. Visit the LSAC website to view future LSAT dates. Regent offers LSAT prep workshops for those interested in optimizing their LSAT score.
Applying for Admission as a First-Year Student
Applicants should carefully read and respond to all sections of the admission application. In admission of students, Regent University School of Law provides a preference for persons adhering to its religious purpose.
Applicants must subscribe to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). This service allows Regent University to obtain the applicant's LSAT score(s), a standardized report that summarizes the applicant's transcript(s), and certified copies of the applicant's letters of recommendation. Regent University's CAS code is 5822. Transcripts from all academic work undertaken must be submitted to LSAC, including post graduate work.
In addition to the application for admission and CAS report, Regent Law requires all applicants to submit the following supplemental items:
- $65, Nonrefundable Application Fee
- Regent University School of Law accepts application fees processed through LSAC, as well as payments made directly to Regent via check or credit card. Regent University School of Law will honor fee waivers granted by LSAC by waiving our $65 application fee.
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Applicants must submit at least one Academic Recommendation, even if the degree was earned online, although applicants are encouraged to submit more than one Academic Recommendation. Applicants who have been out of school for five or more years may substitute a General Recommendation.
- In addition to the Academic Recommendation(s), Regent strongly encourages applicants to submit a Spiritual Recommendation from a pastor, spiritual leader, or someone who can comment on the role of faith in the applicant?s life.
- Applicants may also submit a General recommendation, which should be from an employer, if possible.
- Applicants should not submit more than four letters of recommendation.
- Recommendations should be sent to LSAC using the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Service. Details about LSAC's LOR Service can be found here.
- Personal Statement
- Applicants should submit a typed essay, preferably between 500 and 1,000 words, to support the application for admission to Regent University School of Law.
- Here are some helpful tips in regards to the personal statement:
- Be transparent about the events that led you in the direction to practice law.
- Do not be afraid to talk about yourself.
- Look at the mission of the law school and incorporate/apply those ideas within your personal statement (if they are truly applicable to you).
- Monitor grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word count.
- Talk about the future hopes you have at Regent Law and beyond in the legal profession.
- Official Transcripts
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary education must be submitted to LSAC. Any applicant offered admission before completing his or her undergraduate degree must submit an official, degree-posted transcript to LSAC and directly to Regent Law at apply@regent.edu (or Transcripts / 1000 Regent University Dr. / Virginia Beach, VA 23464) before August 15th. Failure to do so likely will result in the student not being able to register for classes.
*Applicants may also submit a current resume as part of the application, but a resume is not required.
Additional Application Requirements for International Applicants
Regent University School of Law welcomes applications from citizens of other countries. International applicants must meet specific admission requirements in addition to those required of US citizens. Forms, deadline information, and other instruction may be found here. Deadlines are firm. Questions may be addressed to lawschool@regent.edu. Applicants who have been granted permanent residency in the US must submit a copy of the permanent residency card with the application documents.
Credential Evaluations
All post-secondary transcripts that are not from an American institution must be authenticated and evaluated. A course-by-course evaluation is required, and the transcript must be converted to the American Grade Point Average system. Transcripts in a language other than English must also include an official English translation. The evaluation may be conducted by LSAC (using AACRO) or by an approved credential evaluation agency. A list of recommended evaluation agencies is available online. The translation and evaluation fees must be paid by the applicant directly to the agency performing the service.
Accepting an Offer of Admission
All applicants offered admission (including transfer and visiting students) should submit the $500 Seat Deposit and Enrollment Agreement due by April 1 or as defined by the Dean in your offer of admission if offered admission after April 1. The Enrollment Agreement serves as the binding contract between you and Regent Law indicating your binding commitment to enroll at Regent Law School. The deposit is nonrefundable and will be applied toward tuition and fees. Deposits may be paid by credit card (preferred) or by submitting a check or money order to the School of Law Admissions Office. Applicants may be contacted for a firm commitment and non responsive admitted students will be dropped from the class roster.
Other Applicant Categories
Applying for Admission as a Joint-Degree Candidate
Joint-degree applicants should consult with the admissions office of the other desired graduate program regarding additional application requirements. Applicants must apply to both programs. Students granted deferment in the law school to begin their studies in the other program to which they have been accepted must achieve a spring cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to matriculate into the law school.
Applying for Admission as a Transfer Student
Applicants who have attended another ABA-accredited law school must be in good academic standing in order to be awarded credit as a student with advanced standing. Typically, a transfer applicant should have a minimum spring cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from the current law school. A maximum of 32 semester credit hours may be accepted for transfer, subject to a determination of course similarity.
Required application materials for transfer applicants are:
- Application for admission.
- $65 nonrefundable application fee.
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report, to include official law school, graduate, and undergraduate transcripts as applicable. Law school transcripts must include fall and spring grades.
- Letter of good academic standing from the current law school.
- At least one Academic letter of recommendation from a law faculty member (required); in addition, applicants are encouraged to submit one spiritual recommendation (preferred) or general/employer recommendation (accepted).
- Personal Statement.
Applying for Admission as a Visiting Student
An individual who wishes to apply to the School of Law as a visiting student may do so with the permission of his or her current law school. Visiting students typically have completed the first two years of law classes at another accredited law school. Visiting students may enroll in any course in the School of Law, although priority registration is granted to students earning degrees from Regent University. Visiting students may apply to start in the fall or spring. Applications for a fall start date should be completed no later than June 15. Applications for a spring start date should be completed no later than November 15.
Required application materials for visiting student applicants are:
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Application for admission.
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$65 nonrefundable application fee.
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Personal Statement.
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An explanation outlining why he or she desires to become a visiting student.
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A letter of good academic standing from the current law school authorizing the student to enroll at Regent as a visiting student.
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Undergraduate, graduate (Non-law), and law school transcripts as applicable. Law school transcripts must include fall and spring grades for each year attended.
- Undergraduate and Non-Law Graduate Transcripts. An updated Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report, to include the official undergraduate transcript on file at LSAC must show conferral of your degree. Official transcripts for any graduate work (non-law) should also be on file at LSAC. If a graduate degree was granted, the transcript must show conferral of your degree.
- A person?s LSAC account is active for 5 years. If yours is still active, we will receive your CAS report from LSAC. If your account is no longer active, you will need to request a copy of your CAS report from your current law school and send to regent at apply@regent.edu.
- Law School Transcript. An official law school transcript must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from your current law school. Law school transcripts must include fall and spring grades for each year attended.
- At least one Academic Letter of Recommendation from a law faculty member (required); in addition, applicants are encouraged to submit one spiritual recommendation (preferred) or general/employer recommendation (accepted).
A personal statement must be submitted.
The personal statement is your way to distinguish yourself to the Admissions Committee. This statement may include personal or professional goals, academic, career and life experiences and/or any other insight into your character of which the committee should be aware. The personal statement is extremely important because the Admissions Committee looks beyond the LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA to decide the quality and character of students in each entering class. Whatever the content, the statement should reflect the applicant's writing style. Attention is given to brevity and clarity of thought and expression. Please limit the personal statement to two pages or less.
The use of generative artificial intelligence systems (ChatGPT or other generative AI systems) is strictly prohibited. Saint Louis University School of Law is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness in our admissions process. Our decision to disallow the use of ChatGPT or other generative AI systems is a testament to our dedication to maintaining an environment that values human authenticity, promotes an individual's shared life experience, and supports equal opportunities for all applicants. We firmly believe that the exclusion of generative AI technology in our admissions applications will contribute to a more meaningful and equitable assessment process, ultimately leading to the selection of well qualified, inclusive, and talented student body.
This section is optional.
Summer Institute Statement
The Summer Institute is Saint Louis University School of Law's conditional acceptance program. SLU LAW seeks to admit students who will enrich our institution in ways that their undergraduate grades and standardized test scores alone sometimes fail to reveal. Our Summer Institute is a conditional acceptance program designed to identify students with the high degree of personal motivation necessary to succeed and give those students a chance to demonstrate the ability to be competitive in a law school class. The Admissions Committee will look for evidence of a student's proven ability to overcome significant obstacles to educational achievement when evaluating Summer Institute applicants. Students who speak English as a second language, students who were educated in either a rural or an urban setting, and students who have overcome learning or physical disabilities are examples of candidates for the Summer Institute.
If you are applying for the Summer Institute, you must attach a statement or electronic attachment explaining the circumstances that qualify you for the program based on the description above for your application to be considered complete. Students applying to the Summer Institute are highly encouraged to complete their application and submit all required materials, including your additional Summer Institute statement, prior to February 15th for consideration to this highly competitive program (maximum 15 students invited.) No application for the Summer Institute will be considered or moved through the review process without this additional statement.
This section is optional.
Supplemental Essay (optional) -
Saint Louis University School of Law conducts a thorough and holistic review of each applicant's file. All information submitted will be considered by our Admissions Committee. We invite you to provide additional information and insight into your desire to pursue your J.D. degree that may not be reflected elsewhere in your application by submitting a supplemental essay based on one of the prompts listed below. Please limit any supplemental essay submitted to 2 pages or less and label with the appropriate prompt title: Diversity, Growth, or Service.
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Diversity - SLU LAW understands that our lived experiences help to shape our character and serve to strengthen our perseverance, resilience, courage and empathy. Describe how your lived experiences, culture, and character will help to enrich the broader law school community. What have you learned from your experiences and/or cultural challenges and how have they shaped your desire to go to law school and/or join the legal profession?
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Growth - Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth, led to you changing your opinion on something meaningful, and/or unveiled a new understanding of yourself or others.
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Service - Our mission is to advance the understanding and development of law and prepare students to achieve professional success and personal satisfaction through leadership and service to others. Following these ideals, describe a challenge you see in the legal world and what you would hope to do as a lawyer to address that challenge.
At SLU LAW, a legal education is more than just learning the law. All students' life experiences, viewpoints, and values foster discussion, enhance the classroom experience, and prepare students to serve their communities.
1. Please state any significant background, life experiences, or perspectives that have shaped you as a person and describe any aspects of your identity or character that developed or strengthened as a result. (maximum characters 2000)
This section is optional.
If there is any additional information you would like to submit to the Admissions Committee for consideration, please submit an addendum.
A résumé must be submitted.
- In addition to the bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. The American Bar Association Standards require law schools to advise each applicant that state bar requirements deal with the character and fitness of an applicant at the time he/she/they seek certification to register for the respective state bar examinations. The American Bar Association Standards further allow the law school to seek information on character and fitness to ensure that appropriate law school requirements are met. Acceptance by the School of Law does not guarantee certification by the state bar examiners. Many state bars expect a candidate to reveal knowledge of all criminal incidents or disciplinary charges, even if expunged, sealed or otherwise. If you are concerned about any facts that may affect your eligibility to practice law, you should discuss the matter with the Board of Bar Examiners or the appropriate committee on character and fitness in the state in which you expect to practice. Please answer each of the following questions by checking "Yes" or "No." If your answer to any question is "Yes," you must submit a full statement of the relevant facts on additional pages stapled to this form or on an electronic attachment. In answering the following questions, full disclosure is required. You must disclose each instance even if charges were not brought against you or were dismissed, you were acquitted, you received a suspended imposition of sentence, the conviction was stayed or vacated, or the record was sealed or expunged, and regardless of whether you have been advised by any source, including an attorney, that you have no record or that you need not disclose the incident. No statute, court order or legal proceeding withholding adjudication; expunging or sealing any record; or dismissing, vacating, or setting aside any arrest, charge, or conviction shall excuse less than full disclosure of the incident. You also have an ongoing obligation to report any conduct that would require you to answer yes to any of the questions in this section during the pendency of your application. If an offer of admission is extended to you, the obligation to report conduct applicable to the questions in this section continues up to and through your graduation from the Saint Louis University School of Law. Failure to abide by these disclosure requirements may lead to disciplinary action up to and including revocation of your offer of admission, exclusion from law school, or denial in the application to take a state bar exam. The School of Law reserves the right to any and all disciplinary action(s) it sees fit. I understand and agree to the instructions for completing this section.
2. Have you ever been suspended, placed on probation, expelled, warned, reprimanded, or disciplined formally or informally for any academic or non-academic reason at any institution of higher education?
3. Have you ever been issued a summons, cited, charged, taken into custody, or arrested for a felony, whether or not the charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor or other lesser charge?
4. Have you ever been taken into custody, issued a summons, charged, arrested, or cited for driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving with an unlawful blood alcohol level, minor in possession (MIP), public intoxication, or for any other alcohol or controlled substance-related offense?
5. Have you ever been convicted, cited, arrested, charged, summoned or taken into custody for the violation of any law? (Please exclude incidents listed in 3 & 4 above and also exclude minor traffic or parking violations wherein the fine did not exceed $250.)
6. Have you ever been a party to any criminal or noncriminal legal proceeding, including but not limited to any civil, administrative, family court, commitment, or domestic abuse proceeding, or any arbitration? (Please exclude incidents listed in 3, 4, & 5 above).
7. As a holder of public office, or as a member of any profession (including those you have/had a license for), have you ever been suspended, censured, reprimanded, subject to discipline, or allowed to resign in lieu of discipline; or have you ever been the subject of any formal or informal charges, complaints, or grievances concerning your conduct, including any now pending? Disclose all matters, even if the outcome was favorable, it was dismissed, no discipline was imposed, discipline was stayed or held in abeyance subject to a diversion or other agreement, or it is deemed confidential or closed.
8. Have you ever been delinquent by more than 90 days on any student loan obligations?
9. Has any business entity that you owned, managed, or participated in the control or management of been charged with fraud, larceny, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, misrepresentation, or similar misconduct, in any civil, criminal, or administrative legal proceeding?
Saint Louis University School of Law J.D Application Instructions
The application process for the J.D. program at Saint Louis University School of Law (SLU LAW) is outlined below. SLU LAW offers full-time, part-time day, or part-time evening options for our J.D. program, as well as a 2-year J.D. option for Foreign Lawyers qualified to practice law in their home country. Please select the program(s) that you wish to be considered for while completing this application.
The use of generative artificial intelligence systems (ChatGPT or other AI systems) on any part of your application file is strictly prohibited. SLU LAW collects demographic information from its applicants to comply with the institutional reporting requirements of the ABA, AALS, and other accrediting bodies. Your demographic responses will not be available, viewed, or considered by our Admissions Committee during the review of your application. If you have a question regarding the admission process or need an accommodation, we encourage you to contact the Admission Office by email at admissions@law.slu.edu or by phone at 314-977-2800.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor's degree from a Department of Education accredited institution is required. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis by the Admission Committee as authorized by ABA Accreditation Standards Section 502(C), but are extremely rare.
- Registration for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service (LOR).
- No application is complete without test scores and transcript analysis from LSAC's CAS.
- It is highly recommended that applicants take the LSAT in the summer or fall prior to the year they wish to enter law school.
- The School of Law will only consider LSAT scores earned within the last three years.
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be forwarded directly to the CAS. The School of Law requests the CAS Law School Report upon receipt of the application.
Application Checklist
An applicant's file is complete when the School has received:
- A completed Saint Louis University School of Law application via LSAC, including:
- Full and complete responses to all required Electronic Application questions,
- Personal statement,
- Supplemental Essay (optional),
- Résumé,
- Addenda (optional), and
- Summer Institute Conditional Acceptance Statement (if applicable).
- A complete Credential Assembly Service Law School Report (CAS), including:
- At least two (2) letters of recommendation (maximum of four will be accepted),
- Valid LSAT score earned within the last three years of administration cycles;
- Official transcripts from every higher education institution that you've previously attended (including dual credit courses), and
- Official TOEFL or IELTS Score Report (if applicable).
There is no set order in which application documents should be submitted. However, the application must be received by the Office of Admission before an applicant's LSAC CAS report can be requested. Files are not reviewed until all required application materials have been received.
Submission Guidelines
- The application process begins September 1.
- The Admission Committee begins reviewing completed applications in October, and the first round of admission decisions are typically released via email in November.
- SLU LAW makes admission and scholarship decisions on a rolling basis, so it is to your advantage to complete your application as early as possible in our application cycle.
- All applicants are encouraged to submit their full and complete applications by our priority deadline of February 1 to be considered for all existing scholarship opportunities.
- No applications completed after February 1 will be nominated for 1843 Full-Tuition Scholarship consideration.
- Summer Institute Conditional Acceptance applicants are highly encouraged to submit full and complete applications (including the additional Summer Institute Statement) prior to February 15 to be considered for this competitive program (limited to 10-15 participants).
- International applicants are encouraged to submit full and complete applications prior to February 15th to ensure adequate time for visa processing, if admitted.
- The majority of our admission decisions will be made by April 1; however, we will accept applications until our cycle ends in late July.
Admission Determination
The mission of Saint Louis University School of Law is to advance the understanding and the development of law and prepare students to achieve professional success and personal satisfaction through leadership and service to others. The School of Law is guided by the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence, freedom of inquiry and respect for individual differences. Always guided by our mission, the Admission Committee conducts a holistic and thorough review of each application and considers several factors in determining a candidate's eligibility: academic achievement, strength of the undergraduate program, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) results (placing substantial weight on an individual's highest score), personal statement, shared stories of lived experience, work experience, graduate degrees earned, motivation, leadership, and service.
The Personal Statement
Used as a way for students to set themselves apart, the personal statement is an important part of the application process. With the additional information provided in the statement, the Admission Committee looks beyond LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA in order to gain insight into a student's life experiences, individual character, and writing ability. As such, information regarding personal or professional goals, academic, career and life experiences is helpful. Attention is given to brevity and clarity of thought and expression. Please limit the personal statement to two pages or less.
Please note: The use of generative artificial intelligence systems (ChatGPT or other generative AI systems) is strictly prohibited. Saint Louis University School of Law is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness in our admissions process. Our decision to disallow the use of ChatGPT or other generative AI systems is a testament to our dedication to maintaining an environment that values human authenticity, promotes an individual's shared life experience, and supports equal opportunities for all applicants. We firmly believe that the exclusion of generative AI technology in our admissions applications will contribute to a more meaningful and equitable assessment process, ultimately leading to the selection of well qualified, inclusive, and talented student body.
Supplemental Essay (optional) -
We invite you to provide additional information and insight into your desire to pursue your J.D. degree by submitting a supplemental essay based on one of the prompts listed below. Please limit any supplemental essay submitted to 2 pages or less and label with the appropriate prompt title: Diversity, Growth, or Service.
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**Diversity** - SLU LAW understands that our lived experiences help to shape our character and serve to strengthen our perseverance, resilience, courage, and empathy. Describe how your lived experiences, culture, and character will help to enrich the broader law school community. What have you learned from your experiences and/or cultural challenges and how have they shaped your desire to go to law school and/or join the legal profession? -
**Growth** - Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth, led to you changing your opinion on something meaningful, and/or a new understanding of yourself or others. -
**Service** - Our mission is to advance the understanding and development of law and prepare students to achieve professional success and personal satisfaction through leadership and service to others. Following these ideals, describe a challenge you see in the legal world and what you would hope to do as a lawyer to address that challenge.
Letters of Recommendation
Saint Louis University School of Law requires applicants to utilize the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. A minimum of two letters is required. Students should request letters from individuals who can accurately assess their intellectual ability, motivation, character and academic performance. Your recommender will receive an email requesting that they complete and upload a letter for you.* Great importance is placed on content that verifies the qualifications of the applicant. Please note: A maximum of four letters of recommendation will be accepted, but review of an application will commence after two letters are received. Please be sure to assign the letters of recommendation to SLU LAW in order for LSAC to send them to us. You must assign your letters of recommendation to SLU LAW through the LSAC website.
*If your recommender prefers, LSAC also accepts paper letters of recommendation.
Law School Admission Council
662 Penn Street
PO Box 8508
Newtown PA 18940-8508
Phone: 215-968-1001
Summer Institute Conditional Acceptance Program
The School of Law seeks to admit students who will contribute to the intellectual life of the institution in ways that their undergraduate grades and standardized test scores alone fail to reveal. The Summer Institute is designed to identify students with the high degree of personal motivation necessary to succeed in law school, as evidenced by their proven ability to overcome significant obstacles to educational achievement. Students invited to participate in the Summer Institute are not guaranteed admission into the School of Law. Students attend this SLU LAW program for seven weeks in the summer (late May- early July) and take both a substantive legal course and a legal skills course.
Applicants who are invited to participate in the Summer Institute Program must demonstrate through their performance in the two Summer Institute law classes that they have the requisite skills necessary to be successful at SLU LAW as evaluated by the two SLU LAW faculty teaching the courses. If successful, students will be accepted into the School of Law for the fall semester. Enrollment in the Summer Institute is limited to a maximum of 15 participants. In the past, anywhere from 1/3 to 2/3 of the Summer Institute class successfully completed the program and were admitted to SLU LAW.
Students applying for the Summer Institute are strongly encouraged to complete their application and submit all required materials, including the additional Summer Institute Essay, prior to February 15. No application for the Summer Institute Conditional Acceptance Program will be considered complete without this additional statement. For more information, go to http://www.slu.edu/law/admissions/summer-institute.php .
Transfer Students
Transfer students must produce evidence of satisfactory study in an ABA-approved law school and be eligible to continue at the school from which the transfer is sought. SLU LAW accepts a maximum of 30 credit hours from transfer applicants. For more information, go to http://www.slu.edu/law/admissions/transfer-students.php .
Visiting Students
Visiting status is granted to a limited number of students who wish to complete a semester or a year of law study at Saint Louis University and receive their degree from another law school. For more information, go to http://www.slu.edu/law/admissions/visiting-students.php .
International Applicants
Applicants with undergraduate degrees from institutions outside the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). TOEFL or IELTS scores are also required for J.D. admission. If the language of instruction in the applicant's first degree program was other than English, the School of Law must receive an applicant's official TOEFL or IELTS score report before evaluation of the application will begin. The School of Law requires that foreign transcripts be submitted through the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Transcripts of any postsecondary work (greater than one academic year) completed outside the United States (including its territories) or Canada must be submitted to this service for evaluation.
SLU LAW offers a 2 Year J.D. for Foreign Lawyers. Lawyers who hold a first degree in law from a university or law school outside of the United States that qualifies the applicant for bar admission in their home country are eligible to apply. Applicants must complete an application for admission to the J.D. program and submit all supporting documentation required. Credit will be granted only for courses completed at the applicant's undergraduate law school with a grade of B- or above and that are similar to courses offered at Saint Louis University School of Law. For more information, go to http://www.slu.edu/law/international/academic-programs/twoyear-jd.php . Be sure to mark where indicated on our application that you are applying for the Foreign Lawyer - 2 year J.D.
LL.M. Applications
Saint Louis University offers two LL.M. programs with separate requirements and applications than the J.D. application.
For information about the LL.M. application for foreign lawyers go to http://www.slu.edu/law/international/academic-programs/llm-foreignlawyers.php . If you are applying for the 2 year J.D. for Foreign Lawyers, see the information above under "International Applicants."
For information about the LL.M. in health law, go to http://www.slu.edu/law/health/academic-programs/llm.php .
The Personal Statement should address the following prompt:
- Describe your reason for wishing to study law, which may include special accomplishments or qualifications pertinent to your application.
The personal statement is also an opportunity to share additional information about yourself with the Admissions Committee. Consider responding to one or more of the following prompts within your personal statement:
- How has your life experience shaped your aspirations and who you are today?
- Provide examples of significant events in your life, including major accomplishments you've achieved, and/or adversities you've overcome.
- Tell us about when, where or with whom you feel your most authentic, empowered self.
- What advantages and disadvantages do you perceive to have played a role in your path to success?
A concise, two- to three-page double-spaced format is preferred. Please put your name and identification number (LSAC account number) at the top of each page. Candidates may also submit an addendum to explain unusual circumstances, such as grade fluctuations or wide variance in LSAT scores.
Please attach miscellaneous or additional documents in this section.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a résumé along with their personal statement and application. In your resume, please list and share details regarding your participation in student organizations, prelaw programs, sororities or fraternities, community service organizations, and professional affiliations. Please Note: Applicants should list any and all employment (paid or unpaid) held since your 16th birthday or for the past 10 years, whichever is shorter. This will ensure consistency with the employment question on the Florida Bar application, the most common state in which Stetson graduates practice.
Please answer the following questions YES or NO. If your answer to any of the questions below is YES, attach or submit via email or mail a full statement of relevant facts. Your application will remain incomplete until we receive your explanation and relevant documentation. Failure to answer these questions may result in the application being declined for further processing. You are required to amend your application any time circumstances arise that would require a different answer to any of these questions, including while you are enrolled as a student at Stetson University College of Law.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS.
YOU SHOULD BE AWARE that multiple questions regarding criminal background and history are asked on the application for admission to The Florida Bar. The Bars in other states may ask similar questions. The information you provide on the law school admission application should be consistent with answers you provide the Bar. Inconsistencies in your answers may delay or prevent your admittance to The Florida Bar or the Bars of other jurisdictions.
In answering questions on The Florida Bar application, the Board of Bar Examiners states that applicants are warned that no statute, court order, or legal proceeding withholding adjudication, expunging the information required herein from any record, sealing the records which contained the information required herein, or dismissing, vacating or setting aside any arrest, accusation or conviction, or purporting to authorize any person to deny the existence of such matters shall excuse less than full disclosure, IRRESPECTIVE OF ANY ADVICE FROM ANY SOURCE (INCLUDING LEGAL COUNSEL) THAT SUCH INFORMATION NEED NOT BE DISCLOSED. It is further required that records will have to be unsealed and released to the Board of Bar Examiners even if sealed or expunged.
Questions on the bar application have in the past included felony arrests, reduction of criminal charges, incarceration or work release, conviction, suspended sentences, probation, delinquent acts, drug and alcohol offenses, and certain traffic offenses. For more detail, you can contact the Florida Board of Bar Examiners at http://www.floridabarexam.org/.
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Have you ever been accused of violating the honor code, student conduct code, or other disciplinary code; warned, placed on probation for academic, residential or disciplinary reasons; suspended, requested or advised to discontinue studies; dropped, expelled, or requested to withdraw; or otherwise been subjected to discipline for academic or conduct reasons by any post-secondary school, college, university, professional school, or law school? If yes, please attach, email or mail a statement with dates and details.
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In question #2, you should disclose each instance even though charges may have been dismissed, or you were acquitted, or adjudication was withheld, or a conviction was reversed, set aside, or vacated. If you have any charges pending or active warrants for your arrest, you are required to answer yes. This question includes periods before you turned 18. If your records were expunged pursuant to applicable law, you may not be required to answer yes, but you should carefully read the Character and Fitness Disclosure below. A Dismissal is not an expungement. You must include any traffic violations (even those you believe to be minor). Any arrest, including a written arrest, charge or conviction of driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol must be disclosed, regardless of sanctions or outcome. If you are unsure whether to answer "yes," we strongly recommend answering "yes" and fully disclosing all incidents. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. If you answer yes, you must attach or send us your full statement of relevant facts and attach a copy of the final court documentation (disposition, DMV record) or arrange for a copy to be emailed or mailed to the Office of Admissions and Student Financial Planning.
Have you ever been arrested, detained, or restrained; taken into custody; or accused formally or informally of a violation of law or ordinance?
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Have you ever been subject to military disciplinary action, including non-judicial punishment or involvement in a formal court martial proceeding, as part of any military service? If yes, please attach, email or mail a statement with dates and details.
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Have you ever been subject to disciplinary action with respect to any professional license you hold or have held?
CHARACTER AND FITNESS DISCLOSURE
Applicants should be aware that the qualifications for admission to the bar, including those related to character and fitness, vary from state to state. Prior to matriculation, applicants seeking to engage in the practice of law are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rules of the state in which they intend to seek admission, especially those rules relating to registration, deadlines, residency requirements, character and fitness, pro bono service, and courses that may be required during law school. Applicants who are concerned about their eligibility to practice law should contact the Board of Bar Examiners (or the appropriate committee) in the state in which the applicant intends to practice. A Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements, which includes coverage of character and fitness requirements and contact information for each state, is available on the website of the National Conference of Bar Examiners (http://www.ncbex.org/assets/media_files/Comp-Guide/CompGuide.pdf).