Law school essay prompts
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Please tell us specifically why you wish to attend law school, and in particular Santa Clara Law School. Feel free to include information about your special interests, life experiences, accomplishments, goals, or other information you believe would be helpful to the Admission Committee. Please limit your statement to no more than 3 pages, double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman Font.
This section is optional.
At Santa Clara Law, we are guided by the value of cura personalis, or care for the whole person. We believe that each individual brings a unique perspective, shaped by their background and life experiences. Our commitment to cura personalis includes a commitment to care for all students in their full humanity to advance the common good.
If you wish, please use this space to discuss how your unique background, life experiences, characteristics, and insights will help to contribute to our law school community.
Santa Clara Law welcomes applications to its Public Interest J.D. Certificate. This innovative program will prepare students for service as lawyers in both government and nonprofit sectors through a combination of coursework, mentorship, practical skills development, extra-curricular activities, and work experience. Students in the Public Interest JD program will attend a special orientation session in the summer before the 1L year. If you wish to be considered for this program, you must respond to the questions below.
1. Are you interested in applying to the Public Interest JD Program?
Santa Clara Law's innovative certificate program, Tech Edge J.D., will prepare students for high-tech law practice through a combination of experiential learning opportunities, mentorship, practical skills development, extra-curricular activities, and work experience. Students will explore career options for lawyers working in technology industries and create a personalized career plan. The certificate program will require the student to complete milestone experiences to help develop practical skills during the law school journey. A technical undergraduate degree is not required. Students in the Tech Edge J.D. will attend a special orientation session in the summer before the 1L year, which will introduce students to careers in technology law and focus on career planning. If you want to be considered for this program, you must submit an additional statement at the time of applying to law school.
1. Are you interested in applying for the Tech Edge J.D. program?
This section is optional.
If there is additional relevant information that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider, please attach here.
Please attach an electronic copy of your resume to this application.
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.
Failure to truthfully, accurately and completely respond to these questions may be deemed a character and fitness violation and may result in denial or revocation of admission and referral to LSAC's Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process.
Should any character and fitness issues arise after you have submitted your application, which would change your original responses, you have an ongoing duty to notify the Admissions Office. Failure to do so may be deemed a character and fitness violation and may result in denial or revocation of admission and referral to LSAC's Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process.
If you answer "Yes" to questions 1-3, you must attach an addendum including the date, a full explanation and the final disposition of each event.
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Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, disciplined, expelled, or requested or advised to resign from any post-secondary school, college, university, trade, or professional school (including any law school)?
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Have you ever been charged, arrested or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony? As used herein, a conviction includes a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or a verdict or finding of guilt, regardless of whether sentence is imposed by the court.This includes any charge, arrest or conviction that may have been dropped or expunged.
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Have you ever attended Santa Clara Law or any other law school? If yes, you must provide a letter from the dean or other authorized official verifying your good standing, together with an official transcript from any law school previously attended.
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Are you currently in default on any federal student loan(s)?
This section is optional.
Please attach a copy of the certificate of completion of the CCPLS program or a letter from your program director verifying your participation in the program.
A personal statement is required and should be submitted as a separate electronic attachment. (no more than three pages)
The personal statement should be 2-3 pages long, double-spaced, no smaller than 12-point font. Because we recognize that a candidate?s true potential cannot be determined by transcripts and scores alone, we dedicate significant time to a thorough and holistic review of every completed application. Through the personal statement, the Admissions Committee seeks to gain insight into your strengths, accomplishments, passions, and potential. Applicants may wish to highlight information that illustrates qualities such as leadership ability, maturity, ethical integrity, perseverance, organizational skills, knowledge of other languages and cultures, a history of overcoming disadvantage, commitment to public service, success in a previous career, and demonstrated work ethic, as examples.
If you would like to share information about yourself that you have not already included in your application, you may complete one or both of the following statements. The optional statement(s) should be no longer than 1 page in length, double-spaced. Attach to your application.
St. Mary's Marianist values include a commitment to service, justice, and peace in pursuit of the common good. Please describe an experience that demonstrates these values in action.
In the book Characteristics of Marianist Universities, it is noted that "Catholic, Marianist universities seek to embrace diverse peoples and understand diverse cultures, convinced that ultimately, when such people come together, one of the highest purposes of education is realized: the forming of a human community that respects every individual within it." We refer to this on campus as "everyone having a seat at the Marianist Table." What diverse perspectives will you bring to our Marianist Table? (maximum characters 250)
Because prior matriculation and discipline or dismissal from another law school requires additional scrutiny, we request a separate response and explanation to the following question.
Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, disciplined, expelled or advised to resign from any law school?
If your answer is "Yes," this attachment is mandatory, as are the additional documents listed here.
You must provide a full and complete explanation for each incident on a separate electronic attachment and provide additional documents as follows:
- The required attachment must include two parts.
- Part One: Describe the specific challenges or obstacles you faced that impeded your ability to succeed in law study.
- Part Two: Describe how your circumstances have changed and/or what actions you have taken that will ensure you will be able to succeed in law school should you be admitted to St. Mary's Law.
- You must ensure that your law school transcript is sent to LSAC for inclusion in your CAS report. Your file will not be reviewed until that law transcript is received.
- You must arrange for a letter of recommendation to be submitted by at least one professor who taught you in a first-year law class.
Please provide an explanation to an affirmative response on a separate electronic attachment.
Have you ever been separated from any branch of the US armed forces under less than honorable conditions?
If you answered "Yes," this attachment is mandatory. Provide a detailed account of the events (including dates) that led to the less than honorable discharge.
A resume is required and should be submitted as a separate electronic attachment. (no more than 2 pages)
Your resume should contain detailed information about your education, honors and awards, work experience, leadership, public service, extra-curricular involvement, and military service and honors, with details about titles, positions, and responsibilities in those undertakings, as well as time committed to those endeavors. Because service is central to the mission of St. Mary's Law, we encourage you to include information about any volunteer public interest or social service work in which you are or have been involved. Please provide detail about the capacity in which you served, the time commitment involved, and any leadership responsibility you undertook.
Because of the high ethical standards to which lawyers are held, 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 truthful answers, or failure to inform the Assistant Dean of Admissions, the Admissions Office, and/or the Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs of any changes to your answers, may result in the withdrawal of the offer of admission, dismissal after matriculation, revocation of degree, or other disciplinary action by the Law School. It may also result in denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek admission. Although an affirmative answer to question(s) 1, 3, and/or 4 does not necessarily preclude or even prejudice admission to St. Mary’s University School of Law, persons who have been convicted of offenses other than minor traffic violations may have difficulty in gaining admission to the Bar. The Texas Board of Law Examiners and state bar organizations typically require that you include your law school application as part of your application for admission to the Bar. Accordingly, your answers to these questions are often part of your record.
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. (See the menu under “Jurisdiction Information” on the NCBE homepage.)
In Texas, the Rules Governing Admission to the State Bar of Texas and adopted by the Supreme Court of Texas seek to exclude from practice dishonest or untrustworthy persons, as well as persons whose character traits are likely to injure clients, obstruct justice, or violate the rules of professional conduct. Every person intending to apply for admission to the Texas State Bar must file with the Board of Law Examiners a “Declaration of Intention to Study Law” during the first year of law school. Note: An individual guilty of a felony (or placed on probation for a felony with or without an adjudication of guilt in another jurisdiction for a crime which would be a felony in Texas) shall not be permitted to file a Declaration of Intention to Study Law for a period of five years after the completion of the sentence and/or period of probation. Tex. R. Govern. Bar Adm’n IV (d) (2) (West 2010). The rules are also available on the website of the Texas Board of Law Examiners. For further information, please contact the Texas Board of Law Examiners.
If your answer to any of the questions in this section is "yes," you must include a separate statement or electronic attachment providing a complete description of your actions and full details of the charges and sanctions against you. For example, to be complete, the statement must included a description of all charges or adjudications including the level of degree (e.g., 1st degree felony, class A misdemeanor) and whether it is a felony or misdemeanor. You also must include the dates(s) or the matter(s), the status or final dispostion of the charge(s) with the type of plea, such as, not guilty, no contest, Alford, guilty, probation, or deferred disposition, including your current status with the disciplinary or criminal authorities (for example, the status of your probation or parole), and the name and addess of the authority in possession of those records. It is important that you be forthcoming, as this information will become part of your record when you petition for license to practice law.
Again, please note you have a continuing obligation to disclose new or omitted information relevant to this application. If you have new or otherwise undisclosed information that is relevant to this application, you must inform the Assistant Dean of Admissions and/or Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs at St. Mary’s University School of Law in writing of circumstances that would change your responses to the question(s) below. The failure to disclose such information can result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, revocation of degree, forced withdrawal, or expulsion.
- Have you ever been arrested, cited or ticketed, charged with, convicted of, placed on deferred adjudication, or pled guilty or pled nolo contendere (no contest) to any violation or criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation? (Note: You must report any failure to appear resulting from any offense, including a minor traffic offense, any failure to maintain financial responsibility (legally required auto insurance), any attempt, whether successful or not, to suspend or revoke your driver's license.) Adults who have been charged with a crime and who accept Deferred Adjudication must report such information under this question because the concept of Deferred Adjudication involves a plea of guilty or no contest, and the offense cannot be erased from a person?s record. An applicant does not need to disclose information about a juvenile record. Further, an applicant does not need to disclose information about a criminal record that has been sealed, ordered nondisclosed, or expunged; however, it is up to each applicant to ensure that his/her offense is in fact expunged, ordered nondisclosed, and/or sealed under the relevant state law. If an applicant fails to disclose information that is not in fact expunged, ordered nondisclosed, or sealed, the applicant may be subject to disciplinary action by the University. NOTE: You must include any offenses involving drugs or alcohol as well as any failure to appear warrant, unless excused as described above.
Important: You have a continuing obligation to update the St. Mary?s School of Law Office of Admissions if there is any information that would require your answer to this question to change to ?yes?.
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If, after submitting this application, you are convicted of and/or plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to any violation of the criminal laws other than a minor traffic violation as described in question 1 above or if you discover an omission, you must inform St. Mary’s Law immediately, by emailing the Assistant Dean of Admissions at lawadmissions@stmarytx.edu. That email must include complete details of the dates, disposition, and circumstances surrounding the incident. By checking the box, you accept responsibility for your continuing obligation to disclose and agree to comply with it, under penalty of university disciplinary action.
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In any civil case or proceeding, have you been alleged to have 1) engaged in fraud or any type of misrepresentation, 2) committed an intentional wrong resulting in a claim of damage to person or property, or 3) engaged in reckless or grossly negligent conduct, which has resulted in a judgment or a settlement? Further, have you been adjudicated bankrupt, been subject to a restraining order, or been subject to a protective order? You should answer “yes” to this question if your alleged wrongful conduct was related to your status either as an individual or as an employee or agent of an organization (e.g., for fraudulent behavior in your work as an employee of a corporation). Each instance that requires you to answer “yes” must be fully explained. Note: You may be subject to disciplinary action by St. Mary’s University School of Law if you fail to meet your continuing obligation to disclose new or omitted information relevant to this application.
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Have you ever been disciplined or reprimanded by any trade, business, or professional organization or had revoked a publicly granted license to practice a trade, business, or profession? Note: You may be subject to disciplinary action by St. Mary’s University School of Law, if you fail to meet your continuing obligation to disclose new or omitted information relevant to this application.
Welcome to the 2026 Application for Admission and Scholarship to the J.D. program at St. Mary's University School of Law.
The Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) is the degree that is required for licensure in most jurisdictions in the United States. It is the core work of every ABA accredited law school. At St. Mary's Law, a new class is admitted to the J.D. program each year to begin in the fall semester. Students can elect to pursue the J.D. on a full-time basis, finishing in three years, or on a part-time basis through enrollment in online classes and usually finishing in four years.
St. Mary's has two J.D. programs, but you MAY only apply to one, so please read the following information before selecting the program you intend to apply to.
Our full-time J.D. program is only offered in an in-person format. If you apply to the full-time program, there is no guarantee that you can be considered at a later date for the part-time online program.
Our part-time J.D. program is only offered in an online format for the entire 90 credit hour program. Seats are limited for this program. The online program is only offered as a part-time program, and not a full-time program.
Requirements
A person applying to pursue the Doctor of Jurisprudence degree at St. Mary's must satisfy these minimum requirements.
- Complete the application for admission as described under "How to Apply" below.
- Take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and receive a reportable score. The LSAT is offered in both online and in-person formats multiple times per year. More information about dates and registration can be found at www.lsac.org. The law school strongly recommends that students seeking admission take the LSAT no later than January of the year of planned entry, but the February and April administrations of the LSAT will be accepted. Applicants presenting scores from tests later in the process will be considered, but on a space available basis. LSAT scores are valid for five years. NOTE: If you have an LSAT score on record at the time you submit your application but wish for the Admissions Committee to wait for a later score, you must email the admissions office at lawadmissions@stmarytx.edu and request that review of your file be postponed until receipt of the later test score. Otherwise, and if a score on a prior test has been reported, your application will be processed, and a decision may be released.
- Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. St. Mary's Law will consider applicants who have not yet been awarded a bachelor's degree, as long as the applicant has completed three-fourths of the credits required for the awarding of the degree. Proof of the conferral of the bachelor's degree is required prior to the start of law study. To be considered for admission, an applicant's bachelor's degree must be awarded by an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
How to Apply
The law school is limited in the number of new J.D. students it can admit to the first year class each year. In order to be considered for admission, a completed application must include the following:
Items to be submitted by you through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC):
- the completed application for admission, with electronic certification;
- a personal statement of not more than 3 pages;
- a resume of not more than 2 pages; and
- complete explanations to any affirmative responses to the academic probation/discipline questions and the character and fitness questions asked in the application. Each affirmative response must be accompanied by a separate electronic attachment, submitted under the attachments tab of the application.
You must also arrange for LSAC to release to St. Mary's Law Admissions Office your complete Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report, including:
- scores from the Law School Admission Test (LSAT);
- transcripts reflecting ALL postsecondary academic coursework undertaken or attempted and all degree(s) conferred; and
- letters of recommendation. We highly recommend (but do not require) that you submit at least one letter of recommendation. Letters from those who have taught you in an academic setting are encouraged. Such letters may also be sent by the recommender directly to the St. Mary's Law Admissions Office.
Interviews are not part of the application process. The Admissions Office gives tours and counseling by appointment. Please call the Admissions Office at 210.436.3523 to schedule a visit, or email lawadmissions@stmarytx.edu.
Application Fee
There is no application fee to apply to St. Mary's Law and be considered for admission and scholarship.
Registration and Orientation
Participation in orientation is mandatory for all new students. Further information is available by contacting the Law School Admissions Office. The Admissions Office will register first-year J.D. students for fall classes in July and will send course schedules for the fall semester to new students in late July. Orientation will be held during the week prior to the start of fall classes.
Reservation of Rights
The law school and the university reserve the right at any time to delete, amend, or alter any of the customs, rules, policies, regulations, and requirements of the law school and the university. Thus, for example, changes may be made to the courses or credit hours required for graduation. The information contained in this application is not to be regarded as creating a binding contract between the applicant or the student and the law school or the university. You may view the Student Handbook on the St. Mary's University website for the most current information about policies and degree requirements.
Declaration of Intention to Study Law
A student may be required to register, shortly after beginning the study of law, with the Board of Law Examiners in the state in which they plan to practice. A summary of the relevant requirements appears in the ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools. The Rules Governing Admission to the State Bar of Texas require, among other things, that applicants possess good moral character and fitness. The state bar seeks to exclude from practice dishonest or untrustworthy persons, as well as persons whose character traits or mental or emotional health are likely to injure clients, obstruct justice, or lead to violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Every person intending to apply for admission to the State Bar of Texas must file a "Declaration of Intention to Study Law" with the Board of Law Examiners during the first year of law school. The Board of Law Examiners requires students to submit a copy of their completed law school application with the "Declaration of Intention to Study Law," so it is important to retain a copy of your law school application.
The Board of Law Examiners will conduct an investigation of the moral character and fitness of the applicant (excluding cases that were dismissed or in which the applicant was found not guilty, minor traffic violations, expunged records of arrest or conviction, pardoned offenses, and Class C misdemeanors), evidence of mental illness, legal proceedings alleging fraud against the applicant, and civil litigation or bankruptcy proceedings that reasonably bear on the applicant's fitness to practice law. Further information will be furnished to incoming students at a special orientation session after the start of classes. Students also may request this information from the State Bar of Texas, Character and Fitness Division, Board of Law Examiners, PO Box 13486, Austin, Texas 78711-3486. Visit the Texas Board of Law Examiners website.
Nondiscrimination Policy
St. Mary?s University affirms its commitment to promote the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational enterprise in full compliance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and other federal, state, and local laws.
The University fully subscribes to all federal and state civil rights laws banning discrimination in institutions of higher education. The University will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran or military status (including special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or recently separated veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any allegation process on campus or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies.
This policy covers nondiscrimination in employment and in access to educational opportunities. Therefore, any member of the University community who acts to deny, deprive, or limit the educational or employment access, benefits, or opportunities of any member of the University community on the basis of their actual or perceived membership in the protected classes listed above is in violation of this policy.
The Director of Human Resources serves as the Title IX Coordinator and oversees implementation of this policy. Allegations of violations of this policy must be reported to the Title IX Coordinator immediately.
Payment Policies
To accept the School of Law's offer of admission, an admitted student is required to make a non-refundable $300 seat deposit and later pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $500. Both deposits will be applied to tuition if the student enrolls. Student registration is not complete until all financial obligations have been met by the established deadlines. Full tuition is due by the start of classes each semester. Balances not paid in full by this date will automatically be placed on an installment plan. In determining the balance due, financial aid from the university or from external sources is taken into consideration if the student's eligibility for financial aid has been properly certified.
Enrollment in any St. Mary?s University course constitutes a promissory note for educational purposes and includes a valid electronic signature. These charges are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Should this note be placed in the hands of a collection agency, the student agrees to pay all costs of collection, including but not limited to, the reasonable fees charged by the collection agency to enforce this note and costs associated with enforcement.
Students should notify the law school of any address change or of withdrawal from the university. Registration for an academic term is not complete until full payment for the current and prior terms has been made, or satisfactory arrangements have been made with the business office. Students who have not met their total financial obligations to the university may not be permitted to enroll for a subsequent academic term. Credits, honors, and credentials are withheld until all accounts with the university are paid in full. All fees are subject to change.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
St. Mary?s University is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at www.stmarytx.edu/compliance/clery-act-information/.
If you would like a hard copy of the report, stop by the St. Mary?s Police Department Office at One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, Texas 78228 or request a copy be mailed to you by calling 210-436-3330.
The report contains information, as required by law, regarding campus security and personal safety. The report also contains information about fire statistics in campus residential facilities and crime statistics for the three previous calendar years that occurred on campus; property owned or controlled by the University; and public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.
Application Calendar
Late September
J.D. Application is available through www.LSAC.org
November 15
Priority Application Deadline for full-time, in-person applicants only.
There is no priority application deadline for the part-time, online program.
Application review process begins
March 1
J.D. application deadline (Applications received after March 1 will be considered, but on a more competitive and space available basis.)
March 31
Financial aid application--priority deadline
April 15
Those offered admission submit a non-refundable $300 seat deposit to reserve a seat. Deposit deadlines are based on date of offer and can be found on each applicant's individual online status checker.
June 5
Those offered admission submit a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit to continue to hold a seat in the class. Deadlines for this deposit can be found on an applicant's online status checker.
July
Courses assigned and schedules for the fall semester released to students.
August
Mandatory Orientation
Tuition due
Classes begin
Your personal statement should be two to three pages, double-spaced, and at least 11-point font. What motivates you to study law? What experiences will you bring to your law school education and build on in your career after law school?
Supplemental statements allow you an opportunity to provide us with relevant information that you were not able to include elsewhere in your application materials. Please submit your response to at least one, but no more than two, of the following topics. Each supplemental statement should be no more than two pages, double-spaced, and at least 11-point font. Please include the corresponding letter of the topic you are addressing at the top of your statement(s). A. Mitchell Hamline values perseverance, resilience, and self-awareness as traits necessary to succeed both at Mitchell Hamline and in the legal profession. Tell us about a challenge or adversity you have faced, and how your response demonstrates one or more of those traits.
B. Mitchell Hamline students come from a broad range of backgrounds, with diverse views and perspectives. We aspire to be a community where students can learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive environment. Tell us something about yourself, and how it shapes the way you would learn from and contribute to our community.
C. What about Mitchell Hamline's vision, mission, values, community, academic offerings, and/or distinct programming make it a good fit for your educational, personal, and/or professional goals?
If you answered "yes" to "Have you ever been disciplined for academic dishonesty," please provide 1) a letter of explanation from the Dean of Students or responsible school official about the incident and the disciplinary action taken; and 2) a complete explanation. Your application will not be considered until all necessary documents are received.
If you are interested in the North Star or Native Justice scholarships, please submit a one- to two-page addendum explaining why you believe you are eligible.
If you answered "yes" to "Have you ever been placed on academic probation, suspended, or dismissed by any educational institution," you must provide a complete explanation. Your application will not be considered until all necessary documents are received.
If you answered "yes" to "Have you ever withdrawn or been dismissed from any law school," please provide 1) an official transcript from the law school, 2) a complete explanation, and 3) information about why you believe you will succeed now at Mitchell Hamline. Your application will not be considered until all necessary documents are received.
Your résumé should include a complete history of your post-secondary employment and education, including graduation and employment dates, colleges, and degrees received. Other information that you should list on your résumé includes community service, leadership activities, awards and honors, and internships.
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. Further, those seeking bar admission should be aware that, in some states, the Board of Law Examiners will request a copy of a student's applicant for admission to law school.
In Minnesota, for example, the Board of Law Examiners will certify a bar applicant's good character and fitness for admission if the Board finds that the applicant has a current record of conduct which demonstrates that the applicant meets the essential eligibility requirements for the practice of law and justifies the trust of clients, adversaries, courts, and the public. Honesty is the single most important characteristic. Full and complete disclosure is important. In addition, serious misconduct in an applicant's past will require an applicant to provide evidence of rehabilitation. The burden is on the applicant to prove a current ability to meet the essential eligibility requirements to practice law.
- Criminal History
Per Minnesota state law, Mitchell Hamline School of Law does not ask questions about the criminal history of applicants. After an offer of admission is made, however, we do ask admitted students to disclose whether they have a "conviction or delinquency adjudication that occurred within the previous five years for a violent felony or sexual assault." We will provide clear instructions and guidance regarding what criminal history requires disclosure.
If an admitted student discloses any such conviction or delinquency adjudication, we will 1) provide the student with an opportunity to submit an explanatory statement and supporting documents, 2) review any submitted documents, 3) inform the student whether we are rescinding their offer of admission and, if so, a) provide an explanation of the basis for the decision to rescind and b) provide an opportunity to appeal.
Please affirm the following statement: it is my responsibility to understand the admission and character and fitness requirements for any jurisdiction in which I intend to seek admission.
Academic Character and Fitness Questions
Please answer the following academic character and fitness questions. If you answer "yes" to any of the questions, this does not necessarily mean that you will not be admitted to the law school, but it does mean that you will have to explain your answer. Please provide any necessary documentation, as described, in the question to which you answer "yes". Any documentation must be electronically attached in the attachments section. Your application will not be considered until all necessary documentation is received. We encourage you to reach out to the admissions office if you have questions about the academic character and fitness questions.
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Have you ever been placed on academic probation, suspended, or dismissed by any educational institution? If you answered "yes," you must provide a complete explanation.
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Have you ever been disciplined for academic dishonesty? If you answered "yes," please provide 1) a letter of explanation from the Dean of Students or responsible school official about the incident and the disciplinary action taken; and 2) a complete explanation.
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Have you ever withdrawn or been dismissed from any law school? If you answered "yes," please provide 1) an official transcript from the law school, 2) a complete explanation, and 3) information about why you believe you will succeed now at Mitchell Hamline.
If you indicated "yes" to being an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe, what is the name of the tribe? If you indicated "no," please attach an addendum explaining what tribe(s) you have ancestry from and any information about your connection to that tribe or the broader Native American or Alaska Native community.
Attach your personal statement. The statement must be no more than three pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. font. An applicant's personal statement is an opportunity to provide information that the applicant believes should be considered. Please choose the following prompt and include the prompt at the top of the statement as your title:
- Tell us about a person or event that impacted your life.
This section is optional.
You may choose to attach a response to one or more of the following questions in addition to the required Personal Statement if you feel the information would be helpful to us when considering your application or submit an addendum to explain any discrepancies in your application.
- Explain any discrepancies in your application materials including LSAT score, UGPA, and/or professional work history.
- Tell us more about your interest in McGeorge School of Law. What makes our school a good fit for you in terms of academic interests, programmatic offerings, and learning environment?
- Discuss how your specific personal experiences, given your background (race, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQIA+ status, economic disadvantage, or otherwise) demonstrate an important quality of your character and/or one more unique abilities you can contribute to the law school.
Provide a résumé of full- and part-time employment and other activities, starting with the most recent. Include dates, name(s) of employer(s), and position(s) held. List the hours worked per week and academic honors received since entering college. List extracurricular activities, hobbies and community service. Describe the nature and extent of employment during college and include volunteer work. Please include summers. Explain any periods of time after high school not accounted for by the preceding educational and employment history. Do not include high school information or activities.
All questions must be answered. If you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and had the charges subsequently expunged, you must still disclose the conviction. Disclose all convictions regardless of your age at the time. Please be aware that the Admissions Committee will evaluate your answers to these questions in the context of your entire application. An affirmative answer will not necessarily prejudice your application. For any questions where the answer is "Yes", please include a full descriptive statement that includes details leading up to the event, what happened, how it was resolved, and anything you may have learned moving forward.
A "No" response that proves inconsistent with entries on official transcripts raises issues of misconduct or irregularities in the admission process that may be referred to the Law School Admission Council under its policies.
Most states have standards of character and fitness to practice that must be satisfied by candidates applying for admission to the bar. Candidates with a record of involvement in criminal matters and civil matters must provide a full, descriptive statement including active dates, facts and disposition of the matter. Any candidates reporting character and fitness issues as part of their application must also contact the Bar Association in the state(s) they plan to practice to confirm that the details they provided are sufficient to satisfy character and fitness requirements for that jurisdiction.
Standard 504. QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR:
(a) A law school shall include the following statement in its application for admission and on its website: 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.
(b) The law school shall, as soon after matriculation as is practicable, take additional steps to apprise entering students of the importance of determining the applicable character, fitness, and other requirements for admission to the bar in each jurisdiction in which they intend to 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.
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Have you ever been expelled, dismissed, suspended, placed on probation, or otherwise subject to any academic and/or disciplinary sanction by any college, university, graduate, or professional school?
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Have you ever received a citation for, been arrested for, charged with, convicted of, or pled guilty, no contest, nolo contendere, or otherwise accepted responsibility for a crime, or have you received a deferred prosecution or prayer for judgment continued, for any criminal charge other than a minor traffic violation? This would include any charges of driving under the influence or any other drug or alcohol related offenses.
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Are there any criminal charges pending against you or are you presently under investigation for a crime of any kind? (This includes any charges of driving under the influence or other drug or alcohol related charges.)
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Have you ever been determined by an educational institution to have committed sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, or intimate partner violence or is there a formal pending matter at an educational institution in which it is alleged that you committed sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, or intimate partner violence?
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 https://www.ncbex.org/.
(Refer to https://law.pacific.edu/law/jd-programs/deadlines-and-requirements for additional information.)
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law offers full-time, part-time and Accelerated Honors full-time division programs leading to a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. First-year students begin their studies in the fall semester. There is no spring semester entry program for first-year students.
The number of seats available for each entering class is limited. Applications completed by February 1 are given priority review and will receive a decision by the first week of March. The deadline to submit the application is June 1. We will accept Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) June administration.
Pre-legal Education
Candidates for admission for the JD Program must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to enrollment at the School of Law. Associate degrees and paralegal certificates do not fulfill this requirement.
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- Personal statement
- Résumé
- Two (2) letters of recommendation submitted through your LSAC CAS account (up to three letters are allowed.)
- Bachelor's degree
- CAS report with
- letters of recommendation
- all undergraduate transcripts
- LSAT score or Graduate Record Exam (GRE)*
- LSAC Writing Sample
- Professional email address (this is the primary form of communication from the law school)
*We will accept the GRE if the applicant does not have a valid LSAT score. Please note that all scores from the last five (5) years must be submitted through the (Educational Testing Service (ETS). Our school code is 3905.
Personal Statement
The statement must be no more than three pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, and 1" margins. An applicant's personal statement is an opportunity to provide information that the applicant believes should be considered by the Admissions Committee. Please use the required prompt "Tell us about a person or event that impacted/influenced your life".
Résumé
Provide a résumé of full- and part-time employment and other activities, starting with the most recent. Include dates, name(s) of employer(s), and position(s) held. List the hours worked per week. List academic honors received since entering college. List extracurricular activities, hobbies, community service, leadership and/or volunteer work. Please include summers. Explain any periods of time after high school not accounted for by the preceding educational and employment history. Do not include high school information or activities.
Letters of Recommendation
In support of the law school application, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation directly to LSAC. Letters of recommendation cannot be submitted directly to the law school via US mail or email. We will accept a maximum of three letters of recommendation. DO NOT submit letters of recommendation from family members or family friends, unless they directly supervised your work. In addition, letters of recommendation from high school teachers assessing your work at that level are irrelevant to the law school application process.
Academic letters of recommendation (PREFERRED):
Academic letters of recommendation offer the most relevant assessment of the skills that are necessary for success in law school. Academic letters of recommendation from professors, teaching assistants and/or advisors who have had the opportunity to assess an applicant?s academic, time management, research, writing, and analytical skills are necessary and preferred.
Professional letters of recommendation:
Applicants who have been out of school for five or more years may submit letters of recommendation from individuals who have supervised, evaluated, analyzed and/or critiqued their work. However, academic letters of recommendation are still preferred if you can obtain one. When submitting professional letters of recommendation keep in mind that the admissions office will be looking for an assessment of some of the same skills identified above: time management, research, writing and analytical skills.
Please note that LSAC will not release an applicant's CAS report to McGeorge until they have received a minimum of two letters of recommendation. Furthermore, the application will remain incomplete and will not be reviewed until the applicant's file is complete.
Accelerated Honors Program (AHP)
By completing the degree in two and a half years, AHP students save a full semester of expenses and tuition and, most significantly, enter the job market six months ahead of the competition, thereby earning an extra six months of income. Full-time candidates who have either at least a 157 LSAT Score (and no lower than a 3.3 Undergraduate Grade Point Average) or at least a 3.5 Undergraduate Grade Point Average (and no lower than a 156 LSAT Score) qualify for an interview for admission to the program. The interview allows the law school to access the candidate's suitability for the rigors of the program and gives the candidate an opportunity to discuss how the program would fit their personal goals and career aspirations. We cannot consider applicants for the AHP program without a valid LSAT score.
LSAT and LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Registrations
Applicants must register with LSAC for the LSAT or the GRE through ETS, and LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Transcripts of all prior college and university coursework must be sent directly to LSAC. LSAT and GRE scores must be from administrations within five years prior to the year of enrollment. An application file is not complete and will not be reviewed until an applicant's law school report, including an LSAT score and LSAC Writing Sample or GRE, has been received. Please note that the last exam we will accept is the June 2026 LSAT for enrollment in the Fall 2026 class. Please list all LSAT scores on the application.
Please note: If an applicant marks that they will take an LSAT in the future or are registered for a future test, we will hold the file for that test score before it is reviewed. Applicants must list all LSAT scores from prior examinations. It is an applicant's responsibility to notify our office if their plans regarding LSAT testing change. If an applicant has not taken and does not plan to take the LSAT, they can submit a valid GRE score, taken in the last 5 years.
(Applicants whose undergraduate degrees are not from educational institutions within the United States, its territories, or Canada must use LSAC's Credential Assembly Service for international document authentication and evaluation.)
Transcript from Bachelor's Degree Granting Institution
Please note an official transcript with degree posted is required to be submitted directly to the McGeorge JD Admissions Office before the first day of orientation for all students who do not provide the final transcript in their CAS report. Admitted applicants who do not comply with the final transcript requirement may be administratively withdrawn from the Law School. (PER ABA STANDARD 502)
Biographical
You must provide your LSAC account number. Providing your Social Security number is optional. It is used for identification purposes only and is of assistance for accurate filing of application and financial aid materials.
Contact Information
Please provide notification to the JD Admissions Office of any changes of address to which communications should be sent either in writing or through the email address used your application. Email is our primary form of communication. Please be sure we always have your most up to date contact information.
Education
If an applicant has attended or is currently attending another law school, they must furnish official transcripts from the school and a certification of good standing with class rank from the dean or other appropriate law school official.
Degree
Applicants must complete their bachelor's degree prior to enrollment at McGeorge School of Law. An applicant who will not have a bachelor's degree by the date of enrollment at the School of Law must furnish certification of undergraduate senior standing from the appropriate undergraduate college or university official, and must have approval from McGeorge in advance.
Demographics
Citizenship: Students who are not United States citizens or permanent residents are responsible for maintaining appropriate visa status. For required documentation from the School of Law, contact the JD Admissions Office at McGeorge after receiving an offer of admission.
An applicant whose bachelor's degree is not from an English-language college or university and for whom English was not the first language must furnish TOEFL results. See instructions for LSAT and LSAC Credential Assembly Service.
Socioeconomic Questionnaire (optional)
We seek to identify students whose ability to overcome disadvantages or obstacles promises success in law school and in the profession. To this end, applicants are invited to complete the optional socioeconomic questionnaire included with the application. Completion of the questionnaire is optional and will not adversely affect an applicant?s candidacy. If a questionnaire is submitted, it will be used to augment the other factors considered during the evaluation process.
Optional Essays
You may choose to attach a response to one or more of the following questions in addition to the required Personal Statement if you feel the information would be helpful to us when considering your application or submit an addendum to explain any discrepancies in your application. These statements should be no more than two pages, double-spaced, 12-pt font, with 1" margins.
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Explain any discrepancies in your application materials including LSAT score, UGPA, and/or professional work history -
Tell us more about your interest in McGeorge School of Law. What makes our school a good fit for you in terms of academic interests, programmatic offerings, and learning environment? -
Discuss how your specific personal experiences, given your background (race, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQIA+ status, economic disadvantage, or otherwise) demonstrate an important quality of your character and/or unique abilities you can contribute to the law school.
Standardized Testing
Please note: If you mark that you will take an LSAT in the future or register for a test, we will hold your file for that test score before it is reviewed. You must list all LSAT scores from prior examinations. It is your responsibility to notify our office if your plans regarding LSAT testing change. If you have not taken and do not plan to take the LSAT, you can submit a valid GRE score, taken in the last 5 years.
Character and Fitness
- All questions must be answered.
- A "No" response that proves inconsistent with entries on official transcripts raises issues of misconduct or irregularities in the admission process that may be referred to the Law School Admission Council under its policies.
- Most states have standards of character and fitness to practice that must be satisfied by candidates applying for admission to the bar. Candidates with a record of involvement in criminal matters and civil matters must provide a full, descriptive statement including active dates, facts and disposition of the matter. Any candidates reporting character and fitness issues as part of their application must also contact the Bar Association in the state(s) they plan to practice confirming that the details they provided are sufficient to satisfy character and fitness requirements for that jurisdiction.
- Standard 504. QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR:
(a) A law school shall include the following statement in its application for admission and on its website: 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 (https://www.ncbex.org/).
(b) The law school shall, as soon after matriculation as is practicable, take additional steps to apprise entering students of the importance of determining the applicable character, fitness, and other requirements for admission to the bar in each jurisdiction in which they intend to 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.
- By signing this application or by submitting this application electronically, I certify that all information I submit in this application and in support of this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that knowingly providing false, misleading, or incomplete information may be grounds for denial of admission or, if discovered after admission, for dismissal from the School of Law. I understand that I must notify the JD Admissions Office if responses to the information requested on this application change prior to enrollment and beyond. I further understand that, if admitted to the School of Law, I have a continuing duty to timely disclose to the Administration information regarding any conduct that would have required disclosure in this application.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOT COMPLETE UNTIL ALL REQUIRED AND REQUESTED INFORMATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED.
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law has made a report relating to crime statistics available to its community. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in buildings or on property owned or controlled by McGeorge School of Law; and on public property or within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report contains institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Director of Public Safety's office at (916) 739-7187, or by accessing the following website: https://www.pacific.edu/student-life/safety-wellness/public-safety/crime-reports-information.
Non-Discrimination Policy
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (45 CFR 86), and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, does not discriminate in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions, scholarships, loans, or other activities or programs on the basis of race, gender (identity and/or performance), sexual orientation or preference, national or ethnic origin, color, disability, marital status, age, or religious belief.
Inquiries regarding compliance with these statutes and regulations may be directed to the Office of the Dean, 3200 Fifth Ave., Sacramento, California 95817, 916.739.7151, or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, in San Francisco or Washington, D.C. Student records: Inquiries about the School's compliance with student access and privacy rights regarding educational records, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, may be directed to the Office of the Dean or to the Student and Family Educational Rights and Privacy office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
McGeorge School of Law maintains a long-standing policy of not discriminating in any of its activities on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, age, color, or religious belief.
Southwestern does not provide a specific prompt or question for applicants to address when preparing their personal statement. An applicant's personal statement may address, but is not limited to addressing, issues such as interests, motivation toward law, personal qualities, academic experience, social background, or other topics not presented on the application form. The subject matter of the statement is up to you, but keep in mind that the reviewer will be focused on determining your potential to be a successful law student and graduate of Southwestern.
The thoughts and words contained therein must be your own and no one else should assist in its creation beyond basic proofreading or critiquing.The personal statement should be two to three pages in length, typed, and double-spaced. When applying electronically, applicants must submit the personal statement as an electronic attachment to the application form.
Southwestern values the uniqueness of each applicant and believes that a diverse and inclusive campus environment enriches the study of law. Therefore, applicants may submit a statement addressing their distinctive background and personal experiences to provide a more robust picture of their personal and academic strengths.
These statements should not be a reiteration of information or insights already addressed in the Personal Statement, and each should be no more than two pages in length, typed, and double-spaced.
Tell us more about your interest in Southwestern. What makes our school a good fit for you given your academic or professional interests, and our offerings, learning environment, and community?
These statements should not be a reiteration of information or insights already addressed in the Personal Statement, and each should be no more than two pages in length, typed, and double-spaced.
Include any additional comments you would like to add to your file.
A detailed written response is required because you answered yes to the question that states the following:
"Did you leave the law school under less than good standing?"
A detailed written response is required because you answered yes to the question that states the following:
"Did you take a leave of absence, voluntarily withdraw, or leave in any other circumstances while in good standing from your previous law school?"
Please include any comments on LSAT or GPA that you would like to add to your file.
You may attach a document that reflects your work, educational, or other related experiences.
Full disclosure in response to the below questions is required. During the licensing process for admission to the bar, which includes state and federal background checks, you will need to address similar questions. The bar will compare your disclosures below with their information, and any inaccuracies or discrepancies may delay or prevent bar admission.
If you answer YES to any question below, provide a full explanation in an electronic attachment to this application (found under Attachments).
Full disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following: all criminal, disciplinary, academic or other convictions/rulings, plea negotiations or agreements, sentencing or disciplinary terms. The full explanation should include dates (month/year), and contextual details of the underlying conduct or incident(s) (including their date(s) and time(s), location(s), factual circumstances, other parties involved, and if applicable, case name, case number, jurisdiction, and copy of any decision, decree, judgment, or order issued, etc.). We also encourage you to explain what you have learned from each incident.
Please understand that the law school and most bar authorities consider a lack of candor to be just as serious an offense as any underlying offense you may disclose.
You should also 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 might affect your eligibility for admission to the bar. With respect to character and fitness issues, please note that admission to Southwestern does not assure admission to any state bar. The bar conducts its own character and fitness examination.
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.
- Have you ever, as an adult or juvenile, been arrested, indicted, cited, convicted, tried for, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or placed on deferred adjudication for the commission of any felony, misdemeanor, other violation of any law, except minor parking or traffic violations?
- In answering this question, you should include all incidents and convictions, no matter how minor the incident or when it occurred.
- Although a conviction may have been stayed or vacated, expunged from your record, or ordered sealed, obliterated, dismissed, or destroyed by a court order, you must still disclose it in this application?even if another person (including an attorney) has indicated you do not need to disclose this type of information.
- Traffic violations that must be reported under this question include failure to appear, driving without a license, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, and all traffic violations that resulted in a misdemeanor or felony conviction. Southwestern does not consider a traffic offense to be minor if it involves, in any way, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
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As an adult or juvenile, have you ever been the subject of any juvenile delinquency or youthful offender proceedings or been party to court proceedings involving allegations of child abuse or neglect against you?
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Are criminal charges currently pending against you or are you presently under investigation by any police department, law enforcement agency, or other government body?
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Are you currently in jail or prison, waiting to serve a jail or prison term, on probation, on work or other release from jail or prison, on parole, or completing the terms of any deferred adjudication?
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Are you or have you been party to a lawsuit?
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Have you ever been disciplined, the subject of disciplinary proceedings, warned, or placed on probation, by any organization, or licensing body or employer, or have had a professional license revoked or rescinded?
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Have you ever been sentenced in a court-martial proceeding or discharged from the Armed Forces other than by honorable discharge?
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Have you ever been placed on academic probation, suspended, expelled, dismissed, or required to withdraw from any academic institution (college, university, graduate school, or professional school) for academic reasons?
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Have disciplinary proceedings ever been initiated against you for misconduct by any academic institution (college, university, graduate school, or professional school)? If so, provide the basis for the proceedings, the outcome, and any discipline administered. Examples of discipline include, but are not limited to, mandatory counseling; community service; social probation; or being dropped, suspended, withdrawn, or expelled from a course, program, or institution.
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Are there any other issues that you believe might adversely affect your eligibility for admission to the Bar?
2026 J.D. Application Instructions
NOTICE
- This application is for applicants wishing to enter the J.D. PROGRAM as FIRST-YEAR LAW STUDENTS.
- To apply to the J.D./M.B.A. program, or to apply as a Transfer or Visiting student, do not complete this application. Instead, choose and complete the correct application type from Southwestern?s list of applications available through LSAC.org.
Application for the J.D. Program
Thank you for choosing to apply to Southwestern Law School. For your convenience, we have outlined below the basic application requirements for applicants seeking to enter our J.D. program as first-year law students. This application may be used to apply to the following J.D. programs: Full-Time Day 3-Year Program, Accelerated 2-Year Program (SCALE), Part-Time Day Caregiver 4-Year Program (PLEAS), Part-Time Day 4-Year Program, Full-Time Online 3-Year Program, and Part-Time Online 4-Year Program. For more information on each program, visit www.swlaw.edu/jd-llm-programs.
Although electronic submission of our applications via LSAC.org is preferred, you may request a hard-copy of any of our applications by contacting the Southwestern Law School Admissions Office at admissions@swlaw.edu or 213-738-6834.
Basic Application Components
While we have provided these basic instructions here for your convenience, we strongly encourage you to review the detailed ?Application Process and Requirements? section of our website at https://www.swlaw.edu/admissions-financial-aid/admissions-jd/application-process-requirements. Reviewing the detailed instructions on our website will help you fully and accurately complete the application.
Required Materials
Southwestern must receive the following application components before we review your file and issue a decision. Southwestern will not review any application until we receive all required components.
- $60, non-refundable, payable through LSAC.org via the E-App electronic payment option
- Automatically waived for applicants who have an LSAC fee waiver. Please review https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-dates-deadlines-score-release-dates/lsat-cas-fees/fee-waivers-lsat-credential-assembly for more information.
- Applicants may also request an application fee waiver code directly from Southwestern Law School by emailing admissions@swlaw.edu. An applicant must request and receive the fee waiver code before submitting the application. Once the fee waiver code is received, the applicant can enter it during the checkout and payment process when submitting their application. If the application is submitted and the fee was paid by the applicant, that FEE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
- Application Form
- Complete and submit via LSAC.org
- Personal Statement
- Typed, double-spaced, and two to three pages in length
- Please review personal statement guidelines online at https://www.swlaw.edu/admissions-financial-aid/admissions-jd/application-process-requirements/application-file
- Resume
- Please review resume guidelines online at https://www.swlaw.edu/admissions-financial-aid/admissions-jd/application-process-requirements/application-file.
- Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report containing
- At least one valid LSAT score
- At least one valid LSAT writing sample
- At least one letter of recommendation, though Southwestern will accept up to three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts for all undergraduate work undertaken at time of application
- Transcripts must evidence that you have received, or will receive by the time you matriculate at Southwestern, a Bachelor?s degree from an accredited U.S. undergraduate institution.
- Transcripts must be submitted from any and all institutions where you received credits toward your Bachelor?s degree.
- Foreign-educated applicants must have the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor?s degree and have their transcripts evaluated through a transcript evaluation service. Please see https://www.swlaw.edu/admissions-financial-aid/jd-admissions/international-applicants for more information.
- Character and Fitness Disclosures
- Full disclosure in response to Southwestern?s Character and Fitness questions is required.
- During the licensing process for admission to the Bar, which includes state and federal background checks, you will need to address similar questions. The Bar will compare your law school application disclosures with their information, and any inaccuracies or discrepancies may delay or prevent Bar admission.
- If you answer ?yes? to any of the questions in the Character and Fitness section of the application form, you must provide a full explanation in an electronic attachment to your file (see "Attachments").
- Full disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following: all criminal, disciplinary, academic or other convictions/rulings, plea negotiations or agreements, sentencing or disciplinary terms. The full explanation should include dates (month/year), and contextual details of the underlying conduct or incident(s) (including their date(s) and time(s), location(s), factual circumstances, other parties involved, and if applicable, case name, case number, jurisdiction, and copy of any decision, decree, judgment, or order issued, etc.). We also encourage you to explain what you have learned from each incident.
- 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.
- Prior Law School Documentation
- If you have previously attended, or are currently attending, any law school (regardless of accreditation status or degree/certificate pursued), you must have the following documentation submitted by that institution:
- Official Transcript
- May be submitted through the CAS Report but can also be sent by your current law school directly to Southwestern
- Must be fully up-to-date
- Letter of Standing
- May be submitted as an attachment to your transcript through the CAS Report but can also be sent by your current law school directly to Southwestern
- Enrollment Verification Form
- A Southwestern-specific form downloadable from "Forms," or from our website at https://www.swlaw.edu/admissions-financial-aid/admissions-jd/transfer-visiting-students.
- Instructions on how to complete and submit the form are provided on the form itself.
- Official Transcript
- If you have previously attended, or are currently attending, any law school (regardless of accreditation status or degree/certificate pursued), you must have the following documentation submitted by that institution:
Optional Materials
The following materials may be submitted at your discretion and are not required in order for us to review and come to a decision on your application.
- Optional Statements
- Please review optional statement prompts online at https://www.swlaw.edu/admissions-financial-aid/admissions-jd/application-process-requirements/application-file.
- Graduate Records Exam (GRE) Score(s)
- Please review GRE score information and submission guidelines online athttps://www.swlaw.edu/admissions-financial-aid/admissions-jd/application-process-requirements/application-file.
- Addenda
- An addendum is a brief supplemental statement that you can submit to provide context for areas of your application that you believe would benefit from contextualization.
- You may submit addenda to address such topics as:
- Academic history, including undergraduate GPA, change in major, gaps in education, leaves of absence, withdrawals, etc.
- Low LSAT/GRE scores, multiple LSAT/GRE scores, changes in LSAT/GRE scores, LSAT/GRE score cancellations or absences, etc.
- If you have taken the LSAT/GRE on more than one occasion, you may wish to submit an LSAT/GRE addendum to address changes in your method of exam preparation, conditions during your exam(s), or any other factors that may have impacted your performance.
- While this addendum is optional, for those who have experienced a change in score of +/- 5 points on the LSAT, it is strongly recommended that you submit this addendum.
- History of standardized test-taking (e.g. SAT, ACT)
- If you have only taken the LSAT/GRE once but would still like to address your score, you may also submit an addendum.
- Previous law school attendance (also see relevant item under ?Required Materials,? above)
- Other circumstances affecting your performance in school, on exams, or in a professional capacity
- Other factors for which greater context would assist the Admissions Committee in their review of your application
- IMPORTANT: An addendum CANNOT AND WILL NOT be accepted in place of any statement that is required based on an affirmative answer to a Character and Fitness question on the application. Each affirmative answer to a Character and Fitness question must be fully addressed in a separate statement even if the content overlaps with any addenda you wish to submit.
Providing New Information after Submitting Application through LSAC
Southwestern Law School will accept additional materials for your application even after you have submitted it via LSAC.org. Any materials submitted by you or on your behalf must clearly indicate your full name and LSAC account number.
- In general, applicants may submit additional materials (e.g., updated resumes, letters of continued interest, etc.) directly to Southwestern on their own behalf.
- However, for the following types of materials, please use the indicated method of submission:
- Official Transcripts - school must send through LSAC
- Letters of Recommendation - recommender must send through LSAC (recommended) or send directly to Southwestern via email, fax, or mail
- GRE Scores - ETS must furnish score report directly to Southwestern
- Prior Law School Documentation - see relevant item under "Required Materials," above
Delivery Methods:
- Email (preferred when appropriate): admissions@swlaw.edu
- Fax: (213) 986-3911
- Mail: ATTN: Admissions Office, Southwestern Law School, 3050 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Additional Information for J.D. Program Applicants
Merit-Based Scholarships
- If accepted to Southwestern, you will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships from Southwestern. You do not need to complete a separate application or submit additional information to be considered for, or receive, merit-based scholarships. For information regarding the types of scholarships offered by Southwestern, please visit https://www.swlaw.edu/admissions-financial-aid/financial-aid/scholarships-grants-fellowships/special-scholarships.
Need-Based Financial Aid
- If you anticipate requiring need-based financial aid, and are eligible to receive federal student loans, we encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it is available through student.aid.gov. You should ensure that you opt to have your FAFSA data sent to Southwestern. Southwestern?s school code is G01295.
- You should not wait to be accepted to Southwestern before completing and submitting the FAFSA. Submitting your FAFSA as early as possible will ensure that, if you are accepted, our Financial Aid Office can provide you with your loan package as quickly as possible, which will allow you to receive funds in time for the start of school.
- For questions about need-based financial aid, you may contact Southwestern?s Financial Aid Office at finaid@swlaw.edu or 213-738-6719.
On-Campus Student Apartments
- Southwestern?s Residences at 7th are fully furnished apartments available only to Southwestern Law School students. The Residences offer students (and their immediate family members) both the convenience of on-campus housing with amenities such as move-in ready units, study rooms, and library-connected computer stations, along with the comforts of up-scale modern apartment facilities, including dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, WiFi, a sun deck, and grill.
- Accepted applicants may apply to live at The Residences. Apartments are leased on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please visit https://www.swlaw.edu/housing.
Online J.D. Disclosure Statement
- Southwestern Law School is permitted to offer its Online J.D. Program to students residing in California, as well as many other U.S. states that require authorization, certification or registration of our program. Some states and Canadian provinces do not require an authorization process and SW is exempt by regulation.
- The list of states in which Southwestern is approved to offer its Online J.D. Program continues to expand and changes frequently. We encourage applicants to visit our website at https://www.swlaw.edu/online for the most up-to-date information. If you plan to live in a state where an application is pending, Southwestern may grant you waitlist status, conditioned on Southwestern determining if it may offer the program in your state of residency. If Southwestern does not receive authorization or an exemption to offer the Online J.D. Program in these pending jurisdictions by June 1, 2026, we will alert each waitlisted student who indicated they intended to reside in the impacted jurisdiction during the program and allow them to receive a refund of any monies paid to Southwestern in connection with their application.
- We will accept applications from students who would like to study remotely from a country outside of the U.S. and spouses/dependents of visa holders who have an H-4 visa and are eligible to study online.
State Bar Admission Information
- 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.
Professional Licensure by Program
- Professional licensure requirements vary from state to state, which may affect a student?s ability to apply for a professional license after completing the program. Please review Southwestern's Professional Licensure by Program webpage at https://www.swlaw.edu/aba-and-other-required-disclosures/professional-licensure-program. Note that some programs may not provide eligibility for licensure in every U.S. jurisdiction.
Before beginning a J.D. program, we recommend that students and prospective students contact the appropriate bar admission agency in the jurisdiction where they plan to sit for the bar examination or intend to work to seek the most up-to-date information about state licensure and certification requirements. The National Conference of Bar Examiners, in collaboration with the American Bar Association, annually publishes a Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements that provides information, including a directory of state bar admissions agencies, about bar admission requirements in all U.S. jurisdictions. This guide may be found at https://www.ncbex.org/about/publications.
Southwestern Law School?s Nondiscrimination Policy
Southwestern Law School prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race (including hairstyle and hair texture), ethnicity, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age (40 and over), disability (mental and physical), medical condition, citizenship status, military status or service, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services, or in the educational programs (including retention of students) or activities Southwestern operates.
Please direct all inquiries regarding Southwestern?s nondiscrimination policies to:
General Counsel
3050 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 738?6626
The following essay questions are intended to allow applicants the opportunity to present themselves to the admissions office. The essays are a critical part of the application. They help the admissions team fully understand the applicant?s ability to succeed at Vermont Law and Graduate School. The time and effort put into the essay portion of the application weighs heavily in the admission process.
The first essay is required. The second and third essays are optional. Applicants are encouraged to be as forthright and open as possible, and should feel free to discuss unusual circumstances or situations of adversity that may have influenced their current values. Be aware that the quality of your writing and the thoughtfulness of your answers will be evaluated.
Essay Instructions: Please use one attachment to answer the essay questions. You may incorporate answers into one personal statement, or alternatively, break up the essays into separate sections. Whichever style you chose, please be consistent. We encourage you to use your judgment for length, as this will vary by applicant. Most applicants will submit a maximum of four double spaced pages.
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Required Question: Describe the goals motivating you to pursue a law degree. How do you think the experience and skills you gain at Vermont Law and Graduate School will help you achieve those goals?
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Optional Question: Vermont Law and Graduate School's motto is Law for the Community and the World. In what ways would you contribute to and/or support VLGS' commitment to communities?
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Optional Question: How have you tried to make a difference in relation to an issue of personal, local, or national significance?
This section is optional.
Attachments: Applicants may submit additional information to the Admissions Committee that may provide insight into the applicant’s potential for success. If there are special considerations regarding your educational, professional, or personal history, please attach a one-to-two-page explanation.
This section is optional.
Mission Scholarships:
The VLGS Mission Scholarships support students who come to VLGS with a cause and who want to use the power of the law to make a difference in their communities and the world. There are two mission scholarship tracks focusing on different areas of the law. Several scholars are selected for each track. The tracks are environmental stewardship and social justice.
As a mission scholar, the student is awarded a $3,000 public service internship stipend, targeted academic advising and participation in scholar events.
Applying for a Mission Scholarship:
You may apply for the scholarship with your JD application or you can apply separately by the March 15th deadline. Please keep in mind you must send in your JD application AND your mission scholarship application, either together or separately, by March 15 in order to be considered.
Required Materials
- Scholarship Essay 800 words in length, each mission scholarship track has a different essay question, choose one [PLEASE INDICATE ON YOUR ESSAY WHICH MISSION TRACK YOU ARE APPLYING FOR]:
o Environmental Stewardship:
- Discuss your environmental commitment and goals for using a law degree in environmental advocacy, the experiences that have most significantly influenced your goals, or any other points relevant to your qualification for the scholarship.
o Social Justice:
- Discuss your history of public service and connect that service to what you hope to do as a lawyer. Include in the essay what in your life has led you to the decision to pursue the public interest service you identify and what you anticipate will be the greatest challenges and rewards.
For additional information about the Mission Scholarships and financial aid, please see our website: Financial Aid.
Please attach a copy of your professional resume showing your employment history, awards, volunteer work, extracurricular, and personal activities. If your education was interrupted for one semester or more, be sure to account for that period of time.
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.
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, please provide a full and complete explanation in an electronic attachment, clearly answering the question and including final disposition of the matter. Do not incorporate the answers to any of these questions into your personal statement. The Admissions Committee may request further information about any of these questions. Failure to provide full and truthful answers may result in revocation of admission or disciplinary action by the Law School, or denial of permission to practice law the state in which you seek admission.
Under Vermont law, you are not required to disclose sealed or expunged Vermont criminal records. Please note that on an application for admission to the bar you may be required to disclose all records including those that are sealed or expunged. A discrepancy between this application and the information you include on an application to the bar may prompt further inquiry by the board of bar examiners. The state in which you plan to practice determines what you are required to disclose on your bar application.
Should your response to any of these questions change during the course of your application, prior to matriculation, you must immediately inform the Office of Admissions and update your application accordingly. Additionally, any changes after matriculation should be updated through the Dean's Office.
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Has any educational institution, governmental or administrative agency (including any branch of the Armed Forces), or employer ever taken disciplinary action (including academic probation or suspension) against you?
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Have you ever, as an adult or a juvenile, been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any criminal or civil law regardless of disposition of any such charge? (Minor, non-criminal traffic offenses such as parking and speeding tickets need not be disclosed.)
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Are there any pending criminal charges against you now? Minor, non-criminal traffic offenses such as parking and speeding tickets need not be disclosed.
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Have you ever been suspended, discharged, or asked to resign from any employment, professional organization, or public office OR have you been subject to professional discipline, voluntarily surrendered a professional license, or had a professional license denied, suspended, or revoked?
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Have you been, or are you currently, party to a civil proceeding in which you were alleged to have committed fraud or any type of misrepresentation?
- Undergraduate Articulation Agreements
This question is not applicable for most applicants.
Specific undergraduate institutions have articulation agreements (special admission programs) with Vermont Law and Graduate School. If you are applying to VLGS under one of these agreements, please check the box. You should also be in communication with your Admissions Counselor and Pre-Law Advisor.
Applicants coming from schools without articulation agreements are not at a disadvantage in the general application process.
- If your school has an articulation agreement with VLGS please fill in the name of your institution and agreement (e.g., University of Vermont 3+2). (maximum characters 500)
A personal statement is required and provides you the opportunity to tell the Admissions Committee information about yourself that they could not otherwise learn from your application. Although there is no required topic, information about why you wish to pursue a legal career, your path to law school, how you intend to use your law degree, along with academic and professional skill sets and characteristics that demonstrate your potential to succeed in law school are helpful topics that allow the Admissions Committee to get to know you better. A personal statement allows the Admissions Committee to consider factors beyond your numerical academic indicators. Delaware Law does not conduct interviews; the personal statement is your opportunity to discuss information you might want to convey in an interview. Typically, personal statements are 2-3 double-spaced typed pages.
We invite you to enhance your application by describing your unique life experiences that you have not already addressed in your personal statement. The enhancement statement is optional. The enhancement statement is another opportunity to share with the Admissions Committee background and/or experiences that are distinctive and may add to the varying perspectives in the Law School classroom. We invite you to share your individual personal life experiences, be it discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise, that demonstrate challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned that have shaped who you are today. This may include socio-economic challenges; educational challenges; justice impacted experiences; health issues; disability; immigration status; surviving abuse or sexual assault; complex family circumstances like an incarcerated parent, homelessness, living in foster care or a single-parent home; first-generation college or law student status; and gender identity and/or sexual orientation status related experiences that you feel will bring a unique perspective to the learning environment.
Enhancement Statements are typically 2 double-spaced typed pages.
Use this space for any category of supporting documentation not otherwise listed. (Example: explanation of grade trends, discrepant LSAT scores, etc.)
If you would like to include a resume, you are welcome to do so.
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 with criminal records and instances of criminal misconduct are highly encouraged to seek counsel from the Board of Bar Examiners in the jurisdiction where they intend to practice to determine their eligibility to be admitted to the Bar. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
- Have you ever received an academic warning from, or been placed on probation, disciplined, suspended, or dismissed by any learning institution or licensing board for any reason? If "yes", you must submit an electronic attachment to provide your detailed explanation. Your explanation must include the nature of the event/offense, the underlying facts, and all relevant dates. Without this information, your application will remain incomplete and ineligible for review and decision. Note: You have a continuing duty to update the information you provide in response to this question. You must notify Delaware Law of any academic or disciplinary actions occurring after submission of this application.
If you have ever attended any law school, please explain the reason for leaving by using this electronic attachment and have an official transcript and Letter of Good Standing sent directly to Delaware Law's Admissions Office. Note: Delaware Law does not accept applications from students who have been academically disqualified from and are not in good standing at their previous law school.
If you answered Yes to "Have you ever attended a conditional admittance or enrichment program at any law school?" you must use this electronic attachment to provide your detailed explanation. Please submit an official transcript or letter from the law school at which you attended the conditional program that includes the dates of attendance, grades, if any were given, and the outcome of your performance. Without this information, your application will remain incomplete and ineligible for review and decision.
Please discuss any topic that you feel is relevant to the Admissions Committee's evaluation of your application, including but not limited to, life experiences, motivations, and professional goals.
OCU LAW takes pride in conducting a holistic review of each application. The Admissions Committee will consider additional information that you feel is relevant to your application, such as the pattern of your academic performance, standardized test scores, or academic or professional success despite social, economic, or cultural disadvantage. Please feel free to submit a supplemental essay explaining these facts.
Please submit a résumé that includes your work, educational, and extracurricular or volunteer experiences.
ADDENDUM INSTRUCTIONS: If you answer "Yes" to questions below, you are required to provide a supplemental addendum explaining the details and current disposition. If you have any doubt, provide the information. If you fail to provide sufficient details, you will be contacted, and your application will be held pending receipt of the requested information. Failure to disclose information truthfully and completely about these questions could result in immediate withdrawal of an offer of acceptance or dismissal after matriculation.
Affirmative answers do not necessarily preclude, or even prejudice, admission to Oklahoma City University School of Law. But, if you have been convicted of offenses other than minor traffic violations, you are strongly advised to consult, prior to enrolling in law school, with bar officials in the state where you plan to practice law. 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.
Upon your graduation from law school, bar officials will request a copy of your law school application, including addendums submitted. It is critical that information disclosed at the time of application to law school correlates with the information you submit to the bar. Discrepancies between these records could affect approval of your application for the bar.
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Have you ever been academically dismissed, placed on academic probation or suspension, or been reprimanded for academic or other reasons by any of the colleges or universities you have attended, or are there actions, charges or investigations for academic reasons pending or expected to be brought against you?
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Have you ever been investigated by any professional licensure board or entity for any actions or charges; faced disciplinary action by a professional licensure board or entity; had a professional license suspended, revoked, terminated, or made conditional; or are there actions, charges, or investigations pending or expected to be brought against you by any professional licensure board or entity?
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Have you EVER been cited for, charged with, arrested for, or indicted for ANY violation of criminal law? Violations of criminal law include charges and tickets for speeding or minor traffic violations, even if a fine was paid and the charges were dismissed. Include parking violations only if you have received ten or more tickets.
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Have you ever received deferred adjudication or probation for any violation of criminal law, even if the offense has been expunged and does not appear on your permanent record?
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Are there any criminal charges pending or expected to be brought against you?
PERSONAL STATEMENT: Please submit a personal statement (electronically if applicable) that tells us more about you. The subject matter is up to you, but keep in mind that the Admissions Committee will be seeking a sense of you as a person and also as a potential student and graduate of the UND School of Law. It is an opportunity for you to include any information that will help the 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 CAS report or other information contained on the application. You may include information addressing any economic, cultural, and/or societal factors; your academic record; or LSAT results, which would provide the Admissions Committee with additional insight into your application.
Please provide any addition information in regard to Character and Fitness information provided.
A résumé of your experiences may be uploaded to supplement Work Experience, Awards, and Involvement. This is not required.
If the answers to any the following questions are yes, you must provide records from the agency, court, or military office documenting the charge and the disposition of that event, including any sanctions imposed. In addition to the documentation from the agency, court, or military office, you must provide your own personal explanation in the text box or attach an addendum to your application describing the events that led to the charges(s).
Your file will not be considered complete and it will not be reviewed until this documentation has been submitted. Failure to submit this documentation in a timely manner may cause your application to be denied or withdrawn.
NOTE: Although the University of North Dakota School of Law is not seeking information about sealed or expunged records, such information ordinarily must be disclosed to bar admission authorities. If you are concerned about your past conduct and the information contained in these records, you should contact the bar admission authorities in the states in which you wish to practice to determine whether your past conduct will hamper your admission to practice.
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 reprimanded, placed on probation, disciplined, suspended, sanctioned, or dismissed from any college, university, graduate school, professional school, professional organization or licensing agency for any reason?If the answer to this is yes, you must provide a letter or other documentation from the college, university, graduate school, professional school, professional organization, or licensing agency describing the events which led to your being disciplined, including the sanction imposed. In addition to the documentation from the college, university, graduate school, professional school, professional organization, or licensing agency, you must provide your own personal explanation on a separate sheet or electronic attachment describing the events that led to you being disciplined. Your file will not be considered complete and it will not be reviewed until this documentation has been submitted.
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Have you ever been named party to any civil action (including family law matters such as continuing orders for child support)?
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Have you ever had a complaint or action (including, but not limited to, allegations of fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, forgery, or malpractice) initiated against you in any administrative forum?
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Have you ever been cited for, arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any alcohol or drug-related traffic violation, other than a violation that was resolved in juvenile court?
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Have you ever been cited for, arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any moving traffic violation during the past 10 years? (Omit parking violations.)
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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 case that was resolved in juvenile court?
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Have you ever been accused or charged in a court-martial proceeding or received a less then an honorable discharge from any branch of the armed services of the United States of America?
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Are you currently required to register as a sex offender in any state?
Instructions: University of North Dakota School of Law
Congratulations on your decision to apply to the University of North Dakota School of Law. Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.
- Register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), if you have not already taken an exam, and to participate in LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Register for the LSAT and CAS at LSAC.org or contact LSAC at:
Law School Admission Council
662 Penn Street
PO Box 2000
Newtown, PA 18940-0998
Telephone: 215.968.1001
Fax: 215.968.1119
E-mail: lsacinfo@LSAC.org
Internet: www.LSAC.org
You should take the LSAT as soon as possible. We discourage waiting for any test administered so late that you risk the score not being reported to us prior to the April 1 acceptance deposit deadline. The LSAT administrations early in the application cycle (typically August-December) present the most advantageous timing for you. Taking the exam early allows for time to retake the LSAT if you are not satisfied with your score. Each test has a registration deadline well in advance of the test date, so do not delay your testing decisions. Deadline to apply to the University of North Dakota is July 15th of each year, but it is recommended to apply early in the cycle to ensure space is still available in the incoming class.
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Complete your application through LSAC?s CAS or return the completed University of North Dakota School of Law Application for Admission to: University of North Dakota School of Law, Office of Admissions and Records, 215 Centennial Drive, Stop 9003, Grand Forks, ND 58202
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Pay your $35 application fee through LSAC's CAS, or pay online directly to the University of North Dakota School of Law online at www.law.UND.edu under future students.
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UND School of Law participates in the LSAC Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Service which is included in your CAS registration. You may have your letters of recommendation submitted by your recommender to the LSAC following the instructions shown on LSAC.org. Letters of recommendation may be emailed to admissions@law.UND.edu directly from your recommender or mailed directly to the UND School of Law, 215 Centennial Drive, Stop 9003, Grand Forks, ND 58202.
The most valuable recommenders are college instructors who are in a position to evaluate your writing ability, effectiveness of oral expression, academic performance, and academic potential for the study of law. If it is impossible to have your recommendation letter completed by college instructors, you may select other persons able to evaluate you in the same way. The committee may refuse to consider a recommendation not received directly from its author or from LSAC.
- Submit all official undergraduate transcripts to the LSAC?s CAS.
Please note that the CAS requires you to arrange for each undergraduate institution you have attended to send your transcript to LSAC (NOT to the University of North Dakota School of Law), and the LSAC will NOT send your law school report to us until it has received all your transcripts. Because your application file is not complete until we have that report, you need to be both prompt and careful in complying with LSAC procedures.
You are responsible for confirming that all of your application materials have been received by the University of North Dakota School of Law. Your application file is not complete until we have received your completed application, the non-refundable application fee, a law school report (which LSAC reports to us your undergraduate academic record and your LSAT score), and at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation sent to LSAC LOR Service or sent directly to the law school by the recommender.
Any false or misleading statement by the applicant in connection with this application or an incomplete or inaccurate application may be the basis for denial of admission or dismissal after admission. All required questions asked must be answered, and the application instructions must be digitally accepted below. You must notify the School of Law of any changes to the information you have supplied which occurs after the submission of the application.
If you are admitted, you will be required to submit a $300 acceptance deposit to reserve your seat in the class. This fee will not be due until April 1, or later, depending on date of admission, and cannot be waived. The $300 deposit will be returned to matriculated students upon full payment of tuition and fees.
If you have any questions about the admissions process or the application to the University of North Dakota School of Law, do not hesitate to contact us by telephone at 701.777.2047 or e-mail admissions@law.und.edu.
Pam Shea, Director of Admissions & Records
- How did you hear about the UND Law School? (maximum characters 255)
Please attach the required personal statement. Please be sure to title your statement with the header Personal Statement. You may also include your résumé as part of this attachment. If you have an addendum explaining some other relevant issue you would like the Admissions Committee to consider, please include it with this attachment. Be sure that the addendum is titled appropriately so that the Admissions Committee clearly understands what this additional information is about.
The statement should focus on your interest in and motivation for the study of law. The Committee is interested in your personal experiences, background, accomplishments and relevant obstacles overcome. You might consider sharing with the Committee relevant information about your work experience and career achievement, community or public service, career goals, the ability to contribute to the law school programs and specializations, evidence of and potential for leadership, language ability, unusual life experiences, etc. that indicate you may significantly diversify the student body or make a distinctive contribution to the School of Law or the legal profession.
Personal statements tend to average 2 to 4 pages in length; however, there is no page limit to the personal statement. The Personal Statement should be typewritten, double-spaced, and included with your application as an electronic attachment. You may also attach a résumé to the statement.
If applicable, you may submit an additional optional Supplementary statement via electronic attachment. Please be sure to title your statement with the header Optional Supplementary Statement.
If applicable, you may submit an addendum to your application via electronic attachment. Please be sure to title your addendum with the header Optional Application Addendum RE: ______________________ (name of issue).
Please submit a résumé via electronic attachment. Please be sure to title your résumé with the header Résumé.
- I have reviewed the Disclosure/Character and Fitness information in the application instructions.
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.
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Have you ever been academically disqualified from law school?
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If yes, when and where? (maximum characters 200)
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Have you ever been on academic probation, disqualified, suspended, expelled, or subject to a disciplinary proceeding by any post-secondary institution or professional organization or agency in regards to conduct or academic performance? (IF YES, PROVIDE NAME OF INSTITUTION, THE EXACT DATES OF EACH SITUATION AND EXPLAIN CIRCUMSTANCES IN AN ELECTRONIC ATTACHMENT.)
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Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony or are any such charges pending against you? This includes any conviction that may have been expunged as well as any juvenile adjudication (IF YES, PROVIDE IN AN ELECTRONIC ATTACHMENT THE NAME OF EACH OFFENSE, THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE INCIDENT(S), EXACT DATES OF EACH OFFENSE, NATURE OF THE OFFENSE AND DISPOSITION OF EACH OFFENSE.)
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Have you ever been a party to a civil suit? (IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE IN AN ELECTRONIC ATTACHMENT EXPLAINING THE SITUATION WITH EXACT YEAR OF THE FILING)
Admissions Policy
The University of San Francisco School of Law seeks to admit students who are among the most capable law students in the nation and who will bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the classroom and the legal profession. We recognize that diversity has the potential to enrich everyone's education and to make the law school class stronger than the sum of its parts. We seek students who will work to promote the well-being of society, further social justice domestically and abroad, and contribute to the common good.
The School of Law considers all factors relevant to predicting success in law study and in the profession, including many attributes other than prelaw academic record and performance on the Law School Admissions Test . We consider work experience and career achievement, community or public service, career goals (with particular attention paid to the likelihood of the applicant representing underrepresented communities), significant adversity overcome - including socioeconomic disadvantage, the ability to contribute to law school programs and specializations, evidence of and potential for leadership, language ability, unusual life experiences, and any other factors (except those factors deemed inadmissible by applicable law) that indicate the applicant may significantly diversify the student body or make a distinctive contribution to the School of Law or the legal profession.
The full Admissions Policy can be found here: https://www.usfca.edu/law/admissions/jd/policy.
Application Instructions
This application can be used if you are applying as a new first-year law student (fall only), a new transfer law student (fall only), or a new visiting student (fall and spring).
Before completing the application form, please read the following information carefully to ensure prompt and accurate processing of your application. The Admissions Committee will not consider an incomplete file.
Applications must be submitted online via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
If you have any questions regarding the information below, please get in touch with the Law School Admissions Office via email at lawadmissions@usfca.edu or by phone at 415.422.6586.
First Year Applicants
The Law School Admissions Office will begin accepting applications by September 1, 2025. Applications for new first-year law students are accepted for the fall semester only.
Priority Application Deadline: The priority application deadline is February 2, 2026 for the Full-Time Day and Part-Time Day J.D. Program.
In order to ensure a timely review of your application file, be sure to submit all required supporting documents as soon as possible once you have submitted your application form. Supporting documents may be sent after the priority deadline. The School of Law will not accept official documents, i.e., LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Law School Reports, transcripts, etc., unless sent directly by the school or LSAC.
Because the Committee uses a "rolling admission" process, submitting your application earlier increases your chances of admission. Maximum consideration for both admission and scholarship will be given to applications received by the Priority Application deadline. The Admissions Committee typically begins reviewing completed application files in early October and reviews continue throughout the following Spring and Summer.
Requirements for Admission:
A. School of Law Application Form
- Make only one selection under Entering Status and Division. Do not check the boxes for each division simultaneously nor submit separate applications for each division.
- Complete all required sections of the application.
- Please be sure to sign and date your application using the electronic certification function. Unsigned applications will not be transmitted to USF.
B. Education
All law school applicants are required to have completed or expect to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university or college by the time law school classes begin in August. If you are admitted, your college or university must send an official transcript showing the conferral of your bachelor's degree to the Law School Admissions Office prior to the start of the fall term.
C. Personal Statement
The Admissions Committee requires that each applicant submit a personal statement to supplement the application form. The statement is used by the Committee as both a source of additional information and as a writing sample, but it is not a substitute for the application.
The statement should focus on your interest in and motivation for the study of law. The Committee is interested in your personal experiences, background, accomplishments and relevant obstacles overcome. You might consider sharing with the Committee relevant information about your work experience and career achievement, community or public service, career goals, the ability to contribute to the law school programs and specializations, evidence of and potential for leadership, language ability, unusual life experiences, etc. that indicate you may significantly diversify the student body or make a distinctive contribution to the School of Law or the legal profession.
Personal statements tend to average 2 to 4 pages in length; however, there is no page limit to the personal statement. The Personal Statement should be typewritten, double-spaced, and included with your application as an electronic attachment. You may also attach a résumé to the statement.
Please put your name on the top of each page and include the header Personal Statement on each page.
If there are instances of academic probation, suspension or disqualification, or incidents related to misdemeanor and felony convictions, or if you were party to a civil suit, please explain these situations in a separate addendum.
D. Additional Applicant and Family Information
In evaluating each applicant, the School of Law places substantial weight on traditional measures of academic ability, namely prelaw academic record and performance on the LSAT. We recognize that prior disadvantages provide important context for a candidate's academic performance, test cores and true potential for success. The law school therefore looks at all aspects of an applicant's background, including any ethnic, social, cultural and economic circumstances that indicate a history of overcoming social or economic disadvantage during childhood, deficient early schooling or coming to this country as an older adult, and/or learning English as a second language.
We encourage you to complete this section as fully as possible to ensure a comprehensive and holistic evaluation to assess your academic potential.
E. Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
The School of Law Requires that all applicants must register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), a service of LSAC that collects and analyzes academic data and transcripts.
To use the Credential Assembly Service, log in to your LSAC account and follow the instructions for registering for the service. Your CAS registration authorizes LSAC to compile your application documents and send CAS reports to the law schools where you apply. Information about the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and registration forms are available online at: www.LSAC.org.
USF requires that your letters of recommendation be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Letter of Recommendation Service, which serves all member schools. This service is included in your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) registration. Your recommendations will be copied and sent to us along with your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report. LSAC will not release your CAS report to USF until two letters of recommendation have been received by LSAC. More information on Letters of Recommendation can be found in Item H below.
Transcripts should be sent directly to LSAC from each school. LSAC analyzes your transcripts and includes them in the CAS Report to each law school you designate. Be sure to print out a Transcript Request Form for each institution and send it promptly to them. The Committee may not consider an application if the CAS report indicates that transcripts are missing. More information on Transcripts can be found in Item F below.
IT IS THE APPLICANT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE RECEIVES ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
F. Transcripts
USF requires that you submit transcripts of all college work, both undergraduate and graduate (and previous law school transcript if applicable), and should be sent directly to LSAC from each school.
If you are accepted for admission, you must submit an official transcript showing the award of the bachelor's degree. Your admission may be canceled if the Admissions Office, prior to the first day of instruction, does not receive an official transcript.
If you completed your bachelor's degree or any post-secondary work outside of the United States or Canada, USF requires that your transcripts from international schools be submitted to the LSAC Credential Assembly Service for evaluation. 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), which will be incorporated into your CAS report.
The one exception to this requirement is if you completed the foreign work through a study-abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a U.S. or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home school's transcript.
More time is usually required to receive international transcripts. Questions about the Credential Assembly Service can be directed to LSAC at 215.968.1001, or LSACinfo@LSAC.org.
G. Two Letters of Recommendation
The Admissions Committee requires two (2) letters of recommendation in support of your application. An optional third letter may be submitted, but no more than three letters of recommendation will be considered for one application.
Although the Committee will accept recommendation letters from any two individuals designated by the applicant, the Committee suggests:
- If possible, have the two recommendations completed by college faculty members (or administrators) with whom you have studied. If you have been away from college for a considerable time, you may wish to substitute other individuals, including supervisors and business colleagues, with whom you have had more recent contact.
- Choose individuals who have had substantial and recent opportunities to observe your professional and/or academic promise. Recommendations from people who have not had such opportunity are of little assistance to the Committee and your application.
Be sure to follow all directions for submitting letters of recommendation as described on the LSAC website. It is important that you fill out and give each person submitting a recommendation, a letter of recommendation form. Forms can be obtained online atwww.LSAC.org. Your CAS report will not be released to USF until two letters of recommendation have been received by LSAC.
H. Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
Applicants must take the LSAT and have their score(s) reported to the Law School in a Credential Assembly Service report.
USF will utilize the highest LSAT score in the review process if you present multiple test scores. LSAT scores are valid for five years. Any LSAT taken prior to June 2021 is considered invalid for application review.
The LSAT is administered multiple times a year. Early scheduling is strongly recommended and you are advised to take the LSAT no later than the February 2026 test date to receive maximum consideration. Applicants may also take the April 2026 and June 2026 exams; however, applicants may not be given the maximum consideration in such cases, due to the lateness in receiving those test results.
I. LSAT Writing Sample
For your LSAT to be considered complete, you must have at least one writing sample on file ? either from an earlier paper-and-pencil administration of the LSAT or from LSAT Writing.
If you do not have a writing sample on file, we encourage you to complete LSAT Writing as soon as you can. If you already have a writing sample on file, you do not need to complete LSAT Writing.
LSAT Writing will open eight (8) days prior to each test administration. More information on the LSAT Writing is available online at: https://www.lsac.org/lsat-writing
J. $60 Application Fee
A $60 application fee must be paid electronically via LSAC using a valid credit card.
The application fee is not refundable and will not be applied to your tuition if you are admitted. Furthermore, if you decide to withdraw your application before a final decision is made, your application fee will not be refunded.
The required application fee may be waived for an applicant whose financial situation makes it a severe hardship to pay and without which the applicant would be unable to apply to a law school. Applicants requesting a waiver of this fee must submit a brief statement to the Law School Admissions Office explaining your financial situation. Information should include your current monthly income, assets and monthly expenditures. Approval of a fee waiver must be obtained prior to submitting an Application for Admission. Fee waiver requests may be sent via email to lawadmissions@usfca.edu. Please allow five business days for fee waiver requests to be processed.
Applicants granted an LSAC fee waiver will have their USF School of Law application fee automatically waived. Applicants who apply electronically to USF via LSAC will be allowed to transmit their application electronically as long as their LSAC fee waiver is for the current application year.
K. Supplemental Statement (optional)
USF gives serious consideration to all of the ways in which an applicant's perspective, culture, and background might contribute to a diverse educational environment in the law school. In addition to the required Personal Statement, you may submit an optional Supplemental Statement SEPARATE from the personal statement.
In this statement, we invite you to share more about how your unique voice, perspective, and experience will enrich everyone's education and to make the law school class stronger than the sum of its parts.
Supplemental statements tend to average 2 to 4 pages in length; however, there is no page limit. Please be sure to title this statement with the header Supplemental Statement on each page. Use a separate electronic attachment and submit it with your online application.
L. Resume
Please upload a current resume.
First Year Re-applicants
A re-applicant must submit items A-L listed above (item K if applicable). In addition, all re-applicants should submit any updated undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts (including a law school transcript if applicable) of recent coursework to LSAC.
An updated Credential Assembly Service Law School Report will be requested. Re-applicants should be sure to have a current Credential Assembly Service registration and have paid any additional fees to have a Credential Assembly Service report sent to USF.
Transfer Applicants
Applicants for admission with advanced standing must submit all items required of first-year applicants (A-L above and item K if applicable), plus the following:
- An official transcript of all law school coursework (including the last term enrolled before transfer)
- A letter of Good Standing
- An official report of your class standing (rank) if available
Transfer applicants are advised to submit letters of recommendation completed by law faculty. Letters may be included in a Credential Assembly Service report or sent directly to the Law School Admissions Office from your recommenders.
Transfer applicants must have completed the equivalent of two full semesters of coursework (fall and spring) at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association to be admitted. Transfer applications are accepted for the fall semester only.
The Transfer application deadline for Fall 2026 is June 23, 2026
Early Transfer Application Review
USF will begin early application review of transfer applications on April 1, provided that the transfer applicant has submitted the above information as of the fall semester. If class rank as of fall semester is not available, early review can still commence as long as an official transcript and letter of good standing as of fall semester is received by April 1.
Transfer applicants may be offered early admission based on first-semester grades and conditioned on performing acceptably in the second semester of law school. In addition, merit scholarships may be available to highly qualified transfer applicants.
Non-matriculating Applicants (Visiting Students)
Applicants for admission as a non-matriculating Visiting Student must submit all items required of first year applicants ( A-C, E, F, H and J above), plus the following:
- An official transcript of all law school coursework (including the last term enrolled prior to the visit)
- A permission letter from the Dean of the law school you are currently attending that certifies that you are in good standing and that credit earned while attending the USF School of Law will be accepted toward the student's degree requirements. Any other restrictions and requirements of the degree-granting institution must also be contained in the letter.
- LSAT scores can be submitted via a JD CAS report sent to USF from LSAC. As an alternative, the home school may submit directly to USF, the home school's copy of the JD CAS first page, which includes the LSAT score.
Visiting Student Application Deadline for Fall 2026, or a full-year visit, is June 23, 2026.
Visiting Student Application Deadline for Spring 2026 is November 1, 2025.
Application/Character and Fitness Updates
You are required to complete the disclosure questions in the Character and Fitness section of the Application. You must disclose any issues related to academic probation, suspension, warning, and disqualification (particularly from a previous law school), and conduct. In addition, you must disclose any felony or misdemeanor conviction, as well as any juvenile adjudication, or pending charges, including a DUI (or any alcohol or drug-related offense). Information should include the date of each incident, full explanation of the incident, including the name of the charge, and the final disposition of each charge. In addition, you must disclose if you were party to a civil suit.
Convictions include any of the following: (1) a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, (2) a verdict or finding of guilt regardless of whether a sentence is imposed by the court. You must also report any convictions that have been expunged. When you apply to take the Bar Exam, the Bar Examiners will receive reports of any such convictions from law enforcement agencies.
If you have been disqualified from any ABA law school, you must wait at least two years from disqualification before applying to USF Law, and you may apply only as a new first-year law student.
You are required to notify the School of Law if any changes to the information you have included in your Application for Admission occur after you submit your application. In particular, all applicants must immediately notify the Director of Admissions if any new academic probation, suspension, warning, or disqualification issues arise, or if you are convicted of a felony or misdemeanor after you submit your application.
If an incident occurs that requires disclosure after you are admitted, but before classes begin, immediately submit written, detailed disclosures to the Law School's Admissions Office. Information disclosed after an applicant has been admitted will result in a re-evaluation of the applicant's file. If such an incident occurs after you are enrolled and classes have begun, immediately submit written, detailed disclosures to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Please note that upon submission of your USF School of Law application, you will be subject to the standards set forth in the USF School of Law Honor Code.
Failure to disclose any changes to your application or any of the Character & Fitness information noted above may result in revocation of your admission decision, dismissal from school, revocation of any degree awarded by USF School of Law, denial of admission to the Bar, and referral to the LSAC Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process.
Materials Eligibility for 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.
Contact information for all of the relevant agencies is available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Application Materials
All materials and correspondence relating to admission or your Law School application should be directed to the Law School Admissions Office at lawadmissions@usfca.edu. Once submitted, all materials become the property of the School of Law and will not be returned or copied. Please keep a copy of your application and any supporting documents for your records.
Status Checks
Upon receipt of your application, the Law School Admissions Office will provide notice of receipt and a login and password that will allow you to check the status of your application. You will also be notified by email once your application file becomes complete. All official decision notices will be sent via email.
Contact Information
University of San Francisco School of Law
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
415.422.6586
The varied backgrounds and talents of our students contribute tremendously to the quality of the education at the College of Law. Please submit a personal statement of no more than three (3) pages, double-spaced to provide us with an opportunity to learn more about you. Please do not use a font size smaller than twelve-point. Your personal statement should address the following topic:
Please explain:
- Why do you want to attend law school and particularly UNT Dallas College of Law? In explaining why you want to attend law school, we encourage you to describe a specific circumstance or circumstances in your life that influenced your decision.
- Why do you think you are prepared for the challenge of law school? Again, we encourage you to discuss particular life circumstances or events that you think have prepared you.
Character and fitness issues must be addressed in a separate addendum.
You may provide an optional essay addressing how you align with the mission and values of UNT Dallas College of Law. Please limit your optional essay to a total of two (2), double-spaced pages with font size no smaller than 12 point.
You may provide a statement explaining your undergraduate performance or standardized test performance, or one that you believe can provide further explanation or context. Please keep this statement to a total of two (2), double-spaced pages with font size no smaller than 12 point
Please attach your professional and/or academic (CV) resume demonstrating your work or academic history. Please limit to three pages and use font size no smaller than 12 point.
CHARACTER AND FITNESS QUESTIONS
ABA Standard 504 QUALIFICATIONS FOR 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.
PLEASE THOROUGHLY READ THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE ANSWERING QUESTIONS 1-5. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO ANSWER SIMILAR QUESTIONS DURING THE BAR LICENSING PROCESS, WHICH INCLUDES STATE AND FEDERAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.
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 truthful answers or failure to inform the Admissions Office of any changes to your answers may result in denial of admissions, revocation of acceptance, additional disciplinary action by UNT Dallas College of Law up to and including expulsion from law school, and can result in denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek admission.
When in doubt you should always err on the side of FULL DISCLOSURE. You must answer YES or NO to the questions below. If you answer YES to any of the questions, please include an electronic attachment explaining the circumstances. For questions #Q2, #Q3, and #Q4, forward the final disposition of the incident(s).
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Have you even been given or placed on academic probation or academic suspension?
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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? (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.)
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Have you been arrested, formally accused, charged, cited, fined, posted bail, subject to or currently under a restraining order, or ordered to do community service for any ANY violation of law? You must report any and/or all offenses involving alcohol or drugs. You may exclude ONLY Class C misdemeanor traffic violations. You must report any failure to appear charge or warrant resulting from any offense. You must report any failure to maintain financial responsibility (legally required auto insurance) arrest, citation, ticket or charge.
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Have you ever been CONVICTED of ANY offense, placed on probation, or granted deferred adjudication or any type of pretrial diversion? You may exclude ONLY Class C misdemeanor traffic violations. You must report any such offenses involving alcohol or drugs. You must report any failure to appear conviction resulting from any offense, including a failure to appear conviction resulting from a Class C Misdeameanor traffic violation.
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#Q5: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CONTINUING OBLIGATION--PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. I hereby acknowledge that I have a continuing obligation to inform UNT Dallas College of Law immediately of any changes to my application after submission, including changes to my character and fitness disclosures. I will submit a statement providing complete details of the change and supporting documentation. By answering YES to this item, I am indicating my acknowledgement of this obligation and agreement to comply with it. I understand that if I answer "NO" to this question my application will not be reviewed.
UNT DALLAS COLLEGE OF LAW FALL 2026 ADMISSION PROCESS
Thank you for selecting UNT Dallas College of Law ("UNTD Law") as an option for your legal studies! At UNTD Law, we take a holistic approach to admissions, which facilitates our assessment of an applicant's ability to complete our legal program. Your personal statement, resume, addenda, letters of recommendation, LSAT score, transcripts, and optional essay will provide the Admissions Committee with needed information to complete our assessment.
GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
All applicants are required:
- to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
- to complete a four-year degree from an accredited undergraduate college or university prior to matriculation.
- to submit all materials and supporting documentation for the application online through LSAC using the CAS service. (Paper applications are not accepted.)
Applications are reviewed, and admissions offers are made, on a rolling basis; to strengthen your opportunity for admission, you should apply early in the application cycle. The priority submission date for Fall 2026 applications is December 15, 2025***.***
We enroll first-year students in the fall of each year. We do not currently accept international students who do not hold a permanent U.S. resident visa or alternate resident-qualifying visa status at the time of application.
The deadline to apply is March 15, 2026; no applications will be accepted after the deadline. There is no application fee.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION AND MATERIALS -- REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
- Application**.** Submit a completed and signed online application; there is no application fee for UNT Dallas College of Law.
- Personal Statement**.** Submit a personal statement of no more than three (3) typed and double-spaced pages, the font size should be at least twelve (12)-point, providing us the opportunity to learn more about you. Your personal statement should address why you believe you are prepared for the challenge of law school. We encourage you to discuss life circumstances, events, or experiences that highlight your background and goals. Character and fitness issues must be addressed in a separate addendum.
- Resume**.** Please provide a resume detailing significant vocational, extracurricular, or community activities; graduate work or degrees; honors and awards; service in the Armed Forces; job descriptions and major areas of responsibility, along with locations (city and state) and dates of employment; publications or other information that you believe the Admissions Committee should consider in evaluating your application. Your resume may not exceed three (3) pages and should be at least twelve (12)- point font.
- Optional "Why UNT Dallas College of Law" Essay**.** Applicants are invited to submit an optional essay, no more than two (2) typed and double-spaced pages, the font size should be at least twelve (12)-point, addressing their alignment with the mission and values of UNT Dallas College of Law.
- CAS Report**.** A complete CAS report includes:
- LSAT score: submit a reportable score taken within three (3) years from the date of application to UNT Dallas College of Law. The highest LSAT is considered for admission when the test is taken multiple times, although the Admissions Committee will have knowledge of and access to your prior test scores at the time of review. Applicants registered for future LSAT exams MUST email lawadmissions@untdallas.edu to request review of application with existing score OR review hold until release of future score.
- LSAT Writing Sample: complete and submit the LSAT writing sample as part of the application to UNT Dallas College of Law.
- Transcripts: submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, transferred, and internationally earned credits) to CAS.
- Letters of Recommendation: submit at least two (2) letters of recommendation, and no more than four (4) letters. Letters must not be older than three (3) years from the date of application to the College of Law. The letters are your opportunity to have a third party speak to your work and academic experiences, maturity, overcoming adversity, leadership, civic-mindedness, and/or their assessment of your candidacy for law school. The College of Law strongly encourages an applicant to include at least one letter of recommendation from an academic reference if they have recently graduated. Letters must be submitted using the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service.
Please contact the Law School Admission Council at www.lsac.org or by phone at 215.968.1001 for more information about the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
APPLICATION ADDENDA
Required Addenda - you MUST submit an addendum with your application if you:
- Previously enrolled in another law school**.**
- Explain the circumstances under which you left your previous law school. If you were dismissed from your prior law school for academic reasons, you must submit an addendum explaining the basis for your belief that you will be successful in our program.
- You must request that your previous law school forward to LSAC an official copy of your law school transcript and a letter of academic standing. You may be required to interview with a member of the Admissions Committee at our request as a supplement to your application. These documents must be included with the submission of your online application and CAS Report in order for it to be deemed complete for review by our Admissions Committee.
- Answered "yes" to any of the character and fitness questions**.**
- The addendum must explain the circumstances surrounding each incident(s) necessitating the disclosure.
- The answers must be complete, forthright, and factually accurate. If you are in doubt as to whether to disclose information, you should make the disclosure. Any material misrepresentation(s) and/or failure(s) to disclose material information can lead to consequences, including but not limited to, a denial of admission, cancellation of acceptance, or expulsion from law school.
Because the college of law encourages full disclosure and explanation, we do not preset a page limit for the above addenda. However, each addendum must be double-spaced and use a twelve-point font size.
Optional Addenda - you MAY submit an additional explanation of any of the following:
- Academic Performance: If there is additional information that you believe may help the committee to evaluate your past academic performance, you may attach an addendum double-spaced, no more than two (2) pages, and twelve-point font size.
- Standardized Test Performance (LSAT): For candidates who believe that their academic potential is not accurately reflected by their LSAT score(s), you may provide the committee with an addendum setting forth any additional information to better evaluate your LSAT performance. The addendum should not be more than two (2) pages, double-spaced and use a twelve-point font size.
Questions about Character and Fitness Disclosures
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. Go to the College of Law website for further information addressing admissions character and fitness questions at https://lawschool.untdallas.edu/apply.
Admission to Law Practice in Texas
Pursuant to ABA Standard 504, information concerning qualifications and admission requirements to the Texas Bar can be found on the College of Law's website at https://lawschool.untdallas.edu/admission-law-practice-texas.
COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION
The Admissions Committee acts only on completed applications. A completed application constitutes the submission of: an online application, personal statement, resume, and required addendums, as well as the CAS Report (containing LSAT score, transcripts, and letters of recommendation). Applicants are responsible for ensuring that any third party has timely submitted all materials to LSAC. Once the application is deemed complete for review, the review process typically takes six (6) to eight (8) weeks from that date.
ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW -- By Committee Request Only
The UNT Dallas College of Law may decide that additional information is needed to evaluate an application; the Admissions Committee may request an interview due to information provided on the application or character and fitness disclosures where further clarification is needed to complete a review of an application. In that circumstance, the Office of Admissions will contact the applicant to schedule an interview with the Admissions Committee.
FINANCIAL AID
Legal education is an important investment in your future and a serious commitment. The College of Law offers federal student aid. Any student with financial concerns is encouraged to apply for financial assistance.
- Loans
- Applicants to the College of Law may utilize federal and/or private loans when considering options for paying for law school. Applicants seeking federal loans are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the U.S. Department of Education. Complete the free application by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov. Use the College of Law school code 042421 when filling out your FAFSA application. When you submit your FAFSA, your financial aid awards will be determined by the College of Law's financial aid office.
Law students may borrow a Direct Unsubsidized Loan up to $20,500 a year. For more information regarding Direct Unsubsidized Loans, please visit https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized. Law students who need to borrow more than $20,500 may apply for the Federal Graduate PLUS Loans (PLUS Loan) up to the total cost of attendance. A credit check will be performed during the application process for a PLUS Loan. For more information regarding Federal Graduate PLUS loans, please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized.
Students also have the option of applying for a private loan. Visit our website for additional information at https://untdallas.edu/lawschool/admissions/finaid/. Should you have any questions concerning financial aid options, feel free to contact the Office of Financial Aid at 214-752-5711 or by emailing lawfinancialaid@untdallas.edu.
2. Scholarships
The College of Law considers and evaluates each admitted applicant for one of our entering student scholarships. There is no separate application that must be completed to be considered for an entering student scholarship; evaluation will occur automatically if a student is offered admission. A student receiving a scholarship award will be notified in a letter separate from the offer of admission. Questions concerning scholarships should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 214.752.5981 or by emailing lawadmissions@untdallas.edu.
CONTACTING US
If you have any questions after reviewing this material, consult our website at http://lawschool.untdallas.edu or contact us at 214.752.5981. You may also contact us via email at lawadmissions@untdallas.edu.
Office of Admissions
UNT Dallas College of Law
106 S Harwood Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
UNT Dallas College of Law has been granted Full Approval by the American Bar Association's Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.
Full Approval is effective February 18, 2022. Questions concerning ABA accreditation may be directed to the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, American Bar Association, 321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654 or call (312) 988-6738.
The purpose of the personal statement is to allow the Admissions Committee to assess your writing ability and learn more about you. Please submit a statement that discusses your interest in law school and where your legal education may take you in the future. This statement should be on a separate electronic attachment that includes your name and LSAC account number at the top of the page. This statement should not exceed 2 pages, double-spaced.
Applicants to the JD/MBA, JD/MSA, JD/MSOL, JD/MSEM, or JD/LLM programs may apply to both programs through this application. Applicants to these dual degree programs must submit an addendum to this application addressing the following question:
"What strengths will you bring to the master's program and how will they help you succeed in your graduate studies? Discuss any circumstances that you feel account for any perceived weaknesses in your application."
**Applicants are welcome to submit one or more statements relevant to any of the issues below. There is not a strict page limit for these addenda, but each individual response should generally not exceed 1000 words. Please include your name and the question number at the top of each page of your response.
1: Why WNE Law**
Please share more about your interest in Western New England University School of Law. Specifically, please share what makes WNE Law a good fit for you academically, professionally, or socially.
2: Statement of Unique Perspective
We are committed to enrolling a diverse student body. If you believe you have developed a unique perspective especially useful to the study or practice of law, please submit a statement explaining the factors that contributed to the development of that perspective (e.g. academic or professional background, community identity, ideology, culture, religion, unique upbringing).
3: Overcoming Adversity
If you have overcome significant adversity, please share what challenge(s) you faced, how it affected you, and what lessons you learned from the experience. Adversity may include but is not limited to socio-economic challenges; educational challenges; health issues; disability; language barriers; immigration status; first generation to college status; surviving abuse; microaggressions you have experienced; or complex family circumstances such as addiction, an incarcerated parent, homelessness, and/or living in foster care.
4: Academic Performance
If you believe you have encountered obstacles that may have impeded or affected your ability to maximize your academic potential, you may submit an additional statement describing or explaining these obstacles and their effect on your academic performance, including grades and standardized test scores. If applicable, please explain the circumstances involved in any significant fluctuations in your LSAT scores (i.e. an increase or decrease of five or more points). This information can be helpful to the admissions committee, as it provides additional context to your academic record.
5: Resume Addendum
Please share information regarding family responsibilities, parenting or caregiving, cultural or religious roles or obligations, or other activities that may not appear on a resume but were taking place while in school. Please also share information regarding time spent participating in student organizations or extra-curricular activities.
6: Commitment to Service
Please share what public service means to you and how you see yourself engaging in pro bono work or meeting the needs of the underserved throughout your law school and professional career.
7: Supplemental Information
If you believe any information requested in the application would benefit from additional supplemental information, please feel free to provide this information and reference the specific aspect of your application response.
To apply to become a Public Interest Scholar, please submit an essay of no more than 2 pages, double-spaced, describing why you should be selected as a Public Interest Scholar. For example, your essay may highlight your aspirations as a future lawyer, your prior work history, public service and other activities, life experiences, and education that point to why you should be selected. The Public Interest Committee will consider your résumé and essay, as well as your other application materials, in making its decisions. Applicants will be notified of acceptance to the Public Interests Scholars Program separate from and following acceptance to the JD program. Applications for the Public Interest Scholars Program must be received by February 15. Scholars will be notified of their acceptance to the program by April 1.
Please include your professional résumé or curriculum vitae.
Please give careful consideration to the questions in the following section and make certain to provide an accurate and complete answer to avoid problems with your bar application later. It is advisable to consult your student records from institutions you previously attended to ensure that your response to these questions considers all possible disciplinary interactions that might be on record.
If you answer affirmatively to any of the below questions, you must submit a statement reciting, in detail, the facts and circumstances of each reported event. The statement should include dates, exact name and location of courts (if any), and final disposition of all matters. Failure to provide sufficient description and/or explanation of reported events may prompt the Admissions Committee to request additional information from you, thereby causing a delay in the processing of your application.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Bar Examiners may ask additional questions beyond those listed on this application. 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. As indicated above, admission to any law school does not guarantee admission to a state bar in that each state has its own admission criteria and process.
Please note that in regards to answering affirmatively to questions involving academic or criminal records, the Board of Bar Examiners may ask for more detailed or additional information. Inconsistencies between your law school application and your application to the Bar may cause difficulty with bar admission. Failure to make a complete disclosure when answering the below questions may also subject a student to disciplinary action.
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Have you ever been placed on academic warning or probation at any postsecondary institution?
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Have you ever been academically dismissed from any postsecondary institution?
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Have you ever been suspended, warned, placed on disciplinary probation, disciplined, or expelled from any postsecondary institution? Please include all campus or dorm violations for which there was a written warning.
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Have you ever been convicted of a felony without the conviction later being vacated, sealed, or expunged?
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Is any felony charge currently pending against you?
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Within five years of the date preceding this application, have you been convicted of a misdemeanor, including an act of domestic violence? Exclude first misdemeanor convictions for drunkenness, simple assault (this does not include domestic violence), speeding, minor traffic violations, affray, or disturbance of the peace. For purposes of this question, minor traffic violations include any moving traffic violation other than reckless driving, driving to endanger and motor vehicle homicide. Also exclude any convictions that were later vacated, sealed, or expunged.
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Have you ever been disciplined or suspended from the practice of any licensed profession?
Thank you for your interest in Western New England University School of Law. Prior to submitting your application, please carefully review the information below.
MISSION STATEMENT
Over a century ago, we were founded to educate law students from populations that were underrepresented in the legal profession. Today, we teach a diverse student body drawn from all walks of life in a rigorous program that blends theory, skills, and ethical values. We prepare students to serve the future needs of society with knowledge, competence, and compassion, ensuring that the practice of law can be both a profession and a vocation.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Western New England University School of Law is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The School of Law does not discriminate to preclude students on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or military status in admission or retention, access, treatment, or employment in its programs and activities.
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Our priority deadline is March 15. However, we will continue to accept and review completed applications on a rolling basis throughout the summer. Applications will not be accepted after July 31.
APPLICATION REVIEW
The Admissions Committee will begin reviewing applications in late fall and release decisions on a rolling basis. Most applicants will receive a decision within six weeks of submitting a completed application.
All completed applications are carefully reviewed in their entirety to determine whether the applicant possesses the academic preparation and motivation to successfully complete a rigorous law school curriculum. Committee members attempt to gauge each applicant's prior academic performance, expected performance, and writing skills. While LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA are important factors, the Committee also considers your personal statement, LSAT writing, letters of recommendation, resume experiences, and supplemental materials. All admitted applicants are automatically considered for a merit scholarship, including our full-tuition Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Scholarship, and will be notified of any merit award in their letter of acceptance.
Please note that the application form collects data regarding gender identity, citizenship status, and race and ethnicity but this information will not be taken into consideration during the admissions process. This information will only be used for reporting purposes at the end of the admissions process. WNE Law encourages all academically accomplished students interested in pursuing a legal career to apply for admission.
CHARACTER AND FITNESS
Any applicant who answers one of the Character and Fitness questions on the application in the affirmative must include an addendum fully explaining their response, including any and all attendant circumstances. If applicable, we recommend that applicants also explain how they have grown or changed from this experience.
OPTIONAL ADDENDA
We strongly encourage applicants to submit one or more optional addenda if they wish to convey additional information to the Admissions Committee. As provided in the specific prompts, the contents of optional addenda may include, for example, clarification of your educational record or obstacles you have overcome in the pursuit of higher education. Applicants may also submit a statement of unique perspective, explaining to the Committee what background, experience, and perspective they will bring to the classroom and community experience at the School of Law. Applicants may also submit a writing sample detailing adversity they have overcome in their academic career and/or personal life.
DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
Applicants to the JD/MBA, JD/MSA, JD/MSOL, JD/MSEM, or JD/LLM programs may apply to both programs through this application. Applicants to these dual degree programs must submit an addendum to this application addressing the following question:
"What strengths will you bring to the master's program and how will they help you succeed in your graduate studies? Discuss any circumstances that you feel account for any perceived weaknesses in your application."
Applicants may be offered admission to the JD program and conditional admission to the master's program, pending satisfactory completion of the criteria detailed in their admission letter.
Applicants interested in the JD/MSW and JD/MRP programs will be considered for JD admission only and are required to apply separately for the master's program through the following offices: Office of Graduate Admissions at Springfield College (JD/MSW) and Graduate Student Service Center at UMass Amherst (JD/MRP). If an applicant indicates an interest in one of these programs, their contact information will be shared with the appropriate admissions office. Applicants should also contact those offices for more information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
All applicants are automatically considered for a merit scholarship. Merit awards range in value up to our full-tuition Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Scholarship. Applicants will be notified of any merit award in their letter of acceptance. Full-time recipients are eligible for their awards for three years, and part-time recipients are eligible for four years. Merit scholarships renew automatically each year provided that the recipient remains in good academic standing (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.30).
Each year, a small group of applicants will be selected to participate in the Public Interest Scholars Program and awarded a scholarship of up to $10,000. The program offers mentorship in the public interest space, as well as exclusive professional development opportunities. Scholars learn about public interest law via elective courses and speaker engagements at the Law School and put their knowledge into action through pro bono projects. Scholars will also receive a one-time summer stipend for an approved public interest internship. Applicants may apply for the Public Interest Scholars Program via this application form. Applications for the Public Interest Scholars Program must be received by February 15. Scholars will be notified of their acceptance to the program and scholarship award by April 1.
ADMISSION CONTINGENT UPON TRUTHFULNESS
The School of Law's decision to admit an applicant is contingent upon the truthfulness of the information contained in their application, including material submitted on the applicant's behalf. Discovery of false information subsequent to admission is grounds for immediate dismissal at any point in the applicant's course of study. Such dismissal shall result in forfeiture of all charges paid and academic credits earned. Applicants and students are subject to the provisions of the Academic Standards and the Student Honor Code, available on request.
BAR ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
There are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to any state bar after graduation from law school. Admission to law school in no way guarantees admission to the bar in any state. State bar examiners will review all aspects of an applicant's history. Therefore, prior to enrolling, if an applicant has any concerns regarding state bar admission, they should contact the Board of Bar Examiners of the state(s) in which they might practice to determine those requirements. Each state has a bar admissions office, such as the Board of Bar Examiners in Massachusetts, the Connecticut Bar Examining Committee in Connecticut, and the Board of Law Examiners in New York. The National Conference of Bar Examiners provides the address and website of each state's bar admissions office. Applicants should consult the bar admission office in the jurisdiction in which they intend to apply for admission as to the specific forms and requirements for that particular jurisdiction.
In a separate electronic attachment, please provide us with a typed personal statement. This is an opportunity to assist us with our "whole person" evaluation concept. Your statement provides an opportunity to tell us about yourself and to share with us some insights into your personality, leadership, character, aspirations, community service, and life experiences that may not be reflected in objective scores. We are interested in a student body with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds and seek to select students who are serious about undertaking their legal education and who are committed to the tenets of the legal profession. We particularly encourage you to describe how your personal circumstances and life experiences have prepared you for law school and the practice of law.
This section is optional.
If necessary, please attach your addendum here.
This section is optional.
If necessary, please attach any additional information you wish to include here.
You may provide a resume on a separate electronic attachment to share additional information about your honors, activities, or work experience.
Admission Criteria
The admission policies for Mississippi College School of Law are established annually by the faculty. The standards are primarily based on an applicant's undergraduate grade-point average and LSAT score. However, we also give significant weight to an applicant's personal statement, recommendations, employment history, military service, graduate work, activities, community service, and personal circumstances. Indeed, these other factors can play a decisive role in the admission process. In addition to demonstrating academic potential, these factors can help the Admissions Committee identify applicants who bring distinct viewpoints and a variety of experiences to our academic community.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university is required by the date of law school enrollment, and confirmation is necessary before registration. Each applicant must have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) within five years of application to MC Law.
In addition, a candidate is required to register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The CAS report is sent to the law school upon request and includes an undergraduate transcript summary, copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, LSAT score or scores, and a copy of the LSAT writing sample.
Application Instructions
We accept applications that have been prepared using the LSAC electronic application. You can use the LSAC e-apps to electronically transmit your law school application to LSAC. LSAC will then send the electronic version of your application to our office. If exceptional circumstances exist that prevent you from filing online, please contact the Admissions Office.
Applications submitted to LSAC for transmission to this law school will be considered postmarked on the day they are electronically submitted.
Application Timetable
Applications are accepted for the entering class from September 1, 2025, until July 15, 2026.
Application Procedures
For an applicant to be considered by the Admissions Committee, the individual's file must be complete with the following required documents:
- An application that is signed and dated. (Every question must be answered.)
- A personal statement.
- An LSAT/LSAC Law School Report.
Review Process
Decisions are made on a rolling basis and the Admissions Committee begins considering completed applications in December. An applicant is notified of the Admissions Committee's decision by letter.
Scholarships
Academic merit scholarships are awarded based on the information contained in this application. No separate scholarship application is required. Applicants may be invited to interview for special scholarships.
Non-Discrimination and Equality of Opportunity
MC Law does not use admissions policies or take other action to preclude admission of applicants or retention of students on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
Admissions to a State Bar
All students who intend to apply for admission to a state bar should consult with the specific state bar for requirements. Many states require both registration as a law student and a bar exam application. Also, fees for students who are later in registering are substantially higher. 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 seed admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiner's website at http://www.ncbex.org/. for students who intend to seek bar admission in Mississippi, The Mississippi Board of Bar Admissions website is https://courts.ms.gov/bar/baradmissions/baradmissions.php.
Mississippi College School of Law
151 East Griffith Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39201
601.925.7150
800.738.1236
State why you wish to pursue the study of law, any additional information about your career goals, and/or any personal background that you determine is pertinent to the admissions process that is not evident from the answers provided on your personal statement, application, or on an electronic attachment. If you are seeking to attend part-time, please explain why.
This section is optional.
We recognize that some applicants have faced and overcome particular challenges in life thus far. In this optional section, we invite you to share any information about adversity or challenges that you would like us to consider about your personal life experiences. This may include socio-economic challenges; educational challenges; health issues; disability; immigration status; surviving abuse; or complex family circumstances like an incarcerated parent, homelessness, living in foster care, or others. This is not an inclusive list, but simply an opportunity, if you wish, to share any additional aspects of your background that may give us a deeper sense of your strengths and who you are.
This section is optional.
You may submit addenda that discuss aspects of your academic background, LSAT performance, or life experiences that you believe will enhance your application for admission. Your optional addenda should not exceed two pages in length and should not be used as an extension of your personal statement.
This section is optional.
If you wish, please attach a resume to your application.
Instructions
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.
- Dean's Certificate of Character and Fitness to Practice Law: During law school, you may register with various state bar admissions boards, and you must register before you take a bar exam. The various bars have rules that specify the requirements for admission to those bars. Under these rules, the Dean of your law school may be asked to submit, on your behalf, an affidavit of good character and fitness for the practice of law.
- Discrepancies Between the Law School Application and the Bar Exam Application: In the Character and Fitness portion of the bar exam application, the bar examiners will ask about past incidents involving your character and fitness. The questions on the bar application may be different in number or content than those on this law school application. The bar examiners may ask to view your law school application to compare the answers on the two applications. Discrepancies between your law school application and the bar application may result in serious consequences. Therefore, please disclose all incidents and carefully answer each question.
- If in Doubt Answer "Yes": If you are unsure whether to answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions, please answer “yes,” and disclose all the details including a complete explanation of the circumstances on a separate sheet. Include in the explanation(s) the date and year, location, and the circumstances of the incident, and any fines and/or sanctions. Do not provide official documentation in lieu of a written explanation of circumstances.
- Provide a Complete Explanation to Every "Yes" Answer: If you answer “yes" to any of the following questions, you must disclose all the details including a complete explanation of the circumstances on a separate sheet. Include in the explanation(s) the date and year, location, a detailed description of the circumstances of the incident, and a detailed description of the disposition or outcome, including, without limitation, any fines and/or sanctions, nolo contendere pleas, dismissals, expungements, sealed records, etc. Do not provide official documentation in lieu of a written explanation of circumstances.
- Failure to Answer (Intended or Unintended) May Have Serious Consequences: If you fail to answer with candor or fail to notify our office with any changes, we may impose sanctions and possibly revoke your admission. Furthermore, you may be denied admission to the bar if you fail to disclose facts in this application.
- A Continuing Obligation to Disclose: After you submit this application, you have a continuing obligation to update our office, in writing, with any changes or additions to your answers. This obligation continues throughout the application process and throughout law school.
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Please type your full name if you acknowledge that you have read and understand the above instructions. Your typed name will serve as your signature.required (maximum characters 100)
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Have you ever been subject to a dismissal, a suspension, probation, an accusation of misconduct, a probable cause hearing, the lowering of a grade, or any other academic or social sanction by a college, university, professional school, or professional association (including any sealed or expunged incidents)?
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Have you ever, including when you were a juvenile, been arrested for, charged with, convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, any criminal offense other than parking violations or minor traffic violations? Minor traffic violations are those that resulted in a fine of $200 or less and did not (1) involve the use or possession of alcohol or drugs, or (2) result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Your answer to this question must include matters that have been sealed or expunged. Also, you should have available and be prepared if requested to submit copies of police and court records regarding any matter you disclose in reply to this question.
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In a paid or volunteer employment setting after high school, including unpaid internships, have you ever been disciplined, discharged or permitted to resign because of allegations or findings of fraud, misrepresentation, dishonesty, theft, sexual misconduct, or acts of violence?
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Have you been discharged or dismissed from the armed forces, other than by honorable discharge, or have you been sentenced in a court-martial proceeding (including any sealed or expunged incidents)?
Character and Fitness Reminder
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, please provide a complete explanation of the circumstances on a separate sheet included with this application. Include in the explanation(s) the date and year, location, a detailed description of the circumstances of the incident, and a detailed description of the disposition or outcome, including, without limitation, any fines and/or sanctions, nolo contendere pleas, dismissals, expungements, sealed records, etc. Do not provide official documentation in lieu of a written explanation of circumstances, but you may include such documentation in addition to your explanation.
This section is optional.
If you believe you can make a distinctive contribution to a specific NIU College of Law Specialization, Academic Program, Joint Degree, Law Review/Journal, or research in a particular subject area, please identify in an attachment. Explain your prior academic training, work, personal experiences or extracurricular activities that enable you to make that distinctive contribution.
NIU College of Law will take into account economic, physical or other hardships that have been overcome when making some admissions decisions. If you believe that you have overcome significant hardships and wish to have this information considered, please complete all of this section. Applicants should be prepared to verify this information upon request.
1. Have you ever received a Federal Pell Grant?
- How much, if any, of your childhood was spent in a single-parent home? Please type corresponding response in below text box.
1-5 years
6-10 years
11 years or more
None
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If your first parent/guardian is deceased, how old were you when they died?
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If your second parent/guardian is deceased, how old were you when they died?
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What was the approximate total income of all the persons living in your parents' household in the last tax year? (If your parents are separated or divorced, please provide information for the household where you lived most of the time before college, including any support provided by the absent parent. If your parents are deceased, please provide information for the last year in which you lived with them.) If the head of the household is claimed as a dependent on another person's income tax forms, please provide the requested information for that claimant.
Please type corresponding response in the below text box.
Under $15,000
$15,000-$24,999
$25,000-$34,999
$35,000-$44,999
$45,000-$59,999
$60,000-$79,999
$80,000-$99,999
$100,000-$149,999
$150,000 or more
Unknown
- What was the approximate net worth of both your parents in the last tax year? If your parents are separated or divorced, please provide the combined net worth of both parents' households.
By net worth, we mean total assets (including home value, pension value, stocks and bonds, etc.) minus total liabilities (home mortgages and other debts). If the head of the household is claimed as a dependent on another person's income tax forms, please provide the requested information for that claimant.
Please type corresponding response in the below text box.
Under $50,000
$50,000-$99,999
$100,000-$199,999
$200,000-$399,999
$400,000-$799,999
$800,000 or more
Unknown
- If the income level indicated above does not represent the approximate income level of your parents' household during this period, please explain: (maximum characters 1000)
Your optional financial need statement should not exceed one page in length and should not be used as an extension of your personal statement.
A well-written personal statement is an especially valuable component of the application for admission. The personal statement may address any number of topics but generally should allow the Admissions Committee to gain further insights into the applicant's background, motivation for entering the legal profession, personal and professional goals, and the applicant's interest in Ave Maria School of Law. The applicant is encouraged to discuss aspects of our distinctive mission she/he finds particularly meaningful. Our mission is available on our website at www.avemarialaw.edu. In addition, if an applicant wishes to be considered for a specific scholarship (listed on our website), that should be included in the personal statement or a separate statement, along with any factors or experiences in support of the request. The length of the personal statement should not exceed two double-spaced typed pages using a 12-point font.
To enhance their application, candidates may also choose to submit a 1-2 paragraph diversity statement or a statement describing their commitment to the Catholic faith.
This section is optional.
Please include any additional information that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. Statements addressing your affinity with our mission, how you will contribute positively to the Ave Maria School of Law community, and/or explanation of overcoming adversities are welcome.
Please attach your professional resume (detailing education, employment, skills, honors, awards, and accomplishments) here.
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 (http://www.ncbex.org/).
Applicants should take care to respond fully and accurately to each question on the law school application. Applicants should be aware that, in conducting character and fitness investigations, bar authorities frequently request copies of candidate's applications for admission to law school to determine whether they have supplied erroneous, misleading or incomplete information in the admission process. If discrepancies are found, bar authorities may conclude that such discrepancies demonstrate a lack of honesty, trustworthiness, diligence, or reliability so as to call into question the applicant's fitness for admission to the Bar.
If the answer to any of the questions regarding character and fitness is affirmative, a full written explanation must be provided and should include dates, circumstances and outcomes surrounding the incident(s). Please supplement the application whenever necessary to ensure that the answers are current and accurate. Additionally, if the answer to the question regarding prior matriculation is affirmative, a full written explanation must be provided. In addition to an addendum, applicants are required to provide an official transcript and an official letter of standing to Ave Maria School of Law. Transcripts and letter of standing from the previous law school must be sent directly to LSAC or Ave Maria School of Law by previous institution.
1. Have you ever been dropped, suspended, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, expelled, advised or required to withdraw, or otherwise been subject to discipline by any college, university, graduate or professional (including law) school?
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If yes, please explain fully, including dates. You may copy and paste your response from another document. (maximum characters 3000)
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Have you ever been charged with, arrested for, pleaded guilty to, or been convicted of any crime other than a minor traffic violation? Details on parking tickets may be excluded but moving violations, including speeding tickets, must be fully disclosed. Please disclose this information even if the charges were dismissed or you were acquitted, the conviction was stayed or vacated, the record was sealed or expunged, or if you were advised not to disclose this information.
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If yes, please explain fully, including dates. You may copy and paste your response from another document. (maximum characters 3000)
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Are there any criminal charges pending against you?
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If yes, please explain fully, including dates. You may copy and paste your response from another document. (maximum characters 3000)
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Have you ever had a professional license which has been subject to disciplinary action, probation, suspension, or revocation? Professional license includes a license to practice law in another jurisdiction or any other type of professional license that was issued in any jurisdiction. Also include documentation to support a reinstatement of any license that has been subject to disciplinary action.
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If yes, please explain fully, including dates. You may copy and paste your response from another document. (maximum characters 4000)
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Have you ever been delinquent or in default of any financial obligations, including student loans? One of the top four areas of concern for most bar examiners is financial responsibility. In many instances, having the debt is not the concern, but being irresponsible about managing and repaying that debt is what is more troubling.
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If yes,explain those instances and provide evidence of renewed financial responsibility. Such evidence can include proof of timely, consecutive payments to a creditor over a notable period of time of at least six months. (maximum characters 4000)
If your answer to any of the Character and Fitness questions was affirmative, a full written explanation must be provided. Such explanations should include dates, charges, contact information for the arresting agency and court, sentencing information, or other outcomes. Additionally, please supplement the application whenever necessary to ensure that the answers are current and accurate.
Each jurisdiction establishes bar registration and admission standards for individuals who wish to practice within the jurisdiction. One important aspect of admission to practice is an evaluation of an applicant’s character and fitness to practice law.
Applicants should take care to respond fully and accurately to each question on the law school application. Applicants should be aware that, in conducting character and fitness investigations, bar authorities frequently request copies of candidate’s applications for admission to law school to determine whether they have supplied erroneous, misleading, or incomplete information in the admission process. If discrepancies are found, bar authorities may conclude that such discrepancies demonstrate a lack of honesty, trustworthiness, diligence or reliability so as to call into question the applicant’s fitness for admission to the Bar.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Board of Bar Examiners of the state(s) in which they intend to practice in order to secure information regarding the qualifications for admission to the practice of law in that jurisdiction, including what constitutes proof of sufficient character and fitness.
APPLYING FOR ADMISSION
Ave Maria School of Law is accepting applications for new students interested in being considered for the following semesters:
- Spring 2026
- Summer 2026 - Orientation mid-May (Dates TBD)
- Fall 2026 - Orientation mid-August (Dates TBD)
The Admissions Committee at Ave Maria School of Law encourages all prospective applicants to submit their application at the earliest possible date after August 1st. Applying early in the admissions cycle will ensure that the committee is able to provide full consideration for acceptance and merit-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarship funds are limited and there is no guarantee that scholarships will be granted to applicants accepted after the April 1, 2026 deposit deadline.
The Admissions Committee evaluates applications for admission on a "rolling admissions" basis beginning in early November. Admissions evaluations will continue through late spring, as determined by availability of space in the entering class. The Admissions Committee typically renders an admission decision within four to six weeks of the date that the application form and all supporting materials are received by the Admissions Office.
Please note you only have to apply for one term. If you wish to change terms please contact us to do so at admissions@avemarialaw.edu.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
To be considered for admission to Ave Maria School of Law, an applicant must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to enrolling at the School of Law. There is no single major or undergraduate field of study that is either required or recommended of an applicant for admission.
Applicants for admission must register for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The LSAT is administered multiple times annually in locations throughout the United States and at various test centers around the world. Ave Maria School of Law recognizes LSAT scores that have been taken within the last five years. When an applicant for admission has taken the LSAT more than one time, the Admissions Committee typically chooses to rely upon the highest score when evaluating the application. [A candidate may register for the LSAT and CAS online at www.LSAC.org or by requesting and completing registration materials from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at (215) 968-1001.]
A. Letters of Recommendation
One recent (dated within the last two years) letter of recommendation written by an individual who is unrelated to the applicant and able to offer substantive comments on the applicant's potential for success in law school is required. Letters from supervisors or others in a non-academic setting may be substituted for letters written by faculty members if such letters cannot be obtained as a result of the length of time that has passed since the applicant was enrolled in college classes. Optionally, an additional letter of recommendation from a pastor, clergy, or spiritual advisor is welcome. A maximum of three letters of recommendation may be submitted through LSAC's Letter of Recommendation Service.
B. Personal Statement
A well-written personal statement is an especially valuable component of the application for admission. The personal statement may address any number of topics but generally should allow the Admissions Committee to gain further insights into the applicant's background, motivation for entering the legal profession, personal and professional goals, and the applicant's interest in Ave Maria School of Law. The applicant is encouraged to discuss aspects of our distinctive mission she/he finds particularly meaningful. Our mission is available on our website at www.avemarialaw.edu. In addition, if an applicant wishes to be considered for a specific scholarship (listed on our website), that should be included in the personal statement or a separate statement, along with any factors or experiences in support of the request. The length of the personal statement should not exceed two double-spaced typed pages using a 12-point font.
To enhance their application, candidates may also choose to submit a 1-2 paragraph diversity statement or a statement describing their commitment to the Catholic faith.
Additionally, candidates who answer "yes" to either of the Character and Fitness questions, should submit an addendum explaining the specific circumstances along with any supporting documents.
C. Resume
Applicants are required to include a professional resume detailing their education, employment, skills, honors, awards and accomplishments. Pleases use the Attachments section of the application to upload the resume.
D. Application Fee
The application fee is waived for all applicants who apply using the online application system. Ave Maria School of Law does not accept paper applications or CAS Reports fee waiver requests.
E. College Transcript
An official copy of the applicant's undergraduate transcript must be sent to LSAC. As part of the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS), LSAC will summarize the transcript and provide Ave Maria with a copy as part of the Credential Assembly Service report, which includes the LSAT score(s) and a copy of the LSAT writing sample. A final official transcript will be required upon enrollment.
ADMISSION AS A TRANSFER STUDENT
Ave Maria School of Law will consider for transfer admission a student who has earned academic credit at another law school approved by the American Bar Association and is in good academic standing. Ordinarily, the Law School will admit only those students who have achieved solid academic performance in the first year of their legal studies by ranking in the top half of their class. Ave Maria School of Law will accept a maximum of 32 semester hours of credits earned at another law school. Acceptance of credits offered by a student permitted to transfer to Ave Maria from another law school is at the discretion of the Admissions Committee in consultation with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Credit will not be given for courses in which a student receives a grade of less than a "C" or its equivalent.
A student at another law school who wishes to transfer to Ave Maria must submit the following documentation to the Admissions Office no later than July 31st: A completed application form; a Credential Assembly Service report provided by the Law School Admission Council; a one-page personal statement addressing the reason(s) for seeking transfer admission; one letter of recommendation, one of which must be from a faculty member of the applicant's current law school; an official transcript from the applicant's current law school; and a letter of good standing and indication of applicant's class rank at the current law school.
Scholarship assistance for transfer students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
ADMISSION AS A VISITING STUDENT
A law student enrolled and in good standing at another ABA-accredited law school may enroll in courses at Ave Maria School of Law for up to one academic year. Visiting students earn academic credit at Ave Maria (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and, with the approval of their home institution, apply these credits toward graduation requirements of the home institution. It is important to note that enrollment as a visiting student is not an appropriate mechanism for eventually seeking to transfer to Ave Maria.
Potential visiting students are required to submit the following in order to be considered for admission: a completed application form; a brief statement addressing the reason(s) for seeking enrollment as a visiting student; a letter from the dean's office of the home school granting approval for the student to enroll at Ave Maria School of Law as a visiting student; and an official law school transcript. The application deadline for submission of these materials is July 31st for the fall semester and December 1st for the spring semester. Visiting students are not eligible to receive scholarship assistance; however, visiting students are able to receive federal and private loan assistance.
A personal statement must accompany your application. The personal statement should be a 1-3 page essay that provides some insight into your character. The personal statement is also your opportunity to inform the Admissions Committee of any information that you believe supports your application.
Additionally, Faulkner University is a Christian university and Faulkner Law believes that the study of law is uniquely intertwined with faith. Therefore, as scholarships are considered, it is recommended that each applicant respond to the following promot within their personal statement: "Faulkner Law has cultivated a caring Christian environment within a rigorous academic setting where the Anglo-American legal tradition is studied and difficult topics such as the nature of law and the importance of legal reasoning are discussed. Please discuss how you would contribute and benefit from this environment." Students who wish to be considered for the Faith & Law Scholarship must respond to this prompt.
Attach your résumé here.
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 the answer is "Yes" to any of the following questions, you are required to submit a full written explanation as an addedum to your application in the Attachment section. This addendum shall include dates, charges, identification information of arresting agency and court, sentencing information, and/or resolution. Any addendum failing to adequately address the circumstances surrounding a disclosed incident or the resolution to said incident shall cause delays or disqualification during the applicant review process. Please note that there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the Bar; and the School of 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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Have you ever been academically dismissed, suspended, expelled, placed on probation, received a warning, or requested to withdraw for any reason by any school, college or university? No statute, court order, legal or administrative proceeding expunging the information required herein from any record, or dismissing, vacating or setting aside any academic action listed above or reliance upon an individual purporting to authorize any person to deny the existence of such matter shall excuse less than full disclosure.
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Have you ever as a juvenile or adult been served with a criminal summons, questioned, arrested, taken into custody, indicted, charged with, tried for, pleaded guilty to or convicted of, or ever been the subject of an investigation concerning the violation of any law, regulation or policy, including but not limited to any internal investigation conducted by an employer or public agency? (Include all traffic tickets/offenses in your answer, except that you need not list parking tickets/offenses.) No statute, court order or legal proceeding expunging the information required herein from any record, or dismissing, vacating or setting aside any arrest, accusation or conviction, or purporting to authorize any person to deny the existence of such matter shall excuse less than full disclosure.
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Have you ever been a party or otherwise involved in ANY legal proceeding, civil or criminal?
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Are you now, or have you ever been, addicted to or had a substance abuse problem with, or have you undergone treatment or counseling for the use of, narcotics, drugs, or intoxicating liquors?
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In the past 5 years, have you received treatment for a serious nervous, emotional, or mental illness which would adversely impact your ability to practice law?
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Have you ever been granted a license to practice a business, profession, or trade, and had that license suspended or revoked?
Faulkner University, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
Admission Standards
Faulkner University?s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law is a faith-oriented law school affiliated with the Churches of Christ and embraces a Christian world view. Faulkner Law produces exceptional attorneys of distinguished moral character. Reflecting this, the Faulkner Law Admissions Committee will evaluate each applicant as a whole.
To be eligible for consideration for admission to Faulkner Law, an applicant must have a bachelor?s degree from a university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. An application for admission filed during the senior year of college, prior to receiving the degree, can be approved by Faulkner Law, subject to the applicant?s receipt of the degree before the commencement of classes. Each applicant must have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); the LSAT is preferred. If an applicant takes both the LSAT and the GRE, the LSAT score will be used.
The admissions selection process is based on a number of factors designed to identify an applicant?s probability for academic and professional success, as well as to build an incoming class that is diverse and supportive of Faulkner Law?s Christian environment. The applicant?s cumulative undergraduate GPA and LSAT or GRE score are critical, but the Admissions Committee will also seriously consider an applicant?s employment experience, graduate work, specific educational institutions attended, extracurricular activities, professional and faith-oriented letters of recommendation, community service, evidence of leadership, military service, and any other relevant information.
Faulkner Law conducts a rolling admissions process. The Admissions Committee will make a determination once an applicant?s file is complete. Applicants are accepted, denied, or placed on hold for later consideration, and applicants will be notified of their status as soon as a decision is made. The Admissions Committee will review applicants placed on hold later in the admissions process to make a final determination on their enrollment status.
Faulkner Law seeks applicants who share its faith mission and Christian world view, while also striving to provide access to legal education to those from under-represented groups in the legal profession.
Scheduling Options
Faulkner Law offers two scheduling options:
(1) Full-time J.D. Schedule (a full load of on-campus, weekday classes over three years. Reduced course load options are available.)
(2) Executive J.D. Schedule (reduced load of blended classes over four years. Blended classes will meet on campus every other weekend on Friday evenings and Saturdays and will have an asynchronous distance education component during the week.)
The Personal Statement
A personal statement must accompany your application. The personal statement should be a 1-3 page essay detailing the reasons you wish to study law, and why you want to study at Faulkner Law. The personal statement is your opportunity to inform the Admissions Committee of any information that you believe supports your application. Relevant information could include extracurricular achievements, work experience, or personal challenges.
Résumé
A résumé is a required attachment to your application. As with your Personal Statement, your application cannot be marked complete and reviewed by our Admissions Committee without the attachment of a résumé. A résumé often proves to be significantly helpful during our Admission Committee's candidate deliberation process.
Credential Assembly Service
The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and serves as a central collection agency of college transcripts required for law school admissions decisions. The Credential Assembly Service analyzes undergraduate work, combines the analysis with the LSAT scores, and produces a Credential Assembly Service law school report for the applicant and the School of Law. Registration can be made through LSAC's website at LSAC.org. A CAS report is required for each applicant to be considered for admission to the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The LSAT is an aptitude test used by law schools throughout the country and is administered by the Law School Admission Council. The test is given multiple times per calendar year at centers throughout the country. The LSAT is a strong predictor of how a student will perform in law school and on the bar exam. The School of Law strongly encourages students to prepare thoroughly for the LSAT before taking it. If taken more than once, the School of Law will use the highest of all scores. Please refer to the paragraph above for registration details.
The GRE is an aptitude test measuring verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It is administered multiple times per calendar year at testing centers and online. Applicants can register for the GRE through Educational Testing Service (ETS) at ets.org. The GRE Law School Code for Faulkner Law is: 2846.
Letters of Recommendation
At least two letters of recommendation, but no more than four, must accompany each application. Faulkner Law encourages applicants to submit at least one letter of recommendation from a professor or legal professional. Further, Faulkner Law also encourages applicants to submit a letter of recommendation from a church or faith community leader. However, if a student wishes to be considered for the Faith and Law Scholarship, a letter from a church or faith community leader is required. At least one of the two required letters must be dated within one year of the application date.
Accreditation Statement
Faulkner University?s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738.
Faulkner University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Baccalaureate, Master's and Juris Doctor degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Faulkner University.
Bar Licensure Information
Graduates of Faulkner University?s full-time and flexible Juris Doctor schedules are eligible to sit for the bar examination in every U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia. Graduates of Faulkner University?s executive Juris Doctor schedule are eligible to sit for the bar examination in every U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia, except New York, which has not adopted the ABA standards for distance education. (See Rules of the N.Y. Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law § 520.3(c).) Therefore, the Faulkner University full-time and flexible Juris Doctor schedules meet the educational requirements for licensure in every U.S. state. The Faulkner University executive Juris Doctor schedule meets the educational requirements for licensure in every U.S. state except New York. There are, however, character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction (beyond educational requirements). Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements of any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. For more information, please visit the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) Jurisdiction Information page at https://www.ncbex.org/jurisdictions. Additional consumer information is available on the law school?s website at https://law.faulkner.edu/about-faulkner-law/aba-required-disclosures/.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Faulkner University's Thomas Goode Jones School of Law does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status in any of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities. Although the School of Law does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, sexual conduct outside of biblical marriage (see, e.g., Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5-6; Eph. 5:31, 33; I Tim. 3:2; and Tit. 1:6) is inconsistent with the University?s religious traditions, values, affiliation, and purpose. Therefore, in accordance with ABA Standard 205 and Interpretation 205-2, the School of Law does not knowingly employ individuals who engage in such conduct; the School of Law also expects its students to avoid using the law school?s (or University?s) facilities, resources, name, or symbols to advocate such conduct. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with Standard 205 and Interpretation 205-2, the School of Law exercises a preference in the employment of faculty and staff for those qualified applicants who are members of the Churches of Christ whose lifestyles are consistent with the mission of the School of Law and with the beliefs and values of the Churches of Christ. In cases where no qualified applicant is a member of the Churches of Christ, the School of Law exercises a preference in employment for those whose religious beliefs and lifestyles are consistent with the mission of the School of Law and with the beliefs and values of the Churches of Christ.
Faulkner Law Checklist
The following is a checklist for your completion of the application process. A complete applicant file consists of the following:
- Official Application Form with each question answered and signed (or electronically certified) by the applicant
- Personal Statement (must be electronically attached)
- Résumé (required and attached)
- Letters of Recommendation (minimum of two, maximum of four. At least one letter must be dated within one year of application date.)
- Registration with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score (received from the Credential Assembly Service) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score (received from ETS). Please note: The GRE code for Faulkner Law is 2846.
APPLICANTS ARE EXPECTED TO READ, UNDERSTAND, AND COMPLY WITH LSAC'S ETHICAL STANDARDS, AVAILABLE HERE.
A Personal Statement is required. Since individuals and their interests and aspirations vary, the content of the statement is left to your discretion. You may take this opportunity to clarify questions contained in this Application for Admission, provide additional information that you feel should be considered in evaluating your application, or you may elect to write about another subject that addresses your decision to attend Touro Law Center.
Touro Law Center values diversity in its student body. Diversity can be measured in terms of many characteristics such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, and sexual orientation. However, every individual may make a distinctive contribution by virtue of such factors as background, experience, interests, and geographic residence.
We invite you to describe briefly attributes of your character that you believe would enhance the diversity of the community at Touro Law Center.
Attach a complete explanation if you are not in good academic and disciplinary/social standing at the law school(s) you have attended or where you are currently registered.
Use this section to provide us with any additional information that is relevant to your application.
Provide a current and complete résumé.
If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, please provide a complete explanation for each question in the Personal History Addendum section under "Attachments."
If you are unsure whether an incident in your past requires an affirmative response to any of the following questions, you are advised to contact the Admissions Office 631.761.7010 to request clarification. However, you are advised to make full disclosure in this application, since you will be required to do so when you apply to take the bar examination and/or seek admission to practice. Please understand that the failure to candidly respond to a question is, almost without exception, a far more serious matter than the underlying event itself***.***
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Have you ever, for any reason, been suspended from, placed on probation at, required to withdraw from, or been subject to any disciplinary action at any educational institution (above elementary school level), including law school? Address all prior and/or pending matters.
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Are there currently or have there been any disciplinary charges against you? This includes but is not limited to any professional licensing matters.
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Have you, at any age, unless specifically excluded below, been charged with, indicted for, tried for, convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, any felony or misdemeanor or the violation of any law? In your response, disclose any matter in which you were adjudicated a youthful offender or received an equivalent adjudication in another jurisdiction.
Do NOT report:
a. any matter in which you were adjudicated a juvenile delinquent in Family Court or other noncriminal proceeding;
b. any citation, ticket or arrest that did not result in criminal charges or an indictment, trial, conviction or guilty plea;
c. vehicle and traffic matters that occurred more than 10 years before the filing of this application, EXCEPT alcohol or drug-related traffic violations, which must be reported in all cases, irrespective of when they occurred; or
d. parking violations.
If yes, please explain in a supplementary statement or electronic attachment the charge or charges and relevant facts, including the nature of the offense, the dates and courts involved, and the penalty imposed, if any.
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Are there any criminal charges, other than minor parking violations, pending against you now?
Any pending charge involving alcohol or controlled substances must be disclosed. -
Have you received a military discharge under other than honorable conditions?
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Have there been any civil judgments filed against you?
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Is there anything in your social media postings (past or present) that is inconsistent with the mission or Code of Conduct of the University or with that of the program in which you will be enrolled?
You are under a continuing obligation to notify the Admissions Office of any changes in your answers to these questions up until the time of your enrollment. Once enrolled, you are under a continuing obligation to notify the Office of Student Services of any changes in your answers to these questions.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICATIONS
- completed application form
- personal statement
- résumé
- standardized test result(s) (LSAT or GRE)
- LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report
- application fee: waived
If you are applying as a Transfer, you must also submit:
- an official law school transcript(s) sent to LSAC or directly to Touro Law Center
- a letter of standing from your law school?s authorized representative (dean or registrar)
If you have been disqualified from another law school, you must apply as a first-year student and also submit:
- an official law school transcript(s) sent to LSAC or directly to Touro Law Center
- a letter of standing from your law school?s authorized representative (dean or registrar)
STANDARDIZED TESTS
All applicants are required to take either the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE.) We will accept LSAT and/or GRE scores from tests administered within the past five (5) years. Since we accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle, we will consider scores released at least two (2) weeks before the start of classes.
GRE takers must designate Touro to receive all reportable scores from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Our GRE Designated Institution (DI) Code is 3223.
Please note: the GRE may not be submitted in lieu of the LSAT if an applicant has already taken or plans to take the LSAT.
LSAC CREDENTIAL ASSEMBLY SERVICE (CAS)
All applicants, regardless of which standardized test is taken, must create an account with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS.)
QUALIFICATION FOR LICENSURE
The Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738, and is authorized to award the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The J.D. program meets the law school educational requirements to sit for the bar exam in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories of Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Please note: acceptance into the J.D. program is not a guarantee of licensure in any state or jurisdiction.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE BAR (AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION STANDARD 504)
Each state/jurisdiction has its own requirements for admission to its bar. For information about state bar examinations, please visit the American Bar Association website at: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/resources/bar-admissions/bar-exams/.
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.
A number of states require that persons intending to practice law in those states register with a designated state office or official prior to beginning the study of law. Students should therefore ascertain and comply with such requirements in the jurisdictions where they expect to practice. You are encouraged to review these requirements at www.ncbex.org.
Take great care when preparing the Application for Admission. Answer all questions fully and accurately. Include your name and LSAC account number on all documents accompanying the application.
Touro University, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
Office of Admissions
225 Eastview Drive
Central Islip, NY 11722
Telephone: 631.761.7010
Facsimile: 631.761.7019
E-mail: admissions@tourolaw.edu
An approximately 2-page typed and double-spaced Statement of Purpose must accompany each application. The Statement of Purpose should highlight your professional goals, your motivations for applying to law school, and how UIC Law is the right program for you in light of those two factors.
This section is optional.
Optional Statement: You are welcome to submit a statement describing any relevant personal factors about you that add to the diversity of our student body.
This section is optional.
Optional Statement: Please describe your interest in University of Illinois Chicago Law School.
This section is optional.
Optional Statement: You are welcome to provide a statement describing why you believe your test scores do not reflect your ability or your potential success in law school. You may also choose to address any unusual circumstances surrounding the scores.
This section is optional.
If you have an additional statement or addendum to your application, please attach it here.
This section is optional.
Optional Statement: You are welcome to provide a statement describing why you believe your GPA or academic background to date do not reflect your ability or your potential success in law school. You may also choose to address any unusual circumstances surrounding your grades.
Please submit a current resume.
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 American Bar Association requires that law schools inform each applicant that state bar requirements deal with the character and fitness of an applicant at the time he or she seeks certification to register for the bar. It further permits the law school to seek information on character and fitness to ensure that appropriate law school qualifications are met. The following questions represent areas of inquiry made by the bar authorities in most states and must be answered with a "Yes" or a "No." Failure to do so will delay action by the Admission Committee. Indicate "No" if not applicable. If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment (see Attachments section).
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Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on social probation, academic probation, or disciplinary probation, expelled, requested to resign, or requested or advised to discontinue your studies by any school, university, law school or other educational institution above the age of 13? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment (see Attachments section).
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Have you ever been accused of or charged with any social, academic, or other misconduct, including, without limitation, the violation of any statute, ordinance, code of student conduct, or institutional policy, practice, or requirement, by any school, university, law school or other educational institution above the age of 13? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment. Please include documents reflecting the outcome or disposition of the accusation(s) or charge(s). (see Attachments section).
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Have you ever been the subject of a probable cause hearing or other initial inquiry or have you ever accepted or elected a lowering of grade or other academic discipline in lieu of or in addition to participation in the disciplinary procedures of any school, university, law school or other educational institution above the age of 13? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment (see Attachments section).
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To the best of your knowledge, have there ever been or are there now any formal or informal charges, complaints, or grievances pending concerning your conduct as a member of another profession or as a holder of a public office? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment. Please include documents reflecting the outcome or disposition of the charges, complaints, or grievances. (see Attachments section).
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Have you ever been formally or informally detained, restrained, cited, summoned into court, taken into custody, arrested, accused, charged, convicted, placed on probation, placed on supervision, or forfeited collateral in connection with any offense against the law or an ordinance, or accused of committing a delinquent act, other than a minor traffic or parking violation? A "minor traffic violation" is a violation for which only a citation was issued, e.g. speeding less than 25 mph over the limit or other moving violations, however any traffic violation charged as a misdemeanor, involving felonious conduct or involving a fine of $350 or more must be reported. Other traffic offenses, including any in which acting under the influence of a drug or alcohol was an element of the offense, must be reported. NOTE: Please answer regardless of the final disposition.
If your answer is "Yes," please state the facts fully on a separate attachment and attach a copy of the arresting officer's report, complaint, indictment, trial disposition, sentencing documents and appeal documents (see Attachments section). If alcohol or drugs were involved, you must also attach the order of disposition and documents substantiating successful completion of any sentence or condition imposed. You must disclose each instance even if charges were not formally brought against you, were dismissed, you were acquitted, adjudication was withheld, or your conviction was reversed, set aside or vacated. You must disclose these instances regardless of whether you have been told that you need not disclose any such instance, your case was expunged or sealed, or the instance is in any other way subject to non-disclosure. You may be requested to provide additional information if you are accepted.
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Have you ever had a complaint filed against you in any civil, criminal or administrative forum alleging fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, forgery, discrimination, or professional malpractice? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment. Please include documents reflecting the outcome or disposition of the case. (see Attachments section).
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Are there any decrees, judgments, liens, or orders entered against you which have not been satisfied? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment (see Attachments section).
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Have you ever defaulted or are you currently in default on an educational loan (Stafford, SLS/ALAS/PLUS, or Perkins)? If "Yes," please provide an explanation (see Attachments section).
When to Apply
The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (UIC Law) welcomes applicants to our Fall 2026 entering class. The priority deadline is March 1, 2026 and the standard deadline is April 1, 2026. Applicants will indicate their intention to enroll in our full-time day, part-time day, or part-time evening program when completing the application. While UIC Law will accept applications after the standard deadline, the Admissions Committee makes decisions on a rolling basis until the class is filled and we can not guarantee that applications submitted after April 1 will receive full consideration. It is to your advantage to submit your application as early as possible.
Admission Criteria
All candidates (except applicants applying as part of an approved "3 plus 3" program) who apply to UIC Law must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before enrolling. All "3 plus 3" applicants must be approved by and meet the requirements set forth by their undergraduate institution before applying to the JD program. Please note that the "3 plus 3" program is only available through certain undergraduate institutions.
The UIC Law Admissions Committee will consider the following criteria when reviewing your application:
- Undergraduate cumulative grade-point average (GPA), as well as grade trends
- College major and rigor of coursework
- Graduate work, if any
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores
- Quality of Statement of Purpose and writing skills overall
- Background including, but not limited to, personal and professional experiences (applicants must submit a resume)
- Demonstrated leadership in academic, social, professional, and community organizations
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- Issues that may affect character and fitness review by state bar examiners
Candidates who demonstrate exceptional performance in their academic coursework and on the LSAT or GRE have a higher likelihood for success in the admission process at UIC Law. Admissions interviews are optional and at the invitation of the Admissions Committee only.
It is important to provide truthful and complete answers to all questions on the application. Failure to disclose any changes to your application during the admission process or during your studies at UIC Law may result in refusal or revocation of admission, expulsion after admission, revocation or suspension of credits, degree, or certification for the bar, or denial of admission to the bar by the appropriate state agency, or other disciplinary action.
The Application Procedure
Applicants must apply to UIC Law via the Law School Admission Council's electronic application process (LSAC.org) and include:
- A statement of purpose and any optional additional statements that may support admission. The statement of purpose should be an approximately two page typed and double-spaced document that provides an overview of your career goals, motivations for attending law school, and why UIC Law will help you reach those goals. The statements must be uploaded with your application.
- An LSAT or GRE score: All applicants must submit LSAT and/or GRE scores. The Admissions Committee will not accept test scores more than five years old. Please see our website for further information regarding use of the GRE.
- Academic Credentials: All applicants must register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), a service of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Your CAS report includes your LSAT score (if any) and writing sample, an undergraduate academic summary, copies of all undergraduate, graduate, and law school transcripts, and letters of recommendation processed by LSAC.
- Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain at least one letter of recommendation and must use the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. Your letters will be copied and sent to us with your law school report.
- A resumé.
Your application is not complete until we receive all items listed above. It is your responsibility to assure that your CAS report is complete with LSAC. You may check your CAS report status by logging in to your LSAC account online.
Re-application Policy
Applicants who wish to reapply to UIC Law must file a new application, including an updated statement of purpose and resume. Additionally, applicants must have a current membership with LSAC to ensure that their CAS report is updated and sent to the Law School.
Transfer Applicants
Admission of transfer applicants is always discretionary. Only students in good academic and disciplinary standing at an ABA-approved law school who have completed between 24 and 30 semester hours with at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA will be considered for transfer admission to UIC Law. In addition to the application and personal statement, all transfer applicants must provide a complete official transcript and letter of good standing from their current law school. The transcript and letter must be sent directly from the applicant's current school to UIC Law or be received by us via the LSAC Candidate Assembly Service.
Foreign Student and Lawyer Applicants
LSAC also provides a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for foreign applicants that includes an evaluation of foreign grades, transcripts, and credentials. All applicants whose native language is not English must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If an applicant has obtained a post-secondary degree from a university in the United States or another English-speaking country, the TOEFL requirement may be waived. For more information, please visit www.ets.org/toefl.
UIC Law is required by United States government regulations to check the availability of adequate funding for your tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of your studies at UIC Law. Upon paying the full tuition deposit, UIC will require that foreign applicants who are not also a permanent resident of the United States will submit proof of finances for the purpose of issuing immigration documents.
The Notification and Decision Process
Once UIC Law's Office of Admission has received your application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to check the status of your application online. Due to the volume of applications, it can take several weeks for your application to be processed and placed in review. Additionally, your application may be in review for several weeks before you receive a decision. It is not necessary to contact the Office of Admission before April 1 regarding your application status. The Office of Admission appreciates your patience during these periods.
Promptly notify the Office of Admission of any updates or changes to your application at law-admissions@uic.edu.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarships are based on merit and are awarded to entering students who have demonstrated academic excellence, professional accomplishments, and a competitive LSAT or GRE score. All applicants are automatically reviewed for scholarship opportunities at the time of admission and are notified of any scholarship awards in the letter of admission.
Applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note that if you have previously defaulted on a student loan, you may be unable to secure federal student aid. We encourage applicants who have defaulted to consult with their lender or loan servicer.
UIC Law's Title IV school code for the FAFSA is 001776.
All applicants must submit an original 500-750-word personal statement addressing your qualifications for legal study, career objectives in law, and analytical abilities developed through academic or professional experiences. You can focus on work experience, leadership roles, specialized skills, or academic achievements. By submitting, you confirm this work is entirely your own without AI assistance, reflecting only your individual experiences with limited third-party proofreading.
Please submit an addendum for any additional information you would like the Admissions Committee to consider.
This section is optional.
Please submit a résumé listing your last five (5) full-time positions, including summer employment.
Qualifications for 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. Bar examiners may require information similar to that requested in the last two questions in this section and considerable additional information as part of their character review as a prerequisite to taking the bar examination. The fullest possible disclosure to the bar is recommended. Admission to or graduation from law school does not guarantee a registrant that he/she will be eligible to sit for a bar examination and/or be admitted to the practice of law.
1. Have you ever been placed on warning, probation, suspended, or dismissed from any educational institution, including law school, either for academic or disciplinary reasons? If yes, submit an explanation as an attachment.
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Have you ever been a) convicted of a felony for which the conviction has not been vacated or expunged or b) convicted of a misdemeanor for which you were sentenced to imprisonment and for which the conviction has not been vacated or expunged or c) convicted of a misdemeanor within the past five years, for which the conviction has not been vacated or expunged, excluding however a first conviction for drunkenness, simple assault, speeding, minor traffic violations, affray, or disturbance of the peace? Note: Some states' bars require disclosure of much fuller information relating to criminal proceedings, including information that was subsequently expunged or sealed. If yes, submit an attachment describing the nature of the conviction, the circumstances involved, the sentence imposed, and the court in which the case was heard.
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Have you ever been a party on either side in a civil action or proceeding involving a claim of fraud, conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, professional malpractice or other wrongful conduct? If yes, submit an explanation as as an attachment.
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I currently plan on taking the bar exam in the following state: (maximum characters 2000)
Instructions: New England Law | Boston
We're thrilled that you are interested in joining our New England Law | Boston community - thank you! If you are planning on applying this year, we urge you to submit your application as early as possible before the application deadline.
To learn more about New England Law, we invite you to request a viewbook and schedule a visit to meet our faculty, staff, students, and law school admissions staff. Please contact our Office of Admissions for additional information at admit@nesl.edu or 617-422-7210.
We will make every effort to notify applicants of missing application documents. However, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the Office of Admissions receives all necessary law school application materials. Once a file is complete, you will be notified.
Completed applications for the fall are reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning in December. Most applicants can expect a decision within four to eight weeks of submission of their completed application. Other than certain upper-class transfer/visiting applicants, all students must begin their legal studies in the fall semester.
Law School Application Requirements
A complete application file consists of:
- Application form
- CAS report (including transcript)
- LSAT Score (within the past 5 years), GRE Scores (within the past 5 years, only if applicant does not have a reportable LSAT score or JD-Next score), or JD-Next Score (within the past 5 years, only if applicant does not have a reportable LSAT score or GRE scores)
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
- TOEFL/IELTS (If English is not your first language or your undergraduate degree was not received from an English-speaking institution.)
Application Form
Please complete and submit your application by the deadline.
You will be given the opportunity to indicate which JD program you are applying to.
We will notify you when your application has been received. If applying online, LSAC will send you confirmation that your application has been submitted.
Undergraduate Degree
Before matriculating at New England Law | Boston, an applicant must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited US institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution. New England Law will only accept transcripts submitted through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), a service provided by the LSAC. The CAS analyzes each registrant?s transcript(s), compiles other relevant information about the applicant, and then sends this data to the law schools chosen by the registrant.
Please note: Applicants who have received undergraduate degrees outside the United States or Canada must adhere to the transcript requirements under the applicants with foreign undergraduate degrees section.
LSAT
Each applicant must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) no later than April of the year in which enrollment is sought. Because April LSAT scores will be released after the application deadline, applicants taking the April LSAT should submit their application and all required materials prior to the application deadline.
The applicant must have taken the LSAT within the past five years. If an applicant repeats the LSAT, the application will be reviewed using the highest score. In some cases, the Admissions Committee may also give weight to all scores the applicant has achieved.
GRE
For applicants who do not have a reportable LSAT score or a reportable JD-Next score, New England Law will accept a GRE score submission in its place. The applicant must have taken the GRE within the last five years. If submitting GRE scores, the applicant should request to have their official score report sent to our Office of Admissions (school code: 2841) by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
JD-Next
For applicants who do not have a reportable LSAT score or a reportable GRE score, New England Law will accept a JD-Next score submission in its place. The applicant must have taken the JD-Next exam within the last five years. If submitting JD-Next scores, the applicant should request to have their official score report sent to New England Law | Boston via their Territorium LifeJourney portal.
Personal Statement
All applicants must submit an original 500-750-word personal statement addressing your qualifications for legal study, career objectives in law, and analytical abilities developed through academic or professional experiences. You can focus on work experience, leadership roles, specialized skills, or academic achievements. By submitting, you confirm this work is entirely your own without AI assistance, reflecting only your individual experiences with limited third-party proofreading.
Letter of Recommendation
Each applicant must submit one letter of recommendation, preferably from a college professor who can attest to your ability to enter a competitive professional program. If the applicant has been out of school for a considerable period of time, a letter from an employer also can be submitted. Applicants may submit more than one letter, although once one letter has been received, the applicant?s file will be sent to the Admissions Committee for review.
Faxed or photocopied recommendation letters are not accepted. There are two options for submitting letters of recommendation:
- New England Law recommends that recommendation letters be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. Letters submitted through the service are copied and sent to New England Law with a CAS report. (These reports are updated weekly.)
- New England Law accepts letters sent directly to the school by the recommender. The envelope must be sealed with the recommender's signature over the seal.
TOEFL / IELTS (if required)
If English is not your first language or if your undergraduate degree was not received from an English-speaking institution, you must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and receive a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test for TOEFL or a minimum score of 7.0 for IELTS.
You must contact the Educational Testing Service to request that your TOEFL score be sent to the LSAC. The LSAC's TOEFL code for the JD CAS is 8395. You'll find more details on the LSAC website.
Candidates who receive a score below the required minimum on all English proficiency exams are still encouraged to apply to the program because we use a holistic approach when reviewing applications.
Addendum To Your Application
Law school applicants may include an addendum to discuss items not addressed elsewhere in the application. While not required, it is often helpful to the Admissions Committee for you to provide reasons why your LSAT score(s) or undergraduate grade-point average would or would not be a good predictor of your law school performance. In addition, comparing your SAT and ACT scores with your academic performance in post-secondary school may help the Admissions Committee evaluate whether your LSAT score is a good predictor of law school performance.
Qualifications for Admissions to the Bar
New England Law | Boston graduates are eligible to take the bar examination in any jurisdiction in the United States. 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. Some jurisdictions require students to register with the state Board of Bar Examiners before or soon after they begin law school.
Different states test different subjects on their bar examinations. Each student should become familiar with the subjects that will be covered to best prepare for the respective examination.
J.D. International Students
Applicants with Foreign Undergraduate Degrees
If you are a graduate of an undergraduate program outside the United States, you may apply to enter New England Law | Boston?s three-year, full-time or four-year, part-time JD program. Successful completion of either program will allow you to sit for any bar examination in the United States.
Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for International Students
New England Law requires that foreign transcripts be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) JD Credential Assembly Service. If you completed any post-secondary work outside the United States (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service to submit foreign transcripts.
The one exception is completion of the foreign work through a study abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a US or Canadian institution. If so, this must be clearly indicated on the home campus transcript.
This service is included in LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) subscription fee. In addition, a Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and incorporated into the CAS report.
Requirements for Students with Foreign Undergraduate Degrees
All students must take the LSAT as part of the application process. If English is not your first language or if your undergraduate degree was not received from an English-speaking institution, you must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and receive a minimum score of 100 on the Internet-based test for TOEFL or a minimum score of 7.0 for IELTS.
You must contact the Educational Testing Service to request that your TOEFL score be sent to the LSAC. The LSAC?s TOEFL code for the JD CAS is 8395. Your score will then be included in the Foreign Credential Evaluation, which will be included in the LSDAS report. You'll find more details on the LSAC website.
To use the JD Credential Assembly Service, log in to the LSAC online and follow the instructions to register. Be sure to print out a Transcript Request Form for each institution, and send it promptly to each one. More time is usually required to receive foreign transcripts.
For questions about the JD Credential Assembly Service, contact the LSAC at 215-968-1011 or LSACINFO@LSAC.org.
Advanced placement is available only with permission from the Office of the Dean.
Nonimmigrant Students
We welcome international students to pursue their interest in law at New England Law | Boston. If you are a nonimmigrant student, additional paperwork and documentation may be necessary.
Please note that satisfying any visa or entry requirements of the U.S. government is your responsibility. You also may be required to register with the federal government. Entry requirements and visa information are available from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Please prepare a two-page essay explaining why you want to become a lawyer. You may discuss your personal experiences, values, or individuals who have influenced your decision. If applicable, address any circumstances that may have affected your academic performance and explain whether those circumstances are likely to impact your success in law school. The Office of Admissions will use your essay to evaluate your candidacy for admission.
Please attach any miscellaneous documentation here.
If you have been previously dismissed from another law school (ABA accredited or non-ABA-accredited), you must also submit a statement via the Attachments section of this application explaining:
- The factors that contributed to your disqualification from law school
- The measures/actions taken since the dismissal to ensure success in law school
- Why your disqualification does not indicate a lack of capacity to successfully complete law school and pass the bar
Attach your résumé here.
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.
Applicants must provide full disclosure as requested below and must disclose an incident under this section even if the charges were dropped, dismissed, referred to a pretrial intervention program, deferred prosecution, and/or for which the records have been sealed or expunged. St. Thomas University College of Law may revoke an acceptance if the applicant fails to make full disclosure.
Criminal Charges
1. In your entire life, have you ever been arrested, detained, restrained, taken into custody, or accused formally or informally of a felony (whether or not the charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor or other lesser charge)? If you answer yes, you must upload an attachment for each instance with the following information: (a) provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances, including the date(s), the charge, the arresting agency, city and state of the arrest, and the subsequent action taken by the authorities; (b) explain whether there are any pending charges against you, and whether you are currently serving or subject to any kind of probation, deferred prosecution program, or reporting for community service obligations associated with any criminal matter; and (c) attach a copy of the arresting or charging document, police investigation reports, and the disposition order.
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In your entire life, have you ever been arrested, detained, restrained, taken into custody, or accused of driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving with an unlawful blood alcohol level, or charged with vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide? If you answer yes, you must upload an attachment for each instance with the following information: (a) provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances, including the date(s), the nature of the charge, case number and court name, and the disposition of the case, including the sentence; (b) explain whether there are any pending charges against you, and whether you are currently serving or subject to any kind of probation, deferred prosecution program, or reporting for community service obligations associated with any criminal matter; and (c) attach a copy of the arresting or charging document, police investigation reports, and the disposition order.
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Other than those incidents disclosed and explained in questions 1 and 2 above, since the date of your 16th birthday, have you ever been arrested, detained, restrained, given a notice to appear, or taken into custody for the violation of a law or ordinance or for committing a delinquent act? If you answer yes, you must upload an attachment for each instance with the following information: (a) a detailed explanation of the circumstances, including the date, the nature of the charge, case number and court name, and the disposition of the case, including the sentence; (b) explain whether there are any pending charges against you, and whether you are currently serving or subject to any kind of probation, deferred prosecution program, or reporting for community service obligations associated with any criminal matter; and (c) attach a copy of the arresting or charging document and the disposition order.
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Have you ever been or are you presently a plaintiff, a defendant, a petitioner, or a respondent in a civil lawsuit? This includes but is not limited to dissolution of marriage, tax, and bankruptcy proceedings. If you answer yes, you must upload an attachment for each instance with the following information: (a) list each such action; (b) provide an explanation including the name of the case, the type of case, your role in the case, and the facts relating to your involvement in the case; (c) provide a copy of the docket sheet, complaint or other initial pleading; and (d) the final judgement, order of dismissal, or other document disposing of or concluding each such action. If the action was dismissed after settlement, include an explanation of the details of the settlement.
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Did you answer yes to questions 1, 2, 3, or 4 listed above? If so, upload your explanation(s) in the Attachments section of this application labeled Criminal Charges.
Academic Disciplinary
6. Have you ever been accused of a violation of an honor code or student conduct code, warned, placed on academic, scholastic, or disciplinary probation, suspended, requested or advised to discontinue your studies, dropped, expelled, or requested to resign or otherwise subjected to discipline by any college, law school, or other post-secondary institution? If you answer yes, provide a complete statement of the circumstances surrounding each such occurrence, including the name and address of the institution, the date of the occurrence, the course or event, the sanction, and all relevant information related thereto.
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Regardless of whether the record has been expunged, canceled, or annulled, or whether no record was made, have you ever been accused of cheating, plagiarism, or other academic dishonesty at any school you attended? If you answer yes, provide a complete statement of the circumstances surrounding each such occurrence, the name and address of the institution, the date(s) of the occurrence, the course or event, the sanction, disposition or result, and all relevant information related thereto.
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Did you answer yes to questions 6 or 7 listed above? If so, upload your explanation(s) in the Attachments section of this application labeled Academic Disciplinary.
Professional Disciplinary
9. Are you now or have you ever been investigated or subject to discipline by any professional licensing board or body? If you answer yes, provide a full explanation of the circumstances and disposition relating to the investigation or discipline in the Attachments section of this application labeled Professional License.
Professional License
10. Do you hold, or have you ever held, any professional, occupational, or business license (including Notary Public)?
Instructions: St. Thomas University College of Law
The College of Law welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and strongly encourages candidates to discuss features of their experience that they believe will contribute to their success in law school and in the legal profession.
This application is for anyone applying for the incoming Fall J.D. program.
Application Requirements
Applications for admission are considered by the Faculty Admissions Committee. To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must present the following:
- A completed application submitted through LSAC's electronic applications.
- Official transcripts, showing the applicant earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or its international equivalent, prior to the date of law school matriculation.
- A current score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
- A current registration with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
- A recent (within the past 2 years) letter of recommendation (submitted through LSAC and included in the Credential Assembly Service registration for US college or university graduates).
- A double-spaced personal statement - 2 pages but no longer than 4 pages.
- A professional resume.
- A nonrefundable application fee of $40 USD.
Upon acceptance and commitment, applicants will be required to submit a nonrefundable $500 seat deposit to secure their place in the incoming Fall class.
Additional Requirements
J.D./3+3 Applicants
Applicants who are part of a 3+3 program at St. Thomas University, Miami Dade College, or Lynn University may apply to St. Thomas University College of Law during the applicant's junior year.
In addition to the application requirements, a letter from the applicant's undergraduate institution indicating the student is eligible to proceed to the law school portion of the program, and that the applicant's law school credits will transfer for completion of the undergraduate program are required.
Restart Applicants
A restart applicant is someone who previously attended any law school (ABA accredited or non-ABA-accredited), at any point, and is restarting as a new incoming J.D. student. A restart applicant must submit the following:
- Official transcripts from your previous law school via LSAC's Credential Assembly Service.
- A Letter of Current Standing directly from your previous law school emailed to St. Thomas University College of Law admissions at admitme@stu.edu. (Note this does not need to be a letter of good standing).
If you have been previously dismissed from another law school (ABA accredited or non-ABA-accredited), you must also submit a statement via the Attachments section of this application explaining:
- The factors that contributed to your disqualification from law school
- The measures/actions taken since the dismissal to ensure success in law school
- Why your disqualification does not indicate a lack of capacity to successfully complete law school and pass the bar
Letters of Recommendation
St. Thomas University College of Law requires one (1) letter of recommendation for each applicant from someone who can attest to your academic and personal accolades. Additional letters may be submitted. No more than four (4) letters may be submitted. If you are currently enrolled in an academic program, or are a recent graduate, a faculty reference is preferred.
The letter of recommendation must be submitted through LSAC's Letter of Recommendation Service that provides all LSAC member-schools with copies of references made on your behalf. This service is included in your Credential Assembly Service registration. Your letter(s) will be sent to the law school along with your law school report. To submit letters, follow the directions on LSAC.org. Be sure to complete and give each recommender a form from LSAC's website.
Applicants with International Credentials
Candidates who attended a college or university outside North America must have their academic credentials translated and evaluated by the Credential Assembly Service provided through LSAC.
International Applicants
International applicants - students who attended a college outside of the United States - are required to present additional application documents:
- International Credentials Evaluation: An official international credentials evaluation must be performed by an evaluation company accredited by NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluator) on all foreign transcripts. Student-athletes are required to have their evaluations performed by InCred.
- English Proficiency Test: All international applicants from countries where the primary language is not English who have not attended a U.S., UK., or Canadian school must demonstrate proof of English proficiency by providing one of the following official test scores:
- Duolingo: 85
- TOEFL iBT: 60
- TOEFL Essentials: 6.0
- Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
- IELTS: 6.0
- PTE: 43
- SAT: 960
- ACT: 18
- GRE: 158 (Verbal) and 4.5 (Writing)
F-1 Visa Requirements
Most foreign nationals will require an F-1 student visa to study in the United States. Some international students may already have an immigration status that allows them to pursue studies in the United States without having to fulfill any other special visa requirements. International applicants are solely responsible for obtaining the appropriate information concerning U.S. immigration requirements to pursue their studies in the United States. Applicants who need to obtain an F-1 visa should allow sufficient time to process their application for admission and acquire their visa.
Certification of Eligibility (Form I-20 for F-1 Visa)
To receive an F-1 visa, students must submit the required documents for a St. Thomas University DSO to issue a Form I-20. The I-20 can only be issued after the student pays their enrollment deposit.
- Statement of Financial Sponsorship Form: This form must be completed and signed by the student, sponsor, government representative, or sponsoring agency. The Financial Guarantee Form is available at stu.edu/sponsorship.
- Passport Photo Page.
- Bank Affidavit: A bank affidavit is a signed and stamped letter from your bank representative attesting to the funds you have in your account, dated within 1 year. The amount reflected needs to be at least your annual cost of attendance and in liquid form (not investments/retirement accounts).
- SEVIS Transfer Form: International applicants that are transferring from a U.S. high school or college must also provide a SEVIS Transfer Eligibility Form that has been completed by the new student and a DSO from the transferring institution.
Disclosure and Accuracy
Applicants are advised to provide thorough and accurate responses to all questions on the application. Discrepancies and omissions may be viewed as misconduct or an irregularity in the admissions process and reported, as required, to the Law School Admission Council for investigation.
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.
Candidates who intend to apply for admission to the Florida Bar upon graduation from law school should be aware that once an application or a student registration has been filed with the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, the Board may at any time request a copy of your law school application(s). Any discrepancies that appear in your responses to questions on the application(s) will have to be explained to the Board and to the law school. Bar examiners in other jurisdictions have similar standards and requirements.
Non-Discrimination Policy
St. Thomas University provides equality of opportunity in education for all persons, including applicants for admission and enrolled students (with respect to admission, retention, and the like), except that the University (1) will maintain its Catholic values in the operation of the University, and (2) may exercise a preference for Catholic faculty in recruitment and hiring. St. Thomas University also provides its students and graduates with equal opportunity to obtain employment, including the requirement that every employer to whom it furnishes assistance and facilities for interviewing and other placement services must observe the principles of equal opportunity. Except for the maintenance of Catholic values in the operation of the University and a preference for Catholic faculty in recruitment and hiring, discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or military status, marital or familial status, or any other category that is or becomes protected by law, is strictly prohibited. The Director of Law School Student Services, located in the College of Law Administrative Offices on the first floor of the main law school building, at (305) 623-2358, has been designated as the person to handle inquiries regarding this policy.
Decision Process
The Office of Admissions reviews all applications and, in some cases, applications are also reviewed by the Faculty Admissions Committee. Each candidate's potential for the study of law is evaluated considering all relevant factors. Among the more important factors are the LSAT score (highest score) undergraduate grades, and course of study. Work experience, the recommendation letter(s), the personal statement, honors and awards, activities, and community service are also reviewed in the evaluation process.
Review of completed applications begins in the late Fall and continues through the Summer for Fall admissions. The College of Law receives over 1500 applications for seats in the first-year class. All applicants are welcome to visit the law school and sit in on a class, meet current students, and take a tour. Interviews are offered at the request of the Office of Admissions. To schedule a visit, check on the status of your application, or to learn more about our law school, call 305.623.2310, or send an e-mail to admitme@stu.edu. For more information, visit our website at www.stu.edu/law. To check on the status of your application, you can reach out to the admissions office at the contact information above or go to your ASO page.
St. Thomas University College of Law
Office of Admissions
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami, FL 33054
Phone: 305.623.2310 Fax: 305.623.2357
The personal statement is an important part of your application. Since there are no personal interviews and an application alone cannot unfold your personality, the personal statement allows you to narrate your unique story. We encourage you to discuss what you seek to accomplish with legal training and why you chose to apply to Willamette Law. Your personal statement should be between 500 and 1000 words double-spaced.
If you believe there were factors that may have adversely affected your LSAT score or your academic record, you may, at your option, submit an explanation.
Please attach a resume to your application. Please include start and end dates of previous employment and education.
- As either an adult or a juvenile, have you ever been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to any infraction, violation of any law or ordinance, or for the commission of any felony or misdemeanor? You must disclose all adjudications in which a sentence or judgment has been withheld, deferred, expunged, or the record sealed, regardless of whether you understood or have been told that you need not disclose any such instance.
Have you ever been subject to any disciplinary action, investigation, or complaint by any professional or licensing board (e.g., bar association, medical board, etc.)? If yes, please provide a detailed explanation, including the nature of the conduct, the outcome, and any ongoing proceedings.
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Are you or have you ever been party to a lawsuit?
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Have you been subject to any disciplinary action or been placed on probation for academic reasons by a college or university?
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Have you been subject to any disciplinary action, been placed on probation, suspended or dismissed for a violation of rules of conduct by a college or university?
PLEASE NOTE THAT AFTER THIS APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO UPDATE WILLAMETTE LAW PROMPTLY IN WRITING REGARDING MATTERS THAT RESULT IN CHANGES TO ANY OF THE RESPONSES TO THESE QUESTIONS. ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR UNTIMELY UPDATES COULD BE REPORTED AS MISCONDUCT TO THE LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION COUNCIL (LSAC).
If you answer "Yes" to any of the above questions, you are required to provide a supplemental electronic addendum that describes the circumstances and outcome of the incident(s) in detail. Please note that a failure to disclose character & fitness-related issues could prevent you from becoming licensed as an attorney in the future. Please note that a ?Yes? answer is not an automatic denial of admission to Willamette Law but anything less than full disclosure could result in denial of admission, dismissal from Willamette Law or, in extreme cases, revocation of a JD.
Please note that less than full, complete and continuing disclosure may result in a report of Misconduct to LSAC and may negatively impact your admission to any law school. In addition, full disclosure is required as a component of satisfying Character and Fitness requirements for admission to the practice of law in any state's courts.
EARLY DECISION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 1, 2025
REGULAR DECISION DEADLINE: AUGUST 15, 2026
Application Materials and Requirements
Willamette Law requires you to submit application materials electronically.
LSAT and GRE
All domestic and international applicants are required to take either the LSAT or the GRE, both of which are offered several times a year in the United States and on a more limited basis abroad.
Willamette Law will not accept LSAT or GRE scores more than five years old. If an applicant presents more than one LSAT score, the highest score will be considered. If an applicant presents more than one GRE score, the highest score will be considered.
Application Processing Fee
There is no application fee.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation to the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Note: Letters of recommendation are required to complete a law school report, without which your application will be considered incomplete. Please monitor your LSAC.org account to ensure that your letters of recommendation are uploaded and assigned to Willamette Law.
Letters of recommendation should be written by individuals who can attest to the candidate's academic aptitude and intellectual capability for law school. Letters from professors, employers, community leaders, or business colleagues are acceptable.
Official Transcript(s)
Submit an official academic transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution attended (including community colleges and four-year institutions, even if you did not receive a degree). Academic transcripts should be submitted to CAS.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is an important part of your application. It allows you to narrate your unique story. We encourage you to discuss what you seek to accomplish with legal training, why you chose to apply to Willamette Law and anything else that sets you apart from other applicants. Your personal statement should be between 500 and 1000 words in length and should be double-spaced.
If you are applying to the JD/MBA joint degree program, please include an additional statement describing your short-term and long-term goals and how a Willamette MBA will help you achieve those goals. Your response should be 500-750 words in length and double-spaced.
Resume
A resume is required and should be attached to your electronic application for admission.
International Applicants
International students are welcome to apply for admission to the JD program at Willamette Law and must meet the following additional requirements:
- An international applicant must hold a degree that is equivalent to the American undergraduate bachelor?s degree. International applicants should contact LSAC for additional information regarding degree evaluation services.
- An international applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency to satisfy immigration policies. Read Willamette Law's English Proficiency Requirements here. JD applicants who have completed the LSAT or the GRE and achieved a score sufficient to gain academic admission need not take any further action to demonstrate proficiency.
- Applicants must be able to show they have sufficient resources to fund educational and living expenses for the three-year JD program and provide the following:
- A completed Statement of Financial Responsibility form.
- Official bank verification of funds (written in English), showing that you and/or your sponsor have sufficient resources to cover your educational and living expenses for the three-year JD program. Applicants who submit bank documents showing only one year of funding must attest that adequate funding is available from the same or an equally dependable source for the second and third years of the program.
- A photocopy of the name/photo page of your passport showing your photograph and the correct spelling of your name.
Admitted students must submit all appropriate documentation before Willamette Law will issue an I-20 (Application for Student Visa).
Qualifications for 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, https://www.ncbex.org/.
Early Decision Program
Willamette Law offers an Early Decision admission program for applicants applying to the JD (full-time and part-time) program. Individuals must submit a complete application, along with the Early Decision agreement section of the application, by December 1, 2025. Early Decision applicants will be notified of a final admission decision as early as January 10, 2026. Students admitted through Early Decision will receive a renewable $10,000 Early Decision scholarship. All applicants are also considered for additional merit scholarship. Individuals admitted through early decision must submit a deposit by January 18, 2026 and withdraw from consideration at all other law schools.
Essential Performance Standards
Willamette University College of Law strives to provide a legal education that ensures that graduates will serve clients competently and ethically. Graduates must demonstrate that they can work professionally with clients, judges, attorneys, and others in the legal community. Candidates for degrees offered by the College of Law must possess certain minimum cognitive abilities and sufficient mental and emotional stability to participate fully in and satisfy their chosen program of study, with or without reasonable accommodation. The technical standards, set forth below, outline the essential abilities and characteristics required for the completion of a course of study at the College of Law. For purposes of this document, the term ?candidate? means candidates for admission to the law school and enrolled law students who are candidates for graduation. Though these standards delineate the necessary abilities of all candidates, they are not intended to deter or exclude candidates for whom reasonable accommodations for a disability will allow successful participation in and completion of the program.
- Time Management Skills: A candidate must be able to meet deadlines, keep scheduled appointments, and manage his/her time to satisfactorily complete all assignments and administrative tasks within the allotted time frame. A candidate must be able to adhere to the law school?s attendance policy and punctually attend classes prepared and ready to participate per the instructor?s expectations. Candidates are likewise expected to respond to emails and other correspondence from faculty, administration, and staff in a timely manner.
- Communication Skills: A candidate must be able to communicate civilly and professionally with others candidly and respectfully through all means, including through electronic and social media. A candidate must be able to receive constructive feedback in a mature manner. A candidate must be able to understand and respond to oral and written directions and feedback and must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms. A candidate must be able to participate, be called upon with or without advanced warning, and answer questions in a classroom or other instructional setting. Except in limited designated circumstances, a candidate must be able to communicate in a timely and appropriate manner with members of the law school faculty, staff, and administration without the assistance or intervention of third parties. Communication skills include public speaking, oral communication, reading, and writing.
- Organizational Skills: A candidate must have the ability to set goals, formulate a plan to accomplish those goals, and implement the plan over time. A candidate must be able to follow directions, make reasonable inferences, and organize and synthesize information. A candidate must be able to organize ideas to communicate either in writing or orally and must be able to organize large amounts of information. A candidate must be capable of assessing the steps necessary to complete a complex, long-term task, and be able to develop and implement those steps to complete these projects in an efficient and timely manner.
- Behavioral Skills: A candidate must possess the good judgment, honesty, integrity, and interpersonal skills required to work under stressful conditions and to work well with others. A candidate must be able to tolerate and manage competing demands and workloads as mentally and emotionally taxing as are routinely found in the legal profession. A candidate must be able to adapt to changing circumstances, monitor one?s own behavior, civilly conduct oneself, and adhere to all other norms of professional conduct.
- Intellectual-Conceptual and Integrative Skills: A candidate must be able to understand, synthesize, and apply complex information, and must have the ability to integrate and process information promptly and accurately. Part of doing so includes the ability of a candidate to effectively work alone, and with others, including students, faculty, and staff.
Please attach your personal statement. The Admission Committee considers many applicants with strong credentials and makes difficult decisions regarding whom to admit to fill the limited number of seats at the Charleston School of Law. Please provide a candid evaluation of yourself detailing any information that you believe will assist the committee in considering your application. Provide evidence of your abilities and strengths, examples of your leadership abilities, your maturity, your organizational skills, and your motivation to study law. You also might provide information regarding any educational and financial obstacles you have overcome or disabilities that may have affected your academic performance. Your personal statement also serves as a writing sample; please pay careful attention to the details.
This section is optional.
Please submit your public service addendum.
This section is optional.
Please attach an explanation of any disparity with your LSAT score and/or your GPA.
This section is optional.
Please submit your explanation for why you have chosen to apply with only a GRE score and take the GRE over the LSAT.
This section is optional.
Please submit your explanation for why you have chosen to apply with only the JD Next results over the LSAT.
Please attach your 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, www.ncbex.org.
When responding to the character and fitness questions below, you must:
- include all disciplinary actions, charges, convictions, and traffic violations.
- exclude warnings and parking tickets.
- disclose all traffic violations to include those you consider to be minor.
In accordance with the application for admission to any Bar, you must provide a complete record of all instances in which you have been arrested or taken into custody or accused, formally or informally, of the violation of a law, including:
- instances that have been expunged by Order of the Court.
- juvenile offenses whether or not the records are sealed.
- charges that have been dismissed or you were acquitted.
- adjudication was withheld.
- a conviction was reversed, set aside, or vacated.
- the record was sealed or expunged.
- you participated in a pretrial intervention program.
- you were advised by a judge or attorney that you are not required to disclose.
If you answer "yes" to any of the following Character and Fitness questions, you must attach a detailed explanation for each of those questions providing dates, locations, charges, disposition, and any sanctions imposed. Including a copy of your driving record or criminal record without providing a detailed explanation is not sufficient. The explanation(s) must be submitted electronically as an attachment(s) under the "Attachments" section of your application.
Because of the high ethical standards to which lawyers are held, 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. If you have questions about whether an incident or charge should be disclosed, err on the side of full disclosure.
You have an ongoing duty to inform the Office of Admission of any changes in the information in this application and to the Character and Fitness questions to include any new information. That duty begins at the point of submission of the application and continues throughout the entirety of your law school career. Failure to provide truthful answers or failure to inform the Office of Admission of any changes or updates to your answers may result in revocation of admission, disciplinary action by the School of Law, recission of your law degree, and/or not being allowed to take the Bar Exam.
1. Have you ever been accused of a violation of an honor code or student conduct code by any educational institution since high school? You must answer ?yes? even if you were found not in violation.
- Have you ever been placed on academic probation, academic warning, disciplinary probation, suspended, expelled, requested to withdraw, or otherwise subject to discipline by any educational institution since high school?
If you answer "yes", you must submit a statement providing the details, an explanation, and the outcome. The statement must be submitted electronically as an attachment under the "Attachments" section of this application.
- Are there any disciplinary charges pending or expected to be brought against you at any educational institution since high school?
If you answer "yes", you must submit a statement providing the details, an explanation, and the outcome. The statement must be submitted electronically as an attachment under the "Attachments" section of this application.
- Have you ever withdrawn from any educational institution since high school after being accused of an honor code or student conduct code violation?
If you answer "yes", you must submit a statement providing the details, an explanation, and the outcome. The statement must be submitted electronically as an attachment under the "Attachments" section of this application.
- Have you ever been discharged from the Armed Forces other than honorably?
If you answer "yes", you must submit a statement providing details and an explanation. The detailed explanation must be submitted electronically as an attachment under the "Attachments" section of this application.
- Have you ever been arrested or taken into custody?
If you answer "yes", you must submit a statement providing the details, an explanation, and the outcome. The detailed explanation must be submitted electronically as an attachment under the "Attachments" section of this application.
- Have you ever received a ticket, summons, citation, etc. for any traffic violation? Do not include warnings or parking violations. This includes all traffic tickets (e.g., speeding). You must answer ?yes? even if you were found not guilty, you were a juvenile, the case was dismissed, a conviction was expunged, the matter was sealed, or you have been advised by a judge or attorney that you are not required to disclose the incident.
If you answer "yes", you must submit a statement providing details, an explanation, and the outcome. The detailed explanation must be submitted electronically as an attachment under the "Attachments" section of this application.
- Have you ever been accused (formally or informally), charged, or convicted of a criminal offense? You must answer ?yes? even if you were found not guilty, you were a juvenile, the case was dismissed, a conviction was expunged, the matter was sealed, or you have been advised by a judge or attorney that you are not required to disclose the incident.
If you answer "yes", you must submit a statement providing the details, an explanation, and the outcome. The detailed explanation must be submitted electronically as an attachment under the "Attachments" section of this application.
- Are there any criminal charges pending or expected to be brought against you?
If you answer "yes", you must submit a statement providing the details, an explanation, and the outcome. The detailed explanation must be submitted electronically as an attachment under the "Attachments" section of this application.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should include:
- What led you to the decision to apply to CUNY Law, a public interest law school;
- Your reasons for wanting to be a lawyer;
- Examples of traits you possess that you believe would benefit you in law school and as a lawyer
CUNY School of Law is a progressive institution that invites diversity in all forms. Classroom discussion and life experience contributions are encouraged. Throughout your law school career and beyond your beliefs will be challenged. Therefore we encourage you to use one of the following prompts to frame your personal statement:
- Reflect on a time when you took a stand for social justice or equity. What motivated you? What impact did you make?
- Describe an experience that broadened your global perspective? How has this influenced your views?
- Describe a time you interacted with someone with whom you disagreed or who had a different perspective from your own. How did you resolve the situation or learn to coexist?
You may include an additional Diversity Statement if the purpose and topic is clearly different from the Personal Statement and demonstrative of your foundation to attend law school. There is no penalty for not including a Diversity Statement. If you choose to include a Diversity Statement, please upload as an Addenda attachment.
This section is optional. If you answered yes to Character & Fitness questions, an addendum explaining the situation is required. Additional addenda are accepted. Examples include information that may help the committee better understand your educational history or LSAT score(s).
Provide in résumé format a complete, reverse chronological (begin with most recent) summary of your academic, employment, and volunteer experiences. Include dates, weekly time commitment (hrs/wk), school/employer, job description, and reason for leaving. Explain any gaps in educational/employment history.
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. Please note: Personal histories that include criminal convictions or arrests, by themselves, in no way preclude your application from being fully considered for admission to the City University of New York School of Law. To this end, the law school no longer asks questions regarding criminal history on the application. It is your responsibility to ensure that you will be eligible to be admitted to the bar.
Applicants who have been convicted of any criminal offense or who have charges pending against them should consult the State Board of Law Examiners in the state(s) in which they expect to practice law. Some states have restrictions that prohibit the practice of law by persons who have been convicted of certain criminal offenses, and in some states even patterns of arrest without conviction may have an impact on an individual's eligibility to practice law. In New York City, there are different rules in each Judicial Department. You will need to determine the appropriate Judicial Department and contact it directly prior to or immediately after applying to CUNY School of Law.
Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners. http://www.ncbex.org/ In New York State, character and fitness requirements and screening are the jurisdiction of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Department of your residence at the time you apply for admission to the bar. To learn more about New York State's character and fitness requirements and process, visit the website of the New York State Board of Law Examiners at http://www.nybarexam.org/.
Additionally, the following link provides CUNY School of Law's policy on the submission of fraudulent documents and on the omission of information in support of an application for admission to the program. The university requires that we send this information to all applicants to CUNY School of Law. http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/sa/policies/SubmissionOfFraudulentDocuments.pdf
*If you answer yes to any of the questions below, you must provide a response explaining the situation fully. Provide a complete explanation, disposition(s) if applicable, and dates. You have 1,000 characters. If additional room is needed, please attach an addenda to the end of your application. It is very important to provide thorough, accurate, and detailed information. Any discrepancies in the information reported in your application will be investigated and may be referred to LSAC's Misconduct & Irregularities in the Application Process Subcommittee.
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Have you ever been denied admission to any school, college, law school, or other similar institution for cause which might reflect upon your character?
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If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
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Have you ever been placed on social or academic probation, academic warning, been dropped, suspended, expelled or otherwise been subject to any negative action by any institution of learning above the elementary school level?
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If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
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Has your college, university, graduate or professional school course of study been interrupted for one or more terms either within the same, or between, institution(s) for any reason?
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If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
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Has any governmental, licensing, or administrative agency (including any branch of the armed forces) or employer ever taken disciplinary action (including probation or suspension) against you or requested that you resign or leave your position, even temporarily?
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If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
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Have you ever been sanctioned, disciplined, or had your ability to practice in a professional capacity restricted in any way due to or as a result of any alleged misconduct by you?
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If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
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Are there any disciplinary actions currently pending against you that would inhibit your ability to attend law school during the upcoming academic year?
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If you responded yes to the previous question, please provide a response explaining the situation(s) fully: (maximum characters 1000)
Drawing upon specific examples from your life, please share your personal story as it relates to your desire to attend law school and why RWU Law is right for you. Please discuss any factors you feel would be relevant to the Admissions Committee; past applicants have shared experiences relating to determination, motivation, and their unique ability to contribute to our law school community.
Roger Williams University is an open, accepting and affirming community of citizen scholars. We stand firmly committed to creating a campus that is diverse and inclusive as well as welcoming to and accepting of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ability, socio-economic class, age or spirituality. We reflect this in our many programs, initiatives, organizations, and clubs throughout the university, ranging from our undergraduate programs to the School of Law. To learn more about RWU Law?s mission, click here.
In what ways do you believe your distinctive experiences and background would positively impact and enrich our university community?
Please limit your response to no more than two pages.
You may submit an addendum or supply additional information for the Admissions Committee to consider. Documentation may also be submitted to LawAdmissions@rwu.edu in PDF format. Please include your full name and LSAC account number when sending email attachments.
A current resume is required of all applicants. The resume should reflect all full-time and part-time employment, both paid and unpaid, and all extracurricular activities and honors. There is no required length for the resume. Occasionally, the Admissions Committee will request further clarification of an applicant’s activities.
If you answer "yes" to any of the character and fitness questions, we require that you attach an addendum explaining the circumstances. if your answer to any of the character and fitness questions contained in this application changes after you submit your application, prior to matriculation, and/or while enrolled at the law school, you are required to notify the Admissions Office in writing. Failure to provide full and truthful answers may result in revocation of admission or disciplinary action the the School of Law, and responses to these character and fitness questions will likely be required as part of your application to practice law.
Note that answering "yes" to any of these questions does not necessarily preclude or even prejudice admission to our law school. Your answer will be reviewed on an individual basis in relation to all aspects of your experience, academic achievement, and potential. Individuals may be strong applicants and passionate contributors to classrooms discussions not in spite of their past engagement with the criminal justice system, but because of those experiences. We regularly admit, enroll, and graduate law students who have responded affirmatively to questions in these sections.
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.
Our character and fitness questions do not represent all the possible questions, topics, or considerations a state bar admissions board might inquire about or require you to disclose, or for the law school to disclose in the course of the bar admissions certification process. Some states require disclosure of much fuller information relating to criminal proceedings, including information subsequently expunged or sealed. Admission to our law school does not suggest or ensure eligibility for, nor guarantee, admission to any state, federal, or other bar.
If you would like more information or resources for navigating these questions or attending law school as a justice-impacted person, contact our office. We are also available for individual advising appointments.
- After high school, have you ever been suspended, expelled, or dismissed from any learning institution for academic or conduct related reasons?
If you answer yes, the Admissions Committee may request additional documentation.
- Have you ever, as an adult or a juvenile, been charged with or convicted of a felony? Expunged or sealed records need not be disclosed.
If you answer yes, the Admissions Committee may request additional documentation.
- Have you, within the last five years, as an adult or a juvenile, been convicted of a misdemeanor? Expunged and/or sealed records need not be disclosed. Additionally, minor, non-criminal traffic offenses such as parking and speeding tickets need not be disclosed.
If you answer yes, the Admissions Committee may request additional documentation.
- Are there any pending criminal charges against you now? Minor, non-criminal traffic offenses such as parking and speeding tickets need not be disclosed.
If you answer yes, the Admissions Committee may request additional documentation.
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Have you ever been discharged or asked to resign from any employment, professional organization, or public office?
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Have you been subject to professional discipline, voluntarily surrendered a professional license, or had a professional license denied, suspended, or revoked?
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Have you been party to a civil proceeding in which you were alleged to have committed fraud or any type of misrepresentation?
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As a member of the armed forces, have any charges ever been made or proceedings instituted against you? (No is the same as Not Applicable.)
Admission is offered on a rolling basis. Applicants improve their chances for favorable decisions by applying early. All applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable $60 fee, payable directly to LSAC by credit card. The application fee will be automatically waived for applicants pre-approved for an LSAC fee waiver.
All completed law school application files are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. To the extent a candidate's race or ethnicity is disclosed through the application process, that information will be considered only as it relates to that individual's unique ability to contribute to the University, and will not be considered on the basis of race or ethnicity alone.
A completed application file consists of:
- A completed, electronically certified application including a Personal Statement;
- A Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report available to RWU Law from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) in electronic format;
- One letter of recommendation. The School of Law welcomes and reads up to three (3) total letters. Letters must be submitted directly to LSAC and will be electronically transferred to the School of Law via CAS. If you have been enrolled in an academic program within the last three years, the School of Law prefers at least one academic recommendation;
- A current resume; and
- A $60 application fee.
LSAT
All candidates are required to take the LSAT.
TOEFL
If your native language is not English and your undergraduate degree was attained in a country in which English is not the primary language, you must provide a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score taken within the last two years.
International Students & Bar Requirements
Roger Williams University School of Law does not consider citizenship status for purposes of admissions. Students without US citizenship are advised to consult directly with the state bar examiners in the jurisdiction(s) they intend to sit for the bar examination to determine eligibility for admission to the bar.
Character and Fitness Advisory
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.
Roger Williams University and Roger Williams University School of Law Non-Discrimination Policy
RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (?Title IX?) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. This non-discrimination requirement also extends to admissions and employment processes and procedures. According to Title IX, ?No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance?.
Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.
TITLE IX COORDINATOR
- Name: Dr. Jen Stanley
- Office Location: 2nd Floor of the Center for Student Development Building
- Office Mailing Address: 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809
- Phone Number: (401) 254-3123
- Email Address: jstanley@rwu.edu
For further information concerning admissions policies, the application, or procedure, please contact:
Roger Williams University School of Law
Ten Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809-5171
401-254-4555
Michael W. Donnelly-Boylen
Associate Dean, Office of Admissions
Please attach personal statement.
At UMass Law, the only public law school in Massachusetts, our core mission is to promote the importance of diversity in people and ideas and to educate our students to become professionals who will serve others in the pursuit of justice.
We invite you to share with us how your personal identity, background and lived experiences have formed you and how you will contribute to our community and further our shared mission to pursue justice.
Please attach your additional statement or essay here.
Please attach any addendum you may have.
Please attach your additional statement if applying for the Public Interest Law Fellowship. The essay must be separate from your personal statement, no more than two pages in length, and describe your experience in public service and your interest and commitment to public interest law.
Please attach résumé.
If the answer to any of the following is "yes," please submit a separate addendum that gives a detailed and complete explanation. NOTE: Your application will not be considered complete if any question is left blank or no description is provided.
1. Have you ever been found responsible for a disciplinary violation at any educational institution of higher education, whether related to academic misconduct or behavioral misconduct, that resulted in the imposition of any form of discipline, including, but not limited to, your probation, suspension, removal, dismissal, or expulsion from the educational institution?
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Have you ever had a professional license denied, suspended or revoked?
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As a member of the armed forces, were you ever discharged or dismissed with other than an honorable discharge or were any charges made or proceedings instituted against you? (If you have never been a member of the armed forces, you may leave this question blank.)
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Do you have any criminal convictions that have not been vacated?
NOTE: You are not required to answer "yes" if the conviction was:
(1) A first conviction for misdemeanor drunkenness, simple assault, speeding, minor traffic violations, or disturbance of the peace; or
(2) A misdemeanor conviction that was entered more than five years prior to the date of this application (unless the conviction resulted in your imprisonment or was followed by another criminal conviction within the five-year period).
You will be required to reveal if you have been charged with or been the subject of any investigation for a felony or misdemeanor other than a minor traffic charge to state bar examining agencies as part of the application process for taking the bar exam. The University of Massachusetts School of Law cannot guarantee that successful completion of the law degree program will permit you to be admitted to the bar in any jurisdiction. Before applying for admission to law school, you are advised to contact the Bar Examiners of the jurisdiction(s) in which you intend to practice to determine if a prior conviction or other character and fitness issue will affect 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.
If, following your completion of this application but prior to matriculation, matters arise that would require you to answer yes to any of the above questions, it is your obligation to supplement your application with complete details.
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the University of Massachusetts School of Law. Please read the following instructions before completing your application.
Application Requirements:
A typed personal statement (2?3 page limit) indicating your reasons for studying law and any information which may assist the Admissions Committee in reviewing your application.
A professional résumé that includes significant work experience (dates, employer and location, position title) since high school graduation, awards, honors, extracurricular activities, and volunteer service.
Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), GRE General Test or JD-Next Test - An LSAT, GRE or JD-Next score is required for all JD applicants. A valid reportable score must be received directly from LSAC, ETS or Aspen Publishing. Scores more than 5 years old are not acceptable for admission consideration. Applicants must submit all GRE test scores directly to UMass Law. UMass Law?s ETS code is 3392. JD-Next scores will be received directly from Aspen Publishing.
Two (2) letters of recommendation or evaluations, one of which should be from an individual who has academically supervised you, if possible. If you have not been in an academic setting recently, you may submit a letter from an employer or community member. The letters must be submitted through LSAC.
Transcripts - You must submit to LSAC transcripts from any and all post-secondary institutions attended (even if no degree was earned). If you are admitted, we require official transcripts?including official notice of final grades and an earned baccalaureate degree?prior to your enrollment. You must also submit your final transrcipt to LSAC before matriculation. Submission of transcripts through the Law School Admission Council as part of your Candidate Assembly Service (CAS) Law School Report satisfies the official transcript requirement.
Addenda - If there is any information in your application you would like to clarify (e.g. grades, standardized test(s) performance, gaps in employment), you may submit the information in the Attachments section under "Addendum." You may submit more than one addendum, as needed.
Additional Statement (Optional) - At UMass Law, the only public law school in Massachusetts, our core mission is to promote the importance of diversity in people and ideas and to educate our students to become professionals who will serve others in the pursuit of justice. We invite you to share with us how your personal identity, background and lived experiences have formed you and how you will contribute to our community and further our shared mission to pursue justice.
Again, thank you for your interest in UMass Law. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office at (508) 985-1110 or law@admissions.umassd.edu.
It is the policy of the University of Massachusetts School of Law not to discriminate against any applicant for admission or employment, or against any employee, or in any educational programs, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, veteran?s status, disability, sex, or sexual orientation.