The School of Law is particularly interested in applicants who, by virtue of their background and experience, will add to the intellectual climate and diversity of the student body. The personal statement is required and provides the reviewer the best opportunity to evaluate who you are beyond your undergraduate GPA and LSAT score(s).

Your personal statement should address your reason(s) for pursuing a legal education, provide information about your professional goals as a licensed attorney, and explain how your passion to attend law school aligns with NCCU Law's mission to train socially responsible lawyer/leaders who are committed to public service and to meeting the needs of under-served communities.

The Personal Statement must be electronically attached to the School of Law's online application for admission. The personal statement must be no more than 2-3 pages, typed and double-spaced, (Times New Roman, and 12pt. font size) and be a concise and well drafted document. The contents of the personal statement must be your own words, thoughts, and work product. It should highlight your unique characteristics and convey why you would like to attend law school.

This section is optional.

In a 2023 majority decision of the United States Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, "Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant's discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise." Tell the admissions committee about an example from your life, a quality of your character, and/or a unique ability you possess, and describe how it has shaped your goal to attend law school and could contribute to the multicultural and collaborative community at the North Carolina Central University School of Law.

This section is optional.

You must provide a detailed and thorough explanation for affirmative responses to "Have you ever matriculated at any law school?". You answer should explain the reason for your dismissal and what changes you would make in your studies to be successful if given another opportunity to pursue a legal education.

This section is optional.

You may submit an optional statement to explain, in your opinion, whether your LSAT and/or undergraduate cumulative GPA accurately reflect(s) your ability to be successful in law school. Use this optional statement attachment to upload your document.

This section is optional.

Please upload a driving record from the state where you claim permanent residency. For example, if you are a permanent resident of North Carolina, you should provide a driving record from the State of North Carolina.

The School of Law requires the submission of a résumé to assist the Admissions Committee in evaluating your application. You may wish to call attention to factors in your background that may be indicative of your potential success as a law student and a member of the bar. Examples of indicators for success in law school may include but is not limited to your work experience, special interests, honors and/or community involvement. Your résumé should be in chronological order from the present through your high school graduation.

You must provide an explanation for any period of time that is omitted from your résumé that is one year or longer. You should include the explanation as an additional page to your resume. A time period (one year or longer) that is omitted from your resume may include, for example, studying for the LSAT, lack of employment or caring for a sick relative. You must provide an explanation for any gaps on your resume that are one year or longer.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. You are encouraged to research the requirements for any jurisdiction in which you intend to seek admission. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available from the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

You must answer each of the following questions. For the purpose of these questions, "crime" or "criminal charge" refers to any crime OTHER THAN A PARKING TICKET.

You MUST include details about any alcohol or drug offenses whether or not they are traffic related.

If a charge has been EXPUNGED, you are NOT required to disclose information concerning any arrest, criminal charge, or criminal conviction.

If you answer "yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions, you must provide a detailed explanation about the incident or incidents before the Admissions Committee will review your application. The detailed explanation should include: (1) the date of the incident, (2) the county and state of the incident, (3) the initial charge, (4) the final disposition, (5) the date of the final disposition, and (6) any court costs and/or fine paid. If available, also attach a copy of the ticket(s) and any records related to the court's disposition. Attach your detailed explanation in the section titled "Character and Fitness". Your candor matters more than perfection.

During your enrollment, you have an on-going duty to amend your application if your response to any of these questions changes.

It is your duty to disclose any character or fitness issue. Law school applicants and students must be of requisite character and fitness to practice law. The duty to report character or fitness issues is ONGOING FROM THE SUBMISSION OF YOUR LAW SCHOOL APPLICATION THROUGH GRADUATION.

1. Have you EVER IN YOUR LIFE been arrested, accused, given a written warning, or taken into custody, formally or informally for a violation of a traffic law or ordinance other than parking offensesEVEN IF THE CHARGE WAS LATER REDUCED OR DISMISSED BY THE COURT? Please provide a detailed statement about the traffic violation that includes (1) the incident date, (2) the county and state, (3) the court, (4) the initial charge, (4) the final disposition, and (5) court costs and/or fine. If available, upload a copy of the traffic ticket and any court documentation. If you respond "yes", you must provide a copy of your driving record from the state that issued your license.

2. Have you EVER IN YOUR LIFE been arrested, accused, given a written warning, or taken into custody, formally or informally, of the violation of a criminal law for an offense (other than traffic violations)? Please provide a detailed statement about the charge(s) that includes (1) the date, (2) the county and state, (3) the court, (4) the initial charge, (5) the final disposition, (6) court costs, and/or fine. If available, upload a copy of the arrest/charging documents and any supporting court documentation for each charge(s). If that documentation is unavailable, please state that the supporting documentation is unavailable.

3. Have you EVER IN YOUR LIFE entered a plea of guilty, a plea of no contest, a plea of nolo contendere, or an Alford plea to a criminal charge in violation of ANY LAWincluding traffic violations EVEN IF THE CHARGE OR TRAFFIC VIOLATION WAS LATER REDUCED OR DISMISSED BY THE COURT? If you answer "yes," please provide a detailed statement about the traffic violation that includes (1) the date, (2) the county and state, (3) the court, (4) the initial charge, (5) the final disposition, and (6) court costs, and/or fine. If available, upload a copy of the charge(s) and any supporting court documentation. If court documentation is unavailable, please state that the supporting documentation is unavailable. If you respond "yes" and the offense is for a traffic violation, you must provide a copy of your driving record from the state that issued your license.

4. Have you EVER IN YOUR LIFE received a deferred prosecution or Prayer for Judgement Continued (PJC) for a violation of ANY LAW including traffic violations? If you answer "yes," please provide a detailed statement about the charge that includes (1) the incident date, (2) the county and state, (3) the court, (4) the initial charge, (5) the final disposition, and (6) court costs, and/or fine. If available, upload a copy of the charge and any supporting court documentation. If that documentation is unavailable, please state that supporting documentation is unavailable. If you respond "yes" and the offense is for a traffic violation, you must provide a copy of your driving record from the state that issued your license.

5. Have you EVER IN YOUR LIFE accepted responsibility for the violation of ANY LAW including traffic violations? If you answer "yes," please provide a detailed statement about the charge(s) that includes (1) the date, (2) the county and state, (3) the court, (4) the initial charge, (5) the final disposition, (6) court costs, and/or fine. If available, upload a copy of the arrest/charging documents and any supporting court documentation for each charge(s). If court documentation is unavailable, please state that the supporting documentation is unavailable. If you respond "yes" and the offense is for a traffic violation, you must provide a copy of your driving record from the state that issued your license.

6. Have you EVER IN YOUR LIFE been charged or convicted of DWl/DUI (driving while/under the influence of drugs)? If you answer "yes," please provide a detailed statement about the charge(s) that includes (1) the date, (2) the county and state, (3) the court, (4) the initial charge, (5) the final disposition, (6) court costs, and/or fine. If available, upload a copy of the arrest/charging documents and any supporting court documentation for the charge(s). If court documentation is unavailable, please state that the supporting documentation is unavailable. If you answer "yes", you must also upload a copy of your driving record from the state that issued your license.

7. Have you EVER IN YOUR LIFE failed to appear (FTA) for any criminal court proceeding? Please provide a detailed statement about the FTA that explains (1) the reason that you did not appear for the proceeding, (2) the court, (3) the county and state, and (4) the final trial disposition, and (5) court costs, and/or fine. If available, upload a copy of any supporting court documentation. If the court documentation is unavailable, please state that it is unavailable. If you respond "yes" and the offense is for a traffic violation, you must provide a copy of your driving record from the state that issued your license.

8. Has your driver's license EVER been canceled, suspended, or revoked for any reason? If you answer "yes," please provide a detailed explanation about the reason for the suspension and/or revocation and your actions to have your driving privilege restored. If you respond "yes", you must provide a copy of your driving record from the state that issued your license.

9. Do you have any PENDING criminal charges against you including traffic violations? If you answer "yes," please upload a copy of the charge(s), police report(s), and any supporting court documentation for the charge(s) and provide a detailed statement about the charge(s) that includes (1) the incident date, (2) the county and state, (3) the court, and (4) the initial charge. If you respond "yes" and the offense is for a traffic violation, you must provide a copy of your driving record from the state that issued your license.

10. Have you ever been EXPELLED, DISMISSED, SUSPENDED, PLACED ON PROBATION, or otherwise subjected to discipline from any college or university? Please provide a detailed statement about the discipline which includes (1) the date of the incident, (2) the action taken by the University, and (3) your explanation. If available, please provide a copy of the disciplinary letter/documentation that you received from the campus. Examples of issues that must be disclosed include plagiarism, underage drinking on campus, or dorm violations. This list is intended to be illustrative and not all-inclusive.

Specify which academic action(s) was imposed upon you. Please provide a detailed statement about the academic action which includes (1) the date of the incident, (2) the action taken by the University, and (3) your explanation. If available, please provide a copy of the disciplinary letter/documentation that you received from the campus. Examples of issues that must be disclosed include plagiarism, underage drinking on campus, or dorm violations. This list is intended to be illustrative and not all-inclusive.

This section is optional.

You may upload an attachment that lists scholastic or academic honors received in college or graduate school including scholarships, fellowships, prizes, and honor societies.

This section is optional.

You must provide a copy of your Discharge from Active Duty or Certificate of Release (DD214). Attach a copy of the form in this section.

This section is optional.

You may upload an attachment to list your primary extracurricular and/or community activities during college, graduate, or professional school.

Thank you for your interest in attending the North Carolina Central University School of Law. Before completing the online application, please thoroughly review our website for the most up-to-date information about the law school and the admissions process.

All applicants must apply using the law school's online application. Beginning October 1st, you may submit an application. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper submission of the application.

It is your responsibility to verify that your application and all required attachments have been properly transmitted to LSAC. You must confirm that all transcripts and letters of recommendation have been received and processed at LSAC by the April 30th deadline. LSAC requires 10 to 14 days to process your supporting documentation. Late documents will not be accepted by the law school and may negatively impact your application.

If you are finishing your undergraduate studies, you must provide an updated transcript before you enroll. The updated and final undergraduate transcript must indicate that your degree has been conferred. Your CAS report must contain a transcript for each college or university where you have taken courses even if that institution did not award your degree.

Any applications that have not been completed by April 30th will be denied and not reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please do NOT mail a copy of your paper application to the law school after you have submitted the online application.

For International Applicants:

International applicants must follow the instructions for first-time applicants AND the instructions that are on the law school's website concerning international applicants.

An offer of admission from the Law School to international applicants is conditioned upon verification that, as an incoming international student, you are eligible to enroll and can show evidence of your ability to satisfy your financial obligations for tuition, fees and associated costs of attendance.

Federal law requires that the University obtains documentation that demonstrates that you have sufficient financial resources to pay for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for you and your dependent family members (if any) for the entire duration of your proposed study (three years for your law degree).

Prior to enrollment and before June 1st, you must obtain an F-1 visa or transfer a previously acquired F-1 visa to North Carolina Central University to show proof of eligibility to study in the United States.

• In addition to the documents in the general requirements checklist, you must also submit the following documentation to the law school no later than June 1st:
  • The School of Law Financial Statement Certificate of Eligibility ;
  • Proof of accident and hospitalization insurance;
  • The Affidavit of Support AND The Affidavit of Support for Room and Board (If applicable)

If you attended a foreign institution (not including a study abroad program through a domestic post-secondary institution):

• The law school requires that your academic credentials be evaluated for baccalaureate equivalency and assessment of grade point average through the World Education Service, Inc. (WES). You must pay for the cost associated with having your foreign transcripts evaluated. The evaluation must be mailed directly to the law school by World Education Services, Inc. (WES) on or before April 30th.

If English is NOT your first language, you must submit the results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Your TOEFL score must be received and processed by LSAC by April 30th.

Additional Instructions:

An applicant to the law school may apply to either the Day Program only, the Evening Program only, or to both the Day and Evening Programs on the same application. Applicants are encouraged to read the information for each program and to select the one that best meets their objectives.

After initial submission of the application, applicants have an on-going duty to submit updated or supplemental information that may have a bearing on the admission decision, the accuracy of the applicant's file, the ability to continue law school studies, or the applicant's eligibility to take the bar examination upon graduation. This obligation continues throughout the student's enrollment at the law school.

Application Fee:

NCCU Law requires a $60 nonrefundable application fee to process the application which must be submitted through LSAC's credit card fee collection service.

LSAT/Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Registration:

All applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). There are no exceptions. Currently, applicants must have a minimum LSAT score of 142 to be considered for admission. Having the minimum LSAT score of 142 does not guarantee that an applicant will receive an offer of admission. The LSAT must be taken before or during the April LSAT administration. Your LSAT score must have been received within five (5) years of October 5th of the academic year for which you apply to enroll. If you plan to take the LSAT after you have submitted your application, you must indicate the future test date so that your application can be held for review until that new score is received. North Carolina Central University School of Law will use your highest LSAT score in the review of your application.

You must register with LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). You must have the registrar from every post-secondary college or university that you have attended(including post-secondary institutions attended while in high school)send an official transcript directly to LSAC for inclusion in your CAS report**.** LSAC must receive and process all transcripts by April 30th. You must have obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before you enroll. You must provide EACH OF these required documents to CAS before the Admissions Committee will review your application.

Recommendations:

You must assign and submit two (2) Letters of Recommendation via the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). CAS reports are complete when two (2) assigned letters of recommendation have been received. CAS must receive and process your Letters of Recommendation no later than April 30th.

Personal Statement:

NCCU Law is particularly interested in applicants who, by virtue of their background and experience, will add to the intellectual climate and multicultural perspective of the student body. Each applicant must submit a personal statement. Your personal statement provides the admissions committee with the best opportunity to evaluate your application beyond your undergraduate GPA and LSAT score(s).

Your personal statement should address your reason(s)/your "why" for pursuing a legal education, detail pertinent characteristics in your background that qualify you to be a candidate for law school, provide context for what you hope to accomplish with a law degree, and provide a reason(s) for your specific interest in attending NCCU Law.

You must submit your personal statement as an attachment to your online application. Your personal statement should be a concise and well-drafted document, and it should be no more than 2-3 pages that are typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font. Your personal statement must be your own words, thoughts, and work product. It should not be created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI).

You also have an opportunity to submit two optional statements to demonstrate your readiness to join the NCCU Law community. With the optional statement topics, you may address either: (1) your LSAT score and/or cumulative undergraduate grade point average (gpa) and/or (2) multicultural perspective.  In the first optional statement, you may provide an explanation if you feel that your LSAT score and/or cumulative undergraduate gpa do not reflect your ability to be successful in law school. In the second optional statement, you should share with the admissions committee about a multi-faceted example from your life, a quality of your character, or a unique ability you possess. Then, describe how it has shaped your goal to attend law school and how it would contribute to the multicultural and collaborative community at the North Carolina Central University School of Law. Please use the 'Optional LSAT/GPA Statement' or the `Optional Multicultural Statement? portal to upload either or both of your statement(s). 

Interviews:

The Admissions Committee may require an applicant to interview. During the interview, the Committee members would ask the applicant questions that are not addressed in the application or supporting documents. The interview would assist the committee with the admissions decision. An applicant may not request an interview.

Résumé:

You must submit a résumé to assist the Admissions Committee with the evaluation of your application. You should highlight factors in your background that are indicative of your potential success as a law student and as a member of the bar. Include information about your work experience, special interests, honors or community involvement. Your resume should be in chronological order from your most recent experience. You must provide a separate addendum of explanation for any period of time that is omitted from your résumé.

Writing Sample:

For any LSAT test taker who does not have an existing LSAT writing sample, you must complete and submit your LSAT writing sample in order for your application to be considered complete and then reviewed by the admissions committee.

North Carolina Residency for Purposes of Admission:

Because NCCU Law is a public institution, students who qualify as North Carolina residents under state law are eligible for lower tuition. North Carolina law (NCGS 116-143.1) requires that "To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residence (domicile) in North Carolina and have maintained that legal residence for 12 months immediately prior to his or her classification as a resident for tuition purposes."

If you believe that you qualify as a North Carolina resident under state law, you must submit a residency application with the North Carolina Residency Determination Services (RDS) which is a government agency that serves the entire state. The application process for in-state residency is separate from the application for admission.

If you are seeking to qualify for in-state residency, complete your residency application as soon as possible. After you have submitted your residency application, RDS will provide you with a Residency Certification Number (RCN). You must include your RCN on your law school application. If the RCN field on your law school application is left blank, you will not be permitted to submit your law school application.

All Residency decisions are determined by the RDS NOT the admissions department**.** For more information about how to appeal your decision, please refer to the RDS FAQ's.

Performance Based Admission Program:

North Carolina Central University School of Law offers a conditional admission program which is called the Performance Based Admission Program (PBAP). The Admissions Committee identifies a limited number of applicants whose credentials do not qualify them for unconditional admission, but whose records nonetheless show promise of academic success in law school. There is not a separate application for PBAP.

Applicants are considered for PBAP during the application review process. Admission to PBAP is made on a rolling basis. Therefore, applicants who are concerned about the strength of their academic record are encouraged to submit an application early in the admission cycle.

Applicants selected for PBAP have an opportunity to gain admission to the law school through their performance in this two-week, non-academic credit program.

Applicants with Prior Law School Attendance:

If you have ever attended any law school, you must submit a detailed statement with (1) the name of the prior law school, (2) your dates of attendance, (3) your reason(s) for leaving, and (4) your standing at the time of your departure.

You must submit your law school transcript(s) through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). You must have your former law school's registrar send a letter of current standing directly to the Office of Admissions by April 30th. You must provide all required documents before your application will be reviewed by the admissions committee.

Transfer Student Applicants:

A student from another ABA-approved law school may be admitted as a transfer student with advanced standing. Applicants from non-ABA accredited programs and state-only accredited programs are NOT eligible to transfer.

An applicant seeking admission as a transfer student must present satisfactory evidence that he or she would have been accepted for admission to the NCCU School of Law when he or she began the study of law. An applicant who is not currently in good standing with his or her current law school will NOT be considered for transfer to NCCU Law.

Transfer applicants to the part-time Evening Program should be aware that there are limited scheduling options available in the Evening Program. Students interested in transferring to the part-time Evening Program should contact the associate dean of admissions & financial assistance to determine if they could timely complete law school based upon the course work that they have already undertaken and the requirements that must be met at NCCU School of Law. A transfer applicant who would not be able to complete his or her JD within the time required by the American Bar Association (84 months) cannot be offered admission as a transfer student.

Only courses in which a grade of "C" or better were earned will be accepted as transfer credits toward graduation requirements.

Transfer applicants must have completed two full semesters at his/her law school, and his/her courses must include the foundational courses that are required by NCCU Law. Applicants may only transfer a total of 29 credits from their previous ABA accredited law school. NCCU Law requires two full semesters in residence and these semesters must immediately precede graduation.

Transfer students are admitted as space allows. In addition to the application materials required of all applicants, transfer applicants must submit the following items:

• A letter of good standing from the prior law school after the completion of second semester courses; AND
• A statement of the reasons for the proposed transfer; AND
• An official transcript of all law school course work to be submitted through the Credential Assembly Service. Your transfer student application will be held for review until NCCU Law receives your final 1L year transcript from your current law school and the letter of good standing. The deadline for submitting these two documents is June 30th. Decisions on transfer applications are generally rendered in July.

Visiting Student Applicants:

A student from another ABA-approved law school may be granted visiting student status to attend classes at NCCU Law for a semester or an academic year. A visiting student is ineligible to receive a degree from NCCU School of Law.

NCCU Law students have priority over visiting students for registration and selection of classes. There is no guarantee that a visiting student will be able to register for specific courses. Visiting students must adhere to the drop/add and grading deadlines for NCCU Law which may not correspond to a visiting student's home institution.

Visiting students are admitted as space allows. A visiting student applicant must submit the following items in order to be considered for admission:

• A completed visiting student application available on the NCCU School of Law website;
• A $50 application fee made payable to NCCU School of Law (cashier's check, certified check, or money order) NO PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED;
• A letter of good standing from your current law school stating that you have permission to visit and the conditions under which you will receive credit for the courses taken at NCCU School of Law;
• An official transcript of all law school course work (you must have completed 29 credit hours to be eligible to become a visiting student);
• Optional: A Consortium Agreement from your current institution if they have a Consortium Agreement with NCCU Law.

The Office of Admissions must receive your law school transcript and letter of good standing before your application will be reviewed.

*** Visiting students must qualify for financial aid through their home institution and may not receive financial aid from North Carolina Central University. If you are interested in enrolling as a visiting student, please contact the NCCU School of Law Office of Admissions directly at law_admissions@nccu.edu.

Previously Disqualified Student Applicants:

An applicant who has been previously disqualified from another ABA-approved law school may not be admitted as a new student until two academic years have elapsed following his/her disqualification. For example, if you were academically dismissed May 2025, you may not apply for admission until AFTER May 2027.

Previously disqualified applicants cannot transfer any credits from their prior law school and must abide by the rules applying to their new incoming class, if admitted.

An applicant who has previously been disqualified from law school must submit a statement that is separate from his/her personal statement and that explains the "extraordinary and compelling circumstances" that resulted in his/her substandard performance. You must affirmatively demonstrate that the extraordinary circumstances that led to your dismissal have been resolved and that, if re-admitted, you will be able to successfully handle the rigors of an NCCU Law education and be admitted to the bar.

Students who previously attended NCCU School of Law and did not received a degree should follow the readmission procedure outlined in the law school's Student Handbook.

You must submit your law school transcript(s) via LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS).  You must have your former law school's registrar send a letter of current standing directly to the Office of Admissions at law_admissions@nccu.edu by April 30th. You must provide all required documents before your application will be reviewed by members of the admissions committee.

Applicant File Evaluation:

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible in the admission process. After a file is complete, decisions generally take up to eight weeks. However, the review process may take longer for applicants who have been recommended for the law school's Performance Based Admission Program (PBAP) or applicants who have criminal misconduct or college/university misconduct.

Before an admitted applicant enrolls, he/she must complete NCCU Law's background check to verify the information provided on his/her law school application.

Communication with Applicants:

After the Office of Admissions receives your application, we will send you an email with log-in instructions so that you can check your application status online through the Applicant Status Online web portal. Status updates and decisions will first be released online through this portal. After the decision is released online, you will also receive a decision via email.

The Office of Admissions primarily communicates with applicants via email. During the peak of the admissions season (January through April), the Office of Admissions receives its highest volume of applications and communications. During this peak time, staff members make every effort to timely respond to applicants' inquiries.

Applicants are encouraged to communicate with the Office of Admissions by email at law_admissions@nccu.edu. In your correspondence, please include a telephone number where you can be reached during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.).

You should check your application status online. After you submit your application, you will receive an email that contains a link to set up the online application status portal so that you may check the status of your application.

It is your continuing obligation to notify the Office of Admissions of any changes to your mailing address, your e-mail address, your name, or other changes that may affect your application or our ability to communicate with you.

The Office of Admissions will not discuss your application with anyone other than you without your written authorization.

It is the policy of the North Carolina Central University School of Law to prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, veteran's status, sexual orientation or lifestyle, or disability in its educational programs, admission policies, financial aid programs, and other school-administered programs.

North Carolina Central University's Annual Clery Security Report as Mandated by Federal Statute 20 USC § 1092 The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report include institutional policies concerning campus safety and security, as well as statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on North Carolina Central University property and on public property adjacent to campus and fires that have occurred in residence halls. A copy of this Report can be obtained by contacting the NCCU Police Department at 919-530-6106 or writing to 2010 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707 or at this page.