ONU > Requirements

Application requirements

Deadline

Aug 1, 2026

Recommendations

1 to 3

Updated for 2025-2026 application cycle

You must answer every question within the Character and Fitness section. If you fail to do so, your application will be returned to you. If you answer YES to any of the questions in this section, you must submit an explanation (electronic attachment), including the date, details of incident, outcome, and current status of the incident, and any other pertinent information. Applications WILL NOT be processed until we receive an explanation. 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.

Have you ever been charged with and/or convicted of any criminal offense other than minor traffic violations including as a juvenile? You must answer YES even if your record has been expunged. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request further documentation.
If you answered YES to question 1, was the incident a misdemeanor?
If you answered YES to question 1, was the incident a felony?
Are criminal charges now pending against you?
If you answered “yes” to number 4, are the charges pending against you misdemeanor charges or felony charges?
Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, disciplined, expelled, or requested or advised to resign or withdraw from any post-secondary school, college, university, professional school, or law school? If so, please explain fully.
Have you ever been delinquent or in default of any financial obligations, including student loans?
Have you ever filed or been the subject of a petition for bankruptcy?
As a member of any profession or professional organization, have you ever been disciplined for unethical conduct?
Have you ever been a party in any litigation?
Are there any other potential character and fitness issues you feel should be disclosed to the College of Law?

Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law

Application for Admission

Lawyers are held to a high ethical standard; therefore, you are required to fully disclose all acts and/or events that implicate this standard. Failure to provide truthful and complete answers and/or provide the Office of Law Admissions with any changes to your current situation can be more significant and lead to more serious consequences than the act or event itself. Such omissions may be reported to LSAC and may result in the revocation of admission, disciplinary action by the Law School and/or denial of permission to practice law by a state bar association.

ONU Law makes the determination as to whether the applicant's moral character warrants admission to law school.

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.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

It is the policy of Ohio Northern University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, transgender status, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment policies, financial aid, or other school administered programs.

Notice:

Our Summer Starter Program is an 8 week (in-person) program that begins the Tuesday after Memorial Day. That program has limited seats, and we interview all those who make it past the application stage. Those interviews are on specific dates running November - the first week of April, please contact our office if you would like to know the dates ahead of time. If you are interested in this program, please indicate it on your application, and apply early to ensure you get your application reviewed, and have the opportunity to interview before the program begins in May.

Admissions Application Checklist:

Attach the (required) detailed explanation for each part of the Character and Fitness section for which you responded "YES".
Attach a current and complete résumé.
Attach a personal statement. Please be concise and submit no more than two-to-three pages double-spaced. A well-written personal statement is the most effective means of communication with the Office of Law Admissions and the Admissions Committee. Applicants should use the personal statement to provide insight into the general background and motivation the applicant will bring to Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law. The personal statement also serves as a sample of the applicant's writing ability. Please choose one or more of the following topics below:
- ONU Law has many unique programs and attributes. Given there are many law schools throughout the country, please discuss why you want to attend law school and, more specifically, why you have applied to ONU Law.
- Given your personal, educational, and cultural background, please discuss how you would contribute to a diverse intellectual environment and/or multicultural experiences at ONU Law.
- Please provide more context on how your experiences and strengths could make you a valuable contributor to the community at ONU Law.
Please provide the names of a maximum of three people who will send recommendation letters on your behalf, one letter of recommendation is required.
In order for your application to be considered complete, you must have submitted at least one LSAT writing sample, unless you are applying with the GRE.
If you are a GRE applicant please email us a PDF copy of your scores to lawadmissions@onu.edu
Electronically sign and date your application. False statements, omissions, or misrepresentations will be reported to LSAC and may result in the rejection of your application. Notify the Admissions Office of any changes.

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