The Enrollment Management Committee places significant emphasis on the personal statement when evaluating applications. This statement should offer meaningful insight into who you are and your motivation for pursuing both a legal education and a legal career. The most effective personal statements also provide a deeper understanding of your personality, background, professional interests, or other important aspects of your story that may not be fully captured in other parts of the application.

Your personal statement must be your own, original work. It should be no more than 2 pages, double-spaced.

Law schools benefit from enrolling students with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that influence how they understand the world, navigate challenges, and contribute to the academic community. You may use the optional Lived Experiences and Perspectives Statement to share aspects of your personal journey, such as formative experiences, obstacles you've overcome, unique viewpoints, or an unconventional path to studying law, that may enable you to offer a valuable and original perspective to the incoming class.

This statement must be your own, original work. It should be no more than 2 pages, double-spaced.

You are invited to submit an optional "Why WVU Law?" Statement to express your specific interest in attending WVU Law. You may also address how your background, experiences, personal values, or career goals align with the legal education WVU Law offers, and how the law school can support your professional development and personal growth.

This statement must be your own, original work. It should be no more than 2 pages, double-spaced.

Applicants are welcome to provide an addendum if they believe additional information would help the Enrollment Management Committee understand or appropriately evaluate their application. Addenda may be used to explain or provide context for academic performance, standardized test scores or testing circumstances, gaps or interruptions in education or employment, changes in academic or professional trajectory, disciplinary or conduct matters, or other information that may raise questions when considered without additional context. Applicants may also use an addendum to clarify information on their résumé or application or to provide details regarding eligibility for military education benefits.

There is no required format or topic for an addendum. Applicants should use their judgment in determining whether additional context is necessary and should keep addenda concise and focused. Any addendum must be your own original work.

Your resume should highlight your educational background, professional experience, leadership roles, and service activities. You may also choose to include honors, awards, or special skills. While there is no strict page limit, a resume of 2 pages is typical.

If you answer "Yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions below, you must provide a full explanation of the circumstances involved and the resolution to the situation(s) in question. Please title your explanation "Character & Fitness Addendum" and upload it as an attachment. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners

Criminal Matters

1. Have you ever been cited for, arrested for, charged with, pled to, or been convicted of any violation of any criminal law other than a case that was resolved in juvenile court? You should include matters that have been dismissed, expunged, subject to a diversion or deferred prosecution program, or otherwise set aside.

2. Are any criminal charges currently pending against you?

Civil Matters 3. Have you ever had a complaint filed against you in any civil or administrative forum alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, dishonesty, deceit, or any kind of misrepresentation?

4. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy or had a complaint filed against you in any civil or administrative forum for the failure to pay debts?

5. Have you ever had a complaint filed against you in any domestic abuse proceeding or been the subject of a protective order?

6. Have you ever been subject to a disciplinary proceeding brought by a professional licensing board or agency?

Academic Matters 7. Has your undergraduate, graduate, or professional school course of study ever been interrupted for one term or more for any reason?

8. Have you ever been the subject of any disciplinary proceeding for scholastic or other reasons by any college, university, graduate, or professional school? This includes being placed on academic probation.

9. Are any disciplinary charges currently pending against you?

Introduction

The West Virginia University College of Law (WVU Law) admits new Juris Doctor (JD) students for the fall term only and begins accepting applications on September 15 for next year's entering class. Given WVU Law's rolling processes for both admissions and scholarship, the Enrollment Management Committee recommends that prospective students consider applying early in the admissions cycle.

Standards for Admission

The Enrollment Management Committee evaluates applicants in a holistic manner and considers an array of factors including, but not limited to, the following: academic achievement and potential; undergraduate and graduate coursework; demonstrated leadership skills; community involvement; overcoming adversity; work and life experiences; and a specific interest in the study and practice of law. When completing this application, students are encouraged to consider how they may address the factors listed above. While it is not necessary to address each item in your application, many of our most competitive applicants highlight the factors they believe are the strongest, address a specific interest in the study and practice of law, and indicate how WVU Law will assist them in achieving their personal and professional goals.

Application Dates

The application for admission to WVU Law for Fall 2027 opens on September 15, 2026.

WVU Law uses a rolling admissions and scholarship process. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible beginning September 15, as applying early provides the best opportunity for timely admission and scholarship consideration.

Priority Application Deadline The priority application deadline is January 15, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Applicants who submit their applications by this deadline and have all required supporting materials on file by January 22, 2027 will receive priority consideration for admission and scholarships. Applying by this deadline also provides admitted students the opportunity to attend WVU Law?s Open House in April 2027.

Regular Application Deadline The regular application deadline is May 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). All supporting materials must be received by June 15, 2027.

Required supporting materials may include letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, and any other materials required as part of the application.

Application Fee

The fee for applying to WVU Law is $50 US. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid by credit card when submitting the application.

Reapplicants

Applicants who applied to WVU Law in a previous admissions cycle are encouraged to update their materials accordingly. At minimum, the Enrollment Management Committee requests that reapplicants update their application form, personal statement, resume, and provide their most recent academic documents. Letters of recommendation may be reused from previous applications, but the Enrollment Management Committee suggests that reapplicants provide a further letter from a recommender who can provide insight on the reapplicant's work since the time of the original application. Reapplicants must also disclose any updated information related to the Character and Fitness section.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Application Materials

Applicants are permitted to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with proofreading their written work (e.g., for grammar, spelling, or clarity). However, the use of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or similar platforms, to draft, compose, or substantially write any portion of the applicant's application materials is prohibited.

All submitted materials must reflect the applicant's original thoughts, experiences, and voice. The use of generative AI in a manner that misrepresents the applicant's writing will be considered a violation of the certification found at the end of the application form and will result in the applicant's denial of admission to WVU Law.

Application Materials

A completed application is comprised of the following required documents:

Application form Personal statement Resume Two letters of recommendation LSAT and/or GRE Transcripts LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Law School Report Character and fitness information English language proficiency requirement (see below for applicability) The following are optional or may be requested by the Enrollment Management Committee:

"Why WVU Law?" statement Lived experiences and perspectives statement Addendum Required Documents

Personal Statement

The Enrollment Management Committee places significant emphasis on the personal statement when evaluating applications. This statement should offer meaningful insight into who you are and your motivation for pursuing both a legal education and a legal career. The most effective personal statements also provide a deeper understanding of your personality, background, professional interests, or other important aspects of your story that may not be fully captured in other parts of the application.

Your personal statement must be your own, original work. It should be no more than 2 pages, double-spaced.

Resume

Your resume should highlight your educational background, professional experience, leadership roles, and service activities. You may also choose to include honors, awards, or special skills.

While there is no strict page limit, a resume of 2 pages is typical.

Letters of Recommendation

The Enrollment Management Committee requires applicants to submit 2 letters of recommendation from non-personal connections. However, applicants may submit up to 4 letters of recommendation, if desired.

The 2 required letters of recommendation should come from individuals who can evaluate the applicant's candidacy both in terms of academic skills as well as personal qualities. At least 1 letter of recommendation should come from an individual who instructed the applicant in either an undergraduate or graduate course. The Enrollment Management Committee recognizes that some applicants, especially those who received their bachelor's degree a number of years ago, may have difficulty meeting this request. In such cases, letters from employers, supervisors or others who have worked closely with the applicant are acceptable substitutes.

Applicants are required to use the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service that is part of the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). LSAC will include these letters with the CAS Report. Please note, LSAC will not release the CAS Report until 2 letters of recommendation have been submitted. LSAC will send further CAS Reports if additional recommenders submit letters at a later time.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and/or Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Applicants must report all valid LSAT scores taken between July 2021 and the present, and all valid GRE scores taken between July 2021 and the present.

LSAT Scores: LSAC will provide all LSAT score reports through the CAS Report. GRE Scores: Applicants who have taken the GRE must send their official score reports directly to WVU Law through ETS. The Designation Institution Code (DI Code) for WVU Law is 3926. Future test registrations:

If an applicant has registered for a future LSAT, LSAC will notify the Enrollment Management Office. The Enrollment Management Committee will hold off on evaluating the applicant's file until the results of that future LSAT are received, unless the applicant specifies otherwise. Applicants planning to take a future GRE must indicate this on the Standardized Testing section of the application. As with the LSAT, the Enrollment Management Committee will delay evaluating the applicant's file until the future GRE results are received unless the applicant specifies otherwise. Transcripts

Applicants must submit all post-secondary transcripts to LSAC for inclusion in the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Law School Report. LSAC reviews and summarizes academic records according to its transcript-summarization policies and calculates a standardized grade-point average for purposes of the CAS Report. Because LSAC?s methodology may differ from the grading policies or GPA calculations used by an applicant?s institution, the LSAC-calculated GPA may differ from the GPA shown on an applicant?s transcript.

The Enrollment Management Committee considers the full academic record reflected in the transcripts provided through the CAS Report, along with the academic summary prepared by LSAC. In evaluating an applicant?s academic record, the Committee considers overall academic performance, coursework, major(s), minor(s), concentration(s), academic trends, and other relevant aspects of the applicant?s educational history. Coursework that is not included in the LSAC-calculated GPA may nevertheless be considered as part of the applicant?s overall academic record.

Applicants completing coursework at the time of application are strongly encouraged to submit updated transcripts to LSAC as additional grades become available. LSAC will provide updated CAS Reports upon receipt and processing of those transcripts, allowing the Committee to consider the most current academic information.

Applicants who believe their academic record requires additional context or explanation may provide that information in the Addendum section of their application.

LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Law School Report

As noted above, WVU Law requires applicants to register for LSAC?s Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The CAS Law School Report includes an applicant?s LSAT score(s) and writing sample, academic summary, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

The CAS subscription costs $219 and is active for five years. Each CAS Report costs an additional $45. Applicants may find more information about CAS on LSAC?s website.

Applicants should not send LSAT score reports, transcripts, or letters of recommendation directly to WVU Law unless specifically requested by the Enrollment Management Office.

Character and Fitness Information

If an applicant answers "Yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions on this application, the applicant must provide a full explanation of the circumstances involved and the resolution to the situation(s) in question. This explanation should be provided in a Character and Fitness Addendum.

Applicants are required to continually update their Character and Fitness responses throughout the application process as well as post-enrollment at WVU Law. To that end:

If a student applies to WVU Law and - prior to admission or enrollment at WVU Law - later engages in an action that would have led the student to answer "Yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions, the student must immediately notify the Enrollment Management Office regarding the incident. Please send updates to wvulaw.admissions@mail.wvu.edu, subject line "Character and Fitness Update." If a student applies to WVU Law and - after admission and enrollment at WVU Law - later engages in an action that would have led the student to answer "Yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions, the student must immediately notify WVU Law Academic Program Coordinator, Theresa Lubich, regarding the incident. Please send updates to theresa.lubich@mail.wvu.edu, subject line "Character and Fitness Update." 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.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate English language proficiency unless they have earned a postsecondary degree (e.g., B.A., M.A., MBA, Ph.D., LLB, etc.) from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

English proficiency can be demonstrated by achieving the minimum score on one of the following exams:

TOEFL iBT through January 2026 (Home Edition is accepted): 79 TOEFL iBT after January 2026 (Home Edition is accepted): 4.0 Academic IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL Essentials: 9.0 Duolingo English Test: 105 PTE Academic: 53 WVU Law does not accept expired scores, scores that cannot be verified, General IELTS, or institutional TOEFLs (TOEFL ITP). Official score reports should be sent to the Enrollment Management Office at wvulaw.admissions@mail.wvu.edu.

If you have received a postsecondary degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, you may request a waiver from this requirement by contacting the Enrollment Management Office at wvulaw.admissions@mail.wvu.edu, subject line "English Language Proficiency Waiver Request."

Optional Documents

"Why WVU Law?" Statement

Applicants may use the optional "Why WVU Law?" Statement as an opportunity to express a specific interest in WVU Law. Applicants may also wish to address how their background, experiences, personal character, and/or career aspirations align with the legal education that WVU Law provides and how WVU Law can assist them with both their professional and personal formation.

This statement must be your own, original work. It should be no more than 2 pages, double-spaced.

Lived Experiences and Perspectives Statement

Law schools benefit from enrolling students with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that shape how they view the world, approach challenges, and contribute to the academic community. Applicants may use the optional Lived Experiences and Perspectives Statement to share how their personal journey, including any formative experiences, obstacles overcome, distinctive viewpoints, or unique paths to the study of law, might allow them to offer a valuable and original perspective to the entering class.

This statement must be your own, original work. It should be no more than 2 pages, double-spaced.

Addendum

Applicants are welcome to provide an addendum if they believe additional information would help the Enrollment Management Committee understand or appropriately evaluate their application. Addenda may be used to explain or provide context for academic performance, standardized test scores or testing circumstances, gaps or interruptions in education or employment, changes in academic or professional trajectory, disciplinary or conduct matters, or other information that may raise questions when considered without additional context. Applicants may also use an addendum to clarify information on their résumé or application or to provide details regarding eligibility for military education benefits.

There is no required format or topic for an addendum. Applicants should use their judgment in determining whether additional context is necessary and should keep addenda concise and focused. Any addendum must be your own original work.

Scholarship Consideration

Every applicant admitted to WVU Law is automatically considered for a scholarship. WVU Law does not require a separate application for scholarship consideration. Funds are awarded on a rolling basis. The Enrollment Management Committee encourage students to apply early in the admissions cycle to maximize their potential for a scholarship offer.

Students are also encouraged to research and apply for outside scholarships that may provide further assistance. WVU Law maintains a database of external scholarships on its website here.

Loan Assistance

In order to qualify for Federal loan programs, applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). WVU's School Code is 003827. WVU's financial aid office, called the WVU Hub, requests that applicants submit their FAFSA by March 1.

Questions?

Please contact the Enrollment Management Office at wvulaw.admissions@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-5304 with any questions. You can also find more information about WVU Law at law.wvu.edu.

WVU Non-Discrimination Statement

The WVU Non-Discrimination Statement can be found on the WVU Office of Compliance and Prevention Education website here.