Admissions
Requirements - U.S. Applicants
Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A degree from a non-U.S. institution is acceptable if it is academically equivalent to a bachelor's degree awarded by an accredited institution in the United States.
No particular undergraduate curriculum is required; however, the Admissions Committee favors courses and programs that are the most intellectually challenging. In addition, the Admissions Committee expects that students will be knowledgeable about the government and history of the United States and the foundations of modern civilization. Above all, prospective students should demonstrate proficiency in analytical reasoning, as well as strength in oral and written communication.
Applicants must register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and take either the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) or the GRE.
Requirements - Non-U.S. Applicants
Non-U.S. applicants with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States are required to follow the same application procedures as U.S. applicants, including subscription to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
A foreign applicant with a degree from a non-U.S. institution must demonstrate that the degree is equivalent to a bachelor's degree awarded by an accredited institution in the United States. All applicants must register with LSAC for transcript evaluation services. Applicants must also take either the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) or the GRE.
Admission Criteria
The principal criteria used in the admissions process are the cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or GRE score. The selection process, however, is not strictly mathematical. Other important considerations include:
- College major and course selection.
- Trend of undergraduate grades.
- Writing ability (as demonstrated by the quality of the Personal Statement and LSAT/GRE Writing Sample(s).
- Personal qualities of integrity and commitment to public service.
- Successful graduate study, where applicable.
- Professional experience and achievement after college, where applicable.
- Letters of recommendation from persons with direct knowledge of the individual's intellectual ability, natural aptitude, and strength of character.