Prospective Student FAQ’s

Prospective Student FAQ’s
How important is my LSAT score and what is the minimum LSAT required for admission?
Your LSAT score is important in the admissions process, but it is only one factor among many factors
that are considered by the Admission Committee. While our median score for the fall 2013 class is 154,
we do not have a "cut-off" or minimum score for admission. The Committee will thoroughly review your
entire application. Additional important factors in the decision are your undergraduate academic record,
personal statement, academic recommendations, work experience, extracurricular activities, diversity
and potential for leadership.
When should I apply to the College of Law?
Applications for admission become available in September. You should submit your application as soon
as possible. We have a "rolling admissions" process and review applications as soon as they are
completed. It is to your advantage to apply as early as possible, while the majority of seats are available.
Because scholarships are also awarded on a rolling basis, it is important to apply early, before funds are
exhausted.
Can I apply to begin in the spring semester?
No. First year students are admitted only for the fall semester. We do not have a first-year spring class.
Does DePaul offer a part-time or evening program?
The College of Law offers full and part-time curriculum options. In the part-time program, classes are
conducted on weekday evenings. Classes begin at 5:50 p.m. and typically end at 8:30 p.m. Part-time
students typically attend classes four days per week. Part-time students who remain in the part-time
program typically graduate in four years. Part-time students may transfer to the full-time program after
the completion of the first year of study.
How long before I receive a decision?
The Admission Committee will review your application only when it is complete, including the
application form, fee, LSAC CAS report, letter of recommendation or evaluation, and personal
statement. Once your file is complete you should receive a decision in approximately 2-3 weeks. The
possible decisions are Accept, Waitlist and Deny.
How can I check the status of my application?
We encourage applicants to frequently check the status of their application online at
http://law.depaul.edu/admission/jd/check_application.asp. Applicants may also check on the status of
their application by emailing the Office of Law Admissions at lawinfo@depaul.eduor calling the Office of
Law Admissions at 312-362-6831 or 800-428-7453.
What are your requirements of transfer applicants?
You must complete our transfer application for admission and indicate the semester for which you are
applying. You will need a letter of recommendation or LSAC evaluation from a faculty member at your
law school as well as a letter indicating that you are in good standing and eligible to return. Particular
weight is given to a transfer applicant's performance at their law school. Favorable letters of
recommendation from law faculty are also important. We require, as most law schools do, that transfer
applicants complete one year at another institution before enrolling at DePaul. While a transcript
showing spring grades generally is required to review the application, the Admission Committee may
make an exception and grant a conditional admission based upon the applicant’s strong academic
performance in the fall semester.
Do I need a college degree to attend law school at DePaul?
Yes. All students must have completed all requirements to receive a four-year undergraduate degree
prior to matriculating at the law school.
How important are my personal statement, letters of recommendation and LSAC applicant
evaluations?
The Admissions Committee does not give points or weights to the various components of the
application. The Committee makes a decision after reviewing the entire application. A strong personal
statement or outstanding letter of recommendation or evaluation can have a significant impact on the
decision.
Who should write my letters of recommendation or complete my applicant evaluations, and how
many should I submit?
We require one letter of recommendation or LSAC applicant evaluation. The Committee prefers letters
of recommendation or evaluations from college professors and academic deans. If, however, you are
not able to obtain an academic letter or evaluation, you may have your supervisor, or someone else in a
position to evaluate your abilities, write a letter or submit an evaluation. The best letters and
evaluations emphasize the applicant's intellectual abilities, writing skills, motivation and other attributes
that will contribute to the student's success in law school. Although we only require one letter or
evaluation, most applicants submit 2 or 3.
How should my letters of recommendation and evaluations be sent to you?
We require that you submit your letters to LSAC. The letters will then be forwarded to all law schools to
which you have applied along with your LSAT score and LSDAS report.
Do you have a conditional admission program?
No. All students are admitted as regular students. We do, however, support the CLEO program and
encourage interested applicants to consider applying to the program.
When should I take the LSAT?
You should take the LSAT approximately one year before you intend to begin law school. For example, if
you plan to begin law school in fall 2014, you should plan to take the test in June 2013, October 2013 or
possibly December 2013. Taking the February administration in the same year you are seeking
admission will put you at a disadvantage in the admissions process.
Do I have to take the LSAT?
Yes. The American Bar Association requires that all applicants to ABA-accredited law schools take a valid
and reliable test.
I've taken the LSAT more than one time. Does DePaul average LSAT scores?
Although the Admissions Committee will see all scores from tests taken within the last five years, the
Committee will generally use the "high score" in evaluating your application for admission. Applicants
with significant discrepancy among LSAT scores may wish to provide a brief explanation for the
discrepancy.
Can you recommend an LSAT preparation course?
We do not endorse any particular commercial LSAT test preparation courses. You can find a listing in the
yellow pages under "test preparation." While many applicants find these courses to be helpful in their
preparation, they are expensive. You can also prepare for the exam by purchasing test preparation
materials and studying on your own. If you do, it is critical that you be disciplined and take a number of
practice tests under exam conditions. You can purchase preparation materials directly from LSAC by
visiting http://www.LSAC.org.
Can I schedule an interview with the Admissions Committee?
We do not have the resources to offer evaluative interviews to the more than 3,000 applicants who
apply for admission each year. Any information that you would convey in a personal interview should be
conveyed in your personal statement. We do, however, encourage applicants to attend one of our small
group information sessions. You can schedule a visit by registering to attend an information session
online at http://law.depaul.edu/admission/visit/information_sessions.asp or by calling the Office of Law
Admissions at 312-362-6831 or 800-428-7453.
I was denied admission, can I appeal?
Decisions of the Admissions Committee are final and the Committee will not consider appeals. You may,
however, reapply for admission in the next year.
I was denied admission to the Full-Time Day Program. Can I apply to the evening program?
No. When the Committee decides to deny admission to a full-time applicant, the Committee, at that
time, also considers the applicant for the part-time program.
What type of scholarships does DePaul award?
All students admitted to the law school are automatically considered for available scholarships. Students
who receive a scholarship awards are notified in their acceptance letter. Our scholarships range from a
few thousand dollars per year up to thirty thousand dollars per year. Most of our scholarships are meritbased, awarded primarily based upon undergraduate academic performance and LSAT score.
We also award a limited number of diversity-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to
students who contribute to our diversity and who have financial need. At DePaul, we define diversity
broadly. While it includes ethnic and racial diversity, it also includes geographic diversity, socioeconomic status, experience, interests and a number of other factors.