Overview of the Application Process
Thank you for your interest in the University of Chicago Law School. We expect more than 5,000 applications for the 190-195 seats in the Class of 2013. Each application is reviewed by one or more members of the Admissions Committee. The Committee takes a broad and holistic view of each applicant, believing that a simple formula cannot adequately measure an applicant's potential and contribution to the Law School.
We have provided some guidance below about each component of our application. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions section for more guidance and do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office if you have questions.
The Electronic Application Process
All applicants must apply to the Law School and submit all materials electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (LSDAS). We only accept applications submitted through the LSAC Electronic Application. Please read the Application Instructions included with the LSAC Electronic Application and follow them carefully.
We will not accept any paper application materials or paper updates to your application. Paper materials and updates will not be retained or reviewed by the Admissions Committee and will be discarded. You are welcome to submit updates to your file electronically.
Early Decision or Regular Decision Application Form
Each applicant must complete the entire Early Decision Application form or Regular Decision Application form. If you are applying to the Early Decision program, you must select the Early Decision box and also complete the Early Decision Agreement. You must complete the Application even if you are completing the Common Information Form on LSAC.
Complete Academic History (all Undergraduate and Graduate School Transcripts)
You must provide all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts reflecting a complete history of your academic performance in your undergraduate program and any graduate schools. All transcripts must be submitted and processed through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (LSDAS). Read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about how the Committee evaluates transcripts.
If you will be submitting foreign transcripts, please read the Application Instructions carefully and review our FAQs about submitting foreign transcripts.
Law School Admission Test
All applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and submit a valid LSAT score. An LSAT score is considered valid if it was received within five years of the date of your application. You must submit all LSAT scores that you have received. Please review the FAQs to learn more about how the Committee evaluates the LSAT and considers multiple LSAT scores.
Resume
We require a detailed resume listing your educational history, extracurricular activities, community and volunteer activities, and all full or part-time work experience. You should indicate the time spent each week on each activity or employment position. If your education or employment history has been interrupted for more than a normal vacation period, you should describe your activities during that time. Please see our FAQs for more guidance on the resume.
Letters of Recommendation
We require two letters of recommendation, but we will accept up to four. You must submit your letters of recommendation through the Credential Assembly Service (LSDAS) Letter of Recommendation Service. Your application will be considered complete once we receive two letters of recommendation unless you notify the Admissions Office and ask us to wait until we have received the additional letters.
In reviewing letters of recommendation, the Committee is looking for insight into a candidate's academic promise, as well as personal qualities such as intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm, and commitment. We strongly recommend that you submit at least one academic letter (from a professor or advisor) who has a well-informed view of your academic ability. We understand, however, that it may be necessary for candidates who have already completed their undergraduate education to submit letters of recommendation from their employers. For more information on letters of recommendation, please review our FAQs.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is an important part of every application and your opportunity to demonstrate what you will contribute to our community. In general, a personal statement with a narrow focus on a personal attribute or experience is far more helpful to the Committee than either a broad statement about the law or a restatement of your resume. For more tips and guidance on the personal statement, please review the FAQs.
Application Fee
The application fee is $75 (U.S. funds only) and may be paid by credit card or by check or money order. We prefer that applicants use the electronic signature and credit card fee payment option. If you are unable to pay by credit card, you may pay by check or money order made payable to the University of Chicago Law School. If paying by check or money order, you must include a signed Certification Letter with your check or money order (the Certification Letter is available from the LSAC Electronic Application).
Evaluative Interview
Unfortunately, we are unable to conduct personal interviews of all applicants and the Committee will not grant requests for interviews. We do have a small interviewing program, but offer interviews only at the Committee's request. After an initial review of your application, we may invite you to come to Chicago for an evaluative interview if the Committee determines that an interview would be helpful to its consideration of your file.
