Prospective LL.M. Students Now Have Option to Apply Online

Applicants to the University of Chicago Law School’s LL.M. program now can submit their entire application online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the same organization that electronically collects and disperses test scores, transcripts, and other application materials for prospective J.D. students.

The paperless option was added after the LSAC, the central online application processor for many law school programs, recently began allowing LL.M. candidates to submit recommendation letters and applications online. Previously, LL.M. candidates could only submit transcripts, just one component of the application process, through the LSAC. Applicants mailed other materials directly to the Law School.

The Law School still also accepts paper applications for the LL.M. program, but likely will switch to an electronic-only application process in 2012. Since adding the paperless option, an overwhelming number of LL.M. applicants have submitted applications electronically through LSAC rather than by mail, said Richard I. Badger, ’68, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs. “The early indication is that this will likely increase the size of the applicant pool,” he said.

The Law School’s post-graduate LL.M. program, which is aimed at foreign students, receives roughly 750 applications for 65 spots. The degree is awarded to students who have been in residence at the Law School for three full consecutive academic quarters taking a variety of courses from the Law School’s vast catalogue. This year’s application deadline is Dec. 15.

Unlike the LL.M. application process, all J.D. application materials must be submitted electronically through the LSAC’s website. No paper applications will be considered for J.D. admittance.