The Two-Page Application Form: You must complete the entire application form and submit it electronically through LSAC. If you are applying for Early Decision, you must also include the completed Early Decision Agreement. We accept applications submitted via the LSDAS Electronic Application.

An Academic History: You must provide LSDAS a complete history of your academic performance in your undergraduate program and any graduate schools.

If you attended a foreign undergraduate institution, the University of Chicago Law School requires that your foreign transcripts be submitted through the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service ("JD CAS"). If you completed any postsecondary work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service for the evaluation of your foreign transcripts. The one exception to this requirement is if you completed the foreign work through a study abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a US or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. The JD CAS is included in the LSDAS subscription fee. A Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), which will be incorporated into your LSDAS report. If we determine that you need to submit a TOEFL score, you must contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and request that your TOEFL score be sent to LSAC. LSAC's TOEFL code for the JD CAS is 0058. Your score will be included in the Foreign Credential Evaluation document that will be included in your LSDAS law school report. Questions about the JD CAS can be directed to LSAC at 215.968.1001, or LSACINFO@LSAC.org.

In reviewing a candidate's academic record, the Committee seeks evidence that the applicant has the discipline and ability to handle a demanding program. Factors that we frequently consider include the overall undergraduate GPA, the GPA within your major, the percentile ranking in comparison to other law school candidates from the same institution (as reported by LSDAS), academic honors, the difficulty of the academic program, and the quality of the degree-conferring institution.

We will also consider graduate education if applicable. If you have weaknesses in your record, you may explain them in a brief addendum. Because we consider many factors, those offered admission show considerable GPA variation.

LSAT Scores: You must have a current LSAT score (within four years of the date that your application is submitted to the Law School), and you must submit all LSAT scores. We recognize that some students will take the LSAT more than once, perhaps because the first score was the product of unusual conditions or because it seemed low given earlier practice test scores. In keeping with recent changes in LSAC and ABA policies, we will focus on the higher of an applicant's two scores. LSAC data suggest that the first score is an excellent predictor of a second score; applicants are thus advised to re-take the test only if there is reason to expect significant improvement. We certainly do not wish to encourage expenditures on repeat test taking. While the LSAT provides a uniform comparison of applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds, the Committee believes that the LSAT is far from a perfect predictor of law school success. Each year the Committee admits a substantial number of candidates with lower LSAT scores.

Resume: You must include a resume describing your extracurricular and community activities, as well as any full- or part-time work. In addition, if your education has been interrupted for more than a normal vacation period, you should describe your activities during that time. In reviewing your resume, the Committee looks for a strong work ethic, analytic and organizational ability, research and writing skills, and leadership experience and potential. Please submit your resume electronically through the LSDAS Electronic Application.

Letters of Recommendation: You must provide two letters of recommendation, but we will accept up to four. You must submit your letters of recommendation to us through the LSDAS Electronic Application. Your application is considered complete once we receive two letters of recommendation unless you notify us otherwise.

In reviewing these letters, the Committee is looking for insight into a candidate's academic promise as well as subjective personal qualities such as curiosity, enthusiasm, and commitment. We strongly recommend that you request at least one letter from a professor, advisor, or department chair who has a well-informed view of your academic ability. We understand, however, that candidates who have not recently been in school are more likely to submit letters from employers or colleagues.

Personal Statement: You must submit electronically a personal statement with your application. In reviewing the personal statement, the Committee looks for information that gives insight into the non-academic contribution you would make to the class. In general, a statement with a narrow focus on some personal attribute or experience is far more helpful to us than either a broad statement about the law or a restatement of your resume.

Evaluative Interview: After an initial review of your application, we may invite you to come to Chicago for an evaluative interview. These interviews help the Committee identify candidates whose applications may not adequately convey their capabilities and potential contributions.You cannot request an interview.

Deferment: Although admission is granted only for the year for which you apply, deferred admission is a courtesy that the Admissions Committee grants to students committed to attending Chicago. We recognize that due to fellowships, graduate programs, and various other circumstances that some students must delay matriculation for a year or two. (Deferment requests for admitted students committed to participating in Teach for America will automatically be granted when requested). Admitted students who accept our offer of deferment must withdraw their applications from all other law schools and not seek deferred admission elsewhere. They also may not apply to other law schools while deferred.