FAQs: About the Law School
How long is the J.D. program?
The J.D. program is a full-time three year program of study. The program consists of nine academic quarters and classes begin in September and end in early June.
Does the Law School offer a part-time or evening program?
No, the J.D. program is a full-time program that starts in late September.
When should I apply?
You should apply in the admissions cycle prior to the year in which you hope to enroll. For example, if you wish to begin law school in the fall of 2010, you should apply during the 2009-2010 admissions cycle, which will begin September 1, 2009.
Where is the Law School located?
The Law School is located on the main University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, a historic and affordable neighborhood approximately seven miles south of downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan. Please visit the Hyde Park website to learn more about our community. Hyde Park is easily accessible from downtown Chicago by public transportation or car.
What is the size of the entering class?
There are approximately 190 students in our entering J.D. class, and about 600 J.D. students in the entire student body. Our small class size is one of the Law School's greatest advantages and results in a tightly knit community. In addition, we have approximately 50 international LL.M. students each year.
What is your median LSAT score and GPA?
For the class entering in 2009, the median LSAT score is 171 and median GPA is 3.76, although we have a wide range of LSAT scores and GPAs in our class. Please see our 2009-2010 profile card for more details.
What are the demographics of the incoming class?
The Admissions Committee believes that diversity adds to the classroom experience and values diversity in every conceivable sense. In the 2009 entering class, 46 percent are women and 27 percent are students of color. In addition, we have 95 different undergraduate institutions and 37 states represented. Our students come from varied socioeconomic backgrounds and we have over 40 different undergraduate majors represented in the Class of 2012. Our 2009-2010 profile card contains more details.
Does the Admissions Committee require work experience prior to law school?
We do not require work experience prior to law school. Over half of the incoming class will typically have at least one or two years of work experience, but a large percentage of the incoming class will be joining us immediately after completing their undergraduate education. Post-graduate work experience will be reviewed with all other aspects of your application, but there is no preference either way with respect to work experience.
