FAQs: Admissions Process
How important is each component of the application?
We do not use an index for evaluating our applicants and the Committee does not assign a quantitative value to any component of the application. The Admissions Committee takes a holistic view of each applicant and reviews every part of every application. The importance of any given component of the application will depend on the strengths and weaknesses of the application as a whole.
What process does the Committee use to review applications?
The Admissions Office utilizes a rolling admissions process. We process applications in the order (by date) that they were received from LSAC. Once an application is deemed complete by our office, it is then assigned to the Admissions Committee for review. The Committee generally considers applications in the order that they were completed.
When does the Committee release decisions?
We begin our review of applications in the early fall and issue decisions on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. Please note that we usually do not begin releasing decisions for Regular Decision applicants until late December or early January. We will continue releasing decisions on a periodic and rolling basis throughout the winter and spring until all decisions have been released.
When will I receive a decision on my application?
It depends on the date that you applied. It can take up to 2-4 weeks for the Admissions Office to process your application materials and mark your file complete (particularly during the busiest times of the admissions cycle). After you are complete, it may take several weeks for your file to be assigned to the Admissions Committee for review (your status will change to “Under Review”). Once the status of your application has changed to "Under Review", it may still take an additional 4-6 weeks (or longer) to receive your decision. How long your file remains at each status depends on when you applied and our application volume at that time. Most applicants will receive a decision within 8-10 weeks after their files are completed. You can find more information about the timing of our review process on the "Check Application Status" page.
How can I check the status of my application?
The best way to check the status of your application is by monitoring your "Current Status" on our Online Status Checker. After we receive your application, the Admissions Office will send an email indicating that your application has been received. This email will also contain your log-in and password for the online status checker. All emails will be sent to the email address that you provided on your application; please make sure that you have provided a valid email address that you check it frequently. If you are not receiving email notifications, please email admissions@law.uchicago.edu.
How will I be notified of my decision?
Consistent with our paperless admissions process, the Admissions Committee will notify applicants of the decisions by email and by updating their online status checkers. The Admissions Office will attempt to call all admitted applicants (but we do not call internationally). Please read more about our decision notification procedures here.