FAQ's

How important is my LSAT score and what is the minimum LSAT required for admission?
Your LSAT score is important in the admissions process, but it is only one factor among many factors that are considered by the Admission Committee. While our median score for the fall 2007 class is 161, we do not have a "cut-off" or minimum score for admission. The Committee will thoroughly review your entire application. Additional important factors in the decision are your undergraduate academic record, personal statement, letters of recommendation, work experience, extracurricular activities, diversity and potential for leadership.

When should I apply to the College of Law?
Applications for admission become available in September. You should submit your application as soon as possible. We have a "rolling admissions" process and review applications as soon as they are completed. It is to your advantage to apply as early as possible, while the majority of seats are available. Because scholarships are also awarded on a rolling basis, it is important to apply early, before funds are exhausted.

Can I apply to begin in the spring semester?
No. First year students are admitted only for the fall semester. We do not have a first-year spring class.

Does DePaul offer a part-time or evening program?
The College of Law offers full and part-time curriculum options. In the Evening Division, classes are conducted on four weekday evenings. Students typically have one day off in the middle of the week. Classes begin at 5:50 p.m. and typically end at 8:30 p.m. Part-time Day Division students typically attend classes three days per week. Part-time students who remain in the Part-Time Division typically graduate in four years.

How long before I receive a decision?
The Admission Committee will review your application only when it is complete, including the application form, fee, LSDAS report, letter of recommendation and personal statement. Once your file is complete you should receive a decision in approximately 2-3 weeks. The possible decisions are Accept, Waitlist and Deny.

How can I check the status of my application?
We encourage applicants to frequently check the status of their application by calling the Office of Law Admission at 312-362-6831 or 800-428-7453.

What are your requirements of transfer applicants?
You must complete our regular application for admission and indicate that you are applying as a transfer student. You will need a letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your law school as well as a letter indicating that you are in good standing and eligible to return. Particular weight is given to a transfer applicant's performance at their law school. Favorable letters of recommendation from law faculty are also important. We require, as most law schools do, that transfer applicants complete one year at another institution before enrolling at DePaul. While you may wish to submit an application after the completion of your fall semester, the Committee cannot make an admissions decision until grades have been received from all course work.

Do I need a college degree to attend law school at DePaul?
Yes. All students must have completed all requirements to receive a four-year undergraduate degree prior to matriculating at the law school.

How important are my personal statement and letters of recommendation?
The Admissions Committee does not give points or weights to the various components of the application. The Committee makes a decision after reviewing the entire application. A strong personal statement or outstanding letter of recommendation can have a significant impact on the decision.

Who should write my letters of recommendation and how many should I submit?
We require one letter of recommendation. The Committee prefers letters of recommendation that are written by college professors and academic deans. If, however, you are not able to obtain an academic letter, you may have your supervisor, or someone else in a position to evaluate your abilities, write a letter. The best letters talk about the applicant's intellectual abilities, writing skills, motivation and other attributes that will contribute to the student's success in law school. Although we only require one letter, most applicants submit 2 or 3.

How should my letters of recommendation be sent to you?
We prefer that you submit your letters to LSDAS. The letters will then be forwarded to all law schools to which you have applied along with your LSAT score and LSDAS report. You may also have your writers send letters directly to the Office of Admission. College letter of recommendations services are also welcome.

Do you have a conditional admission program?
No. All students are admitted as regular students. We do, however, support the CLEO program and encourage applicants to consider applying to the program.

When should I take the LSAT?
You should take the LSAT approximately one year before you intend to begin law school. For example, if you plan to begin law school in fall 2008, you should plan to take the test in June 2007, October 2007 or possibly December 2007. Taking the February administration in the same year you are seeking admission will put you at a disadvantage in the admissions process.

Do I have to take the LSAT?
Yes. The American Bar Association requires that all applicants to ABA accredited law schools take this test.

I've taken the LSAT more than one time. Does DePaul average LSAT scores?
Although the Admission Committee will see all scores from tests taken within the last five year, the Committee will generally use the "high score" in evaluating your application for admission. Applicants with significant discrepancy among LSAT scores may wish to provide a brief explanation for the discrepancy.

Can you recommend an LSAT preparation course?
We do not endorse any particular commercial LSAT test preparation courses. You can find a listing in the yellow pages under "test preparation." While many applicants find these courses to be helpful in their preparation, they are expensive. You can also prepare for the exam by purchasing test preparation materials and studying on your own. If you do, it is critical that you be disciplined and take a number of practice tests under exam conditions. You can purchase preparation materials directly from LSAC by visiting www.LSAC.org.

Can I schedule an interview with the Admission Committee?
We do not have the resources to offer evaluative interviews to the 5,000 applicants who apply for admission each year. Any information that you would convey in a personal interview should be conveyed in your personal statement. We do, however, encourage applicants to attend one of our small group information sessions. You can schedule a visit by calling the Office of Law Admission at 312-362-6831 or 800-428-7453.

I was denied admission, can I appeal?
Decisions of the Admission Committee are final and the Committee will not consider appeals. You may, however, reapply for admission in the next year.

I was denied admission to the Full-Time Day Division. Can I apply to the evening program?
No. When the Committee decides to deny admission to a full-time applicant, the Committee, at that time, also considers the applicant for the part-time program.

What type of scholarships does DePaul award?
All students admitted to the law school are automatically considered for available scholarships. Students who receive a scholarship awards are notified in their acceptance letter. Our scholarships range from a few thousand dollars per year up to full-tuition. Most of our scholarships are merit-based, awarded primarily based upon undergraduate academic performance and LSAT score.

We also award a limited number of diversity-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who contribute to our diversity and who have financial need. At DePaul, we define diversity broadly. While it includes ethnic and racial diversity, it also includes geographic diversity, socio-economic status, experience, interests and a number of other factors.