Timeline 2007-2008
Sept. 1 Yale begins accepting applications

Sept.  5
Classes begin; we recommend a visit

Oct.
  LSAT

Dec.
  Last possible date to take the LSAT

Dec. 21-Jan 8:
Winter break.

Feb. 15:
Last day applications are accepted.

March 15:
Financial Aid deadline.

Mid-April:
Most decisions are made by mid- to late April.

May 2:
Deadline for deposits

May 9:
Classes end

Related Links
Steps in Applying as a First-Year
Applications are accepted from September 1 through February 15.  Please note that we require applicants to submit applications through the LSAC electronic application service.


Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS)
Register for the LSDAS.  Please note that it may take several weeks for LSDAS to process your materials and send them to us.

We require the LSDAS credential assembly service for foreign-educated applicants. If you attended a college or university outside the United States or Canada at an institution without an American-style grading system (as described on the LSDAS website), please follow the instructions for JD CAS at http://www.lsac.org/.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

You must take the LSAT no later than December 2007. The oldest score we will accept is October 2002.

Complete the application form
We require applicants to submit their applications through the LSAC electronic application service included as part of your LSDAS subscription.  There are two ways to submit your application using the electronic application.  If you require a need-based application fee waiver, please contact the Admissions OfficeYou must apply using Option B if you are applying with a fee waiver.

        Option A:  Apply and pay online

Submit your entire application online, including the $75 application fee and signature/certification, through the LSDAS electronic application.  Please follow the instructions at LSDAS carefully.This is our preferred method.Using this method allows us to process your application as quickly as possible.

        Option B: Apply online, pay by mail       

Use the LSDAS electronic application to transmit your application, but submit your $75 application fee and signature/certification letter on paper. To do this, follow the  instructions at LSDAS carefully, then print out the certification letter and mail it and the fee to us.  Please note you must use this method if you are applying with an  application fee waiver.


Complete the Essay and Personal Statement


YLS requires one 250-word essay on a subject of your choice (Question 7 on the application). Faculty readers look to this essay to get a glimpse of your character, intellectual passions, analytical abilities, and writing skills. The choice of a topic--personal anecdote, an academic subject, or current events--can be illuminating.

We also ask you to submit a personal statement (Question 8 on the application) that highlights aspects of your background that you believe will be of interest to the Admissions Committee. We are particularly interested in aspects of your background that may not be evident from other parts of your application.

You may also include a short addendum if there is an aspect of your application (such as a leave of absence) that you wish to explain further.


Arrange for Recommendations


We require two letters of recommendation from professors or employers who have worked with you. You may submit additional letters, and many applicants choose to submit three letters. Your file will be deemed complete when two letters have arrived. We prefer to receive all letters through the LSDAS Letter of Recommendation Service.  More about letters of recommendation…

Explore Financial Aid


If you are applying for financial aid, please have your FAFSA and Need Access analysis submitted to us by March 15.

Notification and Decision Information


You will receive notification from us when we receive your application and, again, when it’s complete and ready for review.

You can expect a decision by mid- to late-April.  You may hear from us before April, but we aim to finalize all decisions by the end of April.