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- Steps in Applying as a First-Year
Steps in Applying as a First-Year
| Law School Credential Assembly Service (CAS) | Register for the CAS. Please note that it may take several weeks for LSAC to process your materials and send them to us. |
| Law School Admission Test (LSAT) |
You must take the LSAT no later than February 2013. The oldest score we will accept is October 2007. |
| Complete the application form | We require applicants to submit their applications through the LSAC electronic application service included as part of your CAS 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 Office. You 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 LSAC electronic application. Please follow the instructions 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
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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 require 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.
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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… |
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Explore Financial Aid |
If you are applying for financial aid, please have your FAFSA and Need Access analysis submitted to us by March 15. |
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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.
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