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Prospective Students
Facts About Applying
How:
Prospective students are required to apply through the LSDAS electronic application service. There are two ways to submit your application using the electronic service.
Option A: First, you can submit your entire application online, including the $75 application fee and signature/certification through the LSDAS electronic application. This is the preferred method.
Option B: Second, you can use the LSDAS electronic application to transmit your application, but submit your $75 application fee and signature/certification letter by mail. To do this, print out the certification through LSDAS and mail it and the fee to the Admissions Office.
If you require a need-based application fee waiver, please contact the Admissions Office. If you are applying with a fee waiver, you must apply using Option B on the electronic application.
When:
Applications are accepted from September 1st through February 15th. It is recommended that you submit your application as early as possible. Please note that it may take several weeks for LSDAS to process your materials and send them to YLS.
What (Components of the Application):
LSAT: You must take the LSAT no later than the February administration for the cycle you wish to apply in. The oldest score that will be accepted is the October administration five years prior to the cycle you wish to apply in.
Application: Available through the LSDAS electronic application service.
250-Word Essay: 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.
Personal Statement: YLS also asks 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. The Committee is particularly interested in aspects of your background that may not be evident from other parts of your application.
Addendum (Optional): 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.
Letters of Recommendation: YLS requires two letters of recommendation from professors or employers who have worked with you.
YLS strongly prefers letters from at least two faculty members who know your academic work directly. Professors who have worked with you on an individual basis—such as a senior thesis adviser or an honors adviser—are usually the best sources. Letters from employers are also acceptable, particularly for applicants who have been out of school for several years. YLS is mostly interested in letters from people who can realistically assess your academic potential.
You may submit additional letters, and many applicants choose to submit three letters. Your file will be deemed complete when two letters have arrived. YLS prefers to receive all letters through LSDAS Letter of Recommendation Service.
Financial Aid: If you are applying for financial aid, you should have your FAFSA and Need Access analysis submitted to YLS by March 15.
Notification and Decision Information:
You will receive notification from YLS when the Admissions Office receives your application and, again, when it is complete and ready for review.
You can expect a decision by mid- to late-April. You may hear from the Admissions Office before April, but the Office aims to finalize all decisions by the end of April.
YLS Admissions has a Twitter interested students can follow at http://twitter.com/ylsadmissions as well as a blog at http://blogs.law.yale.edu/blogs/admissions/default.aspx.
- This page was last updated October 30, 2012. -
