JD Application Procedures

Important dates

Note! You do not need to wait until you have taken the LSAT and/or received your score to apply! We accept candidates on a rolling cycle, so consider applying as early as possible.

• September 1 – we begin accepting applications for the following year’s entering class
• Feb 1 – Deadline for Access Admission Program consideration
• March 1 – priority application deadline (Feb. 1 for Access Admissions Program)

Application procedures

While the priority application deadline is March 1 (February 1 deadline for a completed application for consideration for the Access Admission Program), you should submit your application materials as soon as you are prepared to do so. You do not need to wait until after you take the LSAT or GRE and/or receive your score.

1. Register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and sign up for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Details available on the LSAC website.
2. Complete the Application for Admission online. Please read and follow the instructions carefully.
3. Submit the following along with the application form: 
   (a) a $65 application fee, payable on the LSAC website. Note that the application fee is automatically waived through February 1!
   (b) a personal statement, typed, double-spaced, no more than two pages
   (c) a resume detailing your academic endeavors, community service record, and employment history
4. Take the LSAT or the GRE General Test. Registration details, testing locations, and more information about the LSAT are available from LSAC. Contact Educational Testing Service (ETS) for GRE information. Test scores for either the LSAT or GRE from the past five years must be submitted. Learn more about applying with a GRE score.
5. Send transcripts of all your undergraduate work (and any graduate transcripts, if applicable) directly to LSAC.
6. Arrange to have a minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation (we will accept up to three) submitted on your behalf. Of particular influence are evaluations from professors or professional colleagues who can attest to your work ethic, analytical and writing abilities, and other positive attributes. Your recommenders must submit letters directly to LSAC.
7. Submit an optional one-page addendum if desired to address, for example, a large difference between multiple LSAT or GRE scores, a diversity statement, or anything you wish to share that is not included elsewhere in your application.

Application procedures for:

• Transfer/visiting students
• International students

Online application status check

• Check your application status through LSAC
• It may take up to two weeks for your file to complete
• All admission decisions will be sent via email, so make sure we have the correct address on file

Joint Degree Programs

• Students are required to be admitted separately to both Seattle U Law and the school/department that houses the second program that you will pursue jointly.
• Follow the School of Law’s admission procedures.
• Contact the school/department to learn about the application process for the second program.

Global Accelerated JD Program

Eligibility

• A degree in law from an accredited or approved university or college outside of the U.S. -- which makes you eligible to practice law in your home country – is required
• This degree must be at least equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree
• Each degree-granting institution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
• Applicants are not required to have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Application procedures

• Complete the standard application materials.
• Include supplemental application materials outlined in the additional procedures for international students
• Official CAS report which should include:
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Foreign transcript evaluation from LSAC
  • Proof of English proficiency – TOEFL score report (if necessary)
  • Statement of Finances

• Nonrefundable $65 application fee
• Personal statement
• Resume

Admission Timeline

Sept. 1
JD application opens

Oct. 1
FAFSA available online

Feb. 1
Deadline for Access Admission Program consideration

Feb. 1
Scholars for Justice application due

Feb. 1
Nash Scholarship application due

March 1
Priority application deadline

April 15
Seat deposit deadline for those admitted through March

June
Summer start classes begin

July 15
Final application deadline

August
Fall semester begins