How to Apply

FIRST TIME APPLICANT

Applicants must complete their 4 year undergraduate degree from an accredited college before starting law school.

For applicants who have been academically disqualified or dismissed from another ABA accredited or California Bar Examiners law school, you cannot start as a first year law student until one year from the date of disqualification or dismissal has passed.

1. Application - We only accept electronic applications submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

2. Nonrefundable $60 application fee - The application fee will automatically be waived upon applying if you have been granted a fee waiver by LSAC. There is no application fee for Fall 2020!

3. Credential Assembly Service (CAS) & LSAT - Applicants must register with LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS), take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and pay the appropriate fees to LSAC. For more information regarding LSAT test dates and registration, visit www.lsac.org.

4. Personal Statement - Although academic history and the LSAT score are very important in the application review process, the personal statement is a vital factor as well. The personal statement should be no more than three pages, typed and double-spaced. In the personal statement, you should focus on your accomplishments, skills, experiences and motivation that indicate potential for success in law school. Include any information such as extracurricular activities, career plans, leadership ability, or anything else that will help the Admission Committee gain a clear and accurate picture of you as an individual.

5. Transcripts - Transcripts from all colleges attended must be submitted to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The transcripts submitted to LSAC are not considered official transcripts by the American Bar Association. All admitted students who plan on matriculating should have their official transcript showing their degree conferred sent directly to Western State from the school at which they have earned the bachelor's degree.

6. Letters of Recommendation - Two letters of recommendation are required to be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. LSAC forwards letters of recommendation to Western State once a week. Please do not send duplicate letters directly to Western State. If necessary, letters of recommendation may also be sent directly to Western State from the recommender. Recommendations from professors are strongly recommended, especially if you have graduated with an undergraduate degree within the last five years.

7. Resume - A resume is optional but highly recommended.

8. Addenda - As required.

FALL 2020 START

2019

• December - Applications available on LSAC for Fall (August) starting class

2020

• April 6 - $300 first commitment deposit due from admitted students
• June LSAT - Last LSAT considered for Fall applicants
• June 1 - $200 second commitment deposit due from admitted students
• June 15th - Last day to apply for Fall (August) term
• August TBD - Orientation - mandatory for all students
• August TBD - Introduction to Legal Methods preparatory course, mandatory for entering students
• August TBD - First day of Fall term main session

SPRING 2021 START

2020

• September 1 - Applications available on LSAC for Spring (January) starting class
• October LSAT - Last LSAT considered for Spring applicants
• October 15 - Priority deadline for admission and scholarship consideration for Spring term
• November 2 - $300 commitment deposit due from admitted students
• December 1 - Last day to apply for Spring (January) term

2021

• January – Spring term starts