How to Apply to the J.D. Program

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University enrolls only one first-year class per year, and students are admitted for the fall semester.  The program is primarily a full time program, but we do offer a flexible scheduling option for students with circumstances that make full time enrollment impossible. Each year, far more qualified applicants submit applications to the College of Law than the college’s facilities and programs can accommodate.  Thus, admission is very competitive. The College of Law makes its admissions decisions based upon all information contained in the applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to the J.D. program, an applicant must have taken the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and have earned, or will earn by the time of matriculation to the law school, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university. Further, a candidate must complete the application for admission and submit all mandatory attachments. Transcripts and evaluations/letters of recommendation must be submitted through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and will be provided by LSAC to the College of Law with the applicant’s LSAT record.

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University will provide full file review to 100 percent of the completed applications to the J.D. program. While the applicant’s undergraduate record and LSAT score are important predictors, no decision will be made on objective criteria alone. Among the other factors considered by the Admissions Committee are the rigor of the undergraduate course of study, graduate study, demonstrated commitment to public service, work experience, leadership experience, extracurricular or community activities, history of overcoming economic or other disadvantage, personal experiences with discrimination, overcoming disability, geographic diversity, diversity of experience and background, maturity, ability to communicate, foreign language proficiency, honors and awards, service in the Armed Forces, publications, and exceptional personal talents.
  

Early Admission (non-binding) 

To be considered for Early Admission, an applicant must take the LSAT no later than the September/October administration and submit a completed application for admission postmarked or electronically submitted no later than Nov. 15. Any application postmarked or electronically submitted after Nov. 15, or remaining incomplete as of Dec. 1, even if marked for Early Admission, will be considered along with the Regular Admission applications.

The Admissions Committee will make every effort to provide a response on all completed Early Admission applications by the end of January. Please note that some applicants will not receive a final decision of admission or denial, but will instead receive notice that they are being held for review with the Regular applicant pool. 

  

 

Regular Admission 

To be considered for Regular Admission, an applicant must take the LSAT no later than the February administration and submit a completed application for admission postmarked or electronically submitted no later than Feb. 1. Any application postmarked or electronically submitted after Feb. 1, or remaining incomplete as of March 1, is untimely and may be at a disadvantage in the review process.
  

 

The Application Process

Application for the J.D. Program -- deadline extended to February 15th.
Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Electronic Application. Please call LSAC help desk at (215) 968-1001 if you encounter any problems. 

Personal Statement
One of the goals of the Admissions Committee when making decisions is to admit a diverse student body that will contribute to a dynamic, interesting learning environment. Academic background and strength of performance, though important, are not the only criteria evaluated in the application process. For this reason, a personal statement, written by you, is required as part of the application. In this statement we seek information about you. Statements about law in general or law and society will not be useful. The statement should illustrate the life experiences and talents that make you unique.  You are invited to write about significant obstacles that you have overcome and events in your life that influence your perspective. The personal statement should be no more than two double-spaced, typed pages.

Résumé
Applicants are required to submit a descriptive résumé of no more than three typed pages. Please include details about your educational background, honor societies, scholarships, work history, military service, extracurricular activities, public/community service, honors and awards, publications, foreign language proficiencies, and any other significant achievements and involvements. As to work history, include a complete and chronological list of positions (including organization name, phone number, dates of employment, and hours worked).

Character and Fitness
On the application for admission, applicants will find several questions relating to criminal history and academic discipline. If an applicant answers "yes" to any question in the character and fitness section, he must provide an attachment explaining that response and providing full details about his actions and the charges or sanctions against him. Applicants are encouraged to research the character and fitness requirements for the state(s) in which they intend to practice. For Arizona, go to http://www.azcourts.gov/cld/AttorneyAdmissions.aspx.

Letters of Recommendation or Evaluations - Optional
Letters of recommendation or evaluations, although not required, are strongly encouraged.  We prefer that your recommenders use the new evaluation service through LSAC. Should you choose to submit letters of recommendation, you may submit no more than two such letters or evaluations, and they must be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.  Recommendations must evaluate the candidate’s prospects for success in law school and in the legal profession.  The most helpful recommendations usually are those that address the candidate’s strength of character, academic background, analytical abilities, and communication skills.

Supplemental Statements - Optional
Some students may wish to address deficiencies in their academic history or performance on standardized tests. This should be done in a separate addenda, and should not exceed one double-spaced, typed page.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Law School Admission Test is required of all applicants. It is administered by Law School Admission Services, Box 2000, Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940-0998, (215) 968-1001. You can register for the exam and request materials at the LSAC web site. Tests are given in June, September, October, December, and February at centers throughout the country. You are advised to take the June, October, or December examination the year before you expect to enter law school. Taking the LSAT in February of the year that you want to enroll will result in your application being completed late in the process. LSAT test scores are valid for five years.

LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
A Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report with all official transcripts must be submitted for all post-secondary education. The CAS report must be from the current application year. You may register for these services at LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
  

 

More Information

For an application to be considered complete, it must include the following:
  • A $65 application fee (credit card / check / money order);
  • A personal statement that does not exceed two double-spaced, typed pages;
  • A resume that does not exceed three typed pages;
  • Explanations to affirmative answers to any conduct questions;
  • Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) score(s) from Law Services; and
  • A complete Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report with all transcripts and letters of recommendation. The CAS report must be from the current application year. 

For more information about the LSAT or general candidate services, also see LSAC.org

Applicants claiming Arizona residency must print and complete the Arizona Residency Form. The completed form must be either mailed to our office or scanned and emailed to law.admissions@asu.edu.

For candidates from underrepresented groups, LSAC offers additional resources through DiscoverLaw.org.

Applicants who have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a foreign institution please refer to the special instructions for Foreign Educated Applicants section on our website.