Application Process
How Can I Apply for Admission?
To apply for admission to UT College of Law, use the 2010 electronic application package provided by LSAC .
What are the requirements for my application file?
The required elements of the application file are:
- The completed Application for Admission
- The Applicant Certification, completed and signed
- The Application Fee of $15.00
- Two Required Writing Samples: the Personal Statement and the Essay
- The Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) Report
- Two Recommendations (through LSDAS service)
Application for Admission (E-Application, or "E App")
All LSDAS registrants with LSAC online accounts will have free access to the electronic JD applications for all ABA-approved law schools including the “flow-as-you-go” common application information. This free distribution of online applications allows you to electronically package your applications with the transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSDAS law school reports that are being processed and sent to law schools by LSAC. There is no additional cost for the electronic application, but your online account will be charged $12.00 for each school to which you apply. Information about the 2010 E-Application process is available at www.LSAC.org.
What is the application fee?
A nonrefundable $15.00 application fee to UT is required and payable through the LSAC E App process.
What is the Law School Data Assembly Service Report?
The Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) provides a means of centralizing and standardizing undergraduate academic records to simplify the law school admission process. The College of Law, like nearly all ABA-accredited law schools, requires that applicants use the LSDAS service. The LSDAS prepares a report for each law school to which you apply. There is a registration fee for the LSDAS as well as a fee for each law school report (go to www.LSAC.org for more information and current fees). The LSDAS report contains an undergraduate academic summary, copies of all undergraduate, graduate, and law/professional school transcripts, LSAT scores and writing sample copies, and copies of letters of recommendation processed by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The Admissions Office will receive your LSDAS report electronically when it is complete, as well as any subsequent updates. The LSDAS report submission will be delayed if action is required on your part, including payment of fees to LSDAS for school reports, etc. It is your responsibility to submit your application well before the February 15 priority deadline, in time for full consideration by the Admissions Committee.
What writing samples are required for admission?
Both a Personal Statement and an Essay are required. These writing samples should be written by you and submitted with the E Application. The Admissions Committee will review them for content and form.
- Personal Statement
The personal statement provides an opportunity for you to present your personal background, your motivation for the study of law, and your description of how you plan to contribute to the legal profession. This is also your opportunity to provide information that pertains to the admissions criteria established by the admissions committee. Please do not exceed 500 words.
- Essay
Your essay should discuss for the admissions committee the experience that you consider to be one of the most important learning experiences you have had in the past 10 years. Please limit your essay to no more than 500 words.
How many recommendations are required?
The College of Law requires two recommendations. They should be written by people who have known you long enough and well enough to make a sound evaluation of your intelligence, industry, character, motivation, and aptitude for the study of law. Recommendations from individuals who can judge your academic abilities are usually most helpful to the Admissions Committee. If you have been out of school and in the workplace for a number of years, employers or clients may be among your best sources.
The College of Law requires applicants to submit recommendations through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation service. This service is included in the cost of your LSDAS registration subscription. Your letters will become part of the LSDAS Report and submitted electronically to the Admissions Office. If your undergraduate institution has a recommendation service and will not forward your recommendations to LSDAS, they may be sent directly to the Admissions Office.