When should I start the law school admissions process?
The best time to start the law school admissions process is at least one year before
you want to apply. The LSAT is only administered four times a year, there are a
lot of factors that must be considered when choosing a law school, and the application
process can be intricate and time intensive. It is important to plan ahead. Begin
by deciding which LSAT test date is best for you. For more information about the
LSAT, and other admissions resources, visit the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)
at www.lsac.org.
How many applications does the University of Washington School of Law receive a
year?
We receive over 2,600 applications each year. Please visit our Quick Facts page
for more details.
Are there particular Bachelor's degrees or undergraduate universities that are
more desirable for admission than others?
No. We admit applicants with a wide range of undergraduate universities and a
wide range of degrees, from Anthropology to Political Science to Zoology. No
degree or undergraduate university is preferred over others. You should major in
the field of study that most interests you. Take courses that will enhance your
skills in critical analysis, logical reasoning, general research, and written
and oral expression. Challenge yourself by taking difficult courses from
demanding instructors so you can show your capacity to perform well at an
academically rigorous level.
See the latest entering class
profile for LSAT, GPA, and other statistics.
Is there a separate scholarship application I have to complete in addition to the
J.D. application?
Applicants who were offered admission to the UW School of Law will have the opportunity
to apply for admissions scholarships. Applicants interested in receiving a scholarship
must submit a scholarship application to be considered.
Does the UW School of Law accept transfer and non-degree students?
Yes. A student who has completed at least one year at a member school of the
Association of American Law Schools (AALS) may apply for transfer admission with
advanced standing with credit for no more than one year of such work. A student
who has completed or expects to complete at least two years at a member school
of the AALS and who expects to graduate from that school may apply for admission
as a non-degree candidate. Transfers and non-degree candidates are generally in
the top of their class at their current law school. Transfer applications are
available on May 1 and are due July 15. For more information, visit the
Transfer Non-Degree page on our website.
What is the annual cost of attendance (Tuition and Expenses)?
Tuition and expenses for the current academic year are available in the
Paying for Law School section.
How do I obtain Washington State Residency?
To learn more about obtaining Washington State Residency, visit the Residency
Classification Office website here.
I heard there's a preference for in-state residents over out-of-state residents.
Is this true?
The UW School of Law is a Washington state public school, and thus has the privilege
and responsibility to support residents of Washington State. The UW School of Law,
however, is committed to diversity, which includes a diverse student body composed
of students from all over the country and abroad. In this light, residency is one
factor of many considered during the admissions process.
Does the UW School of Law attend recruiting events such as
the LSAC forums and other law school fairs?
Yes, the admissions team and faculty members travel across the
country to meet prospective applicants at recruiting events and law school fairs.
To see if the UW School of Law will be in your area, visit our
recruiting schedule for this fall.
Do you host open houses or admissions information
sessions?
Yes, an open house information session is held at our law school building, William
H. Gates Hall every Autumn and Spring. Check back on our
website for dates, or contact the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid for
more information.
Can I speak to an admissions representative?
Yes. You are welcome to
contact us by phone or email, or come visit us in person. Though walk-ins
are available, please call to make an appointment, or arrange your visit in advance
by filling out a
Visit Request Form. There, you can indicate whether you wish to take a tour
of the law school, observe a class, and/or meet with an admissions representative.