Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply for admission is April 1, 2013.

What kind of qualifications must I have to be considered for admission?

Those eligible to be considered for admission must hold or expect to receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate college, take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and fully complete our application.

Do I have to take the LSAT?

Yes. All applicants are required to have a reportable LSAT score.

For how long is LSAT score valid?

Applicants must take or have taken the LSAT no more than five years before the date of expected enrollment. Fall 2013 applicants must take or have taken the LSAT between June 2008 and February 2013.

How should I prepare for the LSAT?

Applicants should refer to the Law School Admissions Council website www.lsac.org for greater details about the test.

How are students selected for admission?

In keeping with the emphasis on the individual, the faculty Admissions Committee makes all admissions decisions after a careful reading of each application. No numeric index is used to rank applicants.

In selecting the entering class, the Admissions Committee makes difficult choices among a large number of qualified applicants. These choices are made by balancing a number of factors, including: the LSAT score; the type, breadth, and depth of college or graduate courses taken and the grades received; academic honors and awards; writing ability; letters of recommendation from persons who know the applicant well (academic letters of recommendation are the most helpful for fairly recent graduates); work record, including military service, Peace Corps, and VISTA; college and community activities; and character and motivation. Although performance on the LSAT and in college or graduate school is important, selection is made after a careful review of the entire admissions file.

Students may submit an optional essay or addendum which addresses additional information not included in your personal statement. This statement should provide further explanation or details which may not be readily apparent in other parts of your application.

Is there a preferred undergraduate major for admission?

No particular undergraduate major is recommended, although an applicant's academic preparation should include substantive courses emphasizing critical reasoning and writing, essential skills for the study of law.

Why do you ask character and fitness questions?

Every effort is made to admit students of high moral character to the Law School. To this end, the School reserves the right to question an applicant and resort to other sources to obtain information concerning the applicant's prior record and conduct, insofar as it may be indicative of the character of the applicant. Any information so obtained may be used as a factor, along with academic records and other pertinent matters, in making decisions about admission to the School.

In accordance with Section 504(a) of the American Bar Association's Standards for Approval of Law Schools, applicants to the Law School should understand that there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar. Applicants are therefore encouraged, prior to matriculation, to determine what those requirements are in the state(s) in which the applicant intends to practice. Additional information is available at the Web site of the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Please also review the Admission to the Bar section of the Student Handbook.

Do residents get preference for admission?

As a public institution, the School gives special consideration, though not an absolute preference, to residents of Connecticut. Residents of New England states without publicly-supported law schools also receive some preference in admissions under the terms of the New England Higher Education Compact.

How can I be considered for scholarships?

All admitted applicants will be considered for Dean’s and Named Scholarships. There is no need to apply separately for Dean’s Scholarships; however, if you believe you qualify for any of our Named Scholarships, please submit a short essay explaining your qualifications to the Admissions Office.

All applicants wishing to be considered for need based assistance including Opportunity Grants and Tuition Remission, must submit their Application and related materials for Financial Assistance by April 1, 2013. This deadline must be met even if you do not yet have an admissions decision. Applications for Financial Assistance are processed by the Student Finance office. All admissions decisions are rendered without regard to need.

When should I expect to learn of my admission status?

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, and applicants are notified via email as final decisions are made concerning acceptance.

Are there different start terms?

The Law School admits students once a year for the fall semester.

Where are classes offered?

All classes for the J.D. take place at the law school in Hartford, CT.

Is there on-campus housing?

There is no on-campus housing and all law students are responsible for securing their own living arrangements. To facilitate the process, admitted applicants are provided access to our housing and roommate lists.