Application Requirements: On-Campus & Online Hybrid J.D.

You must submit an online application for the On-Campus J.D. or the Online Hybrid J.D., including your biographical, educational and employment background.

Undergraduate Transcript(s)

Your undergraduate major can be from any discipline, but the acquisition of strong skills in reading comprehension, writing and analysis is encouraged. Your undergraduate GPA gives the Admissions Committee an indicator of academic performance. Our Admissions Committee reviews transcripts in detail, looking for grade trends and type, depth, and rigor of courses completed. If you have extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance, include an addendum to your personal statement. Your degree may be in progress at the time of application, but must be completed by the start of law school.

CAS Registration

The Credential Assembly Service is the clearinghouse for your LSAT score(s), transcripts and evaluations. You may also apply to any ABA-accredited law school through this site.

LSAT or GRE

We accept either the LSAT or GRE, as long as the score was earned within five years of the expected date of entry into law school.

LSAT Score

Your LSAT score, along with your cumulative undergraduate grade-point average, are among the primary considerations for admission to the University of Dayton School of Law. The LSAT is designed to test reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and logic. However, all portions of your application are considered by the Admissions Committee.

GRE

We also will accept the GRE for admission consideration. If you apply with a GRE score you must also register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Other than the GRE score, the rest of your application materials—including your transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, and optional diversity statement—must be submitted to CAS.

If you have also taken the LSAT, that score will be part of your CAS file.  While applicants need only take either the LSAT or the GRE, we will consider all scores if you take both tests. If you have taken the LSAT, we consider that to be the primary admission test, regardless if you have submitted a GRE score.

Letters of Recommendation

The School of Law requires at least two professional letters of recommendation from people who can substantively comment on your academic or employment record. We recommend academic references, if possible. Letters must be sent by the recommenders to LSAC.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should highlight your law school interest and motivation. We also want you to tell us why you believe you are a good candidate for law school and, ultimately, the practice of law. The statement should give our Admissions Committee additional insight about you and to provide a basis for appraising your writing ability. The statement should be one to three pages in length.

Qualifications for Admission to the Bar

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Applicants should be aware that all jurisdictions screen applicants on character and fitness issues before admitting them to be licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction. The School of Law is under an obligation to provide any information about an applicant's character and fitness to such jurisdictions upon request.

You have a duty to be truthful and accurate, and to reveal the information requested even if you do not have complete documentation. Please disclose details of the results of any criminal charges. Disclosure is required even if the charges were dismissed, conviction was reversed, a conviction was set aside, a conviction was vacated and even if the conviction was expunged or the record was sealed.

Other Factors We Consider

GRADUATE COURSEWORK

Graduate work indicates your motivation and can be a predictor of success in advanced degree programs, including law school.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience, particularly if it coincides with the completion of your undergraduate degree, demonstrates time management and life balance.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Participation in extracurricular activities shows your involvement and leadership experience outside of academics.

VOLUNTEER OR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Volunteer or community service demonstrates involvement and commitment to the Marianist tradition of helping others in the community.

OPTIONAL LSAT/ACADEMIC STATEMENT

If you have any extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance or your LSAT score, you may attach a short statement to your application.

OPTIONAL DIVERSITY STATEMENT

We value the diverse experiences and backgrounds of students in our entering class. This optional addendum may outline your own diverse background and highlight any unusual experience you might bring to the School of Law.

Check Your Application Status

If you have already applied to the University of Dayton School of Law, you can see your application status.