Access Restricted to Northwestern Law CommunityAccelerated JD
As a major initiative in our Working Group’s “Plan 2008: Preparing Great Leaders for the Changing World,” Northwestern Law has become the first top tier law school to offer an Accelerated JD Program. Beginning in May 2009, the school will enroll a limited number of highly-motivated students to this two-year program.
Students in the Accelerated JD Program complete the same number of credit hours as traditional three-year JD students in five semesters over the course of two calendar years. While this faster pace means students have a more set schedule of classes, they also have the opportunity to select from the full-range of electives offered by the Law School. Students also have the opportunity to participate in all extracurricular and co-curricular activities, including journals. Students can participate and serve on the executive board of any of the Law School's six scholarly journals through a write-on process conducted during their initial fall semester.
Accelerated JD students begin classes in May. They join traditional JD students during the fall and spring semesters, and work during their second summer. They then return to the Law School for two more semesters and graduate in May, two calendar years after they begin. Students participate in the Fall On-Campus Interviewing process (OCI) upon completion of their first term with one semester of grades.
Prospective students are required to complete an on-campus interview as part of the application process. Applicants must have at least two years of substantive post-undergraduate work experience, preferably in a non-legal setting, and ideally have demonstrated managerial and leadership experience to qualify for the program.
Curriculum
Enrolled Accelerated JD students will complete an online, pre-term course, “Introduction to Law and Lawyering” prior to their arrival on campus. During their first semester, they will enroll in three traditional first-year courses, as well as in “Communication and Legal Reasoning 1” and “Business Associations.”
During the first fall semester, students will complete the three remaining first year doctrinal courses, take “Legal Ethics,” a Perspective Elective (required to take one course designated as such on CAESAR), and enroll in additional required courses on topics such as analytical methods, teamwork/leadership/project management, and/or decision-making.
During their first spring semester, students must take “Communications and Legal Reasoning 2.” The rest of the first spring semester is open for elective courses, as is the second fall and spring semesters.
Admissions Deadlines
On-campus interview deadline is December 1, 2008
Application completion deadline is January 1, 2009
Decisions mailed by February 1, 2009
Enrollment deposit deadline is March 15, 2009
Tuition and Financial Aid
Northwestern Law prices tuition by the degree pursued rather than the length of enrollment. Therefore, tuition for the Accelerated JD Program is pro-rated to equal the same total cost as the traditional three-year JD Program. Each term will cost approximately 6/5 of the three-year amount. Students in this program benefit financially by securing the opportunity cost associated with re-entering the workforce a year sooner and by foregoing one semester of education-related living expenses.
The deadline to submit a financial aid application is February 15, 2009. To be eligible for scholarships and grants, applicants must apply for financial aid by completing an online Need Access application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Funding is awarded on a combination of merit and need-based factors and individuals will be notified of scholarships and grants after an admission offer has been extended.
Both the online Need Access application and the FAFSA can be completed using estimated figures in order to meet the February 15 deadline. However, in order to determine loan eligibility, applicants will also need to submit federal tax returns and W-2s. Individuals will be notified of loan eligibility prior to the March 15 tuition deposit deadline.
Required Application Items
Data Form
This form will be available online in late August/early September
Updated Resume
On-Campus Interview
Prospective students are required to complete an on-campus interview as part of the application process. Interview appointments become available in September, and students may begin reserving appointments online in mid-August.
Standardized Test
Applicants may take either the LSAT or the GMAT for consideration. Both tests will receive equal weight. While not recommended or required, we will consider both tests in the case of applicants who have taken both. In cases where multiple scores exist for either the LSAT or the GMAT, we will use your highest score when evaluating your file.
For applicants who elect to take the LSAT, the October 2008 administration is the latest exam we will consider for Summer 2009 entry. The LSAT is offered four times per year: February, June, October, and December. Applicants may register for the LSAT through the Law School Admission Council web site.
For applicants who elect to take the GMAT, the deadline for taking the exam is December 1, 2008. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive exam and is offered on an ongoing basis, generally six days a week, at various testing centers. For a list of testing centers and to schedule your exam, please consult the Graduate Management Admission Council web site.
Recommendation/Career Progress Evaluation Form
In lieu of a general letter of recommendation, the Career Progress Evaluation (CPE) form serves as a recommendation letter for the Accelerated JD Program. One completed CPE form is required for admission and should be completed by someone who can evaluate your professional, work-related performance (current or former supervisor, client, or co-worker). This form will become available at the same time as the online application.
Transcript
Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended. If you take the LSAT exam, submit your transcripts directly to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). If you take the GMAT, submit transcripts directly to the Law School admissions office: Northwestern University School of Law, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, 375 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.
Essays
There are three required essays, each with a word limit of 500 words:
- Leading practitioners throughout the world who participated in focus groups for Northwestern Law's “Plan 2008: Preparing Great Leaders for the Changing World” frequently highlighted the importance of strong project management skills for career success. Please describe the most significant project you have managed and any lessons you learned from that experience.
- You have been selected to become a member of the Northwestern Law admissions committee. Please provide a brief evaluative assessment of your candidacy.
- Describe a situation in which you had to advocate for yourself, others, and/or a strongly held belief or idea.
Additionally, applicants may complete either or both of two optional essays, each with a word limit of 250 words:
- The students at Northwestern Law come from many different backgrounds. Please describe an aspect of your background that you feel would allow you to contribute uniquely to the school and/or your classmates.
- Briefly discuss your interest in Northwestern Law.
