Early Decision Program

Applicants who have thoroughly researched their law school options and who have identified Northwestern as their first choice law school may wish to apply for Early Decision. Northwestern's Early Decision program is binding. If admitted through the Early Decision program, you must commit to matriculating at Northwestern and submit a nonrefundable $750 seat deposit by the date indicated on your letter of admission. You also must withdraw all of your applications to other schools and refrain from initiating any new applications if and when you are notified of your acceptance through the Early Decision program. You may not be an Early Decision candidate at more than one law school.

To be considered for Early Decision, your application must be complete, including your Credential Assembly Service Law School Report, by December 1. (Accordingly, in order to make sure your application is complete by the December 1 deadline, it would be in your best interest to submit your application by November 15 if you are applying through LSAC.) The October LSAT administration is the last acceptable score for consideration as an Early Decision candidate.

An on-campus interview is mandatory for Early Decision candidates. Off-campus interviews are not accepted. Your interview must be completed by November 15 to be considered for Early Decision. You are encouraged to sign-up for your interview as soon as possible to ensure that there are appointments available, as all on-campus interview appointment slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must sign and return the Early Decision Certification (Supplemental Application) with your Application for Admission directly to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Your Early Decision Certification will not be transmitted by Credential Assembly Service. You will be notified of the Admissions Committee's decision by the end of December.

Applicants who are admitted in December 2012 to the three-year JD program through binding early decision and who matriculate in Fall 2013 will receive a $50,000 merit scholarship per year for three years.  The only requirement for scholarship recipients (and all students, regardless of scholarship) is to maintain good academic standing and remain enrolled in classes at the Law School.