JD

What makes Northwestern University School of Law different from other law schools?
What are your general statistics?
How can I obtain an application for admission?
When do you begin accepting applications? Is there a deadline?
How do I request an application fee waiver?
Do you have any joint degree programs?
When and how will I receive my decision?
Are deferrals granted?
What do I need to do to re-apply to Northwestern?
What are the requirements for transfer admission?
Do you accept visiting students?
Can I send my letters of recommendation directly to LSDAS?
Do you accept the February LSAT for admission?
If I take the LSAT more than once, will you take the highest score or the average of the scores?
For how long is my LSAT score valid?
What are the requirements for financial aid?
Do I have to submit my Need Access application online at the same time as my application for admission?
Tell me about your Public Service Fellowship Program for those pursuing a career in Public Interest?
How do I request an interview? How long do I have to wait before an assignment?
Do I need an appointment to visit campus?
How do I check the status of my application for admission?
Do you have a part-time or evening program?
Do you have any clinical programs?
Do I have to specialize in any one area?
What are your study abroad opportunities?

1. What makes Northwestern University School of Law different from other law schools?

Northwestern Law empowers students to meet the challenges of the complex, competitive, and ever-changing legal and business worlds. Our vision, articulated in our 1998 Strategic Plan (pdf), sets a new standard in legal education.

2. What are your general statistics?

General statistics for the entering class can be found on the Class Profile page.

3. How can I obtain an application for admission?

You may download our online application form (pdf), apply online, or request for an application to be sent to you via postal mail.

4. When do you begin accepting applications? Is there a deadline?

Applications are accepted from October 1 to February 15.

5. How do I request an application fee waiver?

If you are receiving a fee waiver already from LSDAS, send a copy of that letter and a letter requesting a fee waiver to our office. If you do not have a fee waiver from LSDAS, then send a letter requesting a fee waiver and supporting information documenting your need (letter from your University's Financial Aid Office, Federal Income Tax returns, etc.) to our office and we will consider your request. Our address is listed on the bottom of this page.

6. Do you have any joint degree programs?

Yes, Northwestern is very flexible when it comes to pursuing a joint degree. Formally, we have both a JD-PhD program with the Graduate School and a JD-MBA program with the Kellogg School of Management, as well as a MSJ-MSL with Medill School of Journalism. Since the Graduate School at Northwestern does not grant terminal Masters degrees, if you wish to pursue a Masters degree at another school, we will usually grant a one-year leave of absence for that pursuit.

7. When and how will I receive my decision?

We have a modified rolling admissions process. It usually takes the Committee six to eight weeks to render a decision after an application is completed. Once a decision is made, you can view the result online. Decisions will not be given over the phone or by e-mail.

8. Are deferrals granted?

One-year deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis. Historically, the Committee has granted a deferral for compelling reasons, such as unforeseen hardships or extraordinary opportunities. Please contact the admissions office by mail or fax to request a deferral.

9. What do I need to do to re-apply to Northwestern?

You will need to complete and submit another application including: a current LSDAS report, an additional letter of recommendation, personal statement, and full application fee. We will incorporate your previous application with your new one for the Committee's consideration if you are reapplying within two years of your last application.

10. What are the requirements for transfer admission?

The requirements for transfer admission can be found here.

11. Do you accept visiting students?

Yes, students currently enrolled in another law school that is part of the Association of American Law Schools may apply to be a visiting student at the Law School.

12. Can I send my letters of recommendation directly to LSDAS?

Yes, we will accept letters of recommendation sent directly to LSDAS. If you are sending letters directly to the Admissions Office, please note that the recommendation form included in the application serves only as a guide to recommenders and is not required.

13. Do you accept the February LSAT for admission?

Yes; however, we cannot guarantee that seats in the incoming class will still be available.

14. If I take the LSAT more than once, will you take the highest score or the average of the scores?

Northwestern Law’s policy is to take the highest score earned on the LSAT.

15. For how long is my LSAT score valid?

According to the Law School Admission Council, LSAT scores are valid for five (5) years.

16. What are the requirements for financial aid?

Our financial aid policy is clearly stated on our Financial Aid web site. At the web site you will also be able to view the required items for your financial aid application, including the online application at www.needaccess.org. The online Need Access application is the required first step for being considered for grants/scholarships and loans. An accepted student will not be eligible for a grant or scholarship unless we receive a completed Need Access application by our deadline. A complete application for financial aid includes a Need Access application, FAFSA, and most recent tax return. Details on the required documents and instructions will be outlined on the Financial Aid web site.

17. Do I have to submit my Need Access application online at the same time as my application for admission?

No. You may submit Need Access at any time during the application process after January 2. Please note that it is advantageous to apply as early as possible. Grants and scholarships may be awarded as early as January. For further information, please see the Law School’s policy on financial aid.

18. Tell me about your Public Service Fellowship Program for those pursuing a career in Public Interest?

Details concerning our new Public Service Fellowship Program can be found here. Other Web sites of note include our Public Service Strategy and Public Interest Law.

19. How do I request an interview? How long do I have to wait before an assignment?

You can request either an On-Campus or Off-Campus interview by clicking the "Request an Interview" selection on our menu above. If you select On-Campus, you can pick the actual day and time of your interview here at Northwestern. We will be interviewing candidates (non-wait list) On-Campus between early October and the end of February. If you select Off-Campus, you will be directed to a form where you will be prompted to choose the location in which you would like to interview. For most metropolitan locations, it will take approximately three weeks for an assignment. If you wish to have your application considered as soon as possible, an On-Campus interview is suggested.

20. Do I need an appointment to visit campus?

No. Please refer to the Campus Visits area of this web site for further information.

21. How do I check the status of my application for admission?

The online status checker allows you to check your status at any time during the application process. After your application is received, instructions regarding the usage of this tool will be e-mailed to you.

22. Do you have a part-time or evening program?

No. We only offer full-time day classes.

23. Do you have any clinical programs?

Yes. Further information regarding our clinical programs can be found on the Bluhm Legal Clinic Web site.

24. Do I have to specialize in any one area?

No. However, if you choose to tailor your schedule of classes, following your first year, toward your interests and career goals, we offer the following concentrations: Business Enterprise, Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution, International Law, and Law and Social Policy.

25. What are your study abroad opportunities?

We have seven formal study abroad programs, as well as, the International Team Projects.