JD

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.

What are your general statistics?
General statistics for the entering class can be found on the Class Profile page.

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. 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.

Do you have a part-time or evening program?
No. We only offer full-time day classes.

Do I need an appointment to visit campus?
No. Please refer to the Campus Visits area of this web site for further information.

Where can I find a copy of Northwestern's Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics?
As provided by the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, now known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, you are entitled to request and receive a copy of Northwestern University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This Report includes statistics for the previous 3 years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Northwestern University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. The Report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies on drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this Report by contacting the Northwestern University Police Department Deputy Chief at (847) 491-3256. The Report can also be accessed and printed from the University Police website.

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LSAT

Do you accept the February LSAT for admission?
Yes; however, we cannot guarantee that seats in the incoming class will still be available.

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.

For how long is my LSAT score valid?
According to the Law School Admission Council, LSAT scores are valid for five (5) years.

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Applying

How can I obtain an application for admission?
You may apply online. If you would like to request a pdf version of our application, please send an email to admissions@law.northwestern.edu.

When do you begin accepting applications? Is there a deadline?
JD Applications are accepted from September 1 to February 15 and Accelerated JD Applications are accepted September 1 to January 15.

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.

Can I send my letters of recommendation directly to LSDAS?
Yes, we actually prefer that 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.

What are the requirements for transfer admission?
The requirements for transfer admission can be found here.

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.

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.

When and how will I receive my decision?
We have a modified rolling admissions process. It usually takes the Committee eight to ten 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.

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.

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.

What if I have Character and Fitness questions?
Each state has character and fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar. Prior to matriculation, all applicants should consult the bar admission authorities in the state in which he or she intends to practice law to determine these requirements. Information about the requirements for admission to the bars of various states is available from the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610.

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Interviewing

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 September 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. Off-campus interviewing begins August 1 and ends December 1. Please allow 2 weeks for an off-campus assignment to be made.

Can I interview before I’ve submitted my application?
Yes. You can interview either before or after you have submitted your application.

I've indicated that I do not intend to interview on my application, but have changed my mind. What should I do?
If you have indicated on your admissions application that you have no intent to interview and you are now electing to schedule an interview, you must write to our office at admissions@law.northwestern.edu, indicating you want your application held until your interview occurs. You must also then book and confirm an actual interview appointment time. Failure to inform us in writing will result in an admissions decision prior to your interview.

What is the deadline for requesting an interview?
Off-campus interviews must be requested through our website by December 1. Please note, however, that some locations will become fully booked before December 1 and it is in your best interest to request your interview early. You may register yourself for an on-campus interview until the end of February. AJD applicants must have completed their interview by December 15. Early Decision applicants must complete an on-campus interview by November 15. Off-campus interviews are not available for Early Decision applicants.

I am thinking of applying in a year or two. Should I schedule an interview if I'm not applying this cycle?
Our interview program is meant for evaluative purposes and this means the interview is part of the application process; consequently, you should interview only in the year you are submitting an application. If you have questions about law school more generally, or have questions about applying, please contact the Admissions Office directly and we will respond to your questions.

Can I interview multiple times?
Applicants are not allowed to interview more than once per cycle. This is true for both on-campus and off-campus interviews. Interviewing slots are in high demand and we need to try to provide a spot to as many people as possible. If you have lingering comments/questions from a prior interview, you should call or email the Admissions Office rather than taking up a second spot.

I can't get to campus (due to timing and costs). Can I interview near me?
It depends on your location and the time of year. During the fall, we do offer off-campus interviews in various locations with our alums throughout the world. However, the off-campus interview request deadline is December 1. After this date, the only option to interview is on-campus and you will no longer be able request an off-campus interview.

I can't get to campus and it is past the off-campus interviewing request deadline. How will this impact my application?
Although interviews are strongly recommended as part of the application process, you are welcome to include an addendum explaining your circumstances.

I scheduled an on-campus interview, but can I get reimbursed for the travel expenses?
Unfortunately, we do not provide reimbursement for expenses associated with interviewing.

What should I wear to an interview?
You should consider this interview like a job interview, so dress professionally and bring a copy of your resume.

Where will my interview be held?
On-campus interviews are held in the Admissions Office at Northwestern Law in downtown Chicago (375 E. Chicago Ave.). Off-campus interviews will be conducted at a space and time agreed to by the interviewer and interviewee. These interviews may take place at your interviewer's place of business, or at a location such as a coffee shop.

Can I find out the name of my on-campus interviewer prior to the interview?
Since the scheduling is processed online with changes happening until the day of the interview, we cannot give out the names of the interviewers prior to the appointment nor can you request a specific interviewer. All our interviewers are excited to meet with you!

All slots seemed taken and there are no openings that work with my schedule. I want to come on campus, but will there be additional slots added?
Yes, we will periodically add additional slots and they will be immediately announced on our Twitter feed at the NU Law Admissions Twitter page; however, slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may want to check back with the website to see if there are any cancellations.

Even with the dates posted, are there ever last minute cancellations and how can I take advantage of them?
Certainly, there are individuals that cancel a day or two before their slot; however, all openings can be found online on the On-Campus Interview page. Just keep checking the site for openings. Unfortunately, we cannot hold slots for candidates since all interviewers are processed through our website.

I heard that Skype interviews were being offered. Can I do a Skype interview or phone interview instead?
The Skype option is NOT available for individuals applying to our JD programs because our LLM candidates will need those available slots for their applications. Unfortunately, we simply do not have the staffing capabilities to conduct additional Skype interviews. We also do not allow phone interviews as part of the application process. We find face-to-face interviews much more helpful for both the candidate and the Admissions Committee - phone interviews just don't capture the same information.

I requested an off-campus interview over 4 weeks ago and have not received my assignment. What should I do?
Please set your email filters to allow mail from Northwestern Law and check all of your junk mail folders. If you still cannot find an email from us with your assignment, please email the Admissions Office detailing the date of your request and your name. Because we send interview assignments via email they are often filtered to junk mail folders or marked as spam.

I need to cancel my off-campus interview. Do I need to tell anyone?
Yes! If you have been assigned an interview, your interviewer is awaiting an email or phone call from you to set up a time to meet. You are also holding a potentially valuable interview spot (depending on the demand of your location). If you need to cancel, you must email both the interviewer and the Admissions Office so that we can relinquish your spot to another candidate.

I can't decide what to do - sign up for an interview or have my application be completed immediately. If I sign up for an interview now, that means my application won't be evaluated until after the interview. Does this mean my application will be at a disadvantage since it will be evaluated at a later time?
The legal profession and your legal education will be fraught with choices and this is not one we can decide for you. We extend admission offers on a rolling basis so there is something to be said for having a complete application earlier; however, a stronger application will always fare better than a weaker one. We strongly recommend participating in an interview, but we do know that it is just not a possibility for everyone.

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Financial Aid

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 Need Access. 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 will be outlined on the Financial Aid web site.

If admitted, will scholarship information be included?
All financial aid determinations will be sent out via email and separately from admissions decisions.

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. For our JD programs, the financial aid application deadline is March 1. For further information, please see the Law School's policy on financial aid.

Do you have merit based scholarships?
All of our scholarships are awarded on a combined basis of merit and need. We use the terms "scholarship" and "grant" interchangably.

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 websites..

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Academics

Do you have any clinical programs?
Yes. Further information regarding our clinical programs can be found on the Bluhm Legal Clinic Web site.

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.

What are your study abroad opportunities?
We have seven formal study abroad programs, as well as, the International Team Projects.

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