FAQs

JD

LLM

 

 

 

LLM

1. How can I obtain an application for admission?
2. Is the LLM program only for International students?
3. When may the application fee be waived?
4. Is the LSAT required for the LLM application process?
5. Is the TOEFL required for admission? If so, what are the TOEFL codes for ETS?
6. What is the minimum recommended score for the TOEFL examination?
7. When may the TOEFL exam requirement be waived?
8. What materials must be submitted for re-application?
9. Are deferrals granted?
10. Is Financial Aid available to LLM students?
11. Are there academic support programs for LLM students?
12. What is the general statistical profile for the LLM and LLM/Kellogg classes?
13. Does the completion of the LLM program enable the graduate to sit for the bar exam?
14. Tell me about the Two-Year JD Program? Is there a minimum LSAT score needed?

1. How can I obtain an application for admission?

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

2. Is the LLM program only for International students?

The mission of the LLM program is to provide international attorneys with exposure to the American model. Apart from this general, one-year program, the School of Law is now offering an LLM in Taxation, which affords domestic attorneys the opportunity to specialize within that discipline.

3. When may the application fee be waived?

Candidates experiencing significant financial hardship may request a fee waiver. The prospective student should submit a letter outlining his/her financial situation along with their application materials. The Committee will then consider the request.

4. Is the LSAT required for the LLM application process?

No. The only standardized test that is required for the LLM application is the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

5. Is the TOEFL required for admission? If so, what are the TOEFL codes for ETS?

Yes, the TOEFL is required for admission into the LLM and LLM/Kellogg programs.

The Institution Code is 1565. The Department Code is 03.

6. What is the minimum recommended score for the TOEFL examination?

The minimum for the paper-based exam is 600. For the computer administered exam, we recommend at least a 250. In past years, the average TOEFL for the enrolled class has been approximately 620.

7. When may the TOEFL exam requirement be waived?

Candidates who have received their law degrees from an English-speaking institution are not required to sit for the TOEFL. Additionally, those candidates who have spent at least four semesters at a US institution of higher education may request a TOEFL waiver.

8. What materials must be submitted for re-application?

In order to re-apply to the LLM program, a candidate must supply the Committee with the application form, the application fee, an updated personal statement, an updated resume, and one new letter of recommendation. Moreover, if the TOEFL score report has expired (two years have passed from the administration of the exam), then the candidate must sit for the exam again and supply the Committee with the new ETS score report. The Committee will utilize the candidate's transcripts from the original application.

9. Are deferrals granted?

No. Deferrals generally are not available for the LLM and LLM/Kellogg programs unless the deferral request is due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control, such as inability to secure a visa.

10. Is Financial Aid available to LLM students?

A limited amount of fellowship money is awarded to admitted LLM students each spring. Interested candidates should submit the University Aid Application to the Office of Admissions by March 1. Each year, approximately 5–7 students are awarded a fellowship. International students may opt to finance a portion of their education at Northwestern Law with the Graduate Professional Alternative Loan (GPAL). Students may borrow up to the total cost of attendance, minus personal contributions. The primary requirement for the loan is the security of a credit worthy co-signer who is either a permanent resident or citizen of the United States.

No fellowship or grant assistance is available for students in the Two-Year JD or LLM/Kellogg Programs.

11. Are there academic support programs for LLM students?

The School of Law has a Director of International Programs who serves as the primary academic advisor for every member of the LLM population. Moreover, through the School's Center for Career Strategy and Advancement, there is an associate director dedicated to career counseling for LLM students.

12. What is the general statistical profile for the LLM and LLM/Kellogg classes?

The average TOEFL score for the LLM Class of 2005-06 was 613 (paper exam) and 257 (computer exam). These students averaged a class rank within the top 18 percent of their law school class and have an average of four years of post-graduate work experience.

The average TOEFL score for the LLM/Kellogg Class of 2003-04 was 632 (paper exam) and 267 (computer exam). These students averaged a class rank within the top 9% of their law school class and an average of four years of post-graduate work experience.

13. Does the completion of the LLM program enable the graduate to sit for the bar exam?

Currently, LLM graduates are not eligible to sit for the bar examination in the state of Illinois. The only major jurisdictions that extend this eligibility to LLM graduates are New York and California.

14. Tell me about the Two-Year JD Program. Is there a minimum LSAT score needed?

Further information about the Two-Year JD Program can be found here. We do not have a minimum LSAT score for acceptance. Applicants for the Two-Year program will be compared against each other.