Admissions Policy Statement

The admissions process at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law seeks to attract a vibrant community of students with the intellectual and personal capabilities needed to be successful at Northwestern Pritzker Law and in their post-law school careers.  

We value diversity in its many forms and strive to assemble a community of students from a rich array of backgrounds, experiences, goals, and opinions. Our students’ varied backgrounds and perspectives amplify learning and are crucial in preparing them for careers in which they will engage with and serve individuals from a range of backgrounds and viewpoints. 

Our admissions committee utilizes a longstanding holistic file review process and, more than 25 years ago, we became the first law school to offer all applicants an opportunity to interview. We consider all application items, including data forms; a personal statement; responses to optional essays; letters of recommendation; an optional video interview; resumes; transcripts; and test scores.  

While test scores and grades are an important part of an application, academic results are only one component among many on which we base decisions and they neither guarantee nor preclude admission; indeed, no single aspect of applicant’s file is dispositive in the admissions decision.  

When making decisions, we consider a broad set of factors, including but not limited to academic accomplishments and potential; work experience and career progression; clarity of goals and anticipated future career success; depth and breadth of extracurricular and/or community activities; demonstrated leadership; interpersonal and communication skills; maturity; motivation for law school, for Northwestern, and for a legal career; concern for others; unique experiences and perspectives that will enrich our learning community; exceptional achievements, including honors and awards as well as obstacles overcome, in the context of one’s background and personal circumstances; and any other factors (except those deemed inadmissible by applicable law) that may aid in the determination of academic and professional potential.  

Rarely is an applicant outstanding in every category. Rather, those whom we admit tend to portray strengths in a compelling subset of them. Ultimately, our admissions committee selects those whose entire application paints a picture of someone who will flourish in and outside of the classroom; who will excel in their chosen careers; who will positively impact their future employers and the communities in which they reside; and who will embrace the importance of supporting one another in their journey.