New England School of Law

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Admissions FAQ

When is the application due? What is the application fee?
We start accepting applications September 15th and stop accepting them March 15th for first-year students. Transfer applications are due July 1st for the fall semester and November 1st for the spring semester. The application fee is $65 for the J.D. program and $100 for the LL.M. program.
When can I expect to hear my decision?
We have rolling admission, which means that files are reviewed and decisions sent as they become available. The Committee begins reviewing completed files in January. Most applicants can expect a decision within 6-10 weeks after their file is complete.
Do I need to use the recommendation form that you supply?
No, our recommendation form is not required. Recommendation letters should include the applicant’s name in the letter, and, if possible, the applicant’s SSN or LSAC ID.
Can I send a copy of a recommendation letter?
No, we need to have an original signature.  One exception is for applications or recommendation letters sent through LSAC.
Can I fax my application or recommendation letter?
No, we do not accept faxed application forms or letters of recommendation.
Do I need to have a recommendation letter from a professor?
We require two recommendation letters as part of the application. If an applicant is still in school or a recent graduate, a recommendation letter from a professor is strongly recommended. If an applicant has been out of school for some time, it is sufficient to include two recommendation letters from work supervisors or another source that can speak to your potential in law school.
Can I send recommendations letters through the mail?
We accept recommendation letters submitted directly to our office if they are in sealed and signed envelopes with an original signature on the letter. You may also send recommendations through LSAC.
Can I apply to more than one division?
Yes, you may. However, a $65 application fee must be paid for each division.
Can I have my application fee waived?
Yes, there are application fee waivers available. Please see our fee waiver page for more information and instructions on how to obtain a fee waiver.
Can I take the February LSAT?
Yes, the latest LSAT test we accept is February. LSAT scores are good for up to five years.
Do you just look at the highest LSAT score or do you take the average?
We look at the average of your LSAT scores if taken more than once. However, if there is a significant difference in scores, you may include an addendum in your application explaining the difference and it is possible the admissions committee will just consider the high score.
Do I need to apply for merit-based scholarships?
All Admitted applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships, so there is no separate application to fill out. For need-based aid, you will need to comply with financial aid deadlines.
Do you offer housing?
We do not have on-campus housing available. The Admissions Office handles all inquiries about finding off-campus housing. Admitted students will have access to a wealth of information on housing in Boston and will be invited to housing sessions held at the school in June. In addition, admitted students may sign up for our Roommate list, which is a popular way for our first-year students to find other people to live with.
Do you offer joint-degree programs?
We are a free-standing, independent law school and therefore do not offer any degrees aside from the J.D.
Do you require an interview?
An interview is not required for admission to the school and the admissions committee does not meet with applicants to discuss their applications as a rule. We would encourage you to take a tour of our school to learn more.
Can I come and visit the school?
Yes, you may schedule a tour of the law school by calling (617) 422-7204, or by filling out our online visit request form. You may also lead your own self-guided tour whenever our main academic building at 154 Stuart Street is open. For building and library hours, please click here. When doing a self-guided tour, inform the security guards at the front desk so that they can sign you in and supply you with a packet that walks you through the building. During the school year we also offer class visits with at least a week's worth of advance notice.
For more information please see our visiting New England School of Law page.
What are the admissions office hours?
You may contact our office via phone Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. Our phone number is 617-422-7210. You may also instant message us Monday through Friday between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm EST either though AIM (NESL Admissions), MSN Messenger (nesl_admissions@hotmail.com) or Yahoo Chat (nesl_admissions).

Attending NESL

Do you have to declare a major? Are there concentrations?
There is no official declaration of majors or concentrations; however there are many different concentrations to focus on.
Do students need computers?
No, computers are not required. We have a PC computer lab as well as a number of laptops available for use in the library. A majority of students do use laptops in their first year lecture classes.
Where are the study abroad programs?
Summer:  London/Edinburgh; Galway, Ireland; Malta; Prague; and the Fair Trade Agreement program.
Semester: University of Leiden, Netherlands; University of Aarhus, Denmark; and the University of Paris X.
Clinic: International Criminal Process, The Hague, Netherlands
Externship: Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, The Hague, Netherlands
Is there an attendance policy?
Yes, the law school strictly enforces the rule governing class attendance. “No student shall be counted as absent, for any reason, for more than 20% of regularly scheduled class hours in any course, seminar, or clinic.” Rule E.1.a. of the Student Handbook.
What does a typical first-year schedule look like?
Full-time students can expect to be in class Monday through Friday, starting at 9 am most days and getting out in the early afternoon to allow time for studying. Evening part-time students have class on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from about 6 pm to about 9:30 pm.
Can I transfer between divisions?
Yes, a student may request a transfer between divisions provided they submit a Student Request Form to the Director of Student Services by March 15th prior to the academic year for which transfer is sought. Transfers are at the discretion of the Dean’s Office and are subject to space availability. There is a $100 division transfer fee and a student must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.75.
What are the clinical programs like? Can part-time students also partake in a clinical? Do I have to be in the top of the class to take a clinical?
Day students who have completed their first year and evening students who have completed their second year are eligible for most clinical courses. Registration for clinical courses is combined with registration for other courses. Clinical work is not reserved or solely for those students who place in the top of the class.
Is it required to participate in a clinic?
Clinics are not required although a majority of our full-time students do take at least one clinical.
Do students work during the school year?
Under ABA regulations, students in a full-time first year program may not work more than 20 hours per week. Part-time students have no such restriction.  Some full-time students do find time to work, more-so in the second semester of the first year. Popular jobs include those with flexibility such as catering or babysitting, or those that allow time for studying.
Do professors use a grading curve?
No, there is no grading curve.
Where do students end up after graduation? How hard is it to get a job?
Please visit the website of our Career Services Office to learn more about where our alumni are as well as all of the services they offer.

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