Law School Admissions Questions

Admissions

When is the application due?

What is the application fee?

How soon after applying will I know if I have been accepted?

Do I need to use the recommendation form that you supply?

Can I send a copy of a recommendation letter?

Can I fax my application or recommendation letter?

Do I need to have a recommendation letter from a professor?

Can I send recommendations letters through the mail?

Can I apply to more than one division?

Can I have my application fee waived?

Can I take the February LSAT?

Do you just look at the highest LSAT score, or do you take the average?

Do you have a cut-off for LSAT score or GPA?

How do you calculate GPA?

Do I need to apply for merit-based scholarships?

Do you offer housing?

Do you offer joint-degree programs?

Do you require an interview?

Can I come and visit the school?

What are the Office of Admissions hours?

We accept applications between September 15 and March 15 for first-year students. Transfer applications are due July 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester.  (back to top)

The application fee is $65 for the J.D. program and $100 for the LL.M. program.  (back to top)

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 to 10 weeks after their file is complete.  (back to top)

No. Recommendation letters should include the applicant’s name in the letter and, if possible, the applicant’s social security number or LSAC ID.  (back to top)

No. We need to have an original signature. The one exception is for applications or recommendation letters sent through LSAC.  (back to top)

No. We do not accept faxed application forms or letters of recommendation.  (back to top)

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.  (back to top)

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.  (back to top)

Yes. However, a $65 application fee must be paid for each division.  (back to top)

Yes. Application fee waivers are available. Please see our fee waiver page for more information and instructions on how to obtain a fee waiver.  (back to top)

Yes. The latest LSAT test we accept is February. LSAT scores are good for up to five years.  (back to top)

If an applicant repeats the LSAT, his or her application will be reviewed using the highest score.  In some cases, the committee may also give weight to all scores the applicant has obtained.  If there is a significant difference in scores, an applicant may include an addendum in your application explaining the difference.  (back to top)

Do you have a cut-off for LSAT score or GPA?

No. However, LSAT and GPA are two important factors in our review of your file. The Admissions Committee, which includes faculty and admissions staff, balances applicants' undergraduate records and LSAT scores with recommendations, proven achievements, and apparent motivation to study law.  Applicants with less than a "C" (2.0) cumulative average in undergraduate work need not apply.  (back to top)

How do you calculate GPA?

LSAC computes your undergraduate GPA as part of your LSDAS report.  Your GPA from graduate level work is NOT included in this calculation.  However, the Admissions Committee will consider your graduate level transcripts and coursework in the review process, even though your GPA is not part of your cumulative GPA.  (back to top)

All admitted applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships, so there is no separate application to fill out. (back to top)

We do not have on-campus housing available. The Office of Admissions 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.  (back to top)

No. We offer the J.D. program, which can be earned on either a full-time or part-time basis, or an LL.M. degree for foreign lawyers.  (back to top)

An interview is not required for admission to the school. As a rule, the Admissions Committee does not meet with applicants to discuss their applications. We encourage you to take a tour of our school to learn more.  (back to top)

Tours can help answer many law school questions. You may schedule a tour of New England Law 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 St. is open. When doing a self-guided tour, inform the security guards at the front desk so that they can sign you in and give you a packet that walks you through the building.  (back to top)

During the school year we also offer class visits with at least a week's worth of advance notice. Please be sure to check the building and library hours. For more information, please also see our visit page.  (back to top)

During the school year, we are available to answer prospective law student questions at (617) 422-7210, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.   During the summer, our office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.   (back to top)

Attending New England Law  –  Questions about Law School

There is no official declaration of majors or concentrations; you may focus on many different areas of law. (back to top)

No, but many students do use laptops for note-taking in their first-year lecture classes.  (back to top)

New England Law | Boston offers many options to study law abroad.

• Summer: London; Galway, Ireland; Malta; Prague; and Santiago.

• Semester: University of Leiden, Netherlands; University of Aarhus, Denmark; and the University of Paris X.

• Externship: Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, The Hague, and The Netherlands.  (back to top)

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 percent of regularly scheduled class hours in any course, seminar, or clinic.” (Rule E.1.a. of the Student Handbook).  (back to top)

Yes. You may request a transfer between divisions provided you submit a student request form to the director of student services by March 15 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 you must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0.  (back to top)

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.  (back to top)

Clinics are not required, although a majority of our full-time students do take at least one clinical.  (back to top)

No.  (back to top)

Please visit our Career Services Office to learn more about where our alumni are as well as all of the services that the office provides.    (back to top)