J.D. Program
The admissions process at St. Thomas University School of Law is competitive and highly selective due to the volume of applications and the limited number of seats in the entering class. Members of the Admissions Committee and Admissions Officers review and consider each application for admission in its entirety. Two of the primary factors considered in the admissions process are performance on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and undergraduate grade point average.
Other factors that are considered include: difficulty of undergraduate major, undergraduate institution, possession of advanced degrees, writing ability (as indicated in the LSAT writing sample and in the personal statement), recommendations, extracurricular activities, employment experience, demonstrated commitment to public and community service, leadership skills and experience, history of overcoming personal or professional challenges, other academic, personal and professional achievements, and St. Thomas University affiliations.
Before applying for admission to law school, applicants are advised to investigate the requirements for admission to the practice of law in any jurisdiction in which they intend to practice. Some state bars may require registration at the time of entry into law school. If an applicant has been a party to any criminal proceedings, been arrested, summoned, or charged with, or convicted of a crime, been confined to a mental, penal, or correctional institution, or undergone mental treatment, the applicant’s ability to be admitted to the practice of law, even after successful completion of legal studies and graduation from law school may be severely limited in one or more jurisdictions.
Fall entry applicants are encouraged to submit material no later than January 1; spring entry applicants must apply before November 15. Applicants may apply for one degree program only, and that choice must be indicated on the application. The application review process begins on October 1 and continues until the class is full. In recent years, most offers of admission were made prior to March 1, meaning that applicants who present a completed file for admission by mid-January have a distinct advantage. Applicants who take the LSAT no later than June and complete their application by November 1 will qualify for early admission consideration to the following fall entering class.
For questions or to request an application & admissions material, contact admitme@stu.edu.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST (click on each item for details)
- $60 Non-Refundable application processing fee
- Required personal statement
- Letters of Recommendation
Current Score on the LSAT and a current subscription to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) (LSDAS subscription available only to US and Canadian college or university.)
Application Form
To receive a printed application and a copy of the 2008-2009 admissions viewbook, please submit your request to admitme@stu.edu, including your full name and mailing address in the text of the email. You can also download the viewbook (pdf) and application form (pdf) and submit the application to us by mail.
You may also use the LSACD to submit material. This method will allow you to print out and submit a paper copy or you may use the LSAC online clearinghouse. Please note that we must receive the hard copy material from LSAC before we will consider material as received.
No matter the application option you choose, please read carefully the application procedures as other sources may not contain complete instructions. Include your name and SSN on the top of all material submitted. If you have questions, please email admitme@stu.edu.
$60 processing fee
A check or money order made payable to St. Thomas University in the amount of $60 must accompany the application material. If you apply electronically, you have the option to pay by credit card through LSAC. The application processing fee is non-refundable. Fee waivers are available to qualified candidates.
Required Personal Statement
You are required to submit a personal statement of no more than four pages. If you apply via LSAC, you may submit electronically. The statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions decision maker(s) and should include: (1) what you think have been your significant personal experiences thus far, beyond what may be reflected in your academic transcripts and on your resume; and (2) your personal and career ambitions. From your personal statement, we should be able to understand why you want to go to law school and why you have decided to apply to St. Thomas.
Letters of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required but applicants may provide additional letters of recommendation, if they so choose. References from friends, family friends and relatives are strongly discouraged. Professors who have personal knowledge of your academic performance and potential should write your letter(s) of recommendation. A signature is required on all letters of recommendation submitted, preferably on letterhead.
LSAC Recommender Service: This service is included in your LSDAS registration. Letters submitted on your behalf are included with your LSAC Report. To use this service, follow the directions outlined in the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book.
Direct all letters to St. Thomas University School of Law. Complete the forms provided by Law Services and distribute them to those writing letters on your behalf. Have them send the letters directly to our office. Letters must be submitted in sealed envelopes signed across the seal. You may also have letters of recommendation submitted directly to St. Thomas University School of Law.
LSAC Report: LSAT
All applicants must take the LSAT. Early action applicants must take the exam no later than June 2008. Regular admission applicants are strongly urged to take the exam no later than December 2008. LSAT scores earned prior to June 2004 will not be accepted. Contact LSAC to request registration material at (215) 968-1001 or www.lsac.org. LSAC will provide the LSAT-Only report for foreign applicants.
Shortly after receipt of your application, we will request your report. Material will not be considered as received until the paper copy has arrived. St. Thomas University does not waive the LSAT requirement.
Academic Transcripts
If you received a bachelor’s degree from the United States or Canada, you must subscribe to the Law School Data Assembly (LSDAS). LSDAS registration material is included in the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information Book. Transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work must be submitted directly to LSDAS.
If you completed your undergraduate study outside the United States or Canada, you are not required to subscribe to LSDAS. Submit transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work directly to our office.
Foreign Applicants
If your first language is not English AND your undergraduate degree was obtained outside the United States, you must present results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Do not request an original from ETS. Submit a copy of your most recent TOEFL report with your application material. Foreign applicants with graduate degrees in the United States are not eligible for TOEFL waivers.