Applying to St. Thomas Law
The admissions process at St. Thomas University School of Law is competitive and highly selective. Members of the Admissions Committee review and consider each application for admission in its entirety.
The Admissions Committee will consider many factors in the admissions process, particularly performance on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and undergraduate grade point average. Additional factors include 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.
Students who intend to practice law should be aware that admission to the bar in all states involves character, fitness and other qualifications. 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. An 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 if the applicant has had any legal issue. Students are encouraged to determine the requirements for the state(s) in which they intend to practice by consulting the website of the National Conference of Bar Examiners at http://www.ncbex.org/.
St. Thomas Law accepts applications in hard copy as well as the through the Law Schools Admissions Council’s (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS). For questions or to request an application & admissions material, contact admitme@stu.edu. Thank you for your interest in St. Thomas Law and we look forward to receiving your application.
In order to apply to St. Thomas Law an applicant must submit:
St. Thomas Law Online Application
St Thomas Law currently offers an online application through the Law School Admissions Council.
$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. If you are interested in receiving an application fee waiver please contact admitme@stu.edu
Personal Statement
You are required to submit a personal statement of no more than four pages, double spaced. If you apply via LSAC, you may submit your personal statement electronically. The statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee 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. In four pages or less, the Admissions Committee should be able to tell 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. Please do not include more than four letters of recommendation. References from friends, family friends and relatives are strongly discouraged. Instead seek out a professor, work colleague, or supervisor who has personal knowledge of your academic or work performance and can speak to your potential to succeed in law school. A signature is required on all letters of recommendation submitted, preferably on letterhead. Please note that the LSAC Recommender Service is included in your CAS registration. Letters submitted on your behalf are included with your LSAC Report. To use this service, follow the directions outlined on LSAC’s website.
LSAT
All applicants must take the LSAT. Applicants for fall 2013 must take the exam no later than June 2013. LSAT scores earned prior to June 2007 will not be accepted. Contact LSAC to request registration material at (215) 968-1001 or visit www.lsac.org.
Academic Transcripts
If you received a bachelor’s or graduate degree from the United States or Canada, you must subscribe to and submit your transcripts through the Law School Admissions Council’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
Application Form
St. Thomas Law reviews applications on a rolling basis, or as they are received once the application is released sometime in October each year. Applicants for fall entry are encouraged to apply by January 1, and our priority deadline for applications is May 1. The application review process begins as soon as the application is released in October and continues until the class is full.
Seat Deposit
In order to secure a seat in the incoming class newly admitted students must pay a $500.00 non-refundable seat deposit fee by the date indicated in their offer of admission. The seat deposit is applied towards a new student's fall tuition. Failure to pay the seat deposit by the deadline could result in the admitted student forfeiting their seat in the fall class.
Non-Discrimination Policy
St. Thomas University School of Law is an equal opportunity institution of higher education. The School of Law conforms to all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, race, color, disability, religious affiliation, national origin, ancestry, or social condition in its educational programs, admission policies, employment policies, financial aid or other school administered programs and activities. The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs is designated as the person to handle inquiries regarding this policy and can be contacted at (305) 623-2358.