Admissions - J.D.

Prospective students and applicants are encouraged to review the information contained in the below informational pages.

Applications for the first-year entering class are accepted for the Fall semester only. Every applicant must register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) which will provide Southwestern with the applicant’s Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) scores and a summary of all undergraduate academic work. In addition to the information provided by the LSAC, each applicant must complete an Application File as outlined in the Application Process and Requirements section below.

  1. Southwestern Law School Admission Policy

    In accordance with its mission, Southwestern Law School seeks to admit students of various backgrounds and experiences who also demonstrate the capacity and the character to contribute to the school’s vibrant and diverse academic community as well as become highly skilled and ethical graduates who are capable of integrating theory and practice to meet a wide range of professional challenges. 

    In reviewing admission applications, Southwestern places significant weight on undergraduate grades and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores.  We also recognize that other factors contribute to a person's ability to succeed as a law student and lawyer.  Accordingly, substantial consideration is also given to non-numerical factors, including but not limited to the following: graduate or professional training, special academic distinctions or honors, the difficulty of the academic program successfully completed, work experience, significant achievement in nonacademic activities or community/public service, character and fitness, and letters of recommendation. 

    In addition, given Southwestern’s commitment to access and diversity, additional factors will be considered, including diversity of background, interests, and experiences as well as socioeconomic disadvantages or other challenges that have been faced.

    In some instances, an applicant may have the opportunity to be waitlisted and participate in an interview with a faculty member.

    Applicants are advised that Southwestern continually reassesses its admission policy and that this policy is subject to change.

    Additional information on admissions criteria is available in The ABA-LSAC Official Guide to American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Law Schools, which may be ordered through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at www.lsac.org or (215) 968-1001.