Juris Doctor (JD)
Ready to apply? This is a good place to start.
WE ACCEPT APPLICATIONS for our Full-time and Weekend JD (part-time) programs beginning October 1 for the fall term. The Admissions Committee begins application file review in December, and we release decisions on a rolling basis beginning in late January. Your file is complete when you have submitted:
1. Application form
Our online application form is available through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). There is no application fee to apply.
2. CAS Report
All applicants are required to register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) through the LSAC website. The CAS report will include your LSAT score(s), LSAT Writing, letter(s) of recommendation, and official transcripts. We are unable to waive CAS report fees.
3. Official transcripts
You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended through LSAC’s CAS.
4. Letter of Recommendation
We require one letter of recommendation, which you can submit through LSAC. Your recommender should address your ability to successfully complete law studies.
5. Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
All applicants must take the LSAT, which is administered by LSAC several times a year. We will consider your highest score from the past 5 years.
6. Resume
A current resume or curriculum vitae can be uploaded through the online application.
7. Personal Statement
We want to know your motivation for continuing your schooling, your career aspirations, and how you believe our program will help you meet your goals. Your two-page statement can be submitted through the online application.
8. Optional Essay
The admissions committee takes into consideration any number of factors that could place your application in context. You may choose to submit an optional statement of background, perspectives and experiences to supplement your application.
9. Character & Fitness Questions
You must complete all questions in the character and fitness section of the application. If you answer affirmatively to any questions, you must provide a detailed explanation or your application will be considered incomplete.
- While enrolled at a college, university or other higher education institution, were you ever suspended, dismissed, expelled, placed on probation, or otherwise disciplined for academic or non-academic reasons (including, but not limited to misconduct related to alcohol or substance abuse)? You must disclose any matters or proceedings that are pending at the time of your application.
- Were you ever suspended, expelled, terminated, placed on probation, or otherwise disciplined by any organization or agency charged with regulating professional or business conduct, or are any such proceedings pending?
- Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense or accepted/admitted responsibility (such as by paying a fine) for a criminal citation other than a minor traffic violation (fine $200 or less)? You are not required to disclose arrests that did not result in a criminal charge or citation, or criminal charges or citations (or juvenile adjudications) that have been dismissed, expunged or sealed. You must disclose any criminal charges or citations that are pending against you at the time of this application.
- Has your driver's license been suspended for any reason?
- Did you answer "yes" to any of the questions in the Character and Fitness section? If so, you must provide a detailed written explanation of the circumstances. If you answered "yes" to more than one question, please include all explanations in one document, identifying each. You must include in the explanation(s) the date, year, location, circumstances of the violation and the fine and/or sanctions or remedial measures imposed. Please include your name and LSAC account number at the top of the page. Do not provide official documentation in lieu of a written explanation of circumstances.
NOTE: Continuing Duty to Disclose -- After you submit this application, and throughout your attendance in law school, if admitted, you are required to inform Loyola University Chicago School of Law promptly and in writing of any matters that require any change or addition to your responses to the questions above. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in adverse action under Loyola’s Code of Conduct.
10. Qualification for Admissions to the Bar
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. You are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which you intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
11. Addenda
If you believe any item in your application requires clarification and/or you would like to provide additional context to the admissions committee, you are welcome to submit a brief addendum (no more than one page). Please be sure to label each addendum with your name, LSAC account number and document type (i.e. GPA addendum).
12. Policy for Non JD Applicants on Transfer Credits to JD Program
Policy on Transfer Credits to JD Program: Students Previously Enrolled in an LLM or Other Non-JD Program and Graduates of an LLM or Other Non-JD Program
Effective starting academic year 2023-2024, the Law School does not grant transfer credit for credit hours earned in an LLM or other non-JD program for JD courses completed while enrolled in any non-JD degree program. LLM and Other Non-JD students applying to the School of Law’s JD program are required to take the LSAT and apply through the School of Law’s JD admissions process.
You May Also Be Required To Submit:
1. Transcript evaluation. If you completed any postsecondary work outside of the United States or Canada (except for study abroad coursework), regardless of the language of the instruction or transcript, you must submit your transcripts through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service Authentication and Evaluation.
2. English language test requirement. An official TOEFL or IELTS score report is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. The minimum acceptable total score on the Internet-Based Test (IBT) of the TOEFL exam is 100. The minimum acceptable total score on the IELTS exam is 7.0. This requirement is waived for those who have completed a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree program or for those who are citizens of or have completed a bachelor's degree at a recognized institution at which the language of instruction is English in these countries: Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
Check Your Application Status
Once we receive your application, we'll send you a confirmation email and you can continue to check the status of your application in LSAC. We'll review your application and let you know if anything is missing. And we'll keep you updated on your admission process from application through acceptance.
Admissions Policy
Loyola University Chicago School of Law seeks to admit students of outstanding intellectual ability who will bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to the classroom and the legal profession. Consistent with the School of Law’s mission, we seek ethical candidates who will strive to serve justice and will attain high levels of professional excellence.
Loyola prides itself on being an open and inclusive community that fosters multiplicity of viewpoints, care for the whole person and a rigorous and inquisitive educational environment. Loyola Law conducts a holistic review of each applicant. In evaluating each applicant, Loyola places high value on traditional measures of academic ability, namely grades and standardized test scores, specifically Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores. Applicants are also welcomed to share their stories of diversity and overcoming challenges that have shaped their lives and their desire to enroll in law school.
Other factors that provide information to the admissions committee can be: work experience and career achievement; community or public service; career goals; the ability to contribute to law school programs and specializations; evidence of and potential for leadership; language ability; unusual life experiences; socio economics or first generation background; and any other factors (except those factors deemed impermissible by applicable law) that indicate the applicant may make a distinctive contribution to Loyola or the legal profession.