We Welcome Your Application to Valparaiso University School of Law for the 2010 Academic Year

General 2010 Admissions Dates 

June and September. Preferred months to take the LSAT examination. If you plan to take or retake the LSAT in December or February, it is your responsibility to inform us in writing of your intention. June 2010 LSAT scores will not be considered for 2010 admission.  We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, even if your LSAT examination date is pending.  Once LSAT scores are received, we will immediately release your application for Admissions Committee review. 
September 1.  Starting date for application submission to the 2010 first-year class.
November-December.  The Admissions Committee begins releasing final decisions.
January-April.  Final decisions are released on a regular basis.  Scholarship award decisions are released (no separate application required) at the same time as admit decisions.  All decisions are sent out in the mail. Advice that a decision has been made is posted on the VU-Law status check web page.  
March 1.  Application priority deadline date.  Students who apply by this date and are admitted are assured of consideration for a scholarship award. 
March 1. Financial aid priority deadline date.  Admitted students who submit a FAFSA by this date will receive their financial aid package prior to April 1. 
April 1.   For admitted students:  due date for 1st tuition deposit.
June 1. For admitted students:  due date for 2nd tuition deposit.
June 1.  Final deadline for application submission.

Application Policies and Procedures

General Application Requirements.  An earned Bachelors degree at the time of law school entry, a $60 application fee, submission of the LSDAS report and the Valparaiso University School of Law application form, 2 letters of recommendation, an essay, a resume, and a recent LSAT examination score are required  for application consideration at Valparaiso University School of Law.  LSAT scores received prior to September 2005 will not be considered. 

Submitting your Admissions Application.  Valparaiso University School of Law requires an electronic application submission.  Click here to access the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) web site and follow VU-Law's application submission directions.  Once you have paid your fee by credit card, your application will be transmitted to us from LSAC, along with your LSDAS report, your letters of recommendation, and your uploaded resume and essay.

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).  Every JD applicant must take the LSAT.  To register and prepare for the LSAT, visit the Law School Admission Council.

Re-application Requirements. To reapply, complete all the requirements above. On your application, be sure to indicate the year(s) you previously applied to the Valparaiso University School of Law.   You will need to request a new LSDAS report and resubmit your official transcripts to LSAC.  You are expected to update your letters of recommendation, essay, and resume. 

Transfer/Advance Standing Admission.  Transfer students are expected to have completed a full year of academic credit at an accredited law school and be in good standing. To be considered for transfer, print out and follow the directions on the Instructions for Transfer Admission (Advance Standing).

International Students. At Valparaiso Law, we encourage our students to understand and appreciate that the world is a diverse place. In support of diversity, the School of Law is committed to enrolling students of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, cultures and backgrounds.  We welcome applications from international students and invite you to apply.  Please refer to the Application Instructions for International Students and complete the JD or LLM electronic application form at the LSAC web site.

Special Law Education Programs for Entering Students.  As one of the four Indiana law schools, Valparaiso Law offers our accepted students who are from Indiana or have a special connection to the state participation in the Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity or ICLEO program, which is patterned after the national Council for Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO) program.

The School of Law offers an Academic Success Program to entering law students for 10 days in August just prior to the start of the academic year.   First year law students are also encouraged to participate in the Academic Success workshops that are offered on eight different topics during fall semester.