Kara Sears
The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, named after Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Benjamin N. Cardozo, is a top choice for many prospective law students. With a rigorous and innovative curriculum, a strong reputation within the New York legal community, and a diverse and welcoming student body, Cardozo Law offers an excellent legal education. The school's admissions process is holistic, with a focus on LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and can only submit one application per academic year. For those seeking to re-apply to Cardozo Law, ensuring a competitive LSAT score, crafting strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting any new experiences or achievements since their last application may enhance their chances of admission.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of applications allowed per academic year | 1 |
| Application fee | None |
| Rolling basis decisions | Yes |
| Binding Early Decision Program | Yes |
| Binding Early Decision Program applicants | Applicants who have decided that Cardozo is their top choice law school |
| Binding Early Decision Program benefits | Priority review, full-tuition scholarship for up to 5 scholars |
| GRE scores | Accepted, no older than 5 years from the date of entrance |
| LSAT scores | Accepted, no older than 5 years from the date of entrance |
| Personal statement | Required, no more than two typed pages |
| Optional statement | The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law is committed to providing equal opportunity and promoting a learning environment that includes diverse perspectives |
| Character and Fitness | Required, if applicable |
| Prior Law School Matriculation | Required, if applicable |
| Submission of documents that cannot be submitted electronically | Office of Admissions Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Yeshiva University 55 Fifth Avenue Room 1168, 11th Floor New York, NY 10003-4391 |
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What You'll Learn
Application process
The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, also known as Cardozo Law School, offers a rigorous and innovative legal education with one of the most vibrant clinical and field placement programs in the country. The school has a strong reputation within the New York legal community and is committed to preparing its students to succeed at the highest levels in the legal profession.
The application process for Cardozo Law School involves several components and requirements that applicants must meet. Here is a detailed overview of the application process:
Early Decision Program
Cardozo Law School offers an Early Decision Program for applicants who have carefully researched their law school choices, considered their financial options, and decided that Cardozo is their top preference. This program allows applicants to express their commitment to attending Cardozo if admitted. Early Decision applicants receive priority review and can apply for either the May/Summer or Fall entry terms.
Required Documents and Credentials
Applicants are required to submit various documents and credentials as part of their application. Here are the key components:
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a written statement of no more than two typed, double-spaced pages. This statement provides an opportunity to highlight relevant information about yourself, including your reasons for applying to law school, personal and professional goals, and any other factors you believe are important for the Admissions Committee to consider.
- Letters of Recommendation: Cardozo requires two letters of recommendation, with at least one coming from a professor with whom the applicant has a close connection. If you have been out of school for more than two years, letters from employers or professional mentors are also accepted.
- LSAT or GRE Scores: The Admissions Committee considers LSAT scores that are no older than five years from the date of entrance. For the Early Decision program, the LSAT must be completed by November. GRE scores may be used instead of LSAT scores, following similar guidelines for submission and age.
- Character and Fitness: If applicable, applicants must submit an additional statement addressing any character and fitness questions they answered affirmatively on their application.
- Prior Law School Matriculation: If you have previously attended any J.D. program, an addendum explaining your withdrawal and readiness to return to law school is required. Official transcripts, letters of standing, and other relevant documents may also be necessary.
- Resume or CV: Your resume or CV should be current and include information about your educational background, work experience, and any other relevant details.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from previous educational institutions attended are required. These transcripts should be submitted through the LLM CAS (Law School Admission Council) or directly to Cardozo in sealed envelopes, if necessary.
Submission and Review
Applicants are encouraged to submit their completed applications and all required materials as soon as possible. This can be done through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) online application service. Cardozo Law School does not charge an application fee.
The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically and considers various factors beyond just LSAT or GRE scores. They may reach out to applicants for interviews if more information is needed to assess their qualifications. Decisions are released on a rolling basis.
It is important to note that all application materials submitted to Cardozo Law School become the property of the school and cannot be returned to the applicant.
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Admissions criteria
The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, also known as Cardozo Law School, is committed to providing equal opportunities and promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The admissions criteria for the J.D. program at Cardozo Law School are designed to identify candidates who demonstrate strong academic ability, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to the legal profession.
The school encourages applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible, as decisions are released on a rolling basis. Applicants are allowed to submit only one application per academic year, and they can apply for either the May/Summer or Fall entry term.
Cardozo Law School requires applicants to submit a range of documents, including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. The personal statement should be no longer than two typed, double-spaced pages and should address the reasons for applying to law school, as well as any other factors the applicant wants to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. At least one letter of recommendation should come from a professor with whom the applicant has a close connection. If an applicant has been out of school for more than two years, employers or professional mentors can provide letters instead.
Additionally, Cardozo Law School accepts LSAT or GRE scores that are no older than five years from the date of entrance. Applicants must submit all valid test results from the last five years, and the Admissions Committee may place heavier emphasis on the higher LSAT score. For the Early Decision program, applicants must complete the LSAT by November.
Cardozo Law School also offers a Binding Early Decision Program for applicants who have carefully researched their law school choices and financial options and have decided that Cardozo is their top preference. This program provides applicants with a means to express their commitment to attending Cardozo if admitted. Early Decision applicants are given priority review and are eligible for the May-entry or Fall-entry term.
Furthermore, Cardozo Law School welcomes J.D. graduates of U.S. law schools seeking an LL.M. degree. In addition to the standard application requirements, these applicants must submit transcripts, a resume or CV, and a letter of recommendation addressed to "Cardozo School of Law."
Overall, Cardozo Law School seeks to attract a student body with outstanding academic ability and diverse perspectives who will contribute to the vibrant and collaborative nature of the school community.
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Required documents
The required documents for admission to Cardozo Law School vary depending on the type of program and the applicant's background. Here is a detailed list of the required documents:
J.D. Program:
- Application: The application must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) online application service. There is no application fee.
- LSAT Score: The LSAT score should be no older than 5 years from the date of entrance. The Admissions Committee considers all scores but may place heavier emphasis on the higher score.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one coming from a professor with whom the applicant has a close connection. If an applicant has been out of school for more than two years, letters can be provided by employers or professional mentors.
- Personal Statement: A written statement of no more than two typed, double-spaced pages is required. Applicants may include reasons for applying to law school and any other information they deem relevant for the Admissions Committee.
- Character and Fitness (if applicable): If an applicant answered yes to any character and fitness questions, they must submit an additional statement.
- Prior Law School Matriculation (if applicable): Applicants who previously attended any J.D. program must submit an addendum explaining their withdrawal and readiness to return to law school. Official transcripts and letters of standing from the prior law school are also required.
- GRE Scores (optional): For applicants who have not taken or do not plan to take the LSAT, GRE scores may be submitted. Only official GRE results sent directly from ETS are accepted, and applicants must participate in the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) provided by LSAC.
LL.M. Program:
- Application: Applications are accepted through LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service (LLM CAS) or directly to Cardozo via their online application. Paper materials are accepted as attachments via email, followed by original documents sent by mail.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts of the first degree in law and any other universities attended must be submitted through LLM CAS. If not registering with LLM CAS, the original transcript must be received by Cardozo in a sealed envelope with the issuing administrator's signature.
- Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation is required, addressed to "Cardozo School of Law." It can be submitted through LSAC or directly to Cardozo via email or mail.
- Resume/CV: The resume or CV should be current and include information about education and work experience.
It is important to note that all application materials become the property of Cardozo Law and cannot be returned to the applicant. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, as decisions are released on a rolling basis.
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Application fees
Cardozo Law School does not charge an application fee. The school encourages applicants to complete and submit their applications as soon as possible, as decisions are released on a rolling basis.
Students should not wait until they have been admitted to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid files for entering students are reviewed when a student has been admitted to the Law School. However, students are encouraged to file the FAFSA as early as possible.
Cardozo's code is 002903. While the school is unable to schedule interviews at an applicant's request, it does offer virtual individual sessions with Admissions Counselors that are meant to be informational in nature. The Admissions Committee will reach out to an applicant for an interview if they feel more information is needed to assess the candidate's qualifications.
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Interview process
Due to the high volume of applicants to Cardozo Law, the school does not offer evaluative interviews as part of the admissions process. However, in certain circumstances, the Admissions Committee may invite a candidate for an interview, but applicants may not request to be interviewed.
If you are invited for an interview, it is likely that the interview will be conducted by a member of the Admissions Committee. The interview will be an opportunity for the committee to learn more about you and assess your suitability for the program. You may be asked questions about your academic background, work experience, and reasons for applying to Cardozo Law.
To prepare for a potential interview, it is important to thoroughly research the law school and the program you are applying to. Be prepared to discuss your academic and professional background, as well as your reasons for pursuing a legal education and your specific interest in Cardozo Law.
Additionally, be ready to answer questions about your personal statement and any other materials submitted as part of your application. The interview is a chance for the Admissions Committee to gain a more holistic understanding of your application, so be prepared to elaborate on any information provided in your written application.
While an interview may not be a standard part of the admissions process at Cardozo Law, it is important to be well-prepared if you are invited for one. The interview can be a valuable opportunity to make a positive impression on the Admissions Committee and showcase your strengths and suitability for the program.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can reapply to Cardozo Law if your first application is unsuccessful. However, you may only submit one application per academic year.
The admissions criteria for Cardozo Law are holistic, meaning that the Admissions Committee considers more than just your LSAT or GPA scores. They also take into account your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents you submit.
The application deadlines for Cardozo Law vary depending on the program and entry term. For the Binding Early Decision Program, applicants must complete the LSAT by November. For regular decision applications, the school continues to accept applications into the summer, so the June LSAT can be considered.
No, there is no application fee for Cardozo Law.
