Applications To Georgetown Law: A Competitive Battle

Georgetown Law School is one of the most prestigious and selective law schools in the US, receiving the most applications of any other law school in the country. In the 2024 application cycle, 10,827 people applied, and 2,119 were offered admission. The school's acceptance rate was 12.9%, which has decreased over the last few years. The median GPA of admitted students is 3.91, and the median LSAT score is 171. The application requirements include transcripts, a personal statement, a letter of recommendation, and an $85 application fee.

Application requirements

Georgetown Law School is one of the most prestigious and selective law schools in the US, receiving the most applications of any other law school in the country. It offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program, Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD), and 18 joint degree programs. The school is located in Washington, D.C., providing students with unique learning experiences and opportunities to witness and participate in active legal cases and lawmaking at the highest levels.

Academic Requirements

To apply to the JD program as a first-year student, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. While there is no minimum GPA or LSAT score requirement, the average GPA of matriculating students is 3.85, and the median LSAT score is 171. The school also accepts GRE scores in place of the LSAT, with a recent average score of 330.

Application Process

Georgetown Law School accepts applications through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)'s online portal, with a non-refundable application fee of $85. The school grants merit- and need-based fee waivers on a case-by-case basis for certain groups, including active Teach for America corps members, Peace Corps volunteers, and military veterans.

Supporting Documents

In addition to academic transcripts, applicants are required to submit the following supporting documents:

• A personal statement: There is no minimum or maximum length, but it is recommended to keep it around two pages double-spaced. This statement should share important aspects of your life and experiences that are not included in the rest of your application.
• Letter of recommendation: Georgetown Law requires at least one letter, preferably from a professor who can speak to your academic accomplishments. Additional letters are welcome.
• Conduct statement: If you answer "yes" to any of the conduct questions in the application, you must provide a separate statement explaining your response.
• Optional essays: Applicants have the option to submit a 250-word essay in response to various prompts, such as describing a moment of regret or their perfect day.
• Optional diversity statement: Applicants can provide additional information about their background and experiences that contribute to a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
• Resume: This should include your work experience, extracurricular or volunteer activities, academic institutions attended, and any academic honours or awards. While there is no page limit, a one to two-page resume is recommended.

Interviews

Georgetown Law School offers optional interviews with alumni members, which can be a great opportunity to strengthen your application and stand out. These are typically conducted virtually and last 30 to 60 minutes.

Deadlines

The school has rolling admissions, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible. The priority deadline for the 2024 admissions cycle is March 1, 2024.

Acceptance rate

Georgetown Law School is one of the most prestigious and selective law schools in the US, receiving the most applications of any other law school in the country. Located in Washington, D.C., the school offers unique learning experiences to students, who are able to witness and participate in active legal cases and lawmaking at the highest levels.

The acceptance rate for Georgetown Law School is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 12.9% in 2021, and 19.56% for the 2023-2024 academic year. The school receives over 10,000 applications on average every year, more than any other law school program. For the 2024 application cycle, 10,827 people applied, and 2,119 were offered admission. The school has the largest candidate pool of any US law school.

The median GPA of admitted students is 3.85 to 3.91, and the median LSAT score is 171. The average LSAT score falls within the 95th percentile, making it a challenging score to achieve. The school does not consider any numerical cut-offs for GPA or LSAT scores, instead taking a holistic approach to admissions and considering every part of an applicant's profile.

Georgetown Law School is ranked 14th or 15th in the US, and is part of the "T14", the top 14 law schools in the country. The school's ranking, location in the nation's capital, and well-known alumni network make it a highly desirable and competitive school to gain admission to.

Application fee

Georgetown Law has an application fee of $85, which must be submitted at the time of application and is non-refundable. This fee can be paid by credit card through LSAC. Fee waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis for those with demonstrated merit or need. Fee waivers are also granted to active Teach for America corps members and alumni, Peace Corps volunteers, military veterans and service members, and Truman Scholars. Applicants must secure a fee waiver before submitting their application, and those who received a waiver in the previous admissions cycle are not eligible to receive another one. It takes approximately one week to receive a response to a fee waiver request.

Georgetown Law does not grant fee waivers for AmeriCorps service or the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). All applicants must register with LSAC's CAS to transmit academic transcripts to the university. Transcripts from all schools attended must be sent directly to LSAC from the institution.

Application process

Georgetown Law School is one of the most prestigious and selective law schools in the US, receiving the most applications of any other law school in the country. The school offers a unique learning experience to students, who can witness and participate in active legal cases and lawmaking at the highest levels.

The application process for Georgetown Law is as follows:

Online Application

Georgetown Law prefers online applications through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)'s online portal. Students can register, create an account, and upload the necessary documents through LSAC. Alternatively, the school also accepts paper applications.

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $85 must be submitted at the time of application. This can be paid by credit card through LSAC. Fee waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis, and certain groups, such as active Teach for America corps members and alumni, Peace Corps volunteers, military veterans and service members, and Truman Scholars, are eligible for waivers.

Academic Requirements

All applicants are required to submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, as well as an LSAT, GRE, or GMAT score received within the last five years. There are exceptions for applicants to the Evening Program and the Early Assurance program for Georgetown University juniors, who may apply on a test-optional basis.

Personal Statement

A personal statement is required as part of the application. This should be around two pages long and can be on any subject that will enable the Admissions Committee to get to know you. It should share important aspects of your life that are not included elsewhere in your application.

Letter of Recommendation

Georgetown Law requires at least one letter of recommendation, preferably from a professor who can speak to your academic accomplishments. Additional letters are welcome.

Conduct Statement

If you answer "yes" to any of the conduct questions in the application, you must provide a separate statement explaining your response.

Optional Essays and Video

There are several optional essays that applicants can choose to submit, limited to 250 words each. These include prompts such as "What's the best piece of advice you ever received?" and "If you could 'uninvent' one thing, what would it be?". Applicants also have the option to submit a one-minute video that showcases their personality.

Resume

A resume is not explicitly mentioned as a requirement but is likely to be advantageous. The resume should detail your work experience, extracurricular or volunteer activities, academic institutions attended, and any academic honours or awards. It is recommended to keep the resume to one or two pages.

Interviews

Georgetown Law offers invitational interviews, which are either group interviews or alumni interviews conducted virtually. Interviews are optional but can strengthen your application. It is recommended to prepare for these interviews by brushing up on common law school interview questions.

Interview process

The interview process is an essential component of Georgetown Law's admissions process. The admissions committee uses the interview to get to know you as an applicant beyond your written application materials. The interview is your opportunity to showcase your interpersonal skills and discuss your academic and professional background. It is also your chance to learn more about Georgetown Law and whether it is the right fit for you.

Georgetown Law offers invitational interviews to some applicants. These are either group interviews or alumni interviews. Both programs are currently invitation-only. Alumni interviews are usually meetings between applicants and Georgetown Law alumni, allowing potential students to ask questions about courses, campus life, and student experiences. The group interview is held with small groups of applicants so the admissions committee can evaluate them.

To prepare for the interview, it is essential to conduct research on Georgetown Law and the interview process. This will help you to learn what to expect and how to present yourself during the interview. Practising your interview skills with family, friends, or a professional coach can help you to better showcase your strengths. You should also review your application materials, including your resume, personal statement, and any other documents submitted. Be prepared to discuss the experiences and accomplishments highlighted in these materials, as well as any updates or changes since you submitted your application.

During the interview, you may be asked to provide a writing sample or participate in a mock legal argument. This is to assess your ability to think critically and communicate effectively, which are essential skills for success in law school and the legal profession. You may also be asked behavioural interview questions, which are designed to understand how you would handle certain situations in the workplace. When answering these questions, it is important to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) method, providing concrete examples of situations you have faced and how you handled them.

It is important to dress professionally and conservatively for the Georgetown Law interview. Men should wear a suit and tie, while women should wear a professional blouse, skirt or pantsuit, and closed-toe shoes. Ensure your clothing is clean, pressed, and well-fitted, as wrinkled or ill-fitting clothing can give the impression that you are not detail-oriented or do not take the interview seriously.

Tips for a Successful Interview

• Research: Conduct thorough research on Georgetown Law, including its history, academic programs, and extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your interest in the program. Additionally, research the interviewer and their professional background to make a connection during the interview.
• Preparation: Prepare your responses to anticipated questions and practice answering them aloud. Mock interviews can be extremely helpful in improving your interview skills and building confidence.
• Presentation: Dress professionally, arrive on time, maintain eye contact, and be enthusiastic and engaged during the interview.
• Ask questions: Prepare a list of relevant questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the school and the admissions process.
• Follow up: After the interview, send a thank-you email or letter expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your commitment to attending Georgetown Law if accepted.

Frequently asked questions