Applying To Nyu Law: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're interested in applying to the NYU School of Law, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, the NYU School of Law offers a range of programs, including the Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD), and the Juris Doctor (JD) program. Each program has its own application deadlines and requirements, so it's important to review the specific instructions for your chosen program. The online application forms are typically available in early September, and NYU Law recommends arranging for all required materials to arrive two weeks before the deadline. The application process involves submitting various attachments, letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, and personal statements. NYU Law seeks to enroll a diverse student body, so applicants are encouraged to provide any information that showcases their unique backgrounds, experiences, and goals. The admissions committee reviews applications holistically and comparatively, without regard to financial need.

Application deadlines

The application deadlines for NYU Law School vary depending on the program and the type of admission. Here is a detailed overview of the important dates and deadlines for prospective applicants:

Early Decision (Binding)

The Early Decision application deadline for Fall 2025 admissions is November 15. Applicants opting for Early Decision must submit their completed application, Early Decision Contract, and all supporting materials by this date. The LSAT or GRE test must be taken no later than October 2024. Notifications for Early Decision applicants will be sent by the end of December.

Regular Decision

The Regular Decision deadline for Fall 2025 admissions is February 15. Applicants who complete their applications by this date will receive a decision by late April. The LSAT or GRE test must be taken no later than January 2025.

Priority Deadlines for Scholarships

Applicants interested in programmatic scholarships are encouraged to submit their applications by the priority deadline of December 1. The latest date for scholarship consideration is January 1.

Master of Laws (LLM)

The application deadline for foreign lawyers applying to the Master of Laws (LLM) program is December 18, 2024. The final deadline for US JDs is April 1, 2025, with an earlier deadline of January 15, 2025, for scholarship consideration.

Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD)

The application deadline for the Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) program is February 3, 2025.

LLM and Certificate Programs

The application deadline for LLM and Certificate Programs is November 1, 2024, for the spring semester, and June 2, 2025, for the fall semester.

MSL Programs

The application deadline for MSL Programs is November 1, 2024, for the spring semester, and June 2, 2025, for the fall semester.

It is important to note that NYU Law School recommends submitting all required materials to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at least two weeks before the stated deadlines. The online application forms typically become available in early September each year.

Required materials

To apply for NYU Law, you must submit all the required materials via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and complete an online application by the specified deadline. The online application form typically becomes available in early September each year.

Online Application and Electronic Attachments

Before you begin, review the Admission 2025 Application Instructions (PDF: 350 KB). You must fully and accurately complete each section of the application form, and attach the required materials. The $85 application fee is non-refundable and must be paid with a credit card when you submit the application form.

Standardized Test Score(s) and CAS Report

All applicants for admission to the JD program are required to take either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or GRE. Scores for both exams are valid for five years. LSAC will send all valid LSAT scores to NYU regardless of whether an applicant submits a GRE score. Applicants who have both an LSAT and GRE score are not required to submit their GRE score. All applicants are required to register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). After your application is received, a request for your CAS report from the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) is automatically generated. The CAS report summarizes undergraduate academic work and includes copies of your transcripts. If you have taken the LSAT, your LSAT score(s and writing sample(s) will be included in the CAS report. GRE scores must be sent directly to NYU Law from ETS.

Recommendation Forms

Two recommendations are required to complete your admissions application. The Committee on Admissions requires the use of the LSAC Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Service.

Transcripts (and Translations)

Official transcripts from all the institution(s) you have attended are required. These should be accompanied by translations if the original is not in English. Make sure your school includes a statement of your class rank with your transcript. If your school does not issue a class rank, a statement of that policy can be included instead.

Resume

A resume is required to complete your application. You can include extracurricular activities, publications, presentations, or other career-related information.

Personal Statement

This is a brief statement—no more than 500 words. It is also personal. Describe aspects about yourself, your accomplishments, or your academic and professional goals. Take a moment to reflect on these, and consider including your thoughts about how they motivate you toward graduate study and/or illuminate the reasons you are applying for one of their programs or a particular specialization.

Application fee

The application fee for the NYU School of Law is $85, payable by credit card only. This fee is non-refundable and will not be applied to tuition if you are admitted.

If you are unable to pay by credit card or if the application fee would cause financial hardship, you should contact NYU well in advance of the deadline.

If you have received an LSAC-approved LSAT or Credential Assembly Service fee waiver, your NYU School of Law application fee will be automatically waived.

Additionally, the following groups are eligible for an $85 application fee waiver:

• Alumni of Teach for America or the Peace Corps who have completed their 2-year commitment by the start of the fall semester.
• Teach for America alumni who have completed TFA's pre-corps training institute and served as a teacher for two years in a low-income community through their Teach for America placement.
• Truman Scholarship recipients from the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.
• Those who have served or are serving in the United States military.

To request a fee waiver, eligible applicants should email their L number, a verification letter, and the basis for the waiver (Teach for America, Peace Corps, Truman Scholarship, or US military service).

Standardized test scores

All applicants for admission to the JD program at NYU School of Law are required to take either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Scores for both exams are valid for five years.

If you are applying for Early Decision admission, you must take the LSAT or GRE no later than October 2024. All other applicants must take the LSAT or GRE no later than January 2025. The oldest LSAT score accepted is from the June 2018 administration.

If you have taken the LSAT, your LSAT score(s) and your LSAT writing sample(s) will be included in the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report. GRE scores must be sent to NYU Law directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The law school code for NYU School of Law for both LSAC and ETS is 2599.

Scholarships

NYU School of Law offers a host of scholarships to both incoming and current students. Entering students are considered for the main source of scholarship aid—Dean’s Awards—when they apply for admission to the Law School. They can also submit additional applications for specialized scholarships.

Dean's Awards

Dean's Awards are merit- and/or need-based grants of up to full tuition. All students who complete the online institutional financial aid application will be considered for these scholarships.

Specialized Scholarships

Specialized scholarships often require an additional essay or statement as part of the application process. Many of these scholarships offer fully integrated academic and professional programs. Here are some examples:

• Furman Academic Scholars Program: Furman Academic Scholars receive a full scholarship while they train to be future law professors. Scholars in the program receive a faculty mentor upon entry, with two or more additional faculty members joining before graduation. Applicants must submit a 500-word statement describing their desire to teach law and their area of interest.
• Mitchell Jacobson Leadership Program in Law & Business: The Jacobson Leadership Program supports students who want a non-traditional career path that lies within the convergence of law and business. Graduates receive full tuition to cover training to prepare them for leadership roles in the United States and worldwide. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay addressing their interest in the area of law and business.
• ASPIRE Scholarship Program: This interdisciplinary program trains law students who want to learn more about cyber and information security and intend to pursue a career in the state, local, or federal government. Each year, one student receives a full-tuition scholarship for three years, a stipend for living expenses in years two and three, and some money for additional related expenses. Applicants must submit an addendum to their NYU School of Law application that describes their interest in cybersecurity and public service.
• AnBryce Scholarship Program: The AnBryce Scholarship Program supports first-generation law students and graduate students who have demonstrated leadership in challenging socioeconomic situations. In addition to a full-tuition scholarship, AnBryce Scholarship recipients receive mentoring, networking opportunities, and career support once they graduate. Applicants must include a 500-750 word essay that describes how they have overcome obstacles and how legal education can help them give back and make a positive impact in their career.
• Latinx Rights Scholarship: Students committed to social justice, with demonstrated leadership skills, a strong academic record, and a desire to pursue a career in the public interest, have the opportunity to receive the Latinx Rights Scholarship from NYU School of Law. Each year, the program selects two incoming students passionate about social justice work that impacts Latinx communities. Applicants must submit a one-page essay of no more than 500 words describing their interest in serving Latinx communities.
• Root-Tilden-Kern Public Interest Scholarship Program: NYU School of Law offers outstanding students who want to pursue public service a wide range of full-ride scholarships under the Root-Tilden-Kern Program. The program chooses 20 students each year based on their commitment to public service, academic excellence, and leadership potential. Applicants must submit at least one letter of recommendation that addresses their interest in public service, as well as a short essay (no longer than 750 words) discussing their commitment to public service, career goals, and factors that have influenced their career path.
• IILJ Joyce Lowinson Scholars Program: The IILJ Joyce Lowinson Scholars Program is a highly selective program for law students who have demonstrated academic excellence and an interest in comparative, transnational, and international law. Students who receive the full-ride scholarship are selected by the NYU School of Law admissions committee, who forward the best candidates to the IILJ, who then chooses finalists to interview on campus.

Frequently asked questions