Applying To Ut Austin Pre-Law: A Step-By-Step Guide

The University of Texas at Austin School of Law has a holistic admissions process that takes into account a variety of factors beyond just academic performance. The school seeks students with strong analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills, as well as a demonstrated commitment to public service, leadership, and other qualities valuable to the legal profession. To apply, students must register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. UT Austin offers pre-law advising and resources to help students navigate the law school application process and make informed decisions about pursuing a legal education.

Application deadlines

The University of Texas at Austin School of Law has various deadlines for applicants, depending on the type of applicant and the type of decision. The application process for first-year applicants usually opens on September 1, with an early decision deadline of November 1 and a regular decision deadline of March 1. The School of Law must receive a student's valid LSAT and/or GRE score by the appropriate deadline for their application to be considered for admission.

For transfer students, the School of Law admits students on a rolling basis once applications are complete. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply early. The application process for transfer students opens on May 1, with a deadline of June 15.

Transient (visiting) applicants also have varying deadlines depending on the month they wish to start their studies. The application process for the fall semester opens on September 1, with a deadline of November 15. For the spring semester, the application process opens on April 1, with a deadline of May 15.

It is important to note that all applicants must register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Additionally, applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and have a valid score on file prior to the application deadline.

Eligibility requirements

The University of Texas at Austin School of Law has a number of specific requirements that must be met for eligibility. These requirements are designed to identify students with the greatest probability of success in law school and to ensure they meet the standards set by the American Bar Association.

Firstly, all applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. university, or its foreign equivalent, prior to the start of the first fall semester at Texas Law. This is a standard requirement across all law schools. In addition, applicants must have earned a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.20, as calculated by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

All applicants are also required to take and obtain a valid score on either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before the application deadline. Texas Law will consider all LSAT scores from the past five years and report the highest score to the American Bar Association. For the GRE, the highest cumulative score based on verbal and quantitative scores will be considered.

While not strictly eligibility requirements, there are other important factors that the Admissions Committee takes into consideration. These include the academic rigor of undergraduate study, graduate study, demonstrated commitment to public service, work experience, leadership experience, extracurricular or community activities, disability status, socioeconomic background, and first-generation college student status, among others.

It is important to note that there is no single factor that will guarantee admission or denial. The Admissions Committee reviews each application holistically, giving appropriate weight to all factors in the applicant's file.

Application fee

The application process for first-year students at the University of Texas School of Law requires a non-refundable application fee of $70. This fee is collected through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at the time the application is submitted.

The School of Law also requires a non-refundable deposit of $500 (amount subject to change) from applicants who have been admitted. This deposit confirms their acceptance of the offer of admission and is applied to the first-semester tuition statement upon enrolment.

It is important to note that the application fee is separate from the deposit, and both are non-refundable. The application fee is paid at the time of submission, while the deposit is required after admission to secure the applicant's place in the programme.

Additionally, the School of Law does not refund any application fees for transient (visiting) applicants. Therefore, it is essential for applicants to carefully review the requirements and policies before submitting their applications and fees.

Personal statement

The personal statement is a crucial part of your application to UT Austin Law School. It is your opportunity to share your background, interests, and experiences with the admissions committee. This statement should be a maximum of two double-spaced pages with a minimum 11-point font size and 1-inch margins.

In your personal statement, you should aim to showcase your writing skills and your ability to reflect on and derive meaning from your life experiences. While there is no specific topic or question that you need to address, you should ensure that you include your reasons for pursuing a legal education.

• Make it unique: Avoid cliches and tell an intriguing story that showcases your individuality. Focus on the experiences that led you to choose a legal path, and centre your statement around the most significant or memorable experience.
• Showcase your interest in UT Austin: Highlight your interest in the school's extensive clinical programs, collegial culture, and diverse community. Explain how you can contribute to and benefit from these unique aspects of UT Austin.
• Edit and revise: Pay attention to spelling, grammar, and syntax to ensure your statement is free of errors. The admissions team will use your personal statement to assess your writing skills, so it is important to demonstrate your ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Seek feedback: Consider seeking feedback from a career advisor or someone with experience in the legal field. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your statement.
• Be authentic: Write about your genuine interests and passions, and let your personality shine through. The admissions committee wants to get to know the real you, so be yourself and write from a place of honesty and authenticity.
• Show, don't just tell: Instead of simply stating your strengths or accomplishments, use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate them. This will make your statement more engaging and memorable.

Remember, the personal statement is your chance to make a strong impression on the admissions committee and set yourself apart from other applicants. Take your time, be thoughtful and reflective in your writing, and showcase your unique qualifications and experiences that align with the values and offerings of UT Austin Law School.

Letters of recommendation

The University of Texas at Austin School of Law requires two letters of recommendation (LORs) as part of the application process. These letters should be submitted directly to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) using their Letters of Recommendation Service.

The LSAC is a centralised application system that allows you to send your credentials, including LORs, to multiple law schools. This means that your recommenders only need to submit their letters once, even if you are applying to multiple schools that accept letters through LSAC.

When selecting your recommenders, choose individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, such as professors or academic advisors, as well as your professional skills and experiences. It is beneficial to meet with your recommenders beforehand to discuss your academic and professional goals, and to provide them with any relevant information that may assist them in writing strong letters on your behalf. This can include your resume, personal statement, and any other supporting documents you plan to submit with your application.

It is important to note that there is no guarantee of admission solely based on letters of recommendation. The admissions committee considers a range of factors, including LSAT scores, undergraduate GPA, personal statements, and other supporting documents. However, strong letters of recommendation can certainly enhance your application and provide additional context for the admissions committee to consider.

Frequently asked questions