Applying To Georgetown Law: A Comprehensive Guide

Georgetown Law offers a vibrant community, a talented faculty, and the unique opportunity to study law in the place where laws are made. The application process is holistic, focusing on the individual, and there are a few key steps to keep in mind when applying. First, applicants should review the requirements and upcoming deadlines, which include submitting academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The application fee is $85, but fee waivers are available in certain circumstances. Applicants can apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and can choose between the Full-Time Program, Evening Program, or both.

Application requirements

Georgetown Law has a holistic admissions process that focuses on the individual. The university takes pride in the extraordinary range of backgrounds and experiences represented by its student body.

Students who will possess a U.S. baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or the equivalent from a foreign institution, prior to matriculation are eligible to apply for admission. First-year J.D. applicants may apply to the Full-Time Program, Evening Program, or both.

Students in the Full-Time Program complete their degree in three academic years, with most classes held during the day. Students in the Evening Program typically complete their degree in four academic years but can request a flexible, accelerated program of three-and-a-half or three years. Students in both programs may register for courses during the day or evening during their upper-class years.

The preferred application method is the online version, through LSAC. A non-refundable $85 fee must be submitted at the time of application by credit card through LSAC. This fee cannot be waived unless on merit- and need-based grounds, or if you are a Teach for America alum, a Peace Corps volunteer, a military veteran or service member, or a Truman Scholar.

All applicants must register with LSAC's CAS to transmit academic transcripts to Georgetown Law. Transcripts from all schools attended must be sent to LSAC directly from the institution.

All applicants are required to submit an LSAT, GRE, or GMAT (or GMAT Focus) score received within the last five years. There are two exceptions: applicants enrolling in the Evening Program without a currently valid LSAT score, and Georgetown University juniors applying through the Early Assurance program, may apply without a test score.

Georgetown Law requires only one letter of recommendation, preferably from a professor, but additional letters are welcome.

There is no minimum or maximum length for the personal statement, though around two pages double-spaced is recommended. The statement can be on any subject that will enable the Admissions Committee to get to know you.

If you answer "yes" to any of the conduct questions in the application, you must explain fully in a separate statement. You may also submit an optional 250-word statement or one-minute video on any subject of your choice.

Application fee

To apply to Georgetown Law, you must submit a non-refundable application fee of $85 at the time of your application. This can be paid by credit card through LSAC. Georgetown Law does not issue refunds for application fees. However, the university grants merit- and need-based fee waivers on a case-by-case basis. Fee waivers are also provided to active Teach for America corps members and alumni, Peace Corps volunteers, military veterans and service members, and Truman Scholars. It is important to note that fee waiver requests must be secured before submitting your application, and applicants who received a fee waiver in the previous admissions cycle are not eligible to receive another one. The response time for a fee waiver request is approximately one week.

Georgetown Law's preferred application method is the online version through LSAC. The university offers a vibrant community, a talented faculty, and the unique opportunity to study law in the place where laws are made.

First-year J.D. applicants may apply to the Full-Time Program, Evening Program, or both. The Full-Time Program is completed in three academic years, with most classes held during the day. The Evening Program is typically completed in four academic years, but students can request a flexible, accelerated program of three-and-a-half or three years.

The Early Decision application process is designed for applicants certain that Georgetown Law is their first choice. This process allows applicants to demonstrate their commitment to attending the university if admitted. Early Decision applicants are given priority review in the rolling admissions process. It is important to note that the Early Decision process is binding, and candidates applying through this process may not submit a binding application to any other law school.

If you are a Georgetown Law J.D. student interested in the J.D./LL.M. joint degree program, you must complete and submit the relevant form with your other application materials. J.D. students from other ABA-accredited law schools interested in applying to the J.D./LL.M. in Taxation must apply as a visitor.

Personal statement

The personal statement is a crucial part of your application to Georgetown Law, providing an opportunity to highlight your writing ability, distinct personality, and diversity of experience. It is a chance to tell your story and demonstrate why you will succeed in law school. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling personal statement:

Choose a Topic that Reflects You:

Georgetown Law does not specify a particular topic or question for the personal statement. You are free to write about any subject that showcases important aspects of your life, experiences, and perspectives. Reflect on experiences or challenges that have shaped who you are and your goals for the future. Be authentic and choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Avoid writing about a field of law you want to study or the school itself; focus on yourself.

Tell a Compelling Story:

Instead of providing a detached opinion or writing about someone else, share a personal story or a series of related experiences. It could be a single impactful event or a journey of transformation. For example, you might discuss a challenging situation you overcame, demonstrating resilience and perseverance. Ensure your story provides insight into your character, values, and how your experiences have contributed to your growth.

Highlight Your Strengths:

Use your personal statement to showcase your strengths and unique qualities. If you faced obstacles, such as a debilitating illness or language barriers, share how you persevered and the resilience you developed. Emphasize the positive aspects of your story and how these experiences have shaped you into a future legal scholar and lawyer.

Write Well and Be Articulate:

The personal statement is an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills. Write articulately, persuasively, and engagingly. Take time to draft and proofread your statement carefully. Grammatical and mechanical errors can detract from the overall impression, so ensure your statement is polished and error-free.

Be Concise and Focused:

While there is no strict page limit for the personal statement, Georgetown Law recommends keeping it to around two pages, double-spaced. Be concise and focused in your writing. Avoid the urge to include every life experience or accomplishment. A targeted and well-crafted essay will leave a more lasting impression on the admissions committee.

Letters of recommendation

When choosing someone to write your letter of recommendation, consider individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, professional experience, and personal qualities. This could include professors, advisors, supervisors, or other mentors who have worked closely with you and can attest to your qualifications and character.

The letter of recommendation should highlight your strengths, accomplishments, and potential for success in law school. It should provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and ability to handle the rigours of legal study.

If you have been out of school for some time, you may not have recent academic references. In this case, you can consider requesting a letter from a supervisor or colleague who can speak to your professional achievements, work ethic, and relevant skills. The key is to choose individuals who can provide a well-rounded perspective on your capabilities and potential for contributing to the Georgetown Law community.

Application deadlines

Georgetown Law has a rolling admissions system, so it is to your advantage to complete your application as early as possible in the application cycle.

For first-year applicants, there is an option to apply Early Decision, which is designed for applicants who are certain that Georgetown Law is their first choice. The priority deadline for Early Decision applications is March 1, with decisions typically emailed within four to six weeks. Early Decision is binding, and candidates may not submit a binding application to any other law school.

Transfer applicants may choose to apply in either Round 1 of the Transfer Admissions process with only their 1L Fall grades or in Round 2 with their complete 1L grades. The deadlines for Round 1 and Round 2 Applications will be posted in the Winter. Applicants admitted in Round 1 will have sufficient time to fully participate in all Georgetown Law summer recruiting events designed for rising second-year students. The Admissions Committee has advised that applying as early as possible within your chosen Round is to your advantage.

For the J.D./LL.M. joint degree program, the priority application deadline is May 10, 2024, for students who want to participate in 2024 EAP's and OCI, with decisions issued before May 30. The regular application deadline is August 1, 2024, with decisions issued prior to the start of the Fall semester.

Frequently asked questions