Applying To Cu Law: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Colorado Law School offers a traditional Juris Doctor (JD) program, an option for completing the JD in 2.5 years, six dual degree and nine certificate programs, an LLM program, and a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program. The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities. To apply to the JD program, applicants must register for the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and pay the appropriate fees, take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume, and pay the application fee. Transfer students must apply through the University of Colorado Boulder website and submit additional materials, including a personal essay explaining their reason for transferring.

Register for the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

To apply to the JD Program at the University of Colorado Law School, you must register for the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS). This service streamlines the law school application process by allowing you to submit all your required application materials through LSAC.

The LSAC CAS service acts as a central hub for your application, where you can submit and track your application's progress. It is important to note that the University of Colorado Law School only accepts applications submitted through LSAC.

When registering for the LSAC CAS, you will be required to pay the associated fees. This service is not free, but it simplifies the application process by providing a platform to compile and submit your application materials.

Through the LSAC CAS, you will submit your personal statement, resume, and other supporting documents. The service will also facilitate the submission of your letters of recommendation, ensuring they are sent directly to the University of Colorado Law School.

Additionally, as part of the LSAC CAS, you will need to submit all your post-high-school institution transcripts directly to LSAC. This step is crucial as it eliminates the need to send transcripts separately to each law school you apply to. The CAS service will provide the University of Colorado Law School with a comprehensive Law School Report, which includes essential information such as your LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, undergraduate grades, and cumulative GPA.

Register, prepare for, and take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)

Registering, preparing for, and taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a crucial step in the law school application process. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate this important step:

Registration

To register for the LSAT, you'll need to create an account on the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website. The registration deadlines are typically about a month before the test date, and the test is offered seven times a year. You can choose to take the test at a digital test centre or opt for the remotely proctored version. The registration fee for the LSAT is $222, which includes one free score report.

Preparation

The LSAT is designed to assess your reading comprehension and logical reasoning abilities. It consists of multiple-choice questions and an unscored writing sample, commonly known as the essay. To prepare effectively, it's recommended to use official practice tests, called PrepTests, which can be accessed through your LawHub account or purchased as part of the LawHub Advantage package. These practice tests will help you familiarise yourself with the types of questions asked and the format of the test. Additionally, you can also seek help from test preparation companies or utilise preparation books, previously administered exams, and online resources.

Test Day

On the test day, make sure you arrive at the test centre on time, if you've chosen to take the test in person. Remember to bring your confirmation email or receipt, photo identification, and any other required materials. The LSAT is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, and it's designed to be challenging, so careful preparation is key.

Results

After taking the LSAT, you will receive your scores online within three to four weeks. These scores are an important component of your law school applications and can impact your options for attending law school.

Submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement

To apply to the JD Program at the University of Colorado Law School, you must submit official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

Transcripts

You must submit all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts to LSAC. The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) will provide LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, a summary of undergraduate grades by year, a cumulative grade point average, and copies of all transcripts to the Law School.

Letters of Recommendation

You must submit two letters of recommendation to LSAC. At least one of these letters should come from an academic source.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is your opportunity to present yourself to the Admissions Committee. Your essay must be in your own words, double-spaced, and should not exceed 1,000 words. It should explain how you will positively exemplify the values of Colorado Law in the classroom and beyond. You may also discuss any other factors that you think may assist the Admissions Committee's evaluation of your application, such as background information, experiences, talents, special interests, or adversities you have overcome.

Submit application and pay fee

To submit your application to the JD Program at the University of Colorado Law School, you must apply electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The application fee is $65.

The application process requires you to register for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and pay the associated fees. You will need to submit all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts to LSAC, along with two letters of recommendation. Additionally, a personal statement and a resume must be submitted electronically through LSAC. The personal statement should be written in your own words, double-spaced, and not exceed 1,000 words. Supported file formats include doc, htm, html, txt, PDF, wp, wpd, rtf, wps, wpt, and docx.

If you are a Colorado resident or qualify for in-state tuition, you must submit the In-State Tuition Classification Application. This form is required even for Colorado residents to provide documentation of residency.

For transfer students, the application fee is typically required but was waived for 2020 transfer applications. Transfer applications are accepted starting May 1 and must be completed by July 1. Transfer applicants must submit their applications and supporting documents to the Office of Admissions, and materials cannot be accepted through LSAC.

Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with login information for the online status page. This page allows you to track the progress of your application through the admissions process.

Check application status

Checking your application status for the JD program at Colorado Law is simple. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email with login information for the online status page. Log in and check your status page frequently.

The status page will provide you with updates on your application as it moves through the admissions process. Here is what each status update means:

• Application Received: The Office of Admissions has received your electronic application and is processing it to verify that all required materials have been received. If there is an empty box next to a requirement you have already completed, the Office of Admissions will update your status once they finish processing your application. This is a manual process and can take up to 14 business days.
• Application Complete: The Office of Admissions has reviewed your application and verified that all required application materials have been received. Your application is now ready for review by the Admissions Committee.
• Application In Review: The Admissions Committee is reviewing your application and will have a decision for you shortly.
• Application Incomplete: The Office of Admissions has reviewed your application and found that information is missing. Your application will remain incomplete until all required application materials have been received. The Office of Admissions will send you an email notifying you of which items are missing. Please allow five business days for your application to be completed once an outstanding item has been received.

If you have any questions about your application status, you can contact Colorado Law at law.admissions@colorado.edu.

Frequently asked questions