Applying Early To Northwestern Law: Advantages?

Applying early decision to Northwestern Law School has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, applying early decision makes it more likely that you will be admitted, especially if your GPA or LSAT score is equal to or above the school's median. The early decision process lets the school lock in candidates who will pay full tuition and support at least one of their medians. The pool of early decision applicants is also smaller than the regular decision pool, so it may be easier to stand out. Additionally, applying early decision is a strong indication of your interest in the school, which can work in your favour if you are waitlisted. Furthermore, Northwestern Law School offers an application fee waiver as an incentive for prospective applicants to apply early. Finally, applying early decision may expedite the review of your application.

On the other hand, applying early decision limits your options and hinders your ability to negotiate financial aid. Since you are bound to attend the school if accepted, you cannot use offers from other schools as leverage to negotiate for more financial aid. Admissions officers often look to their early decision pool to lock in a certain amount of revenue, knowing that early decision admits will pay the sticker price.

Application process and timeline

The application process for the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law differs depending on the degree program you are applying for. The application for the fall 2025 entering class is available on lsac.org.

Early Decision Program

The Early Decision Program is a binding application route. If you are accepted, you must commit to matriculating at Northwestern Law and submit a non-refundable $750 seat deposit. You must also withdraw all applications to other law schools. Early Decision candidates may satisfy the Law School's standardised test requirement by submitting an LSAT, a GRE, or both.

To be considered for the Early Decision Program, your entire application must be complete by November 15. Therefore, it is in your best interest to submit your application by November 1. The November LSAT administration is the final opportunity to sit the exam and be considered for Early Decision. Early Decision applicants will be notified of their admission decision by the end of December.

Regular Decision Program

The Regular Decision application portal will open on May 15, 2024. All application requirements, including the submission of an online video interview, must be submitted by June 26, 2024.

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants must have completed 28 graded credit hours in a 1L curriculum that is substantially similar to Northwestern Law's. The Binding Early Decision application period for transfer students is March 25 to April 26, 2024. The Regular Decision application period is May 15 to June 26, 2024.

Advantages of applying early

Applying early to Northwestern Law School has several advantages for prospective students. Here are some key benefits:

Increased Chance of Acceptance

Applying early decision can slightly improve your chances of being accepted, especially if your Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score or Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score is equal to or above the school's median. Northwestern Law School accepts both LSAT and GRE scores from applicants. The early decision process allows the school to secure candidates who will support at least one of their medians. Additionally, the early decision applicant pool is typically smaller than the regular decision pool, making it easier for strong candidates to stand out.

Demonstrated Interest

Applying early decision is a strong indication of your interest in the law school. Even if you are waitlisted, the admissions dean may favour you over other waitlisted applicants due to your demonstrated commitment to the school. This can be especially beneficial if you are a "splitter", which means you have one number (LSAT or GPA) at or above the school's median and the other below.

Expedited Application Review

Applying early may also expedite the review of your application. Northwestern Law School aims to provide admission decisions to early decision applicants by the end of December.

Financial Benefits

Northwestern Law School offers a substantial financial incentive for early decision applicants. Applicants admitted through the early decision program who begin the three-year JD program will receive a $120,000 merit scholarship distributed evenly over the three years of their legal education. The only requirements to maintain the scholarship are to keep good academic standing and remain enrolled in classes at the law school.

Planning and Peace of Mind

Applying early decision provides peace of mind and helps with planning for the future. If accepted, you are guaranteed a spot in the incoming class, and you can make the necessary arrangements with greater certainty.

Disadvantages of applying early

While applying early to Northwestern Law School has its advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Here are some reasons why applying early may not be the best option:

• Limited Options and Reduced Flexibility: Applying early decision means you are committing to a single law school and giving up the opportunity to apply to multiple schools. If you are accepted to your early decision school, you must withdraw all other applications and are bound to attend that school. This limits your options and reduces your flexibility in choosing the best school for you.
• Financial Aid Negotiation: Applying early decision can hinder your ability to negotiate financial aid. Typically, students use offers from multiple schools as leverage to negotiate for more financial aid. However, with an early decision, you are locked into a single school and may not have the same negotiating power. Early decision applicants are often expected to pay the full sticker price.
• Risk of Uninformed Decision: Applying early means making a decision before exploring all your options. You may not have the chance to thoroughly research and compare different law schools, which could lead to a rushed or uninformed choice. It is important to carefully consider all factors before committing to a school.
• Potential for Missed Opportunities: By committing to a single school, you may miss out on other opportunities that could be a better fit academically, financially, or personally. There is a chance that you might receive an offer from a higher-ranked school or a school that provides more financial aid if you keep your options open.
• Competition and Acceptance Rates: The early decision pool may still be competitive, and there is no guarantee of acceptance. Schools often use the early decision process to lock in top candidates, and the smaller pool may not significantly increase your chances of admission.
• Time Commitment: The early decision process requires a time commitment to complete the application and all its requirements, such as interviews and certification forms. You will need to ensure that you can dedicate the necessary time to meet the early deadlines.

While applying early to Northwestern Law School can demonstrate your interest and commitment, it is essential to carefully consider the disadvantages and how they may impact your application and future options.

Scholarships and financial aid

The Northwestern Pritzker School of Law offers a comprehensive financial aid program to enable any admitted student to obtain a Northwestern law degree. The school provides a range of scholarships and grants, awarded based on a combination of financial need and merit. The school administers an extensive program of scholarships and grants, funded by endowed funds, alumni gifts, and general funds from the university. The scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis after an offer of admission.

The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid awards scholarships to incoming JD students based on financial need and merit, while the Chicago Office of Financial Aid packages loan funding. The school does not award any conditional scholarships. Scholarships are automatically renewed for the second and third years, provided the recipients maintain good academic standing and remain enrolled.

For the Early Decision (ED) program, applicants who are admitted and begin the three-year JD program in August 2025 will receive a $120,000 merit scholarship, split evenly over the three years, with the only requirement being to maintain good academic standing and remain enrolled.

Additionally, the school offers the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP), the Interest Freedom Plan, and the Emergency Alumni Relief Fund.

The application process for financial aid, including scholarships, is separate from the admissions process and follows after an admissions decision has been made. Admitted students receive detailed instructions on applying for scholarships and loans.

Application fee waivers

Northwestern Law offers application fee waivers to prospective students who meet certain criteria. The school provides incentives for early applicants by offering fee waivers to those who apply between 1 September and 31 December. To obtain a fee waiver, applicants simply need to fill out a registration form, which can be found on the Apply page from 1 September. A fee waiver code will then be created and emailed to the applicant within two to three business days.

Additionally, throughout the admissions cycle, fee waivers may also be sent to candidates who are registered with LSAC's Credential Referral Service and who meet specific Admissions Committee criteria. To be considered for this, applicants should check the CRS box when registering their LSAC account. Members of the admissions team may also offer fee waivers to prospective applicants they meet during fall recruiting events.

From 1 January onwards, applicants seeking a fee waiver must complete a need-based JD Fee Waiver Application and provide answers to additional questions. The application will be available on the Apply page from 1 January. Applicants with LSAC fee waivers must also complete this application and attach a copy of their LSAC fee waiver notification. Need-based applications are reviewed weekly, and any notices or requests for additional documentation are sent via email.

It is important to note that once a fee waiver code has been issued and expires, the Office of Admissions will not issue a new one. Therefore, applicants who receive a fee waiver should ensure they submit their JD application by the stated expiration date.

Frequently asked questions