Early Decision At Michigan Law: Is It Worth It?

Applying for law school can be a daunting process, and the University of Michigan Law School offers a binding Early Decision (ED) program for applicants who are confident that the school is their first choice. The ED program requires applicants to restrict their law school choices and commit to attending Michigan Law if admitted. While ED candidates are evaluated using the same criteria as regular applicants, their enthusiasm for the school is considered a positive factor. However, it is important to carefully consider the disadvantages of applying ED, such as the loss of leverage to negotiate scholarships and the inability to compare financial aid offers from other schools. Applicants should also ensure they can submit a high-quality application by the deadline, as ED programs typically have earlier deadlines than regular decision applications. The University of Michigan Law School's ED deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is November 15, with a regular decision deadline of February 28, 2025.

Advantages of applying ED

Applying ED (Early Decision) to the University of Michigan Law School has several advantages. Firstly, if you are admitted, your plans are set in stone early, and you can relax and forego applying to other schools. This saves you time and hassle, as you don't need to complete multiple applications. Applying ED also demonstrates your enthusiasm for the University of Michigan Law School, which is considered a positive factor in the evaluation process.

Additionally, the University of Michigan Law School has a rolling admissions process, which means that applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Therefore, applying ED can give you an advantage as your application will be considered earlier.

However, it is important to carefully consider the disadvantages as well. Applying ED restricts your law school choices, and you will need to commit to attending the University of Michigan Law School if admitted. This means you won't have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers from other schools, which can be a significant disadvantage if financial aid is a priority for you.

Before applying ED, it is essential to ensure that the University of Michigan Law School is your clear first choice and that you are confident in your application's quality.

Disadvantages of applying ED

Applying ED (Early Decision) to the University of Michigan Law School has several disadvantages that should be carefully considered before submission. Firstly, ED is a binding agreement, meaning that if accepted, you are committed to attending the University of Michigan Law School and must withdraw all other applications. This restriction on choice can be a significant drawback, especially if you receive more attractive offers from other schools or if you are unsure about attending the University of Michigan Law School.

Secondly, ED applicants may be at a disadvantage when it comes to financial aid. Since the school is almost guaranteed your enrollment, they may not feel the need to offer competitive financial aid packages. This can be problematic if financial aid is an important consideration for you. Additionally, you won't have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers from other schools, which may result in less favourable financial terms overall.

Thirdly, applying ED may not be the best strategy if your credentials are strong and you are likely to be admitted anyway. In such cases, applying through the regular decision process may allow you to leverage offers from other schools to negotiate better financial aid or scholarship packages.

Finally, the ED application process often has earlier deadlines, which can be challenging to meet, especially if you are still waiting on important components of your application, such as test scores or letters of recommendation.

In conclusion, while applying ED to the University of Michigan Law School can provide certain advantages, it is important to carefully weigh the disadvantages as well. These include restrictions on choice, potentially weaker financial aid offers, the inability to compare offers, and the early application deadlines.

Application deadlines

The University of Michigan Law School offers a binding Early Decision program for applicants who are certain that the University of Michigan Law School is their first choice. The deadline for Early Decision applications is November 15. The University of Michigan Law School commits to providing applicants with an admission decision by December 15.

The regular-decision deadline for applications is February 28, 2025. However, the University of Michigan Law School uses a rolling admissions process, so applicants are encouraged to submit their application form and supporting documentation as early as possible.

If you are applying as a transfer or visiting student in your 2L or 3L year, you can visit the transfer admission page for more information on application deadlines and the admissions process.

The University of Michigan Law School Admissions Office is available to answer any questions about the Law School and the application process. They can be contacted by phone at 734.764.0537 or by email at admissions@law.umich.edu.

Application requirements

The University of Michigan Law School's application requirements for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows:

• A completed application form for the University of Michigan's J.D. program.
• A valid LSAT score, taken between June 2019 and January 2025. Scores from later tests will be considered but may hinder your chance of admission.
• Current LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) registration.
• All undergraduate transcripts sent directly from the undergraduate institution(s) to CAS. If you attended an international undergraduate institution, you should arrange to have your transcript mailed to LSAC.
• All graduate transcripts sent directly from graduate institution(s) to CAS.
• Application fee of $75 or a fee waiver. Fee waivers are available for US military members and veterans, Corps members and alumni of City Year, AmeriCorps, and Teach for America, and applicants who demonstrate serious financial hardship.
• One to three letters of recommendation sent directly to Michigan Law School or through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. Each letter must be accompanied by a signed declaration of the applicant's intent regarding access to the letter.
• A personal statement and any optional essays.
• Certification that the application is true and accurate.

The University of Michigan Law School also offers a binding Early Decision program for applicants who are confident that the University of Michigan Law School is their first choice. Early Decision applications must be submitted by November 15.

Additional Considerations

While not strictly required, the following considerations may enhance your application:

• A well-written and error-free personal statement that showcases your writing skills, experiences, and fit for the University of Michigan Law School.
• Supplemental essays that provide additional information about your interests, experiences, and contributions to the law school community.
• A strong résumé that highlights your academic and professional achievements.
• Letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well and can speak to your intellectual abilities, scholarship abilities, capacity for original thought, analytical skills, and personal qualities.
• Preparation for the LSAT to ensure the best possible score, as this is a key factor in the admissions process.

Application fees

The University of Michigan Law School charges a $75 application fee for its JD program. This fee must be paid by credit card via LSAC or by a check drawn on a US bank, made payable to the University of Michigan. Cash payments are not accepted.

The University of Michigan Law School offers several types of application fee waivers. These waivers are available to candidates who meet any of the following criteria:

• US military members and veterans
• Corps members and alumni of City Year, AmeriCorps, and Teach for America
• Applicants who demonstrate serious financial hardship (including, but not limited to, any candidate who receives an LSAC Fee Waiver)

To request a fee waiver, applicants must complete a form. If the request is granted, the University of Michigan will email a fee waiver coupon number that can be entered on the payment page when transmitting the application through LSAC. The University of Michigan also offers application fee waivers through LSAC's Candidate Referral Service, based on candidates' LSATs and UGPAs.

For the LLM program, the application fee is also $75, payable by credit card on LSAC's website. The University of Michigan grants application fee waivers to highly qualified applicants through LSAC's LLM Candidate Referral Service.

Frequently asked questions