JD Admission Requirements
GW Law employs a highly selective JD admissions process, given that historically the number of applicants has significantly exceeded the number of seats available in the entering class. Our review process is comprehensive; we seek to enroll students with high academic qualifications whose personal characteristics demonstrate potential contributions to the Law School community. Factors considered in the admissions process include undergraduate performance, school attended, and major; LSAT score(s); writing ability as demonstrated in the personal statement; extracurricular and professional experience as reflected in the resume; letters of recommendation; and any graduate work performed. There is no minimum GPA or LSAT score required. Consistent with the goal of providing an educationally stimulating and diverse environment, the Law School affirmatively seeks to enroll qualified members of all backgrounds.
Applicants must hold (or be in pursuit of) a bachelor's degree awarded by an accredited U.S. college or university or an equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution. Applicants must have taken the LSAT within the past five years.
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis beginning in November. An applicant typically will be notified of the admissions decision within approximately two months of the time the application is deemed complete.
Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
All applicants for the JD program, including international applicants, must register with CAS. This service provides a report that standardizes all undergraduate grades and lists the applicant's LSAT history. The report also includes writing samples from the LSAT, copies of all transcripts, and letters of recommendation. An application for admission will be considered only after the CAS report has been received.
Standardized Tests
LSAT
Information about the Law School Admissions Test may be obtained from the Admissions Office or the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
GRE or GMAT
GRE or GMAT scores may be submitted in place of the LSAT and will only be considered when an applicant has not taken and does not intend to take the LSAT. Scores must be less than five years old. In order to submit scores to GW Law, the GRE code is 2473 and the GMAT code is QK4-JJ-22.
JD-Next
The JD-Next exam is administered by Aspen Publishing. At the end of the JD-Next course, applicants will have the opportunity to select GW Law as a recipient of their scores. This test may be submitted in place of the LSAT and will only be considered when an applicant has not taken and does not intend to take the LSAT.
GW Junior Early Action Program
Applicants applying through the GW Junior Early Action Program may submit a standardized test other than the LSAT, including SAT or ACT scores that are less than five years old.
Test-Optional Admission for Select JD Candidates
Learn more about our new test-optional admission to see if you qualify.
Personal Statement and Optional Identity Statement
Applicants must submit a personal statement on any subject of importance that will assist the Admissions Committee in its decision. It should be no more than two pages, double-spaced. Applicants may also submit an optional identity statement discussing characteristics and accomplishments they believe will contribute positively to the GW Law community and to the legal profession.
Letters of Recommendation
At least one letter of recommendation must be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation/Evaluation Service.
Early Decision or Presidential Merit Scholarship Agreement
Applicants who apply through either the binding Early Decision process or the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program must complete and submit a Binding Agreement along with their applications.
Qualifications for Admission to the Bar
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.