Law School Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for admission to the J.D. program?

Graduates of accredited colleges and universities are eligible to be considered for admission to the Law School.

What degree is required for admission to the J.D. program?

While a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is a prerequisite for enrollment in the J.D. program, no specific major is required.

What courses should I take in preparation for law school?

There is no required list of subjects which must be taken in preparation for admission to the School of Law. The law covers all facets of human activity and the lawyer must be a person with a wide range of interests and a broad base of knowledge. It can be said, however, that a reasonable degree of exposure to such subjects as history, literature, English composition, political science, economics, and philosophy will provide a good background for a full appreciation of the law. The prelaw student should, in any event, be involved in an undergraduate program which is intellectually challenging and demanding and which requires rigorous academic discipline.

When should I apply for admission to the J.D. program?

You should submit your application as soon as possible. The deadline for submitting an application through the regular admission process is February 1 of the year in which you intend to enroll.

We do not offer early decision.

W&L begins accepting applications for admission in August of the year prior to the year in which the applicant wishes to matriculate. Thus, an applicant wishing to matriculate in August of 2007 could apply for admission as early as August 2006.

Does Washington and Lee enroll part-time or evening law students?

Currently, W&L does not offer a part-time or evening program, although some upper-level courses are taught in the evening.

Can W&L law students begin the J.D. program in the spring or summer?

No, all first-year law students begin classes together in the fall.

How are applicants selected for admission?

All applications are reviewed by an Admissions Committee which selects applicants for admission to the School of Law on the basis of a comparative evaluation of the credentials submitted by the applicants. Applicants are not ranked by any numerical index. The Admissions Committee considers undergraduate grades and transcripts; LSAT scores; recommendations; significant employment or post-graduate educational experience; extracurricular activities; special skills and talents; community service involvement, and the personal statement. There is no preference for residents of Virginia.

How do I apply?

For specific instructions on how to apply and a copy of the application, please click here.

Can I apply to Washington and Lee School of Law online?

Yes. For specific instructions on how to apply online, please click here.

What are the median GPA and LSAT score at Washington and Lee?

For the Class of 2008, the median undergraduate GPA was a 3.5 and the median LSAT score was a 166. 

Questions?

        Email lawadm@wlu.edu or call 540-458-8503.