Admissions Overview
At University of Dayton School of Law, we believe a well-rounded and diverse student body contributes to an exciting, educational and dynamic law school experience. When considering candidates for the Online Hybrid Juris Doctor (J.D.) program, our admissions committee evaluates more than just your standardized test scores and GPA. We also consider:
- Life experiences and the ability to overcome hardships
- Demonstrated leadership and extracurricular activities
- Variety of in-depth skills and interests
We are now accepting applications for our fall 2021 cohort. Our admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis and usually notifies applicants of a decision within two to six weeks of submission.
Application Timeline
| Application Opportunity | Submit Deadline | Seat Deposit Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action application deadline for fall 2021 cohort | Nov. 30, 2020 | Feb. 15, 2021 |
| Preferred application deadline for fall 2021 cohort | March 1, 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
| Final application deadline for fall 2021 cohort | June 7, 2021 | July 26, 2021 |
Application Process
All applications must be submitted through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), and you must be registered with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). To prepare to submit your application, you should:
- Request information and speak with a dedicated admissions counselor. You will experience a personalized admissions process that includes support throughout the application process, access to financial aid resources, and program and technology walk-throughs.
- Create an LSAC account: All applications must be submitted through the LSAC. This is also required to register for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
- Register for CAS: This service collects your LSAT score(s), transcripts and evaluations and distributes them to the law schools of your choosing. Nearly all ABA-approved law schools require J.D. applicants to use CAS.
Application Requirements
We accept LSAT and GRE test scores. Standardized test scores and your cumulative undergraduate GPA are among the primary considerations for admission to the University of Dayton School of Law. However, all portions of your application are considered by the admissions committee.
Standardized Test Scores
The Online Hybrid J.D. program requires you to submit either LSAT or GRE test scores with your application. Only scores earned within five years of the expected date of entry into law school will be considered. If you have taken the LSAT, that score will be part of your CAS file and will automatically be reported.
While applicants need only take either the LSAT or the GRE, we will consider all scores if you take both tests. If you have taken the LSAT, we consider that to be the primary admission test, regardless if you submit a GRE score.
GRE: Designed to test verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. The GRE has many test dates per year. Learn more about using a GRE score to apply to law school.
LSAT: Designed to test reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and logic. The LSAT is offered a limited number of times per year.
Undergraduate Transcripts
We require transcripts from all institutions where you have taken college-level courses. Your undergraduate major can be from any discipline, but we emphasize the importance of strong reading comprehension, writing and analytical skills.
Your undergraduate GPA gives the admissions committee an indicator of academic performance. Our admissions committee reviews transcripts in detail, focusing on grade trends and the type, depth and rigor of courses completed.
If you have extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance, include an addendum to your personal statement.
Letters of Recommendation
The School of Law requires at least two professional letters of recommendation from individuals who can substantively comment on your academic or employment record. We recommend professional references, if possible. Letters must be sent by the recommenders to CAS.
Character and Fitness Disclosures
Applicants should be aware that all jurisdictions screen applicants on character and fitness issues before admitting them to be licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction.
Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Contact information for all relevant agencies is available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should highlight your interest in and motivation for attending law school. You should explain why you believe you are a good candidate for law school and, ultimately, the practice of law. The statement should give our admissions committee additional insight into who you are and provide a basis for assessing your writing ability. The statement should be one to three pages in length.
Other Factors We Consider
For the admissions committee to get an accurate sense of who you are, please make sure your application materials highlight the following:
- Graduate coursework
- Work experience
- Extracurricular activities
- Volunteer or community service
- Optional LSAT/academic statement
- Optional diversity statement
To learn more about the application process or application requirements, please request information or contact an admissions counselor at 855-992-9059 or email us at admissions@onlinelaw.udayton.edu.
If you have already applied to the University of Dayton School of Law, you can view your application status.
Start your application to the University of Dayton School of Law’s Online Hybrid J.D. program.