J.D. Program Application Requirements

J.D. Application Requirements

J.D. applicants must submit the following:

  1. An electronic application via the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), available here. This application process is fully accessible to the visually impaired.
  2. Test score or equivalent (LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next) 
  3. CAS report

Your file will not be reviewed until all required materials have been received. Letters of recommendation are optional. If you choose to submit letters of recommendation, we will accept up to three (3). Submit your letters of recommendation through the CAS Letter of Recommendation Service. 

J.D. Application Deadlines

J.D. application opens on September 1. 

Applications are processed on a continuous basis beginning in early November. It is in your best interest to submit your application as early as possible.

 

  Early Decision Admission (Binding)  Regular Decision  Late Decision
Application Due Date  November 15 April 1  After April 1
Decision Notification December 31 End of May After file completion, on a rolling basis
Other Information

If admitted:

  • Withdrawal of all other applications is required
  • No additional applications may be initiated
  • Scholarship is guaranteed
  • Seat deposit is due shortly after admission
 Applicants not admitted via the Early Decision Admission Program are rolled into our Regular Decision Program Offers contingent on space available 

Early Decision

To be considered for Early Decision Admission, applications must be submitted and all supporting documentation, including a CAS report, must be received by November 15. For applications submitted after November 15, or if an Early Decision application remains incomplete after December 1, the application will be considered for Regular Decision admission. All Early Decision Admission applicants will receive a decision by December 31. Applicants not admitted through Early Decision Admission are rolled into to our Regular Decision Admission program. Applicants held for review with the pool of Regular Decision applicants are no longer bound by the Early Decision Admission requirements.

Regular Decision

Applications and supporting materials, including your CAS report, must be received by April 1. We will accept the February LSAT for regular decision, even if the scores are posted after Apri1, as long as your application and all other supporting materials are received by April 1. We will inform you that your application has been accepted, denied, or placed on a waiting list by the end of May.

Late Decision

Late decision applications are considered on a space-available basis. Applications will be reviewed upon completion, and decisions will be made shortly thereafter.

Waiver of Minimum Hour Requirement (Reduced Load Option)

A limited number of well-qualified J.D. applicants may request a waiver of the minimum hour requirement. Applicants seeking admission under the reduced-load option should submit a written statement explaining why they are interested in this option.

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. You can find each state’s requirements here.

The Admissions Process

The goal of our admissions process is to identify applicants who will flourish in law school and who will gain a distinct lifelong advantage by having attained a Dedman law degree. The application process is our opportunity to look at you as a whole person. We want to know about you and your accomplishments.

Throughout the admissions process, the Admissions Office will make every effort to give you prompt and individualized attention. Every application is read in its entirety; no decisions are made on the "numbers" alone. When evaluating an application, we look for well-rounded students who have proven evidence of academic success and who will enrich our overall educational community. Work and life experiences are also valuable components of an application. View SMU Dedman School of Law's Admissions Policy.

Before you apply

Register to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Registration materials and test dates may be obtained at www.LSAC.org.

Register with the LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Registration for the CAS can be accomplished at the same time you register for the LSAT. Please note that LSAC will not send any law school a report until they have received transcripts from every undergraduate institution you have attended, including summer sessions and semesters abroad. You also must pay any necessary fees. SMU's LSAC code is 6660.

Although exceptions may be made in special circumstances, an entering student is required to have received a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to enrollment in the School of Law. The School of Law does not prescribe a fixed course of pre-legal study, but does examine the record of each applicant to determine whether the undergraduate courses taken reflect adequate preparation for the study of law. The student should pursue a well-rounded course of study, with particular attention devoted to the development of analytical skills, and facility and style in the use of the English language.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.  SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.  The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX1 Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, including the prohibition of sex discrimination under Title IX.  The Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.  Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.

 

 

 

1 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688.