The Admissions Committee seeks to admit men and women who have a demonstrated ability to complete the rigorous and distinctive legal education provided by Ave Maria School of Law. When reviewing an application, the Admissions Committee evaluates each applicant from a whole-person perspective. In the course of the application-review process, the Committee gives attention to an array of factors, including: personal and professional accomplishments and goals; community activities and service; obstacles overcome; undergraduate and graduate school records; the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score; work experience; other indicators of academic ability; motivation; and an appreciation of the qualities associated with being a member of the legal profession.

Prospective applicants for admission are encouraged to apply for admission at the earliest possible date after September 1 and prior to April 1. Though the Committee will accept an application submitted as late as June 10, applying earlier will ensure that the Committee is able to provide full consideration for nonrepayable scholarship assistance.

The Admissions Committee evaluates applications for admission on a "rolling admissions" basis in early November and continuing through late spring. The Admissions Committee is unable to evaluate an application for admission until all supporting items have been received by the School of Law Office of Admissions. For the majority of applicants, the Admissions Committee renders an admission decision within three to five weeks of the date that the application and all supporting materials are received by the Admissions Office.

To be considered for admission to Ave Maria School of Law, an applicant must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to enrolling at the School of Law. There is no single major or undergraduate field of study that is either required or recommended of an applicant for admission. The following items must be submitted in addition to the completed application form:

• results of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and a subscription to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS).*
• two letters of recommendation written by individuals who are able to offer substantive comments on the applicant's potential for success in law school. Letters of recommendation should be submitted to the Law School Admission Council using LSAC's Letter of Recommendation Service.
• a personal statement of not more than three, typed double-spaced pages.
• an application fee of $50 ($40 if applying electronically)

* The LSAT is administered four times annually in locations throughout the United States and at various test centers around the world. Ave Maria School of Law recognizes LSAT scores that have been taken within the last five years. When an applicant for admission has taken the LSAT more than one time, the Admissions Committee typically relies upon the highest score when arriving at the admission decision. A candidate may register for the LSAT online at www.lsac.org or by requesting and completing registration materials from LSAC: (215) 968.1001.

Click here to view LSAT preparation suggestions from Ave Maria School of Law.

Statement of Non-Discrimination Ave Maria School of Law recognizes the inherent human dignity of all members of the human family. Thus, it does not discriminate on any basis proscribed by federal or state law. The Law School maintains its Catholic character, but is open to all persons who respect the goals of the Law School, as adopted by the Board of Governors.