This is an archived copy of the 2022-23 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.utexas.edu/.

Law School Admission

Overview

The primary goals of the admission process for the School of Law are:

to identify those students with the greatest probability of success in law school, considering proven predictors (standardized test scores, undergraduate grade point average, the applicant's undergraduate school and major) and giving appropriate weight to all other factors in the applicant’s file;
to identify students who exhibit a demonstrated commitment to public service, leadership, and other qualities valuable to the legal profession;
to identify students whose background, experience, and other qualities are likely to be of value in the classroom and in the School of Law; and
to provide a service to the state of Texas by educating its citizens from underrepresented regions of the state and disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.

The School of Law takes great care in reviewing each application holistically. The many factors the Admissions Committee takes into consideration include but are not limited to: academic rigor of undergraduate study; graduate study; demonstrated commitment to public service; work experience; leadership experience; extracurricular or community activities; disability; socioeconomic disadvantage and/or first-generation college-student status; identification as members of an underrepresented racial and ethnic group; personal experiences with discrimination; exceptional communication and writing ability; proficiency in languages other than English; honors and awards; service in the Armed Forces; publications; and any other personal characteristics or experiences that would contribute to the diversity and overall enrichment of the School of Law.

Application Procedures

Please refer to the School of Law admissions website for detailed information about the policies and procedures.

First-Year Applicants

To be considered for admissions at the School of Law as a first-year student, an applicant must register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and demonstrate that they have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. university, or the foreign equivalent whose program has been deemed of comparable quality, prior to the start of the first fall semester at the School of Law. Further, all applicants must have achieved a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.20, as calculated by LSAC (unless the applicant was enrolled as an undergraduate under the Academic Fresh Start option pursuant to Section 51.931 of the Texas Education Code).

Transfer Applicants

To be considered for admissions at the School of Law as a transfer student, an applicant must be attending a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association and a member of the Association of American Law Schools. The applicant must register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), and demonstrate that they have completed the first-year curriculum in good academic standing.

Transient (Visiting) Applicants

To be considered for admissions at the School of Law as a transient (visiting) student, an applicant must have completed the first-year curriculum in good academic standing at a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association and a member of the Association of American Law Schools and register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

Deadlines

The following deadlines are non-negotiable.

First-Year Applicants

September 1 - Application opens
November 1 - Application deadline for Early Decision
March 1 - Application deadline for Regular Decision

The School of Law must receive a student's valid LSAT and/or GRE score by the appropriate deadline to consider their application for admission.

Transfer Applicants

May 1 - Application opens
June 15 - Application deadline

The School of Law admits transfer students on a rolling basis once applications are complete; therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Transient Applicants

Summer Semester
- April 1 - Application opens
- May 15 - Application deadline
Fall Semester
- May 1 - Application opens
- June 15 - Application deadline
Spring Semester
- September 1 - Application opens
- November 15 - Application deadline

Please contact the School of Law Admissions Office to confirm whether courses will be available to visiting students before submitting an application. The School of Law is unable to refund any application fees.