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Frequently Asked Questions
General Inquiries about the Law School
Q: Does the Law School recommend a specific prelaw curriculum be taken prior to applying for admission?
A: The Law School prescribes no specific prelaw curriculum. Students should pursue their interests, the offerings of their particular colleges, and their personal objectives for studying law. In general, the prelaw student should place primary emphasis on the acquisition of excellent methods of study, thought, and communication, especially writing. Obviously, these skills can be acquired in a number of different areas, and successful law students and lawyers have college majors in almost every field of study available. An undergraduate major field should require rigorous application of one's abilities.
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College courses should be chosen with care to produce a balanced pattern of skills and insights. Undergraduate study should include courses that will develop competence in grammar, spelling, composition, and speech. Study of foreign languages may reinforce this competence. Mathematics and philosophy courses may develop the capacity to think analytically. The natural sciences may provide instruction in scientific method and an appreciation of the importance of detailed accuracy.
Although the best preparation for law is usually one that broadens perspectives, sharpens skills, and challenges abilities, in some instances an extensive background in a specialized area may be desirable. For instance, a patent lawyer may benefit from a background in engineering, physics, or chemistry. A tax lawyer may find an accounting background helpful. And a specialist in international or comparative law may utilize expertise in foreign languages or international relations.
Prospective law students should read widely and in great quantity, not only to become well informed, but also to enhance awareness of style and grace of expression.
Additional information on preparation for law school is available in the ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, an official guide to ABA-approved law schools published by the Law School Admission Council and the American Bar Association. The book may be obtained at college bookstores or ordered from Law Services.
Q: What is a good resource for beginning my law school search?
A: An excellent reference to guide you in your law school search is the ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, produced by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and the American Bar Association. This guide is available for viewing or purchase through the LSAC web site.
Q: How do I obtain a catalog and application?
A: You may request a catalog and/or download an application here. We also accept applications that have been prepared using the Law School Admission Council’s electronic application. For further information on submitting an electronic application, visit the LSAC’s web site.
Q: Do you offer an LLM program?
A: We do not offer an LLM program, only the juris doctor (JD).
Q: Must I wait to submit my application until after I take the LSAT?
A: It is not necessary to wait until you have taken the LSAT. You may submit your application anytime between October 1st and the application deadline (March 15th). Once you have tested, the Law School Admissions Council will automatically forward your LSAT score to the law school.
Q: How do I schedule a visit to the law school?
A: You are welcome to visit the school, sit in on a class and take a tour of the law school. Click here for maps and driving directions. It is recommended that visitors park in Lot 306 or Lot 436, at parking meters located around campus. Call us at 303-492-7203 or email us at lawadmin@colorado.edu if you would like to schedule class visitation.
Q: Do you offer a part-time or evening program? Correspondence courses?
A: The University of Colorado offers a full-time, day program only. We do not offer a part-time program or correspondence courses.
Q: Do you offer dual degree programs?
A: The Law School offers seven dual degree programs: Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration; Juris Doctor/Master of Public Affairs; Juris Doctor/Master of Science, Telecommunications; Juris Doctor/Master of Environmental Studies; and JD/Ph.D. in Environmental Studies. The Juris Doctor /Master of International Affairs is no longer being offered. To become eligible for any dual degree program, a student must separately apply to and be admitted by each of the two schools under its respective admissions procedures and standards.
Further information regarding dual degree programs is available on the following web sites:
Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration
Juris Doctor/Master of Public Affairs
Juris Doctor/Master of Science, Telecommunications
Juris Doctor/Master of Environmental Studies
Juris Doctor/Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Juris Doctor/Ph.D. of Environmental Studies
Juris Doctor/Doctor of Medicine
Q: Do you offer, or can you recommend, an LSAT preparation course?
A: We do not offer a LSAT preparation course at the Law School nor do we recommend one preparation course over another. You can find information on test preparation on the Internet. You may also find additional information on the LSAC website.
Q: Am I permitted to work during my first year of law school?
A: First-year students are not permitted to work during their first year of law school. Second- and third-year students may work up to 20 hours per week. Most law students will be able to obtain enough financial aid to cover the expenses of law school.
Q: When does the admissions office begin accepting applications?
A: Applications are accepted between October 1st and March 15.
Q. Can I apply electronically? What does it cost?
A.We strongly encourage first-year students to submit your application electronically through LSAC. You can begin transmitting electronic applications for the fall 2008 entering class October 1, 2007. The Law School Admission Council discontinued charging an additional fee to apply electronically. But the $65 application fee to apply to the University of Colorado is still applicable. NOTE: Transfer and visiting students must use the application available on our website or in our catalog.
Q: What is the deadline to submit my application for admission to the fall 2008 entering class?
A: The deadline to submit an application for admission to the fall 2008 entering class is March 15, 2008.
Q: How many applications did your school receive last year and how many students are typically enrolled in an entering class?
A: The School of Law received over 2,600 applications for the fall 2007 entering class. Typically, around 170 students are enrolled in each class.
Q: Is preference given to Colorado residents?
A: The University of Colorado is a public institution and has a policy that gives some preference to applicants who are Colorado residents; however, in-state and out-of-state applicants are evaluated for admission using the same criteria.
Q: Do I need to register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS)?
A: The Law School utilizes Law Services, which administers the LSAT and coordinates the LSDAS. All applicants must take the LSAT and register for the LSDAS. The LSDAS provides LSAT scores, copies of letters of recommendation, a summary of undergraduate grades by year, a cumulative grade point average, and copies of all transcripts. Applicants must arrange to have official transcripts of all their undergraduate and graduate work submitted to Law Services. This obviates the need for applicants to submit transcripts to every law school to which they apply. Applicants who are currently attending college should provide transcripts showing their fall term grades as soon as they are available.
Q: How many letters of recommendation are required, and must I submit them through the LSDAS?
A: Two letters of recommendation are required. For current students and recent graduates, recommendations from faculty members are particularly effective. We prefer that you submit your recommendations through the LSDAS. Alternatively, you may submit them with your application, or your recommenders may send the letters directly to the admissions office.
Q: Do you have an early admissions program?
A: We do not have an early admissions program. We accept applications October 1st through March 15th. Late in the fall, the admissions committee begins reviewing completed applications and applicants will be notified in writing of the committee’s decision until the class is filled, usually in the late spring or early summer.
Q: Do you offer deferred admission?
A: The Law School grants deferrals on a case-by-case basis. Admitted applications who need to defer their entrance into law school for one year should contact the Assistant Dean of Admissions to discuss their situation.
Q: Do you allow a formal interview with the admissions committee?
A: Due to the large number of applicants seeking admission we are unable to offer formal interviews; we are, however, happy to answer your admissions questions. Our regular office hours are 8am to 5pm. Click here for maps and driving directions. It is recommended that visitors park in Lot 306 or Lot 436, or in parking meters located around campus. You are welcome to sit in on a first-year class while you are here. See the tour and observation schedule. Call us at 303-492-7203 to schedule class visitation.
Q: I previously applied to the Law School. How do I reapply?
A: Applicants who decline an offer of admission or were not offered admission may choose to reapply. Reapplication includes: submission of a new application, application fee, a valid LSAT and updated LSDAS report, personal essay, and recommendations. Application files are retained for only one year after the year of original application. Your retained application and all supporting documents will be included in your new application for admission. It is suggested that you freshen your application -with a new personal essay, resume, and letter(s) of recommendation.
Q: I may have affirmative responses to the character and fitness questions (Questions 4, 5, 6 and 7) of my application. How does the admissions committee view affirmative responses?
A: Questions 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the application concern an applicant's character and fitness to practice law. Affirmative responses are viewed in the context of the entire application, and may or may not affect your chances of admission.
When in doubt as to how to answer the question, err on the side of full disclosure, keeping in mind that you need not reveal incidents that have been sealed or expunged by law. Failure to fully and accurately answer the questions may result in expulsion from law school or other appropriate disciplinary action, and may be an obstacle to admission to the bar. In addition, a state bar may require additional information about your character and fitness.
If you have further questions about how to answer these questions please consult the Assistant Dean of Admissions, Kristine H. McCord, at (303) 492-7085.
Q: How long is my LSAT score valid?
A: LSAT scores are valid only for five years preceding matriculation at the school; therefore, the earliest score we will consider for the fall of 2008 incoming class is June 2003.
LSAT examinations are held in June, October, December, and February of each year. We recommend that the LSAT be taken by the December date prior to the fall term for which you are applying for admission but we will accept the February test. The June test is too late for consideration for fall admission. Applications that are complete by the deadline will be reviewed before those that are not complete or are waiting for the February test score.
Q: There is an error on my LSDAS report. What do I do?
A: If you find an error on your LSDAS report, you should circle it, write the correct information on the report, and forward it to LSAC.
The University of Colorado Law School Admissions Committee relies on the information contained in the LSDAS report when making admissions decisions. Your application will be corrected as changes and updates occur and that information will be automatically forwarded to the Admissions Committee by LSAC.
Q: The LSDAS has granted me a fee waiver. How can I get a fee waiver from the University of Colorado Law School?
A: If the LSDAS has granted you a fee waiver then we will honor it. Simply attach a copy of your LSDAS fee waiver letter to your application.
Q: How does the admissions committee view multiple LSAT scores?
A: The LSDAS forwards all information concerning LSAT scores to the Law School. The Admissions Committee will be able to see your scores for each individual examination, as well as your average score, when making admission decisions. The Law School uses the higher score for reporting purposes.
Q: When can I expect to receive a decision on my application?
A: Late in the fall, the Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed applications. Applicants will be notified in writing of its decision until the class is filled. Files are reviewed at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.
Q: Do you establish a waitlist?
A: When all places in the class have been filled, usually in May, a waitlist will be established and those who are included on the waitlist will be notified of this decision and asked to confirm their participation on the waitlist. The waitlist is not ranked.
Q: What criteria do the admissions committee use to evaluate applicants for admission?
A: In evaluating applicants for admission, the Admissions Committee relies on the completed application form, the report of LSAT scores, and undergraduate GPA and transcripts received from the LSDAS, as well as personal essays and recommendations from persons who have had an opportunity to observe your ability and performance. The 2006 enrolled class had a median GPA of 3.56 and a median LSAT score of 163; however, these scores are considered in the context of the entire application. Substantial consideration is accorded to special qualities such as motivation, undergraduate program, diversity in economic, social, or cultural background, employment or other experience, leadership, and perseverance in overcoming personal handicaps or disadvantages. Graduate level work is also considered.
Establishing Colorado Residency
Q: How do I become a resident of the state of Colorado for in-state tuition purposes?
A: Residency classification is governed by state statute. To be eligible for in-state classification, applicants must establish domicile (legal residence) in Colorado one year prior to the first day of class for the term for which in-state status is sought. Note: students may establish their residency while enrolled in the Law School.
Applicants and students who have become eligible for a change to in-state status must submit a petition with documentation in order to have their status changed. Please direct questions regarding residency status to the Tuition Classification Office (rather than to the Law School), Regent Administrative Center 105; telephone 303-492-0907; email; or website.
Q: I am a member of the Armed Forces. Can I qualify for in-state tuition?
A: Active duty members of the Armed Forces of the United States and Canada on permanent duty stationed in Colorado, and their dependents (as defined by military regulations), are eligible for in-state status regardless of domicile or length of residence.
For further information regarding tuition classification please contact the Tuition Classification Officer, located in Regent Administration Center 105; telephone 303-492-0907; email; or website.
International Applicants and Applicants Who Have Attended Foreign Schools
Q: I am currently living outside the United States. How do I get an application or catalog mailed to me?
A: At this time, we cannot send catalogs or applications via international mail. You may view our catalog and print out an application from our website.
Q: I am an international student. What type of financial assistance is available to me?
A: The Law School has no loan assistance and very limited scholarships available to international students. All international students must submit a financial affidavit after admission to the Law School stating that they have the financial resources to support themselves while attending school in the United States.
Q: I’m an attorney from a foreign country and want to get a license to practice law in Colorado. What do I need to do?
A: To practice law in Colorado, you must receive a juris doctor degree from any accredited American law school, then pass the Colorado bar examination. To seek a degree from the University of Colorado, you must apply as an entering first-year student and complete all the requirements for admission including taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The TOEFL is not required, but you must also already possess the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. We allow a maximum of one year of transfer credits from a foreign law school toward our juris doctor degree.
Q: I have taken law courses from a law degree program from another country. Are any of these courses transferable?
A: In accord with requirements of the American Bar Association (our accrediting agency), we do offer credit for study towards a law degree earned in a program in another country. We will need a transcript from the law degree program, and then you will need to meet with Associate Dean Dayna Matthew. Email her at dayna.matthew@colorado.edu.
Q: How do you evaluate foreign transcripts?
A: Foreign transcripts must be evaluated to ensure that the course work completed is the equivalent of a United States bachelor’s degree. It is preferred that official transcripts be forwarded to the World Education Services, Inc., (or a comparable service), for evaluation. Official copies of foreign transcripts sent directly to the School of Law are forwarded to the University of Colorado Foreign Admissions Office for evaluation.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Assistance
Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: In most instances a law student will be eligible for aid to cover his or her total cost of attendance. Financial aid includes Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans (maximum $20,500), grants, scholarships, work-study, and/or private alternative law loans. No credit check is required in order to receive federal loans, but students must be “credit-worthy” to receive private law loans.
The cost of attendance (budget) includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, rent and utilities, food, medical, transportation, and personal expenses. Please note that car expenses (payments, insurance, repairs), credit card payments, and rent/utilities over the budgeted amount are not included. It is very important to keep your expenses within the budget. Click here for further information regarding financial aid.
Q: What are the expected tuition and fees for the 2007-2008 academic year?
A: Tuition and mandatory fees for the 2007-08 academic year are $18,833 for Colorado residents and $31,517 for nonresidents. Nonresident students may qualify for in-state tuition after the first year.
Q: How do I apply for scholarships?
A: The admissions committee automatically considers admitted entering students for scholarships; there is no separate scholarship application for first-year applicants. Selection of scholarship recipients begins in February, and in most circumstances, recipients will be notified before their enrollment deposit is due. If a recipient declines a scholarship, then a new recipient is chosen. It is possible for scholarships to be awarded through the end of August. If you desire a need-based scholarship you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate sufficient financial need.
In addition to institutional scholarships and grants, you may wish to participate in a self-directed scholarship search for private scholarship funds. Please refer here (and similar sites) for more information on free scholarship databases.
Q: I am currently enrolled at another law school and would like to transfer to Colorado Law . How do I apply?
A: Students who have completed at least one full year of study, approximately 30 semester credits, at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association may apply for admission to the Law School. We accept transfer applications for fall only. Applications are accepted after May 1 and must be received no later than July 1. Please clearly mark your application as a transfer applicant.
Transfer applicants must submit the following materials directly to the Law School Office of Admissions, not LSAC: a completed application, application fee, LSDAS report, personal essay, and letter of recommendation from a current law professor. In addition, two official transcripts of all undergraduate and postgraduate work must be sent directly to the Law School Office of Admissions.
In addition to the above, all transfer applicants must submit schoolwork and a letter from their law school dean stating that they are in good standing and eligible to continue at the law school from which they are transferring. Transfer applicants must provide a class rank or a normal grade distribution for the law school attended.
Transfer students will be admitted on a space-available basis, generally a small number. The number of transfer students admitted varies each year. Only those who have done extremely well in their law studies will have a substantial chance of being admitted.
We recognize that there may be small differences in credit hour requirements at various law schools so an admitted transfer student may need to take some extra coursework. A maximum of 45 transfer credits will be accepted.
Q: I am currently enrolled at another law school and would like to apply as a visitor to the Law School . What is the process?
A: The Law School admits visiting students to study at the school for a semester or a year, but who will receive their law degree from their school of origin. Admission as a visiting student is available to second and third year students.
Visiting student applicants must submit a completed application, application fee, copy of the LSDAS report, personal essay, and letter of recommendation from a current law professor. Two official transcripts of all undergraduate and postgraduate work must be sent directly to the Law School Office of Admissions. In addition, the dean of the school of origin must send a letter agreeing to accept work satisfactorily completed at the University of Colorado Law School for credit toward the student's law degree.
Admission as a visiting student entitles one to enroll in courses on a space-available basis. As a rule, financial aid for a visiting student is handled by a consortium agreement between the Law School and the degree-granting institution.
Taking Courses at the Law School
Q: I have not been admitted to the Law School; may I take law school courses?
A: Upper division Law School courses are open for credit to graduate students enrolled at the University of Colorado on a space available basis with permission from the Associate Dean, and with the instructor's consent. If you are currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Colorado, please email the law school registrar, Cindy Gibbons.
Note: Courses taken prior to your enrollment in the law school will not count toward your JD degree. First-year courses are closed to all students except enrolled law students.
All law school courses are open to auditors under campus rules, based on space available and the instructor’s consent.
Q: Are summer courses offered at the Law School?
A: A limited summer curriculum is offered at the Law School. Any student who has completed at least one year at an ABA-accredited law school may register for courses offered during the summer session upon submission of (1) a summer application form and (2) a letter of good standing from the student’s law school. A student may enroll in courses totaling no more than eight semester hours without special permission from the Dean’s Office.
A schedule of summer courses and application form will be available for viewing on the main University of Colorado web site after March 1. Follow the appropriate links to find the application and application instructions. Note: you will be submitting your application to the University of Colorado Office of Continuing Education, and your letter of good standing to the Law School Registrar.
