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JD Frequently Asked Questions
General Inquiries about the Law School
Does the Law School recommend a specific prelaw curriculum?
Colorado Law School prescribes no specific prelaw curriculum. Students should place emphasis on the acquisition of excellent methods of study, thought, and communication, especially writing. Students can acquire these skills in numerous areas of study, and successful law students and lawyers have college majors in almost every field of study available.
What is a good resource for beginning my law school search?
An excellent reference to guide is the ABA-LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools, an official guide to ABA-approved law schools published by the American Bar Association and Law School Admission Council.
Do you offer an LLM program?
Yes, we offer Master of Laws (LLM) in Entrepreneurial Law, Information Technology & Intellectual Property Law, and Natural Resources Law.
How do I schedule a visit to the law school?
Go to our Visiting Colorado Law webpage. You are welcome to take a tour and visit a class.
Do you offer a part-time or evening program? Correspondence courses?
No, we only offer a full-time, three-year day JD program.
Do you offer dual degrees?
We offer many dual degrees (Business, Public Affairs, Telecommunications, Environmental Studies, Urban & Regional Planning, Medicine, and Canadian law). To be eligible, a student must apply separately to and be admitted by both schools under their respective admissions procedures and standards.
Do you offer, or can you recommend, an LSAT preparation course?
No. 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 or on the LSAC website.
Am I permitted to work during my first year of law school?
No. The Law School does not permit first-year students to work during their first year of law school. Second- and third-year students may work up to 20 hours per week. See additional details under the Student Life.
How many applications does your school receive each year? How many students are typically enrolled in an entering class?
We receive more than 3,000 applications for each entering class. We typically enroll 170–175 students in the entering class.
How do I obtain a catalog and application?
Go to our Applications & Catalog webpage.
May I submit my application before I take the LSAT?
Yes.
When does the Admissions Office begin accepting applications? What is the deadline to submit my application for fall admission?
We accept JD applications between October 1 and March 15 (transfer applications between May 1 and July 1)
Does Colorado Law offer a JD Early Decision program?
Yes, starting in fall 2009, we will offer a binding Early Decision program. We will begin accepting applications October 1. All materials must be received by November 15 for a decision to be rendered.
Are there any special requirements for applying Early Decision?
Applicants must sign and submit the Early Decision Agreement form along with their application materials. This form contains all the conditions an applicant must agree to when applying for Early Decision.
What if I don’t get admitted during Early Decision consideration?
Applicants who are not admitted during Early Decision will automatically be reconsidered for admission during the regular decision process.
Can I apply electronically? What does it cost?
First-year applicants must submit applications electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). You can begin transmitting electronic applications for the Fall entering class on October 1. LSAC does not charge a fee to apply electronically. But Colorado Law School requires a $65 application fee. NOTE: Transfer and visiting students must use the application available on our website.
Do I need to register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS)?
Yes. All applicants must take the LSAT and register for the LSDAS. We utilize Law Services, which administers the LSAT and coordinates 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 attending college should provide transcripts showing their fall term grades as soon as they are available.
How many letters of recommendation do you require, and must I submit them through the LSDAS?
We require a minimum of two letters of recommendation. 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 their letters directly to the admissions office.
Do you offer deferred admission?
We grant deferrals on a case-by-case basis. Admitted applicants who need to defer their entrance into Colorado Law for one year should contact the Assistant Dean of Admissions to discuss their situation.
Do you allow formal interviews with the admissions committee?
No. Due to the large number of applicants seeking admission, we are unable to offer formal interviews. However, please contact us if you have admissions questions.
How do I reapply to Colorado Law School?
Applicants who decline an offer of admission or were not offered admission may reapply. Your reapplication should include: submission of a new application, application fee, a valid LSAT and updated LSDAS report, personal essay, and recommendations. We retain application files 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. We suggest that you freshen your application with a new personal essay, resume, and letter(s) of recommendation.
How long is my LSAT score valid?
LSAT scores are valid for five years preceding law school matriculation.
When should I take the LSAT?
We recommend that you take the LSAT by the December 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. We will review applications that are complete by the deadline before those that are not complete or are waiting for the February test score.
What do I do if there is an error on my LSDAS report?
Circle the error, write the correct information on the report, and forward it to LSAC. Colorado Law’s 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 is automatically forwarded by LSAC to the Admissions Committee.
LSDAS granted me a fee waiver. How can I get a fee waiver from Colorado Law?
Attach a copy of your LSDAS fee waiver letter to your Certification Letter and we will honor it.
When can I expect to receive a decision on my application?
Late in the fall, the Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed applications. We will notify applicants in writing of the Committee’s decision, on a rolling basis, until we fill the class. The Admissions Committee reviews files at its discretion. Early Decision program applicants will receive a decision in early January.
Do you have a waitlist?
When we have filled all places in the class, usually in May, we establish a waitlist and notify those who are listed. The waitlist is not ranked.
As an admitted student, how do I confirm my seat?
To accept a seat in the upcoming class, an admitted student must send a confirmation form and a $200 seat deposit to Colorado Law by the date specified in the letter notifying the applicant of admission. We ask each newly admitted student to respond within approximately two weeks after receipt of the letter (but not earlier than April 1). A second seat deposit will be due in mid-summer. After matriculation, the second deposit will be credited toward tuition. Prior to enrolling, all admitted students who have confirmed their admission must submit two official transcripts from each college and postgraduate they have attended showing all completed work. Transcripts must show that you have received a baccalaureate degree from a properly accredited institution and show any subsequent work. If subsequent work is not of substantially similar quality to that previously completed and included in the LSDAS report, or if the transcripts fail to show that you have received the required baccalaureate degree, we reserve the right to withdraw our offer of admission.
What criteria does the Admissions Committee use to evaluate applications?
In evaluating applications, the Admissions Committee relies on (1) the completed application form, (2) the report of LSAT scores, (3) undergraduate GPA and transcripts received from LSDAS, (4) personal essay(s), and (5) personal recommendations. They accord substantial consideration to (6) 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. (7) Graduate level work is also considered. The Admissions Committee is also seeking evidence of character, leadership, and diversity, which are the hallmarks of the Colorado Law student body.
How does the admissions committee view multiple LSAT scores?
Colorado Law’s Admissions Committee sees your LSDAS report with your scores for each individual examination, as well as your average score. The Law School uses the higher score for reporting purposes.
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?
Application questions 4, 5, 6, and 7 concern your character and fitness to practice law. The Admission Committee views affirmative responses 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 answer the questions fully and accurately 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 contact us.
Does CU Admissions give preference to Colorado residents?
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.
How do I become a resident of the state of Colorado for in-state tuition purposes?
Visit the Tuition & Residency webpage for complete details.
I am a member of the Armed Forces. Can I qualify for in-state tuition?
Visit the Tuition & Residency webpage for complete details.
Teach For America Partnership
What happens if I’m applying for Teach for American and Colorado Law in the same year?
At Colorado Law, we place great value on the qualities of leadership, character, service, and commitment to diversity. As a Teach For America (TFA) partner, Colorado Law looks forward to those students being leaders and role models to our other students in creating social equity in this country. Applicants of both Colorado Law and TFA, have their Colorado Law application fee waived. If an applicant is admitted to both Colorado Law and the TFA program in the same year, we will grant a two-year deferral to allow the student to participate in TFA and then to enroll in Colorado Law, provided the applicant provides proof of TFA admission 60 days prior to the first day of law school classes.
What advantages are there if I’m a Teach for American alumni?
As a TFA partner, Colorado Law welcomes TFA alumni to join us following the completion of their two-year program. Colorado Law waives the application fee for TFA alumni. In addition, TFA alumni receive an expedited review by the admissions committee upon completion of their application files.
International / Foreign Student Applications
I live outside the United States. How do I get an application or catalog mailed to me?
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.
What type of financial assistance is available to international students?
Colorado Law has no loan assistance and very limited scholarships available to international students. International students must submit a financial affidavit after receiving admission stating that you have the financial resources to support yourself while attending school in the United States. CU’s International Student and Scholar Services in the Office of International Education is responsible for international students once they are admitted to CU-Boulder.
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?
Please visit our webpage for details on obtaining a Colorado license. To seek a law degree from the University of Colorado Law School, you must apply as an entering first-year student and complete all the requirements for admission including taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). You must take the TOEFL and already possess the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
I have taken law courses from a law degree program from another country. Are any of these courses transferable?
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. You must provide a transcript from the law degree program and meet with the Dean of Academic Affairs.
How do you evaluate foreign transcripts?
We evaluate foreign transcripts to ensure that the course work completed is the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S. need to have the degree verified using the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service or a similar service (see www.lsac.org for more information).
Do you require applicants to take the TOEFL?
We require all applicants whose native language is not English to take the TOEFL since a thorough and excellent command of written and spoken English is crucial to success in law school for all students.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Assistance
How do I apply for financial aid?
Visit the Financial Aid webpage for complete details.
What are the expected tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year?
Visit the Tuition & Residency webpage for complete details.
How do I apply for scholarships?
Visit the Scholarship webpage for complete details
Transfer and Visiting Applicants
What are the qualifications for transfer students to apply?
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 Colorado Law. 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. We will accept a maximum of 45 transfer credits.
What is the process for transfer students to apply?
For fall term only, we accept transfer applications between May 1 and July 1. Transfer applicants must submit the following materials directly to the Law School Admissions Office, NOT LSAC: completed application, application fee, a copy of the LSDAS report, personal essay including reason for seeking a transfer, letter of recommendation from a current law professor, two official transcripts of all undergraduate and postgraduate including law school work (current law school class rank or a normal grade distribution), letter from your current law school dean stating that you are in good standing and eligible to continue at that law school. Please clearly mark your application as a “Transfer Applicant.”
How many transfer students do you accept each year?
We admit transfer students on a space-available basis, which varies each year. Only those who have done extremely well in their law studies will have a substantial chance of being admitted.
Are transfer students eligible for the Order of the Coif, Dean’s List and Law Journals?
Yes, transfer students are considered for all of these.
Is the original law school GPA for transfer students calculated into Colorado Law’s GPA?
No, the original GPA from the law school of origin is NOT calculated into the transfer student’s Colorado Law GPA. Transfer students start afresh. The reason for this is that the original law school grades are based on whatever ruleset defines their grading scale - which may be different from our grade rulesets.
What are the qualifications for visiting students to apply?
Colorado Law admits visiting second- and third-year students to study at the school for fall or spring semester or a year, but they will receive their law degree from their school of origin. Visiting students enroll in courses at Colorado Law on a space-available basis.
What is the process for visiting students to apply?
Visiting student applicants must submit the following materials directly to the Law School Admissions Office, NOT LSAC: completed application, application fee, copy of the LSDAS report, personal essay, letter of recommendation from a current law professor, two official transcripts of all undergraduate and postgraduate work, and letter from the dean of the law school of origin agreeing to accept work satisfactorily completed at the University of Colorado Law School for credit toward the student's law degree. Fall visiting applications are accepted after May 1 and must be completed no later than July 1. Spring applications are accepted after October 1 and must be completed no later than December 1. Please clearly mark your application as a “Visitor Applicant.”
Is their financial aid available for visiting students?
Financial aid for visiting students is usually handled by a consortium agreement between Colorado Law and the student’s degree-granting institution.
Courses for Non-Law Students & Summer Session
I have not been admitted to Colorado Law; may I take law school courses?
Upper division Colorado 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 Dean of Academic Affairs and the instructor. If you are currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Colorado, please email the Law School Registrar. 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 available space and the instructor’s consent.
Does Colorado Law offer summer courses?
We offer a limited summer curriculum. Students who have completed at least one year at an ABA-accredited law school may register for summer courses upon submission of (1) a summer application form and (2) a letter of good standing from the student’s law school. Students may enroll in courses totaling no more than eight credit hours without special permission from the Dean’s Office. A summer course schedule and application form will be available on the main University of Colorado summer session webpage after March 1. Follow the appropriate links to find the application and instructions. Note: Applicants have to submit their applications to the CU Office of Continuing Education, but have to submit their letter of good standing to the Law School Registrar.
