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, but they will be weighted more heavily in applications to the part-time evening program.
You are welcome to apply to our full-time day program, our part-time evening program, or both programs with only one application and one application fee. Please note, however, that an accepted applicant is only offered admission to one program. For this reason, please feel free to state a preference in your application if you have one. If you are interested in learning more about our part-time evening program, please attend one of our information sessions.
Register to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Registration materials and test dates may be obtained at www.LSAC.org. In addition, most law school admissions offices, undergraduate pre-law advisors, and undergraduate career services offices have LSAT registration materials.
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. Please note: there are character, fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar, and applicants should, prior to matriculation to law school, determine what those requirements are in the state(s) in which he or she intends to practice.
J.D. applicants must submit the following:
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). We strongly recommend that your letters of recommendation be submitted through the CAS Letter of Recommendation Service. This service is included in your CAS registration. Your letters will be sent to us, along with a copy of your CAS Report, or as received. To use this service, follow the directions outlined in the LSAT/CAS Registration and Information booklet.
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.
Applications must be postmarked by November 1. All supporting documentation, including your CAS report, must be received by November 15. By the end of January, we will mail decisions informing you that your application has been accepted, denied, or held for further review. If your application is held for further review, it will be reconsidered with regular decision applications.
Applications must be postmarked by February 15. All supporting documentation, including your CAS report, must be received by February 28. We will mail decisions informing you that your application has been accepted, denied, or placed on a waiting list in late spring.
Late decision applications are considered on a space-available basis. Applications will be reviewed upon completion, and decisions will be made shortly thereafter. Late decision applications generally will not be considered for scholarship assistance.
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.
Mailing Address: SMU Dedman School of Law Office of Admissions PO Box 750110 Dallas, TX 75275-0110
Physical Address: SMU Dedman School of Law Office of Admissions 3300 University Blvd., Carr Collins Bldg. Suite 331 Dallas, TX 75205
Phone: 214-768-2550 Toll-Free: 1-888-768-5291 Fax: 214-768-2549
Email: lawadmit@mail.smu.edu Web Site: www.law.smu.edu