How to Apply

The goal of our admissions process is to identify applicants who will flourish at SMU Dedman School of Law 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.

Our application process is designed to provide you with greater control over the completion of your application. By including most required documents with your application, you can help ensure that nothing is misfiled or delayed in the mail. If any of your recommenders prefers to mail their letter directly to the Admissions Office, please follow up with your recommender(s) to confirm that he or she has mailed the letter in a timely fashion.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the LL.M. programs (Comparative and International, Taxation, and General) must submit the following:

1. completed application
   • Application Instructions in PDF format (For the accessibility version, please click here)
   • Download the LL.M. Application in PDF format (For the accessibility version, please click here; recommendation form, please click here)
   • LSAC Electronic Application
2. personal statement
3. résumé
4. two letters of recommendation
5. $75 (U.S. dollars) nonrefundable application fee payable to SMU Dedman School of Law (this will be waived for any international student who so requests)
6. certified undergraduate and law school transcripts. Transcripts must be mailed directly to the Admissions Office from your schools.
   In addition, international applicants must submit personal and bank certifications of sufficient financial resources to cover anticipated tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. These certifications must be in U.S. dollars.
   International applicants for whom English is not the first language also must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service, PO Box 6151 Princeton, New Jersey 08541 (www.TOEFL.org). The score must be reported to the Admissions Office directly from the Educational Testing Service. It is important when applying that you indicate on the TOEFL form the code number 6660, department code 03, to ensure that your score is sent to SMU Dedman School of Law. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 575 or its equivalent.

Application Deadline

Applications for LL.M. programs are processed on a continuous basis beginning in early December. It is in your best interest to submit your application as early as possible. Applications must be postmarked by April 1. All supporting documentation must be received by April 15. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Applications will be reviewed upon completion, and decisions will be made shortly thereafter.

How to Contact Us

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