"Getting a legal education is terribly important. It's a very powerful weapon in helping others. One of the reasons I went to law school was to be an advocate."
- Adelfa Callejo '61
Partner, Callejo and Callejo
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How to Apply

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.

Preliminaries

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 Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). Registration for the LSDAS 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.

J.D. Application Requirements

J.D. applicants must submit the following:

  1. completed application form
  2. personal statement(s)
  3. résumé
  4. paragraph regarding your motivation for applying to SMU
  5. two letters of recommendation
  6. $75 nonrefundable application fee, payable to SMU Dedman School of Law
  7. LSDAS report

Your file will not be reviewed until all required materials have been received.

We strongly recommend that your letters of recommendation be submitted through the LSDAS Letter of Recommendation Service. This service is included in your LSDAS registration. Your letters will be sent to us, along with a copy of your LSDAS Report, or as received. To use this service, follow the directions outlined in the LSAT/LSDAS Registration and Information booklet.

J.D. Application Deadlines

Applications are processed on a continuous basis beginning in early December. It is in your best interest to submit your application as early as possible.

Early Decision

Applications must be postmarked by December 1. All supporting documentation, including your LSDAS report, must be received by December 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.

Regular Decision

Applications must be postmarked by February 15. All supporting documentation, including your LSDAS report, must be received by February 28. By the end of April, we will mail decisions informing you that your application has been accepted, denied, or placed on a waiting list.

Late Decision

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.

Waiver of Minimum Hour Requirement (Reduced Load)

A limited number of well-qualified J.D. applicants, who show good cause why they are unable to take the standard number of credit hours required in the first year, 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 unable to satisfy the standard course load requirement.

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