Iowa Law's JD program is ranked 26th in the nation out of over 200 law schools (US News and World Report).
JD Program Application Checklist
The following items are important parts of all applications to The University of Iowa College of Law.
Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS, LSAC)
The College of Law participates in the Law School Data Assembly Services (LSDAS) and requires its prospective students to register for this service through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). LSAC exists to serve both the law schools and the candidates for admission. It takes approximately three weeks for LSDAS reports to arrive at the College after they have been requested by the College of Law.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
All applicants must take the Law School Admisison Test (LSAT) administered by LSAC no later than February of the year for which they are applying. Please keep in mind that it takes roughly three to four weeks for the LSAC to issue test results and roughly another three to four weeks for the LSDAS report (with the LSAT test score) to arrive at the College of Law after it has been requested.
Letters of Recommendation
The College of Law requires applicants to submit at least two letters of recommendation. Recommendations from professors or others who can comment on your critical thinking, writing skills, and potential for success in law school are particularly welcome. The college participates in the letter of recommendation service offered by the LSAC as part of the LSDAS subscription.
Transcripts
Applicants are responsible for submitting an official transcript from each college or university they have attended to LSAC for the LSDAS report. In addition, every applicant who accepts admission to the College of Law must file official transcripts showing conferral of a degree with the University's Office of Admissions.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is required for all applicants. The application form contains complete instructions regarding the personal statement. It asks that applicants write a personal statement (limited to two to three pages) that addresses the following topics:
- Why do you wish to study law?
- Why do you want to study at The University of Iowa?
- What has been your most significant accomplishment?
- How would you contribute to our law school community and the legal profession?
- Describe any life experiences that would indicate your drive, determination, motivation, and/or leadership characteristics.
English Requirements
Apply to Iowa
When you're ready, use the link below to see the various options for applying to UI College of Law.
Important Dates
There are a number of critical dates during the application process.
| Starting Sept. 1, 2009 | Application for Admission Accepted |
| December 2009 | Recommended Last LSAT Test Date |
| Starting Jan. 1, 2010 | Submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| Feb. 2010 | Last Acceptable LSAT Date |
| March 1, 2010 | Deadline for Submission of All Application Materials |
| April 1, 2010 | $250 First Deposit Due for Students Accepted before March 15 |
| June 1, 2010 | $150 Second Deposit Due for Students |
| Aug. 15-23, 2010 | Mandatory Orientation Week and Registration for Fall Entrants |
| Aug. 24, 2010 | Opening of Classes for Fall Entrants |
More Information About Applying
When to Apply
The timing of your application may make a difference. The College of Law has a rolling admissions process. Although the final deadline is not until March 1, we recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Applications may be submitted even though the applicant has not yet taken the LSAT. Historically, the Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed application files by December.
Please keep in mind that your application file is considered complete only after we have received all of the following: your application; your application fee; and your official LSDAS report (with transcripts and LSAT scores); and your letter(s) of recommendation. It may take a few days to process your application after we receive it, and it may take up to four weeks after we submit our request for the LSDAS reports before they arrive in our office.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applying is March 1, 2010.
Application Fee
A non-refundable $60 fee ($100 for international students) is required of all applicants and must accompany the application in order for a request for admission to be considered. If you apply online, the $60 fee ($100 for international students) is payable by MasterCard or Visa. If you cannot pay by credit card, you may download and print an application and pay the fee by check or money order in U.S. currency made payable to "The University of Iowa." Please do not send cash. The University generally does not waive the application fee. If you seek a waiver, you must submit a written request and a recent FAFSA or income tax statement along with your application.
Résumés
Please feel free to submit a résumé. If you have extensive work experience, academic or other honors, extra-curricular activities or post-graduate work, we recommend that you submit a résumé.
Graduate Work
The Admissions Committee does take graduate work into account. Please note that the GPA that will be considered will be an applicant's undergraduate GPA. However, the committee does review graduate transcripts and takes those courses and grades into account.
Selection Process
All files are reviewed by our Admissions Committee. A percentage of the first year class is admitted primarily on the basis of the LSAT and GPA. The rest of the class is admitted on the basis of criteria in addition to those numbers in accord with our "numbers-plus" admissions policy.
Accepting an Offer of Admission
If you wish to accept the offer and hold your place in the class, you must submit a $250 non-refundable deposit by the date set forth in your offer letter. Applicants accepted into the Fall class must pay a second non-refundable deposit of $150 by June 1. These payments are credited toward tuition and fees for those who enroll.
Deferrals
Deferral requests are considered on a case by case basis, and deferrals are granted generally only in extraordinary circumstances.