Graduate Legal Studies | Columbia Law School
Frequently Asked Questions
General Admissions Questions
Application Procedures and Instructions
Financial Aid
TOEFL
Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
LL.M. Program—General Questions
When will a decision be made on my application?
Early Review applicants are notified by the end of December. All other admission decisions, including Early Review applications that were deferred to the regular cycle, are made on a rolling basis. If you have not yet heard from us, you should not worry. In most cases, decisions are made by mid- to late April. We send all admission decisions by email. Offers of admission are sent in writing also, via courier. Please make sure that you provide us with a valid email address and a physical address for the courier delivery (we do not deliver admission materials to post office boxes), and that you update that information as necessary. Many companies have put up firewalls and email messages get returned to us. Therefore, we recommend that you use a personal email account (such as Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo) or speak with your employer’s IT department to make sure that messages from Columbia Law School will not be blocked. All decisions are mailed from gls@law.columbia.edu.
I missed the application deadline of Dec. 17, 2012. Can I still apply for the 2013-2014 program?
No. Prospective applicants should check back in September 2013 for the application to the 2014-2015 program.
Can I download the application form from your website?
No. Applicants must submit an online application.
I will complete my first law degree next spring. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes. However, we strongly encourage applicants to obtain at least one year of full-time, post-law school work experience prior to applying to the program, as experience greatly enhances an applicant's profile and is a contributing factor in admission decisions. All but a few of our current LL.M. students have worked for at least one year prior to enrolling in the program. Please note that students in their final year of law school in their home countries are not eligible to apply through the Early Review Program.
I am currently enrolled in an LL.M. program at another U.S. law school. Can I apply to Columbia Law School’s LL.M. program?
No. Applicants who already hold an LL.M. from a U.S. law school are ineligible to apply. However, you can apply to our non-degree (Special Student) program. Special Students are admitted after all LL.M. decisions are made, and admission is based on the applicant’s strengths as well as on the Law School’s overall enrollment that year. Special Students receive no preference in course registration, so entrance into popular seminars and courses can be quite difficult, and should not be expected.
Does applying through the Early Review Program increase my chances of admission?
The advantage of applying early is that if you have identified Columbia Law School as your first choice, you will most likely have a decision by late December. We encourage applications for those who feel they have compiled their strongest possible application by November 1.
I was rejected through the Early Review Program. Can I reapply through the regular admission cycle?
No. If you wish to reapply, you may do so the following academic year (2014-2015).
I am in my final year of law school in my country. Can I apply through the Early Review Program?
No. Applicants who are in their final year of law school must apply through the regular admission cycle. We need at least your fall semester grades for your last year of law studies in order to fairly evaluate your application.
I was not admitted to the LL.M. program last year, but would like to reapply this year. How should I proceed?
We retain application files for one year after the original year of application. If you applied last year and wish to reapply, you must complete, sign and submit a new application form; submit a new Personal Statement updating your file on your academic and professional activities since you first applied; submit one more letter of recommendation; and pay a re-application fee of U.S. $80. The re-application fee will not be waived. The re-application deadline is Dec. 17, 2012. Reapplicants who were not admitted in prior application years are not eligible for the Early Review Program.
I applied to the LL.M. program two years ago but was not admitted. I would like to reapply this year. Do I need to submit a complete application?
Yes. We retain files for one year from the original date of application. Applicants who reapply after that one year period must submit a new, complete application, as if they are applying for the first time, but must indicate on the application form that they are reapplying.
I plan to visit New York and Columbia. Can I schedule an interview or meeting with the Dean or Director of Graduate Legal Studies, or someone else in your office?
Applicants are welcome to visit the Law School and our office; we will be happy to meet you and informally answer your questions, and will give you a brochure so that you can take a self-guided tour of the Law School. Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we receive every year, we are unable to interview prospective students. For more information, including information on visiting classes, please see Visiting Columbia Law School. All information regarding our programs is also available on our website, so most of your questions should be answered herein.
Are applications submitted on my behalf by educational consultants or third-party advisors accepted?
Applications submitted by third-party advisors or educational consultants are strongly discouraged, with the exception of applications from Fulbright or other scholarship organizations. Such applications do not in any way enhance the applicant's chances for admission to Graduate Legal Studies at Columbia Law School; in fact, unless submitted through Fulbright or another scholarship organization, they may hinder an applicant’s chances or render the application incomplete, as we have no way of verifying that the application is indeed the work of the applicant. The Office of Graduate Legal Studies requests that all application materials be submitted by the applicant directly, and requires that all inquiries regarding the status of an applicant’s file be communicated by the applicant. We will not report on an applicant’s status to anyone other than the applicant.
Application Procedures and Instructions
I'm having problems with my online application. Who should I contact for help?
Contact the Law School’s IT Department at helpdesk@law.columbia.edu. When you contact IT, make the subject of your email “GLS Online Application.”
I cannot find my school in the list of schools for my country. What should I do?
At the bottom of the page where you select your school, there is a checkbox that allows you to send an email to the Office of Graduate Legal Studies requesting that your school be added. Check this box and follow the instructions. If you are sending the request close to Dec. 15, and fear that your school will not be added in time for you to submit your application, submit your application without the school record and send an email to gls@law.columbia.edu requesting that we add the school record for you. This will not adversely affect your application in any way.
Where is the Certification Form?
When you complete the online application, you will be required to complete the electronic Certification Form before clicking the “submit” button.
In the “Education” section of the online application, it will not let me enter the same date for the end date of my program and the degree conferral date. What should I do?
Change the date by one day for either date (move the end date back one day or the degree conferral date forward one day). We understand the limitations of our online application system, so recognize that the dates may not match your transcripts or degrees exactly.
I submitted an online application. Do I need to mail a paper copy of the application form along with my supporting documents?
No. Please do not send a paper copy of the application form, as this may delay the processing of your application and the timing of your admission decision.
How do I pay the application fee? I can't find the page.
Once you have completed all sections of your online application and clicked “submit,” you will be prompted to enter your credit card information. We strongly recommend that you pay your application fee by credit card. However, you may also submit your application fee (see the application instructions for acceptable forms of payment) with your supporting documents, which must be mailed separately to the Office of Graduate Legal Studies.
What do I write in the “Objectives” section of the online application? What do I put in the “Field” and “Topic” columns?
This question asks you to address which specific subjects you wish to study at Columbia Law School. For example, you may enter Intellectual Property in the “Field” column and Copyright in the “Topic” column.
Where can I find a list of the courses that will be offered in 2013-2014?
The 2013-2014 curriculum schedule will not be available until late spring, 2013. When listing your course choices on your application, refer to the current curriculum schedule, as many of the same courses are offered each year.
Can I submit my Personal Statement, CV, and letters of recommendation online?
Applicants have the ability to submit certain supporting documents as attachments to their online application (see Application Instructions). Applicants will need to submit by courier or mail all supporting documents that cannot be uploaded to the online application, including transcripts, diplomas, and letters of recommendation.
I printed the PDF version of my completed online application, and it did not show all of the information I entered (for example, all of my employment or educational records). How can I make sure you have received this information?
While the PDF version you download may not list all of your information, we will receive all of the information you entered; you do not need to do anything else.
I printed the PDF version of my completed online application. Should I mail a copy of it with my supporting documents?
No, do not send the printed copy. Just make sure your name as you entered it on your online application is clearly marked on all of your supporting documents.
Financial Aid
I saw a sponsored grant on your website for which I wish to be considered. How do I apply for it?
Only the Appel and Human Rights Fellowships require separate applications (see Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid). All admitted applicants who apply for financial assistance will be considered automatically for all other fellowship awards.
Does the fact that I am applying for financial aid affect my chances for admission?
No. All admission decisions are made separately from financial aid decisions.
What is the deadline to submit the Application for Financial Assistance to Columbia Law School?
December 17, 2012. Applicants for admission who do not submit an application for financial assistance with their application for admission will not be considered for an award, even if they request assistance after the deadline.
I will need financial aid in order to study at Columbia Law School. Can I count on the Law School’s financial support if I am admitted?
No. While we do our best to offer aid to applicants, the amount of funds available to us is limited. You should seek alternative funding (in the form of loans or scholarships) through outside sources if your ability to complete an LL.M. program is dependent on funding.
I just received a scholarship from an outside funding agency. Do I need to notify the Office of Graduate Legal Studies?
Yes. You must notify us of any funds you know you will be receiving or you anticipate receiving for your studies at Columbia. Because our financial aid funds are limited, and so that we can offer assistance to as many candidates as possible, we reserve the right to reduce our award to any student who receives outside funding. If you are awarded an outside scholarship after submitting your application for financial assistance, you must notify us within seven days of receiving the award.
TOEFL
If I apply for Early Review, do I need to take the TOEFL test by Nov. 1 as well?
Your test date should be well in advance of the Nov. 1 deadline so that we receive your scores by Nov. 1. If we receive your TOEFL scores after the Early Review deadline, we will automatically defer your application for review as part of the regular admissions cycle.
By what date must I take the TOEFL test to be considered for admission for 2013-2014?
If you are applying through the regular admissions cycle, December 17. We recognize that score reports will not arrive by that date, but all applicants should take the exam no later than December 17. Applicants should therefore schedule their exams as early as possible.
Can I send a copy of my personal TOEFL score report with my application?
Yes, but we must still receive an official copy from ETS (our institution code is 2163; the Law School’s code is 03) or through LSAC, if you are using the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.
I completed my first degree in law in my native language, but completed an advanced degree in English. Do I still need to take the TOEFL?
Yes. You are exempt from taking the TOEFL exam if you completed your first degree in law at a school where the language of instruction was entirely in English in an English-speaking country.
I work entirely in English. Do I still need to take the TOEFL?
Yes. You are exempt from taking the TOEFL exam if you completed your first degree in law at a school where the language of instruction was entirely in English in an English-speaking country.
Do you accept the IELTS test?
No. All applicants who have not completed their first degree in law entirely in English in an English-speaking country must take the TOEFL, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Visit www.toefl.org for more information.
I'm having trouble entering my TOEFL scores in the online application. How do I enter them?
When entering TOEFL/TWE or TOEFL iBT scores in the online application, please use the following guidelines:
Paper-based TOEFL / TWE: Section 1: enter Listening Comprehension score; Section 2: enter Reading Comprehension score; Section 3: enter Structure and Written Expression score: Section 4: enter TWE Score.
TOEFL iBT: Section 1: enter Listening score; Section 2: enter Reading score; Section 3: enter Speaking score; Section 4: enter Writing score.
Letters of Recommendation
Is there a form for my recommenders to complete and submit with their letters of recommendation?
No, there are no forms. Recommenders should print the letter on official letterhead, address it to the Office of Graduate Legal Studies, and place the letter in a sealed envelope with their signature across the sealed flap. If they are unable to print the letter on official letterhead, they should include an explanation as to why they are unable to do so. It is best if they give you, the applicant, the sealed recommendation letter to submit with the rest of your supporting documents. If they prefer, they can also mail them separately to the Office of Graduate Legal Studies, but please be sure that they clearly reference your name (as it appears on your application forms) in the letter.
Can letters of recommendation be emailed or faxed?
No. All letters must be mailed to the Office of Graduate Legal Studies (preferably in the same package as the rest of your supporting documents) on official letterhead, in sealed envelopes with the recommender’s signature across the back flap.
To whom should my letters of recommendation be addressed?
Letters should be addressed to the Office of Graduate Legal Studies.
Can I submit my letters of recommendation online?
No. All letters must be mailed to the Office of Graduate Legal Studies (preferably in the same package as the rest of your supporting documents) on letterhead, in sealed envelopes with the recommender's signature across the back flap.
Can I submit more than two letters of recommendation?
We urge you to submit only two letters of recommendation. We receive a very high volume of applications, so if you submit more than two there is a good chance that only two letters will be read. Part of putting together a strong application is carefully selecting those people who will write letters of recommendation for you.
Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
We prefer that you have at least one letter from a law professor who taught you in class and one from a work supervisor if you have work experience beyond internships during law school. Letters from important people who have not taught you or supervised your work are not helpful. It is most important that your recommender know you well and be able to candidly evaluate your work and academic potential.
Can I submit my letters through LSAC?
Yes, but we strongly prefer that you send your letters directly to Columbia Law School, not through LSAC.
Transcripts
Do the application deadlines (November 1 for Early Review and December 17 for regular admission) apply to my LSAC reports as well? Must Columbia receive my official LSAC report by those dates?
Columbia Law School should receive your LSAC reports as close as possible to the deadlines. An applicant should submit her or his materials to LSAC no later than the application deadlines, keeping in mind the time they require to process your documents (check with them directly for current processing times). If you are applying for Early Review, your documents should be submitted to LSAC as far in advance of the November 1 deadline as possible. If we have not received your LSAC reports by early December, there is a very good chance your application will be deferred to the regular admission cycle. For regular admission, your documents should be submitted to LSAC no later than December 17.
My school does not rank degree candidates. What should I do?
Provide a statement from your school stating that it does not rank candidates.
I completed an M.A. and a B.A. in addition to my LL.B. degree. Do I need to submit all of my transcripts, or just those for the LL.B.?
You need to submit transcripts for all post-secondary education completed, whether or not you earned a degree at a particular school.
I completed a semester or year abroad at another university. Do I need to submit transcripts from that school as well?
Yes, unless the grades are noted on your regular law school transcript, whether or not you earned a degree at a particular school.
Do I need to include an explanation of the grading system in my country with my transcripts?
No. If your school provides one, you can submit it with your transcripts. Otherwise, we have much experience evaluating transcripts from countries around the world, and are familiar with foreign countries’ grading systems, so do not require you to write an explanation of your country’s grading system.
Can I send a photocopy of the transcripts I have in my possession?
No. We must receive original transcripts or certified copies of the originals. If your transcripts are in another language, you must submit the originals along with certified English translations. Your application will be deemed incomplete if we do not receive both the foreign language and English translation versions of your transcripts. We strongly recommend that you request transcripts as early as possible, in order to meet our application deadline.
Can I submit an official evaluation of my transcript in place of my official transcript, such as that provided by WES?
The only evaluation we accept is that which is provided by LSAC through their LLM Credential Assembly Service. Evaluations of transcripts from companies other than LSAC, such as those from WES, are not acceptable alone as they do not include original or official copies of your transcripts. They are acceptable only if accompanied by both the original (or certified copies of the original) and certified translations of your official transcripts.
LL.M. Program—General Questions
When does the program begin? Can I start in January?
The program is a full-time, one-year program beginning in August only.
Can I do the program part-time?
No. The program is a full-time, one-year program beginning in August only.
Can I work during the LL.M. program?
LL.M. students may not accept or continue off-campus employment during the academic year. Students who wish to work usually find part-time work on campus. Due to visa regulations, students on a student visa can only work on campus.