J.D. Admissions | Columbia Law School
Submitting Applications FAQ
What are Columbia Law School’s application deadlines?
Does the Admissions Committee prefer to receive electronic applications?
If I apply electronically, what parts of my application must be submitted by mail?
What if some application materials arrive before my application is submitted?
When is the latest date that I can sit for the LSAT exam?
For how long is an LSAT score considered valid?
Can I submit my application before I take the LSAT?
How do I check the status of my application?
What are Columbia Law School’s application deadlines?
The earliest that we begin to accept applications for the 2012-13 admissions season is Sept. 1, 2012. For the entering Class of 2013, the deadline for our binding Early Decision Plan (EDP) is Nov. 15, 2012, and the Regular Decision deadline is Feb. 15, 2013. However, we encourage all applicants to complete their applications as early as possible, considering that applications are evaluated on a rolling basis in the order in which they are completed.
Does the Admissions Committee prefer to receive electronic applications?
Starting with the 2012-2013 admissions cycle, Columbia Law School will accept only electronic applications through LSAC.
What parts of my application must be submitted by mail?
If applicable, a dean’s letter in response to questions 8.1 or 8.2 of the application is the only mandatory document that must be mailed directly to the Law School. These forms cannot be transmitted by fax or electronically. Otherwise, the entire application must be submitted electronically.
What if some application materials arrive before my application is submitted?
Occasionally, certain application materials (i.e., letters of recommendation), arrive prior to the receipt of an application for admission. To facilitate the completion of your application, all submitted materials should contain your full name, LSAC number, and/or social security number.
When is the latest date that I can sit for the LSAT exam?
The last LSAT score that we accept under the Early Decision Plan is from the September/October test administration of the year prior to your expected matriculation. Similarly, the last LSAT score that we accept for Regular Decision applicants is from the December test administration.
For how long is an LSAT score considered valid?
An LSAT score is considered valid by the Admissions Committee for no longer than five years. Candidates applying for admission to the 2013 entering class as regular applicants may submit LSAT scores earned on or after the June 2008 administration, but no later than the December 2012 administration.
Can I submit my application before I take the LSAT?
Yes; however, you should indicate the date on which you are scheduled to take the LSAT exam on on question 6.1 of your application. Please note that your application will not be considered complete until we have received the LSDAS Report from your scheduled test date and all other required documents.
How do I check the status of my application?
Applicants are expected to monitor the submission and completion of all application requirements. You may check the status of your application for admission at any time by visiting our online status check. In order to protect every applicant's confidentiality, status check requests over the phone cannot be granted. In the event that the status check mechanism is unduly delayed, applicants may submit requests in writing by email (admissions@law.columbia.edu) to the Office of Admissions.