Application Overview....

     The first year class is admitted in the fall semester only. Applicants for the entering class are encouraged to begin the application process and submission of materials as early as possible.  The Law School Admissions Office will attempt to provide the applicant with an update on the status of his or her file; however, it is the applicant's responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure that all supporting documents required to complete the application file are post marked on or before the deadline of  March 1.  Failure to complete the application by the deadline may reduce an applicant's chance for admission. Since it takes as long as 4-6 weeks to receive supporting documents once the application is received, it is suggested that you submit your application as early as possible.

     The application and fee must be received by the March 1st deadline in order for your application to be considered timely.  February LSAT scores will be reviewed  for fall admission as long as the law school application and fee are submitted by the deadline.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to have all identified components of their application submitted by the March deadline.  The application components are:

1. Application Fee

2. Application

3. Personal Statement

4. Admonitory Action Explanation (if applicable)

5. LSDAS report*

6. TIP Summer Program Information (Optional)

7. TN Board of Regents Law Scholarship Information (Optional)

     Admission to the School of Law is increasingly competitive. In the normal processing year, approximately 1200 applications are processed by the Law Admissions Office. These applicants are competing for approximately 150 seats in the entering class.
     The School of Law is interested in the development of a student body which represents a wide variety of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds and experiences. In attempting to attract a diverse student population, the School of Law has developed a selection process which encourages applications and provides a full review of qualified applicants, particularly from minority and non-traditional student groups.

*May be received after the deadline if applicant is taking the February LSAT.

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Admission Criteria....

     The two most significant factors in making the decision to admit an applicant are the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score and the undergraduate grade point average (UGPA).  Each applicant must have taken the LSAT within 60 months prior to the beginning of the semester for which admission is sought. The LSAT score and UGPA are combined to produce an "admission index."  The UGPA used in calculating the index is the cumulative undergraduate grade point average found on the LSDAS report as calculated by the Law School Admissions Council. We look closely at the admission index in the review process. If an applicant elects to take the LSAT more than once during the 60 month period, the highest LSAT score will be used in computing the admission index, although all LSAT scores will be included on the LSDAS report and will be reviewed. Applicants taking the LSAT more than once are encouraged to explain, in an addendum, any variance in their LSAT scores.
     In addition to the UGPA and LSAT, other factors that may be considered are the following: writing ability as evidenced by the writing sample of the LSAT and personal statement, extracurricular activities, the difficulty of the undergraduate major, the undergraduate school attended, letters of recommendation, employment history, and graduate school performance, if applicable.  As a publicly funded institution of the state of Tennessee, residents of the state may be given preference in selection.  However, non-residents are encouraged to apply.
     The School of Law recognizes the benefits of diversity in the classroom. We endeavor to create a student body representative of a wide range of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.  In the personal statement, applicants are encouraged to identify ways in which they may contribute to the diversity in the law school. 

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Preparation For The LSAT ....

      There are many different ways to approach the Law School Admission Test.  Since all LSAT scores are included on the LSDAS report, applicants are encouraged not to take the exam cold.  More information on preparing for the LSAT can be found in the LSAT/LSDAS Information Book.  Listed below are some of the available printed study aids and preparation courses.

OFFICIAL LSAT PREP SERIES AVAILABLE FROM LAW SERVICES

     Publications from Law Services can be ordered by telephone 215.968.1001 or online http://www.LSAC.org if you have a valid VISA, MasterCard, DISCOVER, or American Express credit card, or via the LSAT/LSDAS Registration Form or Publications Order Form in the LSAT/LSDAS book.  Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of telephone and online orders; allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of publications ordered by mail.

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COMMERCIAL PREPARATION PROGRAMS

Law School Data Assembly Service Report....

     The School of Law utilizes the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) to provide a report and summary of each applicant's undergraduate transcripts and LSAT scores.  Accordingly, each applicant must register with LSDAS.  Applicants must forward all undergraduate, graduate, and professional school transcripts directly to LSDAS.  Upon receipt of the application, the Law Admissions Office will request a copy of the applicant's LSDAS report from Law Services.  An applicant's file will be considered incomplete without the LSDAS report.

For more information refer to www.lsac.org.

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