In some cases, academic performance at the undergraduate level and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score(s) are reliable measures for predicting probable success in law study. Thus, after review by the Admissions Committee, some applicants are admitted primarily on the basis of an index combining undergraduate grades and LSAT test score(s). The source and formula for the index are described more fully below.
The admission decision process at Syracuse is more complex than merely rank-ordering applicants based on a numerical formula. The Admissions Committee analyzes undergraduate transcripts closely for significant progression in grades earned or unusually difficult coursework. In addition, the LSAT Writing Sample is reviewed to assess the applicant's skill level, writing ability and preparedness to start learning to "write like a lawyer." The committee also considers subjective factors; for example, undergraduate institution attended, graduate study in another discipline, work experience, leadership ability, and community service. The committee determines an applicant's level of motivation by reviewing personal experiences indicating determination, patience, and perseverance. Past successes in overcoming personal hardship, including such burdens as poverty or disability, are viewed as important indicators of motivation.
Applicants are encouraged to provide pertinent information in writing for the Admissions Committee to consider. A personal interview is not part of the admissions decision-making process at Syracuse; however, we welcome and encourage prospective students to visit the College of Law.
The Law School Data Assembly Service provides to law schools a report that displays an applicant's LSAT score(s) and index number(s) and summarizes undergraduate performance in a standardized format. The index number(s) results from combining the LSAT score(s) with the applicant's undergraduate grade point average (UGPA), using weights selected by the College of Law based on validity studies conducted for Syracuse by Law Services. Validity studies show the relationship between LSAT score(s), UGPA, and first-year law school grades at Syracuse. The index currently calculated by Law Services for Syracuse is derived by applying the following formula: Index = [0.220 x LSAT] + [2.489 x UGPA] - 4.00. The index formula is subject to regular review and modification.
At the time of matriculation, all applicants for admission must have either been awarded a bachelor's degree by a college or university of accredited standing or have been offered admission through the combination program after successfully completing three years of undergraduate study. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of matriculation. All students are admitted to begin study in the fall semester only.
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Laptop Computer Requirement
Syracuse University College of Law requires entering students to purchase a laptop computer for their own use. Having a laptop computer will enhance your classroom experience and allow you to access Air OrangeX, Syracuse University’s wireless network available throughout the College of Law. The online legal research training you will receive as a first year student uses the web based versions of Westlaw and Lexis. It is also very helpful to be familiar with the Microsoft Office suite of software, internet browsers, email, and other microcomputer based software.
Before making a final decision on your computer purchase, keep in mind the rapid pace in which technology changes. If you have questions about what to buy or if the notebook computer you already own fulfills the requirement, please contact Information Technology Services via email at lawhelp@law.syr.edu.
The estimated cost of attendance does not include the cost of purchasing a new laptop computer; however, the Office of Financial Aid will work with students on an individual basis to approve budget increase requests after students receive their financial aid award letter. It has been our experience that personal expenses within the categories vary from student to student and you may not need to borrow additional student loans in excess of the estimated cost of attendance to cover the cost of the computer. All financial aid, including student loans, is disbursed at the beginning of each semester and will not be available to students until 5 to 10 business days after the first day of class. You will need to plan the purchase of your computer accordingly.
Note: The College of Law is largely a Windows-based computing environment, but support is provided for Intel-based Macintosh computers. Macs must be partitioned using Bootcamp and have Windows installed in order to use ExamSoft's SofTest software, which is required for taking many exams. Note that Bootcamp is only available in Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) and above. Linux platforms are not supported at the College of Law.
The Syracuse University Bookstore sells notebook computers and offers significant savings on educationally priced software. Go to http://bookstore.syr.edu/computers/index.shtml for additional information or call 315-443-4089 or 1-888-284-5908.
Applying to the LEO Program
Syracuse University is committed to a diverse student body as an integral part of its educational program and mission. Diversity within the law student body, generated through the selection of individuals having a range of experience and interests, greatly enhances each student's legal education by encouraging a broad exchange of thoughts and ideas.
Recognizing that numerical indicators are not always the best predictors of success in law school-even when considered in combination with other factors-the College of Law admits a limited number of students each year through the Legal Education Opportunity (LEO) Program. The program's dual objectives are to recruit and admit persons who may have been deprived of equal education opportunities due to race, poverty, or other factors beyond their control; and persons with unusual accomplishments, backgrounds, and experiences that suggest traditional admission criteria may be inadequate predictors of likely success in law study.
Applicants are selected for admission through the LEO Program on the basis of grades, test score(s), and writing samples, but special weight is given to subjective factors pertinent to the program objectives.
Students admitted through the LEO Program are required to complete an intensive three-week summer program in legal methodology and legal writing before enrolling in the fall semester entering class.
Explicit application for admission through the LEO Program is not required; all applicants not regularly admitted are considered for possible LEO admission. However, candidates who believe they may qualify for admission as a LEO candidate may include a separate statement along with their admission application explaining why they believe traditional quantitative admissions criteria may be inadequate predictors of success in their circumstances. LEO candidates who are recent undergraduate or graduate students are encouraged to submit three academic letters of recommendation. Detailed resumes and samples of written work may also be helpful in evaluating potential LEO students.
Applying as a Transfer Student
Law students in good academic standing who have completed at least one full year of study leading to a J.D. degree in schools accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) may apply for admission to Syracuse as transfer students. Admission is competitive; the number of transfer applicants granted admission depends on available spaces in the second-year class. After transferring, students must earn at least 58 of the credits required for the J.D. degree at Syracuse University College of Law.
Transfer applicants must apply for admission in the same manner as first-year applicants. In addition, transfer applicants must forward the following information:
- written certification from the dean of the applicant's law school stating that she or he is in good academic standing and is unconditionally eligible to return;
- an original LSDAS report from Law Services (We will also accept a file copy sent directly from the Office of the Registrar at the applicant's law school.)
- at least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member at the applicant's law school; and
- a current official transcript of all coursework completed at the applicant's law school.
The deadline for transfer application is June 1. Transfer applications are typically considered between July 10 and August 10 each year. Transfer applications will not be reviewed until all first-year grades have been received in official form.
Applying as a Visiting Student
A limited number of students from other ABA- or AALS-approved law schools may be permitted to complete their third year as visiting students at Syracuse University College of Law.
Students applying for visiting status must complete a current admission application. In addition, prospective visiting students must submit a letter from the dean of the applicant's current law school verifying that the student is in good academic standing and that the law school will award the J.D. degree after the student completes all requirements. The letter must also state that the school approves of the student's curriculum choice at SU, list any special course requirements that need to be completed, and provide the minimum grade acceptable for coursework completed at Syracuse. A current, official law school transcript also is required.
The deadline for visiting student application is June 1.
Applying as an International Student
Applicants who are not United States citizens must submit all materials required of domestic applicants, as well as the following documentation:
- Educational Records: Syracuse University College of Law requires that your foreign transcripts be submitted through the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service. If you completed any postsecondary work outside the U.S. (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service for the evaluation of your foreign transcripts. One exception to this requirement is if you completed the foreign work through a study abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a U.S. or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the LSDAS subscription fee. A Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), which will be incorporated into your LSDAS report.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Written English (TWE): Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, no more than two years old, as evidence of language competency sufficient to undertake law study. The Test of Written English (TWE) is also required. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) must be contacted to request that TOEFL scores be sent directly to LSAC. LSAC's TOEFL code for the JD Credential Assembly Service is 0058. Your score will be reported in the Foreign Credential Evaluation document that will be included in your LSDAS law school report. To use JD CAS, log in to your online account and follow the instructions for registering for the service. Be sure to print out a Transcript Request Form for each institution and send it promptly to them. More time is usually required to receive foreign transcripts. Questions about the JD Credential Assembly Service can be directed to LSAC at 215-968-1001 or LSACINFO@LSAC.org. TOEFL and TWE scores will be waived for non-resident students who have completed a four-year undergraduate program or minimum of two years of graduate work in a U.S. college or university.
- Proof of Financial Support: International applicants, including Canadian applicants, must submit proof of sufficient funding to cover the cost of attendance for at least one academic year's expenses ($62,000). This proof is required before an appropriate visa can be issued to the student and is therefore required as part of the admissions application. Acceptable proof for privately sponsored applicants is an original signed letter of support from the sponsor that includes the U.S. dollar amount of support and certified bank statements indicating funds sufficient to cover at least the student's first-year expenses. For government-sponsored applicants, acceptable proof is an official or certified copy of the award letter that includes the U.S. dollar amount of the award per year and any special billing instructions. Photocopies are not acceptable.
Applying to a Joint Degree Program
Applicants who are interested in pursuing a joint degree program must apply and be admitted to both the College of Law and the other Syracuse University graduate school or college. Students admitted to the College of Law are not guaranteed acceptance into other graduate programs. Refer to the College of Law Catalog for more information about joint degree opportunities.
Joint degree students are required to complete their first year of study in the College of Law. Accordingly, most students apply for admission to joint degree programs during the first year of law school. However, applicants may apply for joint degree candidacy before beginning the first year of law study.
Candidates for joint degree programs must obtain advance approval from the College of Law. Minimum academic requirements apply to joint degree program participation for law students.