JD Application and Information

Applying to the Law School

Please note that this link is for JD applicants only. If you want to apply as a JD/MBA, Visitor, Transfer or LLM applicant, please select the appropriate link under the “Prospective Student” section of the website.

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE PAGE BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.

Required Documents

Application

An application must be COMPLETED by MARCH 15. The Admissions Committee no longer uses a rolling admissions system. Completed application files are considered beginning in November, and candidates are notified in either December or March. Accordingly, as an applicant, you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible.

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)

Howard University requires a score from Law School Admission Counsel's (LSAC) Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for every applicant. The latest test you should take to apply for an active admissions cycle is the last test date before the deadline. Currently, Howard Law does not accept the GRE as a substitute for the LSAT. However, if you have a GRE score available that you would like considered, you may forward the score to Howard.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement assists the Admissions Committee in selecting a diverse entering class of students. It is also used to assess each applicant’s written English skills. The personal statement provides applicants with an opportunity to describe the uniqueness of his or her character, abilities, and experience and to assist us in getting to know and understand you as a person. You should discuss those aspects of your background, experience, talents, achievements, and interests that you believe would be important for us to know. Applicants are encouraged to write about issues of diversity, academic history, community service activities, and professional experience. Personal statements should also detail the applicant’s interest in Howard’s Law School and how attending Howard will allow you to realize your dreams and aspirations. Your personal statement should be typed, double-spaced, and no longer than three pages. Your statement must be submitted with the application.

Two Letters of Recommendation Required; Three will be accepted

Howard University requires two letters of recommendation in addition to the College Certification. Please note that you should be strategic in terms of who you select to write your letters of recommendation.  

For applicants who are currently matriculating or who have recently graduated, we prefer that faculty members or teaching assistants submit both letters. If you are currently working on a full-time basis, letters from professional colleagues, employers, and/or supervisors are acceptable. If you are self-employed, please ensure you submit letters from your clients and/or customers.  The letters should address your academic potential, work ethic, relevant skills and your character. We will only accept letters that are submitted through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which serves all member schools. This service is included in your CAS registration subscription.

Resume

We require an up-to-date history of all of your employment since high school graduation, including summer or military positions. Please include the dates of your employment. If a period of time has elapsed since your graduation from college, please account for your activities from graduation to present, even if you have not been employed full-time.

Transcripts

We require a copy of your Transcripts from the CAS report that is submitted via the LSAC.org website.

Required Material from Foreign Educated Students

Howard University School of Law requires that your foreign transcripts be submitted through the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service ("CAS"). If you completed any postsecondary work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service for the evaluation of your foreign transcripts. The one exception to this requirement is if you completed the foreign work through a study abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a US or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the CAS 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 CAS report. If we determine that you need to submit a TOEFL score, you must contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and request that your TOEFL score be sent to LSAC. LSAC’s TOEFL code for the JD Credential Assembly Service is 0058. Your score will be included in the Foreign Credential Evaluation document that will be included in your CAS law school report.

To use the 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.

Qualifications beyond Completion of Law School to Practice Law in the United States

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.” http://www.ncbex.org/