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How to Apply

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Students select the SIU School of Law because of its affordable cost, small class size, and convenient location. There is no application fee. Application review starts in September. Don’t wait until seats and scholarships run out!

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Have Questions?

Contact us at:
law@siu.edu
618-453-8858

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What to do after you’re accepted

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Consideration for Admission

Individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent, from an accredited institution in the United States or abroad, by the first day of fall semester class (August), are eligible for admission to law school. There are no prerequisite courses or specific majors required for entry. Applicants from all disciplines and areas of study are admitted to the School of Law.

The School of Law Admissions Committee will conduct a holistic review of every application upon receipt of all required documents. Therefore, while GPA and LSAT are important factors in the admissions process, non-numeric factors are considered. Non-numeric factors include the personal statement, letters of recommendation, and work experience, community service, honors or awards reflected through a resume.

JD Application Checklist

Applications for fall 2024 are available through the Law School Admission Council (lsac.org). The application deadline is July 1, 2024; however, we will continue to accept applications until our class is full.

To be considered for admission as a first-year JD student, applicants must complete the necessary application requirements. 

Below is an application checklist. An application will not be reviewed until all application materials have been received. Once a file is complete, please allow up to three weeks for a committee decision to be reached. All admission decisions are posted to the applicant’s online status checker. The Admissions Office will notify recommenders upon an applicant's acceptance to the School of Law.

  1. 2024 Application for Admission; available online at lsac.org.
  2. Personal Statement
  3. Current Resume
  4. LSAC Credential Assembly Service Report
    • LSAT taken within the past five years
    • Transcripts from all institutions attended including graduate work, if applicable
    • Two letters of recommendation

Current Resume

All applicants are required to submit a current resume that includes all post-high school education, employment history, honors and awards, and extracurricular activities including community service.

NOTE: Gaps in an applicant's education or employment history of more than six months should be included in the resume; however, a separate addendum should be included to explain the gap in education or employment. The resume (and addendum, if applicable) should be uploaded with your online application

LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS A&E)

Applicants are required to register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and must have all international transcripts, academic records, mark sheets, and degree certifications sent directly to LSAC for authentication and evaluation. For more information on the LSAT or CAS, visit the Law School Admission Council website, LSAC.org. Contact LSAC for questions relating to your CAS law school report.

Personal Statement

The Admissions Committee conducts a holistic review of every file including non-numeric factors. Therefore, all applicants are required to submit a personal statement. Personal statements should be 2- 3 pages in length, double-spaced, and uploaded as an attachment to the online application.

Residency

Non-residents pay in-state tuition rates at the SIU School of Law!

Character and Fitness Disclosure

Southern Illinois University School of Law requires all applicants to make a complete and full disclosure to the Character and Fitness questions at time of application. If the answer is "Yes" to one or more of the Character and Fitness questions outlined in the application, applicants will need to upload a written explanation of each incident that includes dates, locations, charges, associated fees, and final disposition.

NOTE: Full disclosure is required for any charges against you, including those that have been dismissed, and those for which you were acquitted, adjudication was withheld or deferred, a conviction was reversed, set aside, or vacated, any records were sealed or expunged, you received court supervision, or you pled guilty or nolo contendere to the charge, and regardless of whether you have been previously told that you do not need to disclose any such instance.

In addition, applicants are under continuing obligation to update disclosures and add new occurrences. Failure to make complete disclosure on this application may result in revocation of an offer of admission to the School of Law and/or denial of your application for admission to practice law in a particular state. Discrepancies between disclosure on this application and an applicant’s character and fitness application for admission to the bar may result in serious consequences while in law school and when applying to take the bar examination. Therefore, prior to matriculation, applicants are encouraged to seek the specific bar requirements for the state the applicant plans to practice law. Character and fitness requirements for each state are available on the National Conference of Bar Examiners website.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The SIU School of Law follows all applicable laws and regulations relating to students with physical or learning disabilities including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Applicants are not required to identify known disabilities in the application. Admitted students with a physical or learning disability who seek an accommodation from the School of Law should immediately contact the associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Law. Requests for accommodations must be accompanied by appropriate documentation obtained within the last two years preceding the beginning of law school classes. Such documentation should include assessments, diagnoses and specific recommendations for modifications. Requests for accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. For more information, Southern Illinois University Disability Support Services website.

Equal Opportunity Policy

In accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois and the United States, the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and is committed to taking affirmative steps aimed at overcoming historical patterns of discrimination in our society. The Board of Trustees directs that all elements of Southern Illinois University adhere to procedures, which promote this policy in all phases of university activities including employment, educational programs, choice of contractors, and relationships with employee organizations. Article VII. Policy on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statutes of the Board of Trustees of SIU. For more information, visit the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustee Statute.