Law School Applicants: When to Expect an Answer

If you have followed the recommendations in throughout this site, including timely applications that are complete and polished, and can expect an answer by the end of the year. We recommend you submit your application no later than November 1st, regardless of the cut-off date. Applications arrive to the school at different rates with the bulk arriving in January and February. The longer you wait to apply in the application process, the longer it takes to get a decision. Here are some guidelines:

• It isn’t unusual for those who apply by November 1 to get an answer within 5 to 7 weeks. This is a fast turnaround, but early applicants tend to receive a much speedier response.

• If you apply after Thanksgiving, expect 10 to 12 weeks.

• If you are a presumptive admit or deny you will usually get an answer within 4 to 6 weeks, depending on when you file.

• If you are in the discretionary category, regardless of when you apply, expect to wait a couple of extra weeks. If you apply after December 1, expect at least 12 weeks.