Georgetown Law - Frequently Asked Questions (GLS)

I am applying to the JD Early Admission program, should I submit my GLS application at the same time?

Not necessarily. We will not review your GLS application until AFTER you have been admitted to the JD program. We suggest submitting your GLS application materials by mid-January.

My language skills are a little rusty, but I'm taking a refresher course/studying abroad this Fall to improve them. Can I submit my language evaluation separate from the GLS application?

Yes, you can submit your language evaluation separate from your GLS application. However, we will not review your GLS application until all materials have been received.

Will I increase my chances of being admitted to the JD program if I indicate that I am also applying to the GLS?

No. The decision to admit a student to the JD program is wholly independent of the GLS application process. We will not review your GLS application until AFTER you have been admitted to the JD program.

Will I increase my chances of being admitted to the GLS the earlier I submit my GLS materials?

You might. As you know, we do not review your GLS application until AFTER you have been admitted to the JD program. However, since JD admissions decisions can be made as early as mid-December, we will start reviewing GLS applications in late December or early January. Therefore, we suggest submitting your GLS application materials no later than mid-January.

I am applying to the JD evening division/transfer program. Am I still eligible for the GLS?

At this time, we are only accepting GLS applications from applicants who have been admitted to the JD full-time program as entering 1Ls. Therefore, evening and transfer students are not eligible.

The Application Materials

The application does not provide sufficient space for me to adequately answer the questions. Can I attach a separate sheet of paper for my answers?

Yes, you can answer the questions on a separate sheet of paper. Please make sure your name and social security number are written at the top of each additional page you submit. Please staple any additional sheets to the application form.

Should I write my JD application's personal statement to reflect my interest in the GLS?

The decision to admit a student to the JD program is wholly independent of the GLS application process, therefore, we do not review any part of your JD application.

The Language Evaluation

In what language should I be evaluated?

Native English speakers must submit an evaluation form for a modern, spoken foreign language.

Non-native English speakers who graduated from an English-speaking college or university should submit an evaluation form for their native language or another modern, spoken foreign language (NOT English).

Non-native English speakers who graduated from a non-English-speaking college or university should submit an evaluation form for English.

If you are multi-lingual, you should be evaluated in the non-native language in which you are the most proficient. You should attach a resume with a "Language" section to your application to highlight any additional language skills.

Who should evaluate my skills?

Applicants should be evaluated by a professor, language instructor, or, in rare cases in which language professionals are not available, a native speaker. However, family members, co-workers, and personal friends may not evaluate an applicant's language ability.

I no longer live near my university, where else can I get my language evaluation completed?

You can get an evaluation from any accredited institution or instructor, i.e. a language institute, university or school in your present location. With prior approval, an evaluation can be done by a native speaker of that language.

Can I submit my language certification from the School of Foreign Service/ US Peace Corps, in lieu of obtaining an evaluation?

Yes, if the certification is less than 3 years old.