Application Process

How many applications does Georgetown Law receive?

Georgetown Law typically receives the most JD applications of any law school. For Fall 2023 admission, we received approximately 11,000 applications.

Does Georgetown Law have rolling admissions?

Yes, and we strongly encourage you to complete your application as early as possible in the admissions cycle.

How long does it take to receive a decision?

If you are an Early Decision applicant and your application is completed by March 1, you will typically receive a decision within approximately 4-6 weeks of your application being marked as complete.

If you are a Regular Decision applicant, you can typically expect to receive a decision approximately 8-12 weeks after your application is marked as complete.

If I am not accepted under the Early Decision process, can my application be considered under the Regular admissions process?

Early Decision applicants who are deferred from receiving a final decision in the initial review or placed on the waitlist are released from their commitment to Georgetown Law and will be considered later in the cycle as Regular Decision applicants.

Should I apply Early Decision if knowing my financial aid award in advance is critical to my enrollment?

Although candidates admitted through the Early Decision process will be considered for merit scholarships and need-based financial aid in the same manner, and on the same timeline, as all other admitted students, they will not receive their financial aid information before their binding admissions decision. If you need to know your full financial aid package before committing to attend Georgetown, we recommend that you apply through the Regular Decision process.

Application Components

What admissions test scores will Georgetown Law accept?

Currently, Georgetown Law requires a valid LSAT, GRE, or GMAT (or GMAT Focus) score as part of each application, with two exceptions to this requirement:

- Applicants seeking to enroll in the Evening Program who do not have a currently valid LSAT score may apply on a test-optional basis.
- Applications submitted through the Early Assurance program for Georgetown University juniors do not require an LSAT, GRE, or GMAT (or GMAT Focus) score.

The Admissions Committee continues to actively explore other application opportunities, such as JD-Next, for possible future use. Any updates will be posted here and incorporated into the application instructions, as appropriate.

Will I be at a disadvantage if I submit a GRE or GMAT (or GMAT Focus) score instead of an LSAT score?

We have no preference when it comes to which standardized test an applicant chooses to take and submit - LSAT, GRE, and GMAT (or GMAT Focus) are all treated equally.

Does the Admissions Committee convert GMAT (or GMAT Focus) and/or GRE scores to LSAT scores?

No, we do not use a converter. Our review of any score is not mechanical.

Does Georgetown Law require a minimum GPA and/or test score?

No, we do not use numerical cutoffs, and there is no minimum GPA or LSAT, GRE, GMAT (or GMAT Focus) score required for admission.

When should I take the LSAT, GRE, or GMAT (or GMAT Focus)?

Due to our rolling admissions process, we strongly encourage you to take your preferred standardized test as early as possible, remembering that applicants typically require time for preparation in advance.

How does Georgetown Law consider multiple test scores?

The Admissions Committee typically considers your highest score (or highest GRE or GMAT (or GMAT Focus) component scores as applicable, even if across multiple tests) while reviewing all available scores.

What is the oldest test score I can submit?

If you apply before the end of June 2024, LSAT scores earned in or after June 2018 are valid scores for your application. LSAT scores earned prior to June 2018 would not be reported and cannot be used to apply.

GRE scores are reportable and can be used for your application for five years following your test date. If you plan to apply with a GRE score approaching this five year-mark, please be sure to submit an otherwise complete application and ask ETS to send us your official score via the ETS portal. Our office must have enough time to receive and process the official score before it expires. (If timing is a concern, note that you can submit your request to ETS even before you submit your Georgetown Law application.)

How long should my personal statement be?

There is no minimum or maximum length for the personal statement, but it should be double spaced. Most personal statements are approximately two pages.

How much assistance can I receive with my Personal Statement and other writings within my Georgetown Law application? Can I use AI tools?

The purpose of the application, and perhaps especially the Personal Statement and other essays, is for the Admissions Committee to learn more about you – how you think, what you value, how you write. While you can (and should) receive and incorporate feedback on drafts, the only person who may be engaged in the actual writing is you. Friends, family members, advisors, etc. – whether real or artificial – are not applying to Georgetown Law - you are.

There are countless ways you could choose to use external resources as you put together your application, and we cannot provide you with specific guidance on each and every scenario. But we urge you to reflect on how you would feel being completely open and honest with a member of the Admissions Committee about your process. If you would omit or downplay how you used an AI tool, or how much wordsmithing a trusted friend did in your draft, you should adjust your plan. Our only goal is to get to know you, and we are eager to hear your voice.

How many letters of recommendation do I need to submit?

We only require one recommendation, but you may submit more if you’d like. Please note that once we receive one letter of recommendation, your application will be considered complete and sent to the Admissions Committee for review. You must let us know in advance if you would like your application held from review until we receive additional letters of recommendation. There is a section within the application where you can note that you would like your application held pending a specific letter.

Evening Program

Is the evening degree the same as the full-time degree?

Yes. Evening students learn from the same professors, take the same courses, and have the same opportunities as full-time students to pursue extracurricular activities, such as journals, clinics, and moot court.

Are evening students able to transfer to the full-time program?

The traditional Evening Program is designed to allow students to complete the J.D. requirements in four consecutive years, but Evening Program students may now pursue an accelerated program in order to graduate in 3 1/2 or 3 years. Please visit the Evening Program page for further details.

Are evening students able to take courses during the day?

Yes. In the first year, evening students may take a day course during the spring semester. Beyond the first year, evening students may select any course, whether in the day or evening.

Can evening students qualify for financial aid?

Yes. Students admitted to the evening program are considered for merit scholarships and need-based financial aid in the same way as Full-Time students.

Are there any unique components of the Evening Program application?

Applicants seeking to enroll in the Evening Program who do not have a currently valid LSAT score may apply on a test-optional basis. Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information on applying without a standardized test score.

Tuition

What is the cost of tuition and attendance?

You can review Georgetown's tuition and cost of attendance, along with other information on the Financial Aid website.