1. International law degree:

• Either completion of a university law degree in a country other than the U.S., such as a Bachelor's of Law (LLB), OR completion of a graduate-level law degree with a course of study of at least three years in a country whose first legal training opportunity is at the graduate level, such as the Chinese Juris Master degree or the new JD degree in Japan and South Korea.
• Additionally, the school where you studied or received your degree in law must be one that has accreditation within its country similar to accreditation by the American Bar Association.

2. English Proficiency for Nonnative Speakers

All applicants to the Advanced Standing Program whose first language is not English must meet the English proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 620 written, 105 IBT
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 8.0 with a 7.0 minimum for subscores
• Completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university in the United States
• An equivalent degree at an accredited university where English is the primary language of instruction

3. Important information for international applicants regarding post-graduation employment in the United States

• For international students coming to study in the United States on F-1 and J-1 visas, obtaining employment after graduating from law school can be very challenging. U.S. immigration laws do not provide F-1 or J-1 visa holders with long-term work authorization after graduation, and the College of Law cannot provide sponsorship for employment-based visas for our graduates.
• Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) are therefore advised to make careful and concrete plans for their post-graduation employment, taking into account the limitations imposed by U.S. immigration law.
• The College of Law carefully reviews all applications from international students and will discuss those long-term, post-graduation employment plans with any applicants who are not U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents.  Your personal statement should  address questions including what you intend to do with your U.S. law degree.

1. Apply online with LSAC. The application deadline is April 1.
2. Personal Statement: The personal statement should be submitted in English and limited to two to three pages. Potential topics for your statement include discussing significant accomplishments or describing any unique life experiences. Your statement should also address questions including why you wish to study law in the United States and how you would contribute to the law school community and the legal profession.
3. Curriculum Vitae or Résumé: You should include a description of any employment or research experience in a one to two-page curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé, written in English.
4. Letters of Recommendation: You must submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation.  At least one, and preferably both, should be from law professors who can comment on your critical thinking, writing skills, and potential for success in law school.
5. Official Transcripts: Official transcripts of academic records of coursework completed in colleges, universities, technical institutes, and professional institutions are required, in English, regardless of the duration of study or whether you obtained a degree.  The College of Law participates in LSAC's Credential Assembly Service.  You are responsible for submitting an official transcript from each institution you have attended to LSAC.
6. LSAT: The LSAT is not required.  However, submitting an LSAT score can enhance your application.
7. English Proficiency for Nonnative Speakers: All applicants to the Advanced Standing Program whose first language is not English must meet the English proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score
• Completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university in the United States
• An equivalent degree at an accredited university where English is the primary language of instruction
• Test scores are reported through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

8. Evaluative Interview: After applying to the program you may be invited to participate in an evaluative interview. If you are selected, the College of Law Admissions Committee will contact you with instructions on scheduling an interview. In most instances, the interview will be conducted electronically.

To learn more about the required coursework for Advanced Standing students, please see our Common Curricular Plan.