FAQ

Admission to the College of Law is competitive and applicants to law school will want to make sure they are informed about the admissions process. The following FAQs should address many of the questions you have. However, if you have a question not listed below, please contact us at your convenience.

Application Process

Do you have an online application?
Yes. Go to Apply Now and an application can be downloaded or submitted electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
When will be application be complete and reviewed by the committee?
An application is complete and ready for review by the committee when:
  1. The Application for Admission is thoroughly answered and all required attachments (character and fitness, essay questions, work restrictions, etc.) are in,
  2. The Application Fee has been paid, and
  3. We have received the LSDAS report containing two letters of recommendation, all transcripts and a LSAT score taken within 5 years.
When can I expect to hear a decision?
Once the application is complete, it will take 4-6 weeks on average to receive a decision. Very few applicants will receive a decision prior to January. The committee typically begins reviewing applications after we return from the holidays.
Can I call and find out the decision?
You are welcome to give us a call with any questions. However, we do not release decision information over the phone. We can tell you the status of your file such as incomplete, out to committee, etc.
Should I send a resume?
You may find it more useful to organize information like career history, awards, educational background and community involvement in a resume format.
It is not necessary to fit everything into a 1 page business resume. Small font is difficult to read so feel free to use 2 pages.
What if I need to add something to my file after I have sent it to you?
Send a letter, signed and dated, stating you wish to add the information to your file. Make sure you include your LSAC account number on all documents.
Should I send my application in as soon as possible or can I wait until the deadline?
We operate on a rolling admissions basis. This means we are making decisions and giving away seats starting in January. Therefore, for some applicants it is more advantageous to apply early when more seats are available.
Can I apply to both the FT and PT division?
No. You must select the division you wish to be considered for. However, on the application you may request to be considered for the other division if not offered admission into the division selected.

Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS)

What is the LSDAS?
The LSDAS is a clearinghouse designed to streamline the admissions process. Your LSDAS report will contain all transcripts from the undergraduate, graduate and professional schools you have attended, 2 letters of recommendation, your LSAT score(s) and the writing sample from the LSAT.
Is the LSDAS required?
Yes. Your file will not be reviewed by the committee unless there is a complete LSDAS report with your file.
When should I sign up for the LSDAS?
Start this process early! Register for it at the same time as the LSAT or shortly after you receive your score. Registering for the LSAT will not automatically register you for the LSDAS.
Do I need to send you the LSDAS report?
No. When you send us the application for admission, we will request the report to be sent to us directly from the LSAC. You will only need to have paid for the report with the LSAC

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)

Do you average LSAT scores?
No, we will accept the highest score. However, if there is a significant difference between the scores, provide us with an explanation of the difference with your application.
How long are LSAT scores good?
We do not accept LSAT scores older than 5 years from the date of your application.
My LSAT score was low because I don't take standardized tests well. What should I do?
If you score is so low that you will not be competitive (link to Entering class profile) in the applicant pool, you should consider re-taking the test.
If the score is still low after proper preparation, then attach copies of other standardized test scores you have taken such as the ACT, SAT, GRE, etc. that show you do not test well, but your academic performance states otherwise.
When should I take the LSAT?
The ideal times to take the LSAT are the June or October administration the year before you wish to enter law school.
How should I prepare for the LSAT?
Allow yourself 4-6 months preparation time. Obtain materials from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Take several “full length” timed practice tests. Remember this is just as much a test of endurance as skill. There are review courses available, but do not substitute the classes for the self study needed as well.
Do you waive the LSAT if I have an advanced degree?
No, we never waive the LSAT requirement.
Can I apply before I take the LSAT?
Yes. You may send in your application for the year you wish to enter during the time when we accept applications. On the application there is a question that will ask you to list the dates you have taken or plan to take the LSAT. This will alert the admissions office that your score will not be available yet.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

My GPA is lower on my LSDAS report than what my college reports. Why?
In order to create a uniform GPA, LSAC will convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale. More information about the transcription summarization can be found at www.lsac.org. We are aware of this process, but feel free to attach a statement explaining anything on your transcript that you wish to point out.
My undergraduate GPA is low, but I have done graduate school work and my GPA is higher. Which one do you look at?
The GPA we report is the undergraduate GPA since everyone must have one. We will see a copy of your graduate level work and will consider it in the review process.
I have attended several schools. Does this matter?
Not necessarily. However, you may want to provide a statement explaining why you have attended several schools. Please note this may have an impact on your GPA.
I had mono, death in family, etc. during one of my semesters and my GPA suffered. Do you take that into account?
Yes, if you provide us with the information. We also look for an upward trend in grades. Remember, if you do not explain parts of your transcript that help to clarify the grades, we will not receive it elsewhere.
I am in a very difficult program and a 3.00 is considered good at my school. Do you consider that?
You are welcome to point that information out in the application as a separate attachment. It is also a good idea to have a faculty member write a letter of recommendation explaining the difficulty of the program.

Major

Which undergraduate major is the best?
The great thing about law school is any major is acceptable for law school. Your grades and course selection will be more important.
Are there any classes I should take to help me prepare for law school?
It may be helpful to take a class in Logic (found in the Philosophy department), writing, and any class that focuses on critical reading/thinking skills. Check with advisors at your school to see if they know which classes stress these skills.

Personal Essay Question

What should I write about?
The personal statement is your personal interview on paper. You should feel free to discuss any of the following areas:
  • community involvement or leadership;
  • personal and professional goals;
  • significant achievements or significant obstacles that have been overcome; or
  • any other information demonstrating the unique contribution you will make to the College of Law.
What is the committee looking for in the personal essay?
The committee uses the personal essay to learn more about you beyond the academic background and LSAT. In addition, the essay will give the committee information about your writing abilities.
How long should the essay be?
The average length is 2 pages typed, double spaced.
Should I explain a negative situation in my personal statement?
No, the statement should reflect the positive, unique qualities that you will offer to law school. You have the opportunity to explain anything that may appear negative in a separate attachment.

Letters of Recommendation

Do you require letters of recommendation?
Yes, we require 2 letters of recommendation submitted to the LSDAS.
Who should the letters of recommendation be from?
The letters should come from faculty, employers or directors of community projects you have been involved with. You will want to ask someone who can evaluate the skills you possess that may be useful in law school.
How will I know if the recommender sent their letter?
You will have access to your LSDAS account which will allow you to monitor when the letters have arrived.

Financial Aid

Who can tell me about financial aid?
Financial aid is handled through NKU”s Office of Student Financial Assistance. Their website is http://www.nku.edu/~ofa/ and the phone number is 859-572-5143.
Do I need to apply for financial aid before I know if I am accepted?
It is a good idea to start the process even before you know if you are accepted. You must complete the FAFSA. Information and the form can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Scholarships

Do I have to apply separately for scholarships?
No. Students who are accepted will automatically be referred to the scholarship committee for a determination of eligibility.
Do you send the scholarship notification at the same time as the acceptance letter?
No. The majority of scholarship letters will go out between March and June.
How do I let you know that I have financial need?
Information regarding financial need will be determined by the FAFSA. If you have not completed a FAFSA, then we will not be able to consider you for need-based scholarships.

JD/MBA

Do I have to take another entrance test if I have taken the LSAT?
Yes. You will need to meet the admissions requirements of both the law school and the business school.
Do I need to complete more than one application for admission?
Yes. You will need to submit an application to the law school and an application to the business school. The applications are reviewed separately by the respective departments.
Can I start law school first and do the MBA later?
We “strongly” encourage students in the JD/MBA program to begin with the business classes first and the law classes during the remaining 3 years.
If I have already earned a MBA, can I use those credits for law school?
No.