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FAQs

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.

Application Process
Do you have an online application?
Yes. Go to Apply Now and submit your application electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

When will the application be reviewed by the committee?
An application is complete and ready for review by the committee when: The Application for Admission is thoroughly answered and all required attachments (character and fitness, essay questions, work restrictions, etc.) have been submitted; the Application Fee has been paid; and the CAS report containing two letters of recommendation, all transcripts, and a LSAT score has been received.

When can I expect to hear a decision?
Once the application is complete, it will take 4-6 weeks to receive a decision. Very few applicants will receive a decision prior to January. 

Can I call and find out the decision?
You are welcome to call us 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, or complete.

Should I send a resume?
Yes, a resume is required. A resume is a great way to organize information such as career history, awards, educational background, and community involvement in a resume format. It is not necessary to fit everything into a one page business resume. Small font is difficult to read, so feel free to use two pages.

What if I need to add something to my file after I have submitted my application?
Send an email to chaseadmissions@nku.edu, stating you wish to add the attached information to your file. Make sure you include your LSAC account number on all documents and emails.

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 beginning 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, if you wish to be considered for either, please include a statement indicating such. 
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Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
What is the CAS?
The CAS is a clearinghouse designed to streamline the admissions process. Your CAS report will contain transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools you have attended; two letters of recommendation; your LSAT score(s); and the writing sample from the LSAT.

Is the CAS required?
Yes. Your file will not be reviewed by the committee unless there is a complete CAS report with your file.

When should I sign up for the CAS?
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 CAS.

Do I need to send you the CAS report?
No. When we receive your 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.
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How long are LSAT scores good?
We do not accept LSAT scores older than five 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 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 September/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. Review courses are 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. 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.
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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. We will see your graduate school transcript 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, a death in my 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, the committee will consider the statement during the review. 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 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.
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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), a class in 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.
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Personal Statement
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 and the legal profession.

What is the committee looking for in the personal statement?
The committee uses the personal statement to learn more about you beyond the academic background and LSAT. In addition, the statement will give the committee information about your writing abilities.

How long should the personal statement be?
The average length is two to three pages (typed and 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.
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Letters of Recommendation
Do you require letters of recommendation?
Yes, we require two letters of recommendation to be submitted to the CAS.

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 the letter?
You will have access to your CAS account which will allow you to monitor when the letters have arrived.
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