University of Utah : S.J. Quinney College of Law

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Prospective FAQ

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What was the median UGPA and LSAT score for this year's entering class?

Median UGPA was 3.60, and median LSAT was 160 for this year's entering class. The 25th and 75th percentile distribution for the Class of 2012 were 3.41-3.76 and 156-163, respectively.

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May I use the Law School Admission Council's letter-of-recommendation service?

Yes. If you do use the service, please use the forms provided by the Law School Admission Council. If your writer submits the letter directly to us, please use the printed form (or copies of it) found at the end of the S.J. Quinney College of Law application instructions brochure. You may also access this form when applying through LSAC by clicking on "Supplemental Form" in the Applications section.

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What is the application deadline?

The SJ Quinney College of Law begins acknowledging receipt of applications on November 15. We recommend that your file be complete by January 15. All applications submitted by February 15 (postmark) and completed no later than March 10 (postmark) will be reviewed during the regular admission process. To meet the February 15 deadline, you must submit the application form and $60 application fee. Applications submitted to LSAC for transmission to this law school will be considered post-marked on the day they are electronically submitted. If the application is electronically submitted, the application fee and certification page must be received by the college no later than February 25 or the file will be considered late.

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May I submit an addendum to my application?

Yes. Submit any information you think will be helpful in the evaluation process. For example, you may submit abstracts, published papers or articles, statements, or essays.

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What is the earliest date I can submit my application?

While you may submit your application as early as mid-September, we begin acknowledging receipt of applications on November 15.

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When do you begin reviewing files?

Typically we begin reviewing files in early January.

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When will I be notified of your decision?

A decision is generally made within four to six weeks after the date your file is complete. If your file is complete before we begin reviewing files in January, a decision on your file won't be made until four to six weeks after we begin reviewing the files.

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Are you a rolling admission school?

Yes. Files are reviewed in the order in which they are completed. Candidates are informed of the Admissions Committee's decision when the complete file has been reviewed.

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Who is on the Admissions Committee? How does it work?

The Admissions Committee is composed of rotating law faculty and the Associate Dean for Admissions. All files are reviewed in their entirety. There are no automatic "admit" or "deny" categories based on LSAT scores or GPA. While there is an emphasis on a candidate's academic record, the College of Law employs a holistic review of all applicant files, evaluating a multitude of factors beyond the LSAT and undergraduate GPA. Each committee member reviews applications individually; the committee does not meet as a body to discuss applicants.

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If I have previously applied, do I need to reregister with the Credential Assembly Service (LSDAS)?

Yes. All applicants must have an active Credential Assembly Service (LSDAS) subscription.

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How are multiple LSAT scores treated?

In situations where a candidate has multiple LSAT scores, the College of Law will presumptively use the highest score. The reviewer, however, may use the average score if information in the file indicates that the average score is the most appropriate measure of the candidate's skills.

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How long should my personal statement be? What should it contain?

There is no page limit. Most statements, however, are generally two or three typed pages, double-spaced. An applicant should not feel confined to just two or three pages if he or she feels more space is needed to convey the information necessary to fully inform the reviewer. Use good judgement in determining the appropriate length of your statement. We leave what to include up to you. It can take any form you choose. We use your personal statement in lieu of a personal interview, and to evaluate your writing skills. Include anything that you wish to tell us about yourself beyond test scores and grade point averages. Let us know who you are -- your unique strengths, talents, experiences, motivations, and aspirations. It's your chance to tell us why, beyond your academic qualifications, we should accept you. Be creative. Spend time on your statement. If you've done many things and have an extensive work background, don't try to cram all of it in. Instead, expand on a few experiences or facts in detail.

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What undergraduate course of study is best?

There is no pre-law curriculum, no magic formula. We look closely at your transcript; we realize that if you got an A in a course on rock 'n' roll it probably wasn't very challenging. You should undertake an undergraduate program that develops your ability to speak and write about concepts clearly; the capacity to read complex material with precise understanding and attention to detail; and the power to reason, weigh facts, and solve problems. Choose courses that are challenging and are taught by instructors who insist on high standards of intellectual performance. In the humanities, it might be a major in English, political science, philosophy, or history. In the sciences, it might be physics, mathematics, biology, or chemistry. In engineering, it might be computing, materials science, or civil engineering. The curriculum you choose and your other activities should expose you to broad cultural experiences and a critical understanding of human values and institutions. It is vital that law students have a mastery of the English language.

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How long is my LSAT score valid?

For five years. For example, if you apply for admittance for Fall semester 2010, test scores dating before December 2004 are invalid.

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