X

students

GUIDE TO APPLYING

The University of Memphis School of Law welcomes applications for admission to its 2024 entering class. The application will open late September and there is no application fee. The priority application deadline is April 1st. Apply here. 

Applicants can access our application at LSAC (Law School Admission Council). Applicants will be sent an email indicating their applications have been received. Applicants will also receive instructions on how view the status of their applications. An email will be sent notifying applicants their files are complete.

It is the applicant's responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure that all supporting documents required to complete the application are submitted on or before the April 1st priority deadline. Failure to complete the application by the deadline may reduce the applicant's chance for admission. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process and submit all the required documents as early as possible. The latest test score that can be used in the review for fall admission is the June 2024 test, but seat availability is very limited at that point in the cycle.

The application components are:

□  Application (Required)

The application may be accessed through LSAC. Be sure to complete all questions accurately. Include your name and LSAC account number on any addenda. The priority application deadline is April 1st.

□  Credential Assembly Service (CAS) (Required)

The CAS Report simplifies the law school application process by compiling all LSAT scores, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and writing sample into a single CAS Report. LSAC will not release a CAS report until they receive an original transcript from every undergraduate institution you have attended, including summer sessions and study abroad programs. Please be aware that we require a writing sample be included in your CAS report. It is the applicant's responsibility to monitor the status of his/her LSAC account. Once your application is complete, the admissions office will send a completion status e-mail. Applicants can also monitor their Memphis application status on-line through LSAC.

□  Standardized Test Score (Required)

Applicants for the next entering class must have a valid reportable LSAT or GRE score taken within the last five years.  LSAT applicants will arrange to take the LSAT via lsac.org and the score result will appear on your CAS Report.  Applicants who elect to take the GRE must instruct ETS to send all GRE scores from the preceding five-year period using school code: 1087.  Please note: All applicants who have taken the LSAT are considered LSAT applicants even if GRE scores are submitted.   

□  Personal Statement (Required)

Each applicant is required to submit a personal statement. This statement provides you the opportunity to describe your background and any unique experiences, characteristics or circumstances you want the admissions committee to consider. You should explain your desire to study law, why you believe you will be a successful law student, and what you hope to do with your law degree. You are encouraged to explain your interest in attending our law school and may discuss any information not otherwise apparent from your application. Limit your personal statement to no more than 1,000 words. 

□  Supplemental Essay (Optional)

If you feel you have additional relevant information to share that will provide the admissions committee a more in-depth understanding of your background, interests, and goals, we encourage you to provide a supplemental essay using the prompts provided.

□  Letters of Recommendation (Optional, but encouraged)

Up to four letters of recommendation or evaluations are recommended. Letters of recommendation or evaluations should be submitted directly to LSAC to be included in your CAS report. Recommendations or evaluations should be from professors, instructors, or other professionals who can provide relevant information on your intellectual ability, academic performance, potential for success in law school, and character. Letters from social acquaintances and personal or family friends, which provide only minimal or no information about your academic abilities, are not considered to be helpful. If you have been out of school for a number of years, your recommendations or evaluations may come from employers, supervisors, clients, or someone who can address the above characteristics.

Tennessee Institute For Pre-Law (TIP) (Optional)

The University of Memphis School of Law operates the Tennessee Institute for Pre-Law (TIP) summer program for Tennessee residents and border-county residents from underrepresented backgrounds who are not admitted through the regular process, but who show potential for the study of law. The following are border counties: Arkansas = Crittenden, Mississippi = DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, Tunica. If you are interested in being considered for the TIP program, you must complete the TIP application question.

□  Financial Aid 

Applicants are encouraged to complete the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1st. Memphis Law's code is 003509. 

□  Scholarships

There is not a separate application for scholarship consideration. Information from your application will be used to determine eligibility for scholarships. Scholarships are offered on a rolling basis until funds are committed. If awarded, you will receive a separate email detailing your scholarship offer. Do not use Tiger Scholarship Manager to apply for scholarships.

□  Admonitory Action Explanation (Required if Applicable)

Applicants must answer questions in the Admonitory Action section of the application. If an applicant answers "yes" to any of the questions, they must provide an addendum detailing the date and location of the event and an explanation of what occurred. Applicants are encouraged to include related court documents.

□  Additional Addendum (Optional)

If you want to include relevant information explaining a low undergraduate grade point average or low LSAT score, we encourage you to submit an addendum separate from your personal statement.

□  Application Timeline 

Our online application is available through LSAC and applicants can check their application status on-line. Applicants will receive an email once the application is complete and ready for review. Once a decision is rendered, the online status will show the final decision. Final decisions are emailed to the applicants' primary email address provided on the application. Most decisions are made between January and April.  If admitted, a $250 non-refundable seat deposit is required. Deadlines for submitting the deposit, as well as instructions on how to pay the deposit are provided in the acceptance notification.