Application Toolkit

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From its first day of class in 1891, when classes were held at Detroit’s Y.M.C.A. to becoming a Big Ten law school as a fully integrated college of Michigan State University in East Lansing, MSU College of Law continues to embrace its historic values: diversity and inclusion, dedication, and immersion in the profession. We welcome students whose values are parallel to ours: those who advocate for justice, who forge their own path to success and who contribute diverse perspectives to our learning community.

MSU Law continues the commitment to diversity and inclusion began by Detroit College of Law when it opened its doors in late 19th century with an enlightened admissions policy: “The college opens its doors to all classes, without regard to sex, color or citizenship.” Its first incoming class included a Black man and a Japanese man; its first graduating class a year later included a woman. These three helped open doors to diverse populations of future lawyers.

With these values as our compass, Michigan State University College of Law's admissions process is holistic, giving attention to a number of factors beyond the applicant's undergraduate academic record and the highest score on the Law School Admission Test. The application review process is designed to identify individuals who have the potential to excel in their legal studies, contribute to a diverse physical and cognitive learning environment and positively impact the profession of law.

Application Components

  • Completed Application (through LSAC)

    To apply, an applicant will need to set-up an account through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

  • LSAT Score

    The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is administered nine times per year through LSAC.

  • UGPA & Transcripts
    • A degree from a 4-year accredited insititution is required prior to enrollment with MSU Law. As part of the CAS, an official copy of all transcripts will need to be sent to LSAC.
    • In accordance with accreditation requirements, you must arrange for the College of Law to receive final official transcripts by October 1 of your first year showing conferral of your bachelor’s degree. Failure to meet this requirement by that date will result in administrative withdrawal. The College may, at its discretion, create an earlier deadline for administrative or University reasons. If you are taking summer classes to finish your bachelor’s degree, please fill out and return this Verification of Pending Graduation form (PDF) to the Office of Admissions.
    • Transfer applicants must submit their final undergraduate transcripts to the College of Law consistent with the requirements outlined above for first-time JD applicants. For transfer students matriculating in fall semester, these must be received no later than October 1 of fall semester. For transfer students who matriculate in spring semester, final official transcripts showing conferral of a bachelor’s degree must be received no later than the beginning of the fourth week of the spring semester. Transfer applicants must also submit their most recent official law school transcripts from the prior law school by these same deadlines. Michigan State Law may, at our discretion, require either or both sets of transcripts by an earlier date.
  • Personal Statement
    • 2-3 pages, double-spaced, 1" margins, 12-point font
    • Personal statements may address any topic, but provide the Application Committee an opportunity to learn more about you as an applicant. The following questions may be helpful when preparing your personal statement Creating Your Best Personal Statement »
      • What motivates you to pursue a legal education?
      • What personal or professional goals have you established for yourself?
      • In what ways have your life experiences prepared you to succeed in law school?
      • In what ways have you encountered and overcome instances of adversity, and how might such experiences contribute to your effectiveness as an attorney?
      • In what ways might you contribute to diversity within the MSU Law student body and the legal profession?
      • Are there particular reasons you have for applying to Michigan State University College of Law?
  • Professional Resume
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • Two required, up to four accepted. No required designated source.
    • Recommendation should be submitted through LSAC’s Letter of Recommendation Service. Getting Strong Recommendations »
  • Supplemental Addenda

    Though not required, the Admissions Committee allows applicants to submit supplemental statement(s) that address extenuating circumstances affecting college performance and/or performance on standardized exams, or other contextual information that might relate to an applicant's potential for success in law school. Character & Fitness Disclosures »

  • International Applicants

    If your first language is not English and you have not earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a U.S. educational institution, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required. Additionally, if your postsecondary work was completed outside of the U.S. or Canada, you are required to use the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service for evaluation of your university transcript.

  • Application Fee

    You must submit the required application fee of $60. If you are unable to provide this fee, a fee waiver request may be directed to the MSU Law Office of Admissions at to admiss@law.msu.edu prior to submission of your application through LSAC.

Your application file will not be reviewed until all required materials are received by the Office of Admissions. You are encouraged to monitor the status of your application.

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In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Applicants with Disabilities

It is the policy and practice of Michigan State University College of Law to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state and local requirements regarding students and applicants with disabilities. Under these laws, no qualified individual with a disability will be denied access to or participation in services, programs and activities of Michigan State University College of Law. Students requesting accommodation should contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The MSU College of Law prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, age, disability status, marital status, height, political persuasion, and weight.