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Apply to the Advanced Standing J.D. Program

Apply to the Advanced Standing J.D. Program

As with the traditional J.D. Program, applicants to the Advanced Standing J.D. (ASJD) Program must apply via the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) and register for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report for evaluation of foreign credentials. Since law school transcripts are different than those from other disciplines, only transcripts submitted via LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service will be accepted.

All applicants regardless of the program of application will be reviewed with the same committment to values of diversity and inclusion, dedication, and immersion in the profession that began in 1891 when the doors opened as Detroit College of Law. MSU Law welcomes 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.

ASJD Program Application Components

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).

  • An in-person foreign law degree from an international 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 institutional procedures and for timely Transfer Credit Evaluation, you must arrange for the College of Law to receive an official transcript by June 1 of our first year showing all foreign law degree credits. Failure to meet this requirement by the date may result in administrative withdrawal. The College may, at its discretion, create an earlier deadline for administrative or University reasons. If you are taking summer coursework, it is imperative to notify the MSU College of Law Office of Admissions.
  • 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.
  • 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?

Top Resume Tips »

  • Consideration will be given to bar licensed practitioners with years practiced. 
  • Two required, up to four accepted. No required designated source; however preference is at minimum one academic letter of recommendation and one professional letter of recommendation.
  • Recommendation should be submitted through LSAC’s Letter of Recommendation Service. Getting Strong Recommendations »

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.

  • Minimum TOEFL Score = 100 or higher with a minimum score of 25 per section or IELTS of 7.0 or highter.   
  • Applicants who are native speakers of English or may qualify for a waiver should email us at admiss@law.msu.edu for more information.

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.

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.

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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.

 

ASJD Application Deadlines

Application Opens: As with the traditional J.D. Program, applications typically open early Fall (August/September)

Application Dealinde: To accommodate necessary international documentation the ASJD deadline is March 1, coinciding with the tradiational J.D. Program priority deadline.

I-20/DS-2019 Application Submission Deadline: May 1st (Non-US Citizens will need to ensure all 

Official Transcripts/Supplemental English Scores Deadline: June 1st

On-Campus Orientation (required): Mid-August (specific date updated annually)

Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the traditional J.D. timeline on a rolling admissions basis.

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