Since its founding in 1891, Michigan State University College of Law has built a tradition of welcoming students from all backgrounds. Beginning as Detroit College of Law—where the admissions policy stated, “The college opens its doors to all classes, without regard to sex, color or citizenship”—the school has grown into a Big Ten law school fully integrated with Michigan State University in East Lansing.
We seek students who are dedicated to justice, who chart their own paths to success, and who bring a variety of perspectives to our learning community. Our admissions process is holistic, considering many factors beyond academic records and standardized test scores. The review is designed to identify individuals with the potential to excel in legal studies, contribute to a vibrant academic environment, and make a positive impact in the legal profession.
MSU Law’s history reflects a longstanding commitment to openness and opportunity. From its earliest classes—including students of different backgrounds and experiences—the college has continued to grow as a place where all are encouraged to achieve their goals and contribute to the profession.
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).
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is administered nine times per year through LSAC.
- Maximize Your LSAT Prep »
- Learn more about commercial test prep providers and resources (note: MSULaw does not endorse any LSAT provider, resources are listed to assist)
- 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.
- 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?
- Two required, up to four accepted. No required designated source.
- Dated and signed recommendation should be submitted through LSAC’s Letter of Recommendation Service. Getting Strong Recommendations »
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 »
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.
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.