Prospective Students

Applying to the College of Law

 

Apply for Fall 2013 Admission beginning October 15, 2012!

     

    How to Apply

    The Florida A&M University College of Law offers a three-year Full-Time Day Program and a four-year Part-Time Evening program. Applicants to the law school have the option of applying to one or both programs at the time of application.

    The College of Law will begin accepting applications for its Fall 2013 Entering Class on October 15, 2012.  The deadline to submit applications for the entering class is May 31, 2013 and all applications must be complete by June 30, 2013.

     

    Applications and fees

    Applicants may apply electronically using the Law School Admission Council’s electronic application process. The application fee for online submissions is $33.

    Applicants may apply by submitting a paper application which is available only from the law school website. The application fee for paper applications is $50.

    The following admission requirements apply to all applicants to the College of Law:

    • All applicants must submit a completed Fall 2013 Application, along with the appropriate application fee.  The application fee is waived for Florida A&M University current students and alumni. Additionally, the application fee is waived for applicants who have received current fee waivers from the Law School Admission Council.
    • All applicants for admission must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education prior to enrollment. Upon matriculation, one copy of an official transcript confirming the conferral of the bachelor’s degree must be submitted to the College of Law prior to the start of classes.
    • All applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and are responsible for making their own arrangements to take the LSAT. For admission purposes, the Florida A&M University College of Law will accept LSAT scores that are up to five years old.
    • All applicants must register for the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) and are responsible for making their own arrangements for submitting official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work to LSDAS for evaluation. Further information about the LSDAS service can be obtained by contacting the Law School Admissions Council at 215/968-1001. Note that the LSDAS code for FAMU College of Law is 5832.
    • All applicants are required to submit two personal statements and two letters of recommendation. Rather than submit letters of recommendation with the application, applicants are encouraged to utilize the LSAC’s letter of recommendation service that is included in the LSDAS registration subscription.
    • Application files cannot be reviewed until the file is complete. Admissions decisions will be made on a rolling basis after all required materials have been received.

     

    Personal Statements

    At the Florida A&M University College of Law, we value diversity and commitment to public service. Please prepare an essay (no longer than two typed pages in length) that addresses the following questions:

    Required Statement 1 (please select one):

    1. How have your life experiences and background shaped you into an individual who will enrich the Florida A&M University College of Law?
    2. How have your life experiences and background demonstrated a commitment to public service?

    Required Statement 2

    Why do you want to pursue a legal education at Florida A&M University, and how do you envision using your legal education?

     

    Residency

    All incoming students (including out-of-state students) must complete the Residency Affidavit above and submit it to the office of admissions. To qualify for in-state tuition you must take the following steps to establish Florida residency.

     

    Documentary Evidence of Florida Residency

    If an applicant qualifies for a residency exception or qualification, then appropriate documentation must be submitted to evidence entitlement to that exception or qualification. Such evidence is generally specific to the type of residency exception or qualification being claimed by the applicant.  At least two of the following documents must be submitted, with dates that evidence the 12-month qualifying period.  At least one of the documents must be from the First Tier.  As some evidence is more persuasive than others, more than two may be requested.  No single piece of documentation will be considered conclusive.

    First Tier (at least one of the two documents submitted must be from this list)

    1.  A Florida voter’s registration card.
    2.  A Florida driver’s license.
    3.  A State of Florida identification card.
    4.  A Florida vehicle registration.
    5. Proof of a permanent home in Florida which is occupied as a primary residence by the individual or by the individual’s parent if the individual is a dependent child.
    6. Proof of a homestead exemption in Florida.
    7.  Proof of permanent full-time employment in Florida for at least 30 hours per week for a consecutive 12-month period. 

    Second Tier (may be used in conjunction with one document from First Tier)

    1. A declaration of domicile in Florida.
    2. A Florida professional or occupational license.
    3. Florida incorporation.
    4. Any other documentation that supports the student’s request for resident status, including, but not limited to, utility bills and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; a lease agreement and proof of 12 consecutive months of payments; or an official state, federal, or court document evidencing legal ties to Florida.

     

    Examples of documents that may not be used

    Hunting/fishing licenses

    Library cards

    Shopping club/rental cards

    Birth certificate

    Passport

     

    Evaluation of Applications

    The Florida A&M University College of Law seeks diligent, hardworking students with a broad array of talents and experiences who demonstrate both an exceptional aptitude for the study of law and a strong history of, or commitment to public service.

    Since the law school's re-establishment in 2002, admission to the College of Law has become increasingly competitive. Selection for admission is based on a thorough evaluation of all factors in an applicant’s file. In reviewing the applications of individuals applying for admission to the College of Law, the Admissions Committee considers a multitude of factors, including:

    • Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score
    • Cumulative undergraduate grade point average (UGPA)
    • Writing ability and attention to detail as evidenced by the LSAT writing sample and the personal statement
    • The academic reputation of the applicant’s undergraduate and/or graduate institution
    • The academic rigor of an applicant’s undergraduate and/or graduate major(s)
    • Record of community or public service
    • Academic honors and personal achievements
    • Work experience
    • Extra-curricular activities
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Evidence of an applicant’s motivation, character and fitness for the practice of law