Frequently Asked Questions
When is UND School of Law’s application deadline?
We accept applications through July 15th of each year. We do recommend that each applicant complete their application prior
to the April 1st, which is our acceptance deposit deadline.
How long is the JD program, how many credits do I need to graduate, and what is the
program instructional format?
Our JD program is a three-year, full-time law program during the Fall and Spring terms.
Law students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours with a minimum of 76 credit
hours being in courses comprising of regular class sessions at the School of Law.
Courses are offered Monday-Friday with first-year courses primarily scheduled during
standard office hours. Second- and third-year law courses are scheduled during the
day and occasionally in the evenings. We do not offer weekend courses.
How many students are accepted in the first-year? How many students do you have at
the School of Law?
For our incoming first-year class, we aim for 80-85 law students. Overall creating
a law school community of approximately 240-255 law students among the three classes.
We value our community-oriented environment among students, staff and faculty.
When should I take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)?
We recommend for applicants to take the LSAT no later than the summer or fall of the
year prior to when they wish to start. This allows for any retake opportunities if
an applicant is not satisfied with their score and allows for the submission of their
application file prior to April 1st. Methods of preparation can vary based on each applicant’s learning preferences,
financial situation and schedule. We recommend each applicant to devote time to preparation
reviewing questions types, test instructions, and online test formatting.
How long are LSAT scores valid?
LSAT scores are valid for five years.
If I take the LSAT more than once, which score will be used when the Admissions Committee
reviews my file?
Though the Admissions Committee can view all valid LSAT scores on your CAS report,
your highest score will be considered for admissions purposes and scholarship eligibility.
Are my LSAT and undergraduate GPA the only pieces of my application that are considered
for admissions?
Though your LSAT results and undergraduate GPA are important aspects of your application
and are required, the Admissions Committee considers all components of your application
while taking into consideration the following questions, “Will the applicant be successful
at studying law at UND School of Law?” and “Will the applicant be successful at passing
the North Dakota bar exam?” Therefore, many factors are considered when reviewing
applicant’s files. The Admissions Committee will consider LSAT score, undergraduate
GPA, undergraduate course of study including courses taken, LSAT writing sample, character
and fitness, letters of recommendation, and personal and professional experiences
identified in one’s personal statement and resume.
What major do I need or prerequisites do I need to take to apply for law school?
Though applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree to apply to law school, there is
no required major or field of study necessary to be able to apply. Our law students
come to us with a variety of different educational backgrounds which allows for diversity
within the classroom. Just as there is no required undergraduate field of study, there
are no prerequisite courses that students need to take before applying and/or attending
law school.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
When asking someone to write a letter of recommendation for you, it is important to
consider someone who knows you well and can provide the committee with additional
information about professional and personal qualities and characteristics you possess,
attest to your academic ability beyond your letter grade or test score, and consider
your potential for success in law school. The stronger your relationship is with the
recommender, the more insight they can provide to the committee about who you are.
Do not be afraid to ask your recommender to focus on your strengths, your passion
for the study of law, or anything else you feel is important for the committee to
know and will not be able to view in other sections of your application file.
If I go to UND School of Law, do I have to practice in North Dakota or can I practice
in other states?
Though North Dakota needs professionals practicing law in North Dakota, you do not
have to stay and practice here. You can study here and our JD program meets the educational
requirements to go and sit in other states for their bar exam (keep in mind they may
require additional requirements for licensing). Because North Dakota is part of the
Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) students have the opportunity to transfer their scores to other UBE jurisdictions
without needing to retake the entire bar exam. Some states may require additional
requirements for licensure so it is important to view all states requirements to be
eligible to become licensed. You can view information about the UBE at http://www.ncbex.org/exams/ube/ . You can view information about state licensure disclosures at https://und.edu/about/student-disclosure-information/state-licensure-map.html.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to our Office of Admissions and Records at 1.800.CALL.UND or 701.777.2047 or admissions@law.UND.edu. We will be happy to assist you.