Application for First-Year Enrollment

Prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The LSAT measures a number of qualities that contribute to success in law school, including reading comprehension and analytical reasoning. It is also the strongest predictor that we have in the application for success on the bar exam. The exam also includes an unscored writing sample. It is a test of aptitude rather than knowledge, and it is taken under timed conditions, so preparation and familiarity are essential.

Plan to spend time equivalent to at least a two-month, part-time job studying and taking practice tests. The 160+ hours can be spent studying LSAT preparation books; taking an online or in-person course, which range in length; getting individual help from a tutor; or a combination of the above. Different methods of studies, work for different types of learners; below is a list of various resources. We do not endorse a particular method of preparation.

For more information about LSAT preparation resources, please contact Ann Buesgens.

Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The exam is offered nine times a year. Scores are typically released four weeks after the exam date. Other application materials can be submitted in advance of receipt of your LSAT score. The admissions committee will look at all scores when reviewing an application for admission, taking into consideration score trends, the most recent score, and the average of all reported scores. Mitchell Hamline will consider the highest LSAT score among multiple scores for the purpose of scholarship awards.

You may include an addendum of no more than one page, double-spaced, explaining any exceptional circumstances relating to test preparation or testing conditions or providing other information that will help the admissions committee interpret your scores.

LSAT writing sample

At least one LSAT writing sample is required. The admissions committee reviews LSAT writing samples carefully, taking into consideration use of facts provided, reasoning, thoroughness, organization, and technical writing skill.

The Law School Admission Council administers the LSAT and charges a fee to take the LSAT. There is an LSAC fee waiver program for candidates who cannot afford to pay for the exam.

• LSAT Fees

LSAT scores are reportable by LSAC for five years from the time of testing. Applicants must have a reportable LSAT score to be considered for admission.

• Register for the Law School Admission Test at LSAC.org

Register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

You will submit several documents necessary to complete your application for admission through CAS.

• Register for the Credential Assembly Service at LSAC.org

After you submit all official undergraduate and graduate school transcripts and letters of recommendation (see below for more information) you will submit a request to LSAC to have a CAS report submitted to Mitchell Hamline School of Law. The CAS report will include these materials and your LSAT score(s) and LSAT writing sample. Mitchell Hamline offers a limited number of the Law School Report fee waivers. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Request transcripts

Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. Transcripts must be sent to CAS using the form provided by LSAC. Mitchell Hamline requires that students have earned a bachelor’s degree before entering law school.

The admissions committee will review all your undergraduate and graduate work from every institution and program you attended. The committee will consider trends in your grades, specific coursework, and the length of time since your coursework.

You may include an addendum of no more than one page, double-spaced, explaining any exceptional circumstances relating to your post-secondary education experience or providing other information that will help the admissions committee interpret your grades.

Note: If you withdrew or were dismissed from any law school in the past, please provide an official transcript from the law school, a complete explanation, and information about why you believe you will succeed at Mitchell Hamline.

Obtain letters of recommendation

Two confidential letters of recommendation are required. Your recommenders must submit their letters directly to CAS. Letters submitted directly to Mitchell Hamline will not be accepted.

You have the option of submitting up to two additional letters of recommendation, for a total of four letters.

Your recommenders should know you well and be able to assess your personal qualities and your potential for success in law school. They should describe at least some of these characteristics:

• Academic ability, including creative thinking, reasoning ability, analytical skills, and oral and written communication skills
• Leadership and interpersonal skills
• Motivation and self-discipline
• Demonstrated ethics

The admissions committee strongly prefers letters that are no older than two years and from recommenders who know you through a work, academic, or other professional setting.

LSAC Letters of Recommendation Information

Complete application for admission

Applications must be submitted online. We do not charge an application fee.

Attach personal statement

Your personal statement should be two to three pages, double-spaced, and at least 11-point font.  

What motivates you to study law? What experiences will you bring to your law school education and build on in your career after law school?  

Attach supplemental statement(s)

Supplemental statements allow you an opportunity to provide us with relevant information that you were not able to include elsewhere in your application materials. Please submit your response to at least one, but no more than two, of the following topics. Each supplemental statement should be no more than two pages, double-spaced, and at least 11-point font. Please include the corresponding letter of the topic you are addressing at the top of your statement(s). 

1. 1. Mitchell Hamline values perseverance, resilience, and self-awareness as traits necessary to succeed both at Mitchell Hamline and in the legal profession. Tell us about a challenge or adversity you have faced, and how your response demonstrates one or more of those traits.
   2. Mitchell Hamline students come from a broad range of backgrounds, with diverse views and perspectives. We aspire to be a community where students can learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive environment. Tell us something about yourself, and how it shapes the way you would learn from and contribute to our community.
   3. What about Mitchell Hamline’s vision, mission, values, community, academic offerings, and/or distinct programming make it a good fit for your educational, personal, and/or professional goals?

Attach a scholarship addendum (if applicable)

A student may apply to both scholarships; however, if rewarded, will only be granted one of the two scholarships.

North Star Scholarship

If you are applying to the blended-learning enrollment option and you intend to use your legal education to practice law in a rural area, reservation, or small city or town currently underserved by local lawyers, please explain in a one-page, double-spaced essay your ongoing experience with and commitment to practice in that community.

• Clearly indicate that you are applying for the North Star Scholarship. See Mitchell Hamline Scholarships for more information.

Native Justice Scholarship

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must demonstrate an interest in Native American Law and Sovereignty in a one-page, double-spaced scholarship essay; and, in addition, provide sufficient documentation to establish that they are:

–  an enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native Tribal Nation;

–  demonstrate an ongoing experience working in and with Native American communities and a commitment to using their legal education to continue to do so.

Scholarship applicants are required to provide documentation on their enrollment number or other Native community authority confirming their status of eligibility as stated above.

All other applicants may be eligible for the Native Justice Scholarship by providing documentation to demonstrate an ongoing experience working in and with Native American communities as a career and the intention to use their JD degree in the field of Native American law.

If you submitted documentation regarding your tribal affiliation and/or a heritage statement with your application, you do not need to include this information in the Native Justice Scholarship essay.

• Clearly indicate that you are applying for the Native Justice Scholarship. See Mitchell Hamline Scholarships for more information.

Attach a résumé

Your résumé should include a complete history of your post-secondary employment and education, including graduation and employment dates, colleges, and degrees received. It may also include a listing of significant extracurricular activities, volunteer or community service experience, leadership activities, awards and honors, or internships. The resume is not limited to one page.

Attach character and fitness addendum(s) (if applicable)

If you answered “yes” to any character and fitness question, you must submit any necessary documentation, as described in the question to which you answer “yes.”

Other standardized tests

If you have taken the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) and would like to include your scores in your application, please use Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s code (4750) to submit them. Mitchell Hamline does not require GRE scores or accept them in place of the LSAT score. However, we will take your GRE scores into consideration if you submit them.

Bar application, eligibility, and licensure information