Frequent Questions

FAQ

• • What is the application deadline?

    The application for the fall term will open on October 1, and we accept applications through July 15.

  • How should I prepare for the LSAT? Can you recommend a preparation course?

    The method of preparation (most commonly self-study or a commercial preparation course) often varies depending upon the applicant’s learning style, finances, and schedule. Regardless of the method, it’s important to devote significant time to practicing under timed conditions.  Applicants should review the test instructions and become familiar with the types of questions asked. A typical course of study occurs during the two months leading up to an exam, for about 20 hours a week—so it’s like a part-time job. A commercial preparation course may be most appealing to some applicants, but we don’t recommend any course in particular.

    Mitchell Hamline offers a Gateway LSAT preparation scholarship and a discounted BluePrint self-paced online LSAT test preparation package for interested prospective applicants. For more information, contact [email protected].

  • When should I take the LSAT?

    We strongly recommend that first-year applicants take the LSAT no later than March of the year in which they hope to enroll, but we will accept a score from the June administration of that same year.

    LSAT scores are reportable by LSAC for five years from the time of testing. Applicants must have a reportable LSAT score in order to be considered for admission. The LSAT cannot be waived.

  • Is a minimum LSAT score required for admission?

    No. Though predictors of academic success are an important part of the application review process, we do not use LSAT or GPA cut-offs in our application review process. We read and consider every application we receive. Our current Student Profile will have information about the median LSAT score and GPA of the most recent incoming class.

  • Does Mitchell Hamline average multiple LSAT scores?

    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.

  • Does Mitchell Hamline accept GRE scores?

    Yes; however, Mitchell Hamline does not accept the GRE in place of the LSAT.

    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.

  • What things are most important to the Admissions Committee when it is reviewing an application?

    The threshold question the Admissions Committee is trying to answer when reviewing an application is always, “Will this applicant be successful in studying the law at Mitchell Hamline?”

    Thus, the Admissions Committee will holistically review each application with this is mind. The Committee is focused on academic success and potential, extracurricular and professional engagement, lived experience, and interest in the law and Mitchell Hamline. Applicants can demonstrate their strengths in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: LSAT writing sample, personal statements, letters of recommendation, extracurricular and work experience, diversity of background and lived experience, graduate school, international experience, overcoming hardship or obstacles, and evidence of passion.

  • Who should write my letters of recommendation?

    Recommenders should know an applicant well and be able to assess personal qualities and potential for success in law school. They should describe at least some of these characteristics: academic ability, including analytical aptitude, critical reading abilities, and oral and written communication skills; leadership and interpersonal skills; motivation and self-discipline; and demonstrated ethics. If an applicant is currently in school, or graduated less than three years ago, he or she should ask professors. If an applicant graduated more than three years ago and a past professor isn’t an option, an applicant should ask colleagues, preferably those in supervisory positions, or fellow volunteers who know that applicant in a professional capacity and can attest to the characteristics described above. Applicants should avoid asking family members and friends, because they are understandably biased. In addition, applicants should avoid the “token” lawyer or judge (essentially, family friends who work in the legal profession who do not know the applicant in a professional capacity).

  • How long will it take the Admissions Committee to make a decision on my application?

    The Admissions Committee will typically render a decision on an application four to six weeks from when it becomes complete. Applicants should note that the date on which an application becomes complete is not necessarily the date on which they submit it. The Office of Admissions will inform every applicant via email when his or her application has been received and provide a login to check the status of an application to see whether it is complete.

  • Should I include a GPA addendum?

    If there is anything in your post-secondary transcripts that could raise questions about your academic ability or motivation, we strongly recommend submitting a GPA addendum. Examples could include performing poorly your first year; a downward trend in your GPA; poor grades in any given term, across multiple terms, or in recent terms.

    There are often compelling reasons to explain what may have happened, so it’s best to provide us with context.