{"id":78,"date":"2015-11-16T18:31:11","date_gmt":"2015-11-16T18:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mitchellhamline.edu\/admission\/?page_id=78"},"modified":"2025-12-22T09:14:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T15:14:32","slug":"application-for-first-year-enrollment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mitchellhamline.edu\/admission\/applying\/application-for-first-year-enrollment\/","title":{"rendered":"Application for First-Year Enrollment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Apply through LSAC<\/h2>\n

The fall application opened October 1 through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC<\/a>) website.<\/p>\n

Deadline: July 15<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Strong preference will be given to applicants who submit a complete application by June 1, although we will accept applications through July 15.<\/p>\n

Admission to Mitchell Hamline School of Law is based on both academic and nonacademic factors. We encourage you to submit all information that you feel we need to know to make an admission decision. We don\u2019t require admission interviews but encourage applicants to learn more about the school and the process by attending an information session<\/a>, touring the campus, or meeting with an admissions representative<\/a>. We look forward to reading your application and hope to meet you soon!<\/p>\n

Distance learning specific disclosures<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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LSAT and Other Resources<\/h3>\n
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  1. \n

    LSAT Preparation Scholarship – All Scholarships have been awarded for 2025-2026\/Closed<\/h4>\n
    \n

    Mitchell Hamline School of Law offers a scholarship to cover the cost of an online, self-paced LSAT preparation course offered by BluePrint. Applications open July 1 each year. Mitchell Hamline will make awards to selected recipients on a rolling basis until all scholarships are exhausted or until March 1<\/strong>. Priority will be given to applicants with a demonstrated financial need. For more information about how to obtain the scholarship, please contact Ann Buesgens at 651-695-7693 or\u00a0 ann.buesgens@mitchellhamline.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Discounted BluePrint LSAT Preparation<\/h4>\n
    Mitchell Hamline has partnered with BluePrint LSAT Preparation to offer a discounted self-paced, online LSAT preparation package available for interested prospective applicants. After the discount, the total cost is $350. BluePrint offers a three-month time frame to study and sit for the LSAT. This course includes access to the Official LSAC LawHub Advantage\u00ae. BluePrint also offers a free trial. For more information about how to obtain the discounted price of the course, please contact Ann Buesgens at 651-695-7693 or\u00a0 ann.buesgens@mitchellhamline.edu<\/a>.
    \n    BluePrint LSAT Preparation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  3. \n

    Official LSAT Prep and LawHub Advantage<\/h4>\n
    \n

    Build test day confidence through unlimited practice that allows you to simulate the test-taking experience. Free access to Official LSAT Prep is available through your LSAC account. Or, upgrade to LawHub Advantage for one-year access to an extensive library of full LSAT Prep Tests
    \n    Official LSAT Prep and LawHub Advantage<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    LexPreLaw<\/h4>\n
    \n

    A free program through AccessLex for underrepresented students that provides LSAT prep and admission counseling. The application cycle begins in March each year for the following application cycle.
    \n    LexPreLaw<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Barnes and Thornberg Prelaw Scholars Program<\/h4>\n
    \n

    Scholars are eligible to receive up to $2,500 to help pay for the LSAT application, LSAT study course, credential assembly service, and law school application fees.
    \n    Barnes and Thornberg Prelaw Scholars Program<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  6. \n

    Native Forward Student Access Scholarship<\/h4>\n
    \n

    This scholarship helps cover the cost as well as preparatory expenses related to the LSAT for American Indian and Alaska Native students.
    \n    Native Forward Student Access Scholarship<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  7. \n

    Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Program<\/h4>\n
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    This program offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School.
    \n    Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Program<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  8. \n

    Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO)<\/h4>\n
    \n

    CLEO is an organization that expands opportunities for BIPOC and low-income students to attend law school. They offer a variety of programs for people doing their undergraduate to post-baccalaureate work.
    \n    Council on Legal Education Opportunity<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  9. \n

    Kaplan and Vela Wood LSAT Prep Course Scholarship<\/h4>\n
    \n

    Black students are invited to enroll in Kaplan’s LSAT Live Online program at no cost.<\/p>\n

    Kaplan and Vela Wood LSAT Prep Course Scholarship<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  10. \n

    Admission Unmasked\u2122<\/h4>\n
    \n

    Admission Unmasked\u2122 is an invaluable program for those planning to apply to law school and is hosted by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). This program covers important application components, how to make informed choices about where to apply, what a law degree could mean for your career, how to write an effective personal statement, and preparing for the LSAT (and more!).
    \n    Admission Unmasked\u2122<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  11. \n

    Pathway to Law Initiative: Native American Law School Admissions Workshop<\/h4>\n
    \n

    The Native American Law School Admissions Workshop educates and helps prospective law students successfully navigate the law school application process. This workshop will be held June 5-9, 2024 in Berkeley, CA. Applications are due March 15, 2024.
    \n    Native American Law School Admissions Workshop<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  12. \n

    Next Generation Lideres<\/h4>\n
    \n

    This program matches prospective law students with attorney mentors and hosts informative group events designed to build knowledge about the legal profession and the law school application process. This LatinoJustice program seeks to increase the number of Latinx students applying to law school.
    \n    Next Generation Lideres<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  13. \n

    Ms. JD’s Application Accelerator<\/h4>\n
    \n

    This is a free, multi-day, virtual conference designed to help you create the strongest law school application possible. Hear from law school admissions professionals and industry experts on key application elements such as soliciting letters of recommendation, crafting personal statements, and building a resume.
    \n    Ms. JD’s Application Accelerator<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

    For more information about LSAT preparation resources, please contact Ann Buesgens<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)<\/h3>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

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

    LSAT writing sample<\/h4>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

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