First-Year Applicants

Willamette University College of Law enrolls a small first-year law class with a wide range of career goals and backgrounds distinguished by academic achievements. Applicants are urged to apply as early as possible, preferably the fall prior to the year of intended enrollment. Applications are reviewed closely and in their entirety to ensure an informed and fair decision.

When to Apply

Although the formal application deadline for the fall semester is March 1, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications far before the final deadline. Students who wish to be considered for scholarships should apply as early as possible. Willamette begins sending out admission and scholarship decisions in early January of the enrollment year.

How to Apply

To apply for admission to Willamette University College of Law, a candidate must complete the application process described below, register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Both the LSDAS and the LSAT are provided by Law Services in Newtown, Pa. For Information about Law Services, contact the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at www.LSAC.org, lsacinfo@lsac.org or 215-968-1001.

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC), maintains an approved electronic-format application to Willamette's College of Law. The following link will take you directly to LSAC Willamette University College of Law Application .

Postal Mail

Apply by submitting a paper application. The application can be downloaded in PDF format (below), or an application can be obtained from the College of Law at 503-370-6282 or law-admission@willamette.edu.

• JD Admission Application (PDF)
• Signature Form (PDF)

Application Requirements

A candidate may choose to apply through any of the following methods.

1. All candidates (domestic or international) are required to take the LSAT, which is offered four times a year in the United States (June, October, December and February) and on a more limited basis abroad. Candidates are urged to take the LSAT in June, October or December of the year prior to that of anticipated enrollment. Applicants submitting test scores from February or June of the same year as anticipated enrollment will be considered only if space remains available. The Admission Committee will not accept LSAT scores more than five years old. If a candidate presents more than one LSAT score, the highest score will be considered.
2. Candidates submitting paper applications must submit a nonrefundable application processing fee of $50. Make checks payable to “Willamette University.” Submit the application processing fee with the application for admission. The application processing fee is waived for online applications and may be waived under specific conditions for candidates submitting paper applications.
3. Submit two letters of recommendation to LSDAS. Do NOT send letters of recommendation to Willamette. Letters of recommendation should be written by individuals who can attest to the candidate’s academic aptitude and intellectual capability for law school. References from employers or business colleagues are acceptable if a candidate has been out of school for a long period of time.
4. Submit an official academic transcript from EVERY graduate and undergraduate (community college and four-year institution) attended. Academic transcripts should be submitted to LSDAS and NOT to Willamette.
5. A personal statement is required and should be submitted to Willamette with the application for admission. Guidelines about the content and length of the personal statement are provided in the application for admission.
6. Submit a resume; one is required with the application. If applying electronically, use an electronic attachment. Include the following: full- and part-time work experience in chronological order with most recent position first; professional honors, awards or other recognition (community, employment and military) received; a description of activities important to the candidate’s professional development and leadership abilities.