Colorado Law values leadership, character, diversity and commitment to service in its students pursuing their Juris Doctor (JD). The small size of the incoming JD class–about 170 every fall–and the larger number of applicants require a very selective admissions process. In evaluating applications, the Admissions Committee relies on (1) the completed application form, (2) the report of LSAT scores, (3) undergraduate GPA and transcripts, (4) personal essay(s), and (5) recommendations. The Committee also conducts a holistic analysis of special qualities and individual circumstances such as motivation, undergraduate program, diversity in economic, social, or cultural background, employment or other experience (e.g., military), leadership, and perseverance in overcoming personal handicaps or disadvantages. Graduate level work is also considered. The Admissions Committee is also seeking evidence of character, leadership and diversity, which are the hallmarks of the Colorado Law student body.
Application Process
Regular admission applications with all required materials should be submitted starting Oct. 1. Find complete application instructions at www.lsac.org and on the Colorado Law website. The Admissions Committee considers regular decision applications beginning in October. Applicants are notified by letter of decisions from early fall until the class is filled. Admission from the waitlist, which is not ranked, can occur as late as August, and the number of offers varies from year to year.
International Students
International applicants have additional requirements as explained on the school's website, including transcripts showing completion of the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree, foreign degree verification and transcript translation, if applicable. The TOEFL is required of all students whose native language is not English, as a thorough and excellent command of written and spoken English is crucial to success in law school. After admissions, international students must submit a financial affidavit stating that they have the financial resources to support themselves while attending school in the United States, since the Colorado Law cannot offer loan assistance to international students.
Transfer Students
Students who have completed at least one full year of study (approximately 30 credit hours) at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association may apply for fall transfer admission to Colorado Law. Typically, applications for fall enrollment are accepted after May 1 and must be received by July 1. The number of transfer students admitted varies each year, and only those who have done very well in their law studies elsewhere have a substantial chance of admission.
Visiting Students
Colorado Law admits some students who are receiving their law degree from another law school to study here for the fall or spring semester or both. Admission as a visiting student is available to applicants who have completed one or two years of high-quality work at another law school and have demonstrated a compelling need to attend Colorado Law. Financial aid for visiting students is usually handled by a consortium agreement between Colorado Law and the degree-granting institution.