2025 Law School Application Deadlines
Applying to law school is an exciting yet complex process that requires careful planning, especially when it comes to meeting deadlines. Whether you’re applying to top-tier institutions or regional programs, understanding key dates for Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) can help maximize your chances of acceptance. Below is a detailed breakdown of 2025 law school application deadlines and important considerations for prospective applicants.
Understanding Law School Application Deadlines
Most law schools in the U.S. follow a rolling admissions process, meaning they review applications as they arrive rather than waiting until a final deadline. Because of this, applying early can significantly boost your chances of admission. Here’s what you need to know about different types of deadlines:
- Early Decision (ED): These deadlines usually fall between October and December. ED is binding, meaning if accepted, you must attend that school.
- Regular Decision (RD): These deadlines generally range from January to March, though some schools accept applications until June or later.
- Priority & Scholarship Deadlines: Some schools set earlier priority deadlines for applicants who want full consideration for scholarships.
2025 Law School Application Deadlines
Here’s a list of application deadlines for some of the top U.S. law schools for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle:
Law School |
Early Decision Deadline |
Regular Decision Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Yale University | N/A | February 15, 2025 |
| Stanford University | N/A | February 14, 2025 |
| Harvard University | N/A | February 15, 2025 |
| Columbia University | November 15, 2024 | February 15, 2025 |
| University of Chicago | December 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 |
| New York University (NYU) | November 15, 2024 | February 15, 2025 |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn Carey Law) | November 15, 2024 | March 1, 2025 |
| University of Virginia | N/A | March 1, 2025 |
| Northwestern University (Pritzker) | November 15, 2024 | February 15, 2025 |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | November 15, 2024 | February 28, 2025 |
| University of California – Berkeley | November 15, 2024 | February 15, 2025 |
| University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) | November 15, 2024 | February 1, 2025 |
| Cornell University | November 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 |
| Georgetown University | March 1, 2025 | Rolling Acceptance |
| University of Texas – Austin | November 1, 2024 | March 1, 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University | November 1, 2024 | April 1, 2025 |
| University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill | March 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 |
| University of Notre Dame | N/A | March 15, 2025 |
(For a full list of law school deadlines, always refer to official school websites.)
Tips for Meeting Law School Deadlines
- Apply Early: Due to rolling admissions, applying well before the deadline can increase your acceptance odds.
- Plan for the LSAT: Many schools accept the LSAT taken as late as January or February. However, taking it earlier gives you flexibility. If you’re preparing for the LSAT, consider working with Odyssey Test Prep, a premier LSAT tutoring service that offers personalized strategies to help you achieve a top score.
- Secure Letters of Recommendation Early: Professors and employers may need time to write strong letters, so request them at least two months before your deadline.
- Prepare Personal Statements in Advance: Law school applications require compelling personal statements, which take time to perfect. Odyssey Test Prep also provides expert guidance on crafting a standout personal statement.
- Check for Additional Materials: Some schools require supplemental essays or video interviews.
Final Thoughts
Navigating law school deadlines can be daunting, but staying organized and applying early can give you a competitive edge. Be sure to verify deadlines on each law school’s official website, as they can sometimes change.
For expert LSAT prep and admissions consulting, reach out to Odyssey Test Prep to maximize your chances of getting into your dream law school.
Best of luck with your law school applications in 2025!
