admissions

Overview

The Admissions Committee seeks well-rounded law students who demonstrate ambition, strong academic performance, leadership ability, maturity, and involvement in campus and community activities. Professional experience will be a key factor in the summer associate position placement process.

The Admissions Process Committee will review applications as they are received. Applicants will be accepted, declined, or put on a waiting list within three weeks of completing an application. Applicants may check their application status and confirm the receipt of supporting documents at any time through the online application system. Applicants will be notified by email and regular mail when a decision is available.

Legal Studies Institute Deadlines
Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis, so students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Students who apply early will receive first consideration for both admission and scholarship decisions as well as internship placement. Many of our internships are very competitive, so the earlier a student is admitted, the greater his or her chance is of receiving a top internship.

To qualify for a deadline, the applicant must submit the online application form by 11:59PM EST on the deadline and all supporting materials must be received by our office.

Summer 2012 Deadlines:
Early Deadline - February 10, 2012 (5% Tuition Discount)
Final Deadline - March 16, 2012

Application Procedure
All applicants must submit a complete application consisting of the following items:

• A completed Application for Admission form. (Must be submitted through our online application system, Apply Yourself)
  
• One letter of recommendation from a previous or current supervisor. Additional letters may be submitted and can be from professors, deans, academic advisors or others who know you well and can attest to your suitability for the program. Please do not submit letters from friends or relatives. (May be uploaded into our online application system, Apply Yourself, emailed, faxed, or mailed)
  
• An official transcript from your law school. Students applying before receiving their first semester grades may submit their undergraduate transcript. All acceptances will be contingent upon the receipt of the applicant’s first semester of law school grades. (Must be mailed in a sealed envelope)
  
• A typed, one-page professional resume that includes information about any professional experience or activities you have been involved in that would illustrate your suitability for the program. (Must be uploaded into our online application system Apply Yourself)
  
• 250-500 word writing sample on the following topic: “ What is the most pressing problem facing the American legal system? Please explain its significance and offer at least one solution.”(Must be uploaded into our online application system, Apply Yourself)
  
• 400-500 word Statement of Purpose answering the following: “State your reasons for applying to the Institute, and what you would gain personally, professionally and academically by attending.” Part 2: “Describe the type of internship that is a good fit for your skills, interests and experiences. Please be as specific as possible." (Must be uploaded into our online application system, Apply Yourself)
  
• A non-refundable application fee of $50. You may pay your application fee online via credit card, or you may choose to mail a check or money order payable to The Fund for American Studies

Any application materials (mentioned above) submitted via mail may be sent to the following address:

LSI Admissions Committee
The Fund for American Studies
1621 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Scholarship Application
Scholarship awards are based on a combination of factors including financial need, academic excellence, extracurricular achievement, and leadership activities. For scholarship consideration, students must submit the following via the online application system Apply Yourself, mail or fax (202.318.0441) in addition to the aforementioned requirements:

• A 250 word statement explaining your need for a scholarship (Must be uploaded into our online application system, Apply Yourself)
  
• Personal Financial Materials: Please click here for a detailed explanation of what is required
  
• Please see the Costs & Financing page for full program costs and scholarship information