Frequently Asked Questions

Deadlines and Application Submission
What are the application deadlines?
What is the benefit of applying for the early deadline?
Is there a GPA requirement?
What are my chances of being accepted?
What year should I be in school?
Do all of my materials need to be submitted at the same time?
Is the whole application due at the deadline or just the online portion?
If items are postmarked by the deadline, will they still be accepted?
How should I send my supplemental materials - by mail, email or fax?
What is the fee for applying?
How do I pay the application fee?
When will I be notified of my admission status?

Application Materials
How long should my resume be?
What types of experiences and activities should I put on my resume?
Do I need to send an official transcript?
Do I need to send my undergraduate transcripts?
What if I have attended more than one law school- should I send all the transcripts?
Is it okay to go over the word limit for the essays?
Who should write my letter of recommendation?
What should the letter of recommendation cover?
How many letters should I send and is there a maximum number?
How should my letter of recommendation be sent?

International Student Applicants
Can I be accepted to the Washington, D.C. program even though I am an international student?

Scholarship Application
How are scholarship awards determined?
What do I need to submit if I am applying for a scholarship?
Can I request scholarship funding after submitting the rest of my application?
Where do I access my Student Aid Report (SAR)?
I have not received my SAR for the 2010-2011 school year; can I send the one from 2009-2010?
My parents don't claim me as a dependent on their tax return- should I send my own instead?
I didn’t complete a FAFSA, but instead receive merit based scholarship funding – should I send proof of all grants and scholarships that I received for the current school year?
Can I use my existing financial aid package to pay for the TFAS summer program?

Technical Problems
If I have trouble uploading a document, what should I do?
I can’t access the Apply Yourself system pop-ups on my computer, what should I do?
How do I submit my online application?

LIVE
Where will I live?
How will I get to Washington?
Do I have to live in Student housing?
Can I bring my car?
How will I get around in Washington without a car?
What is it like to live in Washington, D.C.?
Do I need to bring my computer?
What should I bring?
Does the program include meals?
Is medical care available?
How much money should I bring?
Should I open a checking account in DC?

LEARN
Do I have to take the seminar?
Will I receive credit for the seminar?
Will I receive a transcript?
How should I dress?
How much will my books cost?
Are classes, site briefings and lectures mandatory?
How busy is the schedule?
What if my school's schedule prevents me from arriving by the start of the program?

INTERN
Can I receive credit for the internship?
How will my internship be determined?
When will I find out about my internship placement?
Can I find my own internship?
Are the internships paid?
What will I do as an intern?
How will I get to my internship?
How should I dress?

DEADLINES AND APPLICATION SUBMISSION

What are the application deadlines?
Early Deadline: February 12, 2010
Final Deadline: March 19, 2010

back to top

What is the benefit of applying for the early deadline?
Admissions and scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis with priority consideration given to students applying for the early deadline. Additionally, students completing their applications for the early deadline will receive a 5% discount on their tuition balance.

back to top

Is there a GPA requirement?
While there is no formal GPA requirement, the admissions committee looks for applicants with a strong academic record. Qualified candidates are well-rounded students who demonstrate ambition, academic ability, leadership ability, maturity, and involvement in campus and community activities. Weakness in GPA can often be compensated for with a strong work experience, good recommendations, and well-written essays.

back to top

What are my chances of being accepted?
The admissions process is competitive. Students with strong academic and extracurricular records have a good chance of being admitted. Accepted students come from a broad variety of schools and backgrounds. Qualified candidates are well-rounded students who demonstrate ambition, academic ability, leadership ability, maturity, and involvement in campus and community activities. Since the class sizes are fixed, rates of admission are dependent on the size of the applicant pool, which varies from year to year. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with students who apply early given preference in admissions, scholarship awards, and internship placement.

back to top

What year should I be in school?
First and Second Year law students are the only candidates for admission, as they generally have a sufficient academic and professional background to handle the seminar and legal internship placement offered by the Institute.

back to top

Do all of my materials need to be submitted at the same time?
No. A student’s online application may be submitted before or after the student’s supplemental materials are received. Students may also send materials in different packages – all materials will be added to the student’s file as they are received. A student’s application will not be considered complete, however, until all application materials are received. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all materials have been received.

back to top

Is the whole application due at the deadline or just the online portion?
Yes. The entire application is due at the deadline. Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline and all supplemental materials must be received by the deadline to qualify.

back to top

If items are postmarked by the deadline, will they still be accepted?
No. All materials must be received by the deadline to qualify.

back to top

How should I send my supplemental materials - by mail, email, or fax?
The student’s official transcript may be faxed or emailed (directly from the registrar’s office), or mailed in a sealed envelope. All other materials may be sent via mail, email, fax, or through the online application system. Supplemental materials should be submitted in one of the following ways:

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

Fax: (202) 318.0441
Email: admissions@tfas.org

back to top

What is the fee for applying?
There is a $45 non-refundable application fee for the Legal Studies Institute.

back to top

How do I pay the application fee?
The application fee may be paid online using a credit card at the time of submission of the online application. The system will prompt applicants to select a method of payment after hitting the “submit” button. The application fee may also be paid by check mailed to The Fund for American Studies. The name of the applicant should be indicated on the check. Checks may be sent to:

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

back to top

When will I be notified of my admission status?
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and admissions decisions are made within three weeks after the application is marked as complete. Applicants will be notified by email and regular mail of their admissions decision. Applicants may also check their admission status online using their online application pin and password. Applications that are missing documents will not be reviewed, so students are encouraged to check and verify that their materials have been received.

How long should my resume be?
Resumes should be one-page in length. Detailed instructions, tips, institute-specific guidelines, and a sample resume can be found in the online application system under Downloadable Forms.

back to top

What type of experiences and activities should I put in my resume?
It is important to include professional experience as well as campus and volunteer activities. Resumes will be used in the admissions process and will be sent to potential internship sites. Students may refer to the Resume Guide available in the Downloadable Forms section of the application system for further tips on writing a resume.

back to top

Do I need to send an official transcript?
Yes. An official transcript is required in order for an application to be considered complete. The transcript may be faxed or emailed (directly from the registrar’s office) or mailed in a sealed envelope. Official transcripts should be submitted using the contact information listed below:

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

Fax: (202) 318.0441
Email: admissions@tfas.org

back to top

Do I need to send my undergraduate transcripts?
Your undergraduate transcripts are not needed to complete your application. Only your law school transcripts are required. If you are applying before the end of your first semester of law school, please submit your undergraduate transcript. If you are then accepted into the program, it will be contingent upon the receipt of your first semester grades and satisfactory performance.

back to top

What if I have attended more than one law school – should I send all the transcripts?
If a student’s grades from past law schools attended are not on their current institution’s transcript, then they should send the transcripts from all law schools previously attended.

back to top

Is it okay to go over the word limit for the essays?
It is fine to go slightly over the word limit, but please do not upload lengthy documents.

back to top

Who should write my letter of recommendation?
One letter of recommendation from a previous or current supervisor is required. Any additional letters may be from a professor, dean, or academic advisor. These additional letters are very helpful in the internship placement process. Letters from family members or friends should not be included.

back to top

What should the letter of recommendation cover?
The letter of recommendation should include information on what makes the applicant a strong candidate for admission to a legal academic internship program in Washington, D.C. The recommender should comment on the student’s performance at the workplace, time management skills, leadership potential as well as maturity.

back to top

How many letters should I send and is there a maximum number?
Applicants are required to send only a previous or current supervisor letter of recommendation. Any additional letters received will be added to the applicant’s file.

back to top

How should my letter of recommendation be sent?
The letter of recommendation may be sent through the online application system by the recommender or sent via mail or fax.

Mail::
LSI Admissions Committee
The Fund for American Studies
1621 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009

Fax: (202) 318.0441

back to top

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICANTS

Can I be accepted into the Washington, D.C. programs even though I am an international student?
Yes. We do accept international students that have attended a U.S. undergraduate school and are currently enrolled in an ABA approved law school.

back to top

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

How are scholarship awards determined?
Scholarships are awarded based on academic record, extracurricular achievement, leadership ability, and financial need. More than half of all accepted students receive scholarships. Awards are made on a rolling basis, so students needing financial assistance are encouraged to apply early.

back to top

What do I need to submit if I am applying for a scholarship?
Students are required to complete the scholarship portion of the online application including the scholarship statement, as well as send in the appropriate personal financial materials. Details on what those materials are may be found at www.DCinternships.org/images/2008/financial.pdf.

back to top

Can I request scholarship funding after submitting the rest of my application?
No. Admissions and scholarship decisions are made at the same time, so applicants wishing to apply for funding must complete the scholarship application at the time of submission. If an applicant selects that they would like to apply for a scholarship, their application will not be considered complete or reviewed until the personal financial materials are received. Details on what those materials are may be found at www.DCinternships.org/images/2008/financial.pdf.

back to top

Where do I access my Student Aid Report (SAR)?
The SAR may be accessed through the U.S. Department of Education's website www.fafsa.ed.gov or obtained from the student’s home institution’s financial aid office. The individual’s PIN and password are required in order to log-in to the site.

back to top

I haven’t received my SAR for the 2010-2011 school year; can I send the one from 2009-2010?
Yes. It is fine to send the SAR from the 2019-2010 school year.

back to top

My parents don’t claim me as a dependent on their tax return – should I send my own instead?
Yes. The tax return that claims the applicant as a dependent should be sent.

back to top

I didn’t complete a FAFSA, but instead receive merit based scholarship funding – should I send proof of all grants and scholarships that I received for the current school year?
Yes. Applicants receiving any funding for the current school year, including merit-based or athletic scholarships, must send a copy of their financial aid award summary detailing any grants, loans or scholarships that were received. This does not need to be in a formal letter format, but may be a print-out from a university online system.

back to top

Can I use my existing financial aid package to pay for the Legal Studies Institute?
Yes, student loans can often be used to cover the cost of the program, but the loan money must be acquired through a student’s home college or university. The Fund for American Studies cannot certify loans for LSI students. A student’s home institution must be willing to participate in a consortium agreement in order for university certified loans to be used for LSI. Students are encouraged to speak with their home institution’s financial aid office early in order to begin this process. If a student is interested in using their existing financial aid package they should contact the Institute staff who will help students with this procedure.

back to top

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

I am having trouble uploading a document, what should I do?
All required writing samples must be uploaded into the application system. All technical difficulties should be directed to the Apply Yourself technical support by clicking on the appropriate link within the system.

back to top

I can’t access the Apply Yourself system pop-ups on my computer, what should I do?
Apply Yourself utilizes pop-up windows in order to provide instructions and notify the user of any errors. It is recommended that applicants configure their computers to allow all pop-ups from the Apply Yourself online application system.

back to top

How do I submit my online application?
Once the application has been completed it may be submitted by clicking on the “submit” button at the top right of the screen. The system will provide details on any required questions that were not answered. Please note – The LSI Admissions Committee will not have access to any information entered into the online system until applicants hit the submit button. Once the application has been submitted, no changes to the online application may be made.

back to top

LIVE

Where will I live?
Students are matched with roommates of the same gender and are housed together in a furnished residential building in Washington, D.C. The building is convenient to public transportation. The living environment is conducive to fostering discussion among students and to building a sense of community.

How will I get to Washington?
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Washington, D.C. Three major airports, an Amtrak station, and a bus station service the city.

Airports/Amtrak/Bus Stations that service Washington, DC:
Ronald Regan National Airport (DCA) (5.6 miles)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) (24.2 miles)
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) (35.3 miles)
Amtrak station Washington – Union Station, DC (WAS) (5.4 miles)
Greyhound Bus Lines – Washington, DC (Union Station) (5.4 miles)

Do I have to live in student housing?
Students are encouraged, but not required, to live in the student apartments. Living in the student housing provides convenience and saves time in a very busy schedule. Moreover, living together helps to facilitate interaction among students, which is an important goal of the program. Students who wish to opt out of student housing must receive permission from Institute staff.

Can I bring my car?
Students are discouraged from bringing their cars. Parking on the street is limited to two hours for non-residents of the city. Short-term students are not eligible for resident parking stickers in the city. Student apartments are close to a metro station, making a car unnecessary.

How will I get around in Washington without a car?
The Washington area is served by one of the most efficient, clean and safe transportation systems in the world. You can take the metro or a bus to locations throughout the city of Washington, DC, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. If you plan to take the metro, (which most students will have to do to get to their internship and special events) you should budget approximately $20-$30 per week for commuting costs.

What is it like to live in Washington, D.C.?
Washington is a very livable city that is world-famous for its handsome architecture, stunning vistas and colorful landscape, as well as its world-class cultural attractions. Besides numerous monuments and landmarks, Washington is home to more than 90 museums and public galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. The Smithsonian comprises 16 museums, art galleries, and the National Zoo, all of which are free to the public. With its vibrant theater and music scene, Washington is second only to New York in number of public performances of the arts.

Do I need to bring my computer?
Student rooms are equipped for computer hook-ups, and it is recommended that students bring their own computer if possible.

What should I bring?
You must provide your own linens, towels, pillows, and all bath amenities. You may bring a computer, television or stereo if you desire. Laundry facilities are located in the building. In class you may dress casually, but at internships and most Institute functions, professional dress is required. While dress codes vary from office to office, typically men wear coats and ties, while women wear dresses, skirts, or dressy slacks.

Does the program include meals?
Students are responsible for their own meals during the program. There are grocery stores and restaurants within walking distance of the student apartments, and cooking facilities are available in each apartment.

Is medical care available?
Yes. There are medical clinics located on Capitol Hill for emergencies and non-emergencies near the student apartments. There are also numerous walk-in clinics located throughout the D.C. area.

How much money should I bring?
Please plan to bring enough money to cover meals, entertainment and transportation costs, incidental expenses, and whatever souvenir shopping you might want to do. A rough estimate of what a typical student spends is $125 per week.

Should I open a checking account in DC?
Opening a checking account is not necessary, but for those who wish to open a bank account, there are numerous bank braches in the Union Station/Capitol Hill area.

LEARN

Do I have to take the seminar?
Yes, all students must take the seminar, as well as participate in all other Institute activities.

Will I receive credit for the seminar?
Yes, students that successfully complete the Constitutional law seminar will receive 3 credit hours issued by Ohio Northern Law School. Students are encouraged to check with their registrar or dean about the credit transfer policy. The Institute seminar will often satisfy a requirement for a constitutional law course, and is often used as an elective. Students should also check to see if externship credit is available for their time spent working in a legal office in Washington, D.C. .

Will I receive a transcript?
Yes, students will receive a transfer transcript from Ohio Northern Law School’s Registrar after successful completion of the Constitutional law seminar.

How should I dress?
The dress code for the seminar is casual, but professional attire is required for internships, site briefings, and guest lectures.

How much will my books cost?
Most of the seminar materials are included on a jump drive for each student. Jump drives cost approximately $20. Any supplemental materials costs will be nominal.

Are classes, site briefings and lectures mandatory?
We fully expect each student to attend every academic and extra-curricular session, complete all reading assignments, participate actively in class discussions, and show respect and consideration to fellow Institute participants, staff, faculty, and guest lecturers. Students are also expected to adhere to scheduled work hours and complete all assignments.

How busy is the schedule?
The schedule is rigorous and designed to give students a rich immersion in education, law, and government - the true Washington experience of a lifetime. Days are long, and free time is limited mostly to the late evenings and weekends. During program, you will have an intense internship, seminar, and lecture schedule, so be prepared to be busy. Because of the limited duration and intensive schedule of the Institute, we highly discourage long distance travel by participants or visits from friends or relatives during the program.

What if my school's schedule prevents me from arriving by the start of the program?
The Institute staff will on occasion allow students to miss a few days of the Institute. However, because of the fast pace of the program, late arrivals are discouraged. Students must contact the Institute staff to obtain approval for a late arrival.

INTERN

Can I receive credit for the internship?
Students must make arrangements through their home university for details as each school has a different policy concerning externship/internship credit.

How will my internship be determined?
Accepted students will complete a detailed internship questionnaire through which they can indicate interests, skills and preferences. Institute staff will use this information to match students with prospective intern sites. A student’s resume, writing sample, recommendation letter and transcript may be sent to potential internship supervisors during the matching process. If students are unsure about the type of internship they want, they are encouraged to contact the Institute staff for advice.

When will I find out about my internship placement?
The internship placement process can take several months from the time a student completes their enrollment. This process can be lengthy as the Institute staff waits for sites to finalize their schedules and needs. The earlier a student is admitted to the program, the earlier they are likely to be placed in an internship. Students applying near the final application deadline will likely to be notified of their internship placement less than a month prior to the start of the program. Students have the opportunity to specify a preferred type of organization when filling out the internship questionnaire. However, no specific internship is guaranteed. If students decide to pursue their own internship placement they must notify the Institute staff immediately.

back to top

Can I find my own Internship?
Yes, students who know where they want to intern or who have contacts in organizations are encouraged to arrange their own internship. However, the Institute staff must approve the internship. If a student is interested in interning in an office of a Member of Congress they should make the initial contact with the senator or congressman. Students should contact their institute staff if they decide to pursue their own internship.

Are the internships paid?
Generally internships are not paid, although some organizations offer a small stipend. Since thousands of interns come to DC each summer, substantial intern positions are very competitive and in high demand. Also, there are many organizations that cannot afford to pay an additional staff member but that offer interns incredible responsibility and significant work experience. Your reward is the contacts, experience, and knowledge you will gain.

What will I do as an intern?
Intern responsibilities vary, but all include substantive work, such as conducting legal research, coordinating depositions, managing caseloads, covering congressional hearings, participating in client interviews, and writing for publications.

How will I get to my internship?
Students are responsible for getting to and from their internships by using public transportation. Directions can easily be found at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website, www.wmata.com.

How should I dress?
Washington is a conservative city when it comes to attire, so students should expect to dress professionally. While dress codes vary from office to office, typically men wear coats and ties, while women wear pantsuits, dresses, skirts, or dressy slacks. Once students’ internships are confirmed, it is encouraged that they contact their internship supervisors for information on the office-specific dress code. Students are required to dress professionally for site briefings and guest lectures but are not required to dress up for class.

site map