There is a myth that it’s “easier” to be admitted as a part-time student.  It’s just not true.  If you’re looking at a guide book with admission statistics you will notice a very slight difference in LSAT and GPA for part-time students; this does not mean it’s “easier,” it means that we also value the qualitative aspects of the resume.  Most part-time students have been in the work force for a number of years and have a fuller and stronger resume that someone in college or just a year or two out of college.  So, forget the “strategy” of applying to part-time if your LSAT or GPA (or both) are lower unless you are working full-time and need or want to keep the job while in law school.

If you don’t check any of the boxes, I’ll check full-time day for you.  Yes, I know, you left it blank to prove your willingness to accept an offer to any division.

The admissions committee doesn't care about your age, or where you were born, this is used to verify documents and records.

If your Permanent and Current Addresses are the same, please enter this information twice.  If they are different, be sure to provide us a final date for use of the Current Address.

Please notify us immediately of any change to your address, phone number, or email address so that we may maintain contact with you throughout the process.

Students who are not U.S. citizens or resident aliens of the U.S. usually require visas to study here. This helps us identify who those students are.

Decisions are not based on this.

You’re an adult (even if you don’t always act like one) and we respect your privacy.  You’re the applicant; you’re the only one we’re going to deal with.  However, the committee finds it helpful to have some insight into your background by knowing a few things about your parents.

You’ll notice we don’t use designations of “mother” and “father” to cover the myriad range of families today.

We do not use the response to this question for financial aid purposes.  Ever.  Period.

These are basic and self-explanatory, but keep in mind a few things when completing this section.

Major is the subject of study. Degree is B.A., B.S., M.A., etc.
Graduate School includes prior enrollment in a law school.

If you have taken the LSAT already, use the left-hand column.  Enter your score.  If the score is not yet released, leave it blank.

The committee wants to know what you’ve done that is not on your transcripts.  Remember, this is an application to law school and not a job application.  Don’t give us the sanitized version you use for employment.  Do share with us the richness of your experience; go ahead and throw in the politics, religion, and activism.  This is what makes you different than those other applicants.  Take your time to include more than just jobs you have had, include your school and community activities.  If you have an interesting talent or hobby, put that in too.  Oh, and contrary to what career advisors tell you, you don’t have to limit it to one page—and you probably shouldn’t make it that short.

If you check “yes,” be sure to answer the second and third parts of this question.  Past decisions are “admitted” or “denied” or “withdrawn.”

We require at least one letter of recommendation.  It does not have to be from a professor who has taught you.  If should not be from a family member.  You may submit up to three letters of recommendation.

LSAC now offers an Evaluation Service.  We do not require that you provide us with any of these evaluations.  However, you have the option to replace any of the additional letters of recommendation (but not the one required letter) with an evaluation.

Thus, you must submit one letter of recommendation and have the option of submitting two additional letters or evaluations or combination of the two.

Letters may be sent through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service or directly to us by the writer.  Evaluations can only be sent through the LSAC service.

Your application will be considered complete with one letter of recommendation, even if you indicate that you are sending others, if all other requirements are completed.

Give your recommenders and evaluators plenty of time to do it if you plan to get the letter you want and deserve.

Many applicants consult with a pre-law advisor.  If you did not, leave it blank.

Lawyers are expected to be of good character.  These questions will be asked of you later on by bar authorities and they will be looking to see that you divulged this information.

Do not spend time deciding or determining whether you need to answer yes and disclose something; if you do this, then you most likely need to disclose it.  Similarly, if you have to ask others, then you most likely need to disclose it.

If you are questioning whether you must answer yes and disclose something, contact our office and ask us.

An improper answer could result in a referral to the LSAC Subcommittee on Misconduct and Irregularities in the Admission Process, a finding of violation of our Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility, rescission of an admission offer, dismissal from the Law School or all or any combination of the above.

This is serious and should be taken seriously.  Err on the side of disclosure.

Answer each question asked and provide complete information, as indicated, for a response of yes.

Any academic discipline occurring after secondary school (high school) must be reported here.  Check transcripts and consult school officials before answering the question.  Even if you did not receive their letter informing you of the action, you are still required to answer yes and disclose it.

Same as number 24, but for non-academic discipline.  Yes, alcohol violations, noise, lighting candles, all count.

Yes, a personal statement is optional!

So, if you don’t want to do it, don’t do it.  Of course, it would make sense to provide one if:

• Your grades and/or LSAT score are not solidly above our mid-range or median.
• You want our decision to be based on more than your numbers, resume and a letter of recommendation
• You really want to go to NYLS

Because it’s optional, there is no suggested or required topic, length, or format.  If you’re exercising this option, you decide.

We do not require a diversity statement or an addendum or any of the other things that bloggers tell you “must” do.  Heck, it’s your application; do what you need to do to make your case and have us understand who you are and why NYLS is the place for you to do the next step in your life.

Be yourself and don’t follow the crowd.