chicago law school personal statement

The University of Chicago The Law School

Program info, application requirements.

Thank you for your interest in the University of Chicago Law School. Each year, we receive roughly 5,000 applications for our entering class of approximately 195 students. The Admissions Committee reviews every completed application we receive.

Paperless Admissions Process

The Law School utilizes a paperless admissions process, which means we receive, process, and evaluate all applications electronically. All applicants to the JD program must apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Flexible Application, which is fully accessible to the visually impaired. All application materials will be available from LSAC and transmitted directly to the Law School.

We will not accept any paper application materials or paper updates to your application; please do not send them. Any updates must be submitted electronically (please familiarize yourself with our policies on updating your application ). The University of Chicago Law School takes a broad and holistic view of each law school applicant, believing that a simple formula cannot adequately measure an applicant's academic potential and contribution to the Law School community. In every admissions cycle, our Admissions Committee assesses a wide variety of factors using our holistic review process. As part of this process, our Committee has always considered applicants in the context of their individual situations. We will continue to use these processes with an additional understanding of the unique challenges presented by COVID-19 and its continuing impact.

Application

Applicants must complete all sections of the LSAC Flexible Application. There is only one application for applicants to the JD program. You will have the opportunity to indicate whether you are applying Early Decision (including through the Chicago Law Scholars Program) or Regular Decision in the application. You will also have the opportunity to indicate if you would like to apply to the Doctoroff Business Leadership Program .

Applicants interested in the JD/MBA program should apply here and complete the Supplemental JD/MBA Form through LSAC. Applicants interested in other dual degree programs apply for admission to UChicago Law and the other program through each program's application. For example, students interested in a JD/MPP will complete the LSAC Flexible Application and the Harris School of Public Policy's MPP application.

Please read the Application Instructions available in the LSAC Flexible Application carefully before you begin your application. Applicants who have disabilities in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should contact the Admissions Office at 773-702-9484 or email [email protected] with their request.

Character and Fitness. The application contains a section of questions relating to character and fitness to practice law. State Bar Associations may request a copy of your application, materials, and record, including answers to the character and fitness questions in this application, when determining your admission to the bar. In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Contact information for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

An affirmative response to any portion of the Character and Fitness questions on the application will not automatically disqualify a candidate from admission. Rather, in those cases, the Dean of Admissions will review the affirmative response and determine if further review is necessary. If further review is necessary, the Dean of Admissions will convene a committee composed of the Deputy Dean, the Dean of Admissions, the Dean of Students, the Dean of Career Services and the Chair of the Faculty Admissions Committee. The committee will evaluate the facts, seek additional information as appropriate, and determine if the applicant may be considered for admission at the Law School. The Dean of Admissions may also consult as needed with the Office of the General Counsel.

All Undergraduate and Graduate School Transcripts

You must provide all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts reflecting a complete history of your academic performance in your undergraduate education and at any graduate schools. You must submit a transcript for any university you were enrolled at*, even if you withdrew and no credit was earned. We require all applicants to submit their transcripts through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to learn about how the Admissions Committee evaluates transcripts.

*If you will be submitting foreign transcripts, please review our FAQs about submitting foreign transcripts.

Standardized Test

Applicants have the option of submitting the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) (if applicable - see below for details) as part of the Law School's pilot program.

We are accepting the LSAT-Flex, GRE General Test at Home, and GMAT Online Exam to satisfy the standardized test requirement. For the GMAT Online Exam, please see the details below.

You must have a current LSAT, GRE, or GMAT score (earned within the last five years) on file before the Admissions Committee will evaluate your application.

LSAT : Submit LSAT scores (including any LSAT-Flex scores) to the Law School through LSAC. You must submit all LSAT scores earned within the last five years. Please note, you must have at least one LSAT writing sample on file (either from a previous paper examination or from the digital LSAT Writing) in order for your file to be marked complete. If you have not already done so, please remember to complete the LSAT Writing.
GRE : Submit GRE scores (including any GRE General Test at Home scores) to the Law School by designating the University of Chicago Law School as a recipient using Educational Testing Service (ETS) code 2577. You must submit all GRE scores earned within the last five years.
GMAT : If you are currently enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Chicago and wish to pursue a dual degree in law with the University of Chicago Law School or if you are concurrently applying to pursue a dual degree with the University of Chicago Law School and a graduate program in another University of Chicago division, you may submit a GMAT score (including GMAT Online Exam scores) in lieu of the LSAT or GRE. Submit GMAT scores to the Law School by designating the applicable program: (1) The Law School – JD/MBA Booth School of Business Joint Degree (code H9X-2D-54), (2) The Law School – JD/MPP Harris School of Public Policy (code H9X-2D-58), or (3) The Law School – Joint Degree Programs (code H9X-2D-32). You must submit all GMAT scores earned within the last five years.

Note : If you are admitted to the Law School based on an application with a GRE or GMAT score and, after admission, take the LSAT, the Admissions Committee will evaluate your new LSAT score and may re-evaluate your offer of admission.

Please review the FAQs to learn more about how the Admissions Committee evaluates standardized test scores and considers multiple scores.

We require a detailed resume containing your educational history, extracurricular activities, community and volunteer activities, and all full or part-time work experience. Please indicate the time spent each week on each activity or employment position . If your education or employment history has been interrupted for more than a normal vacation period, you should describe your activities during that time. You will be able to upload your resume in the “Attachments” section of the application.

Please see our FAQs and video for more guidance on the resume.

Letters of Recommendation

We require two letters of recommendation, but we will accept up to four. You must submit your letters of recommendation through the CAS Letter of Recommendation Service. Your application will be considered complete once we receive two letters of recommendation, unless you request via email the Admissions Office wait until we have received any additional letters.

In reviewing letters of recommendation, the Admissions Committee is looking for insight into a candidate's academic promise, as well as personal qualities such as intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm, and commitment. We strongly recommend you submit at least one academic letter (e.g., from a professor, teacher's assistant, advisor) who can offer an informed assessment of your academic ability. We understand it may be difficult for candidates who have already completed their undergraduate education several years prior to applying to submit academic letters of recommendation. For more information on letters of recommendation, please review our FAQs .

Personal Statement

The personal statement is an essential part of every application, and it is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee. It should demonstrate your contribution to the Law School community beyond academics and should demonstrate your ability to communicate your thoughts effectively. The Admissions Committee often finds that a personal statement focusing on a unique personal attribute or experience is usually the most informative (as opposed to a restatement of your qualifications or resume).

For more tips and guidance on the personal statement, please review the FAQs .

Application Fee

The application fee is $90 (U.S. funds only), and you must pay the application fee by credit card when you submit your application through LSAC. Fee Waivers: Fee waiver requests are accepted starting September 1 when the application becomes available until the application deadline of March 1 each year.

We waive the application fee for the following JD applicants*:

Teach for America participants and alumni who completed service within the last five years,
Those currently serving active duty in the U.S. military, U.S. military veterans, and members of the U.S. Reserves and National Guard,
Peace Corps participants and alumni who completed service within the last five years and who provide a letter from their supervisor confirming completion of the 27-month commitment, undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Chicago,
AmeriCorps participants and alumni who completed service within the last five years and who provide a letter from their supervisor confirming at least a 10-month commitment,
Undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Chicago, and
Applicants receiving fee waivers from LSAC.

To see if you qualify for a fee waiver from LSAC, please visit LSAC's website . If you are eligible for a Law School fee waiver, please email [email protected] with your eligibility and request an application fee waiver code. If eligible, we will email you an application fee waiver code. You must use this code when you submit your application through LSAC. Please do not pay the application fee. We will not be able to issue refunds to applicants who pay the fee .

* The Law School does not grant fee waivers to transfer applicants unless they receive an application fee waiver from LSAC.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

The University of Chicago requires all applicants to meet certain English language proficiency requirements. Applicants who do not meet the waiver criteria below must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (iBT) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic as proof of English language proficiency. Note, for the IELTS, applicants must take the Academic Reading/Writing test within IELTS, not the General Training Reading/Writing test.

Waiver Criteria

English has been a primary language of communication and schooling for you since childhood; or
Education in English-medium institutions in other countries or territories does not qualify for the exemption.

Note: High school or secondary school does not qualify an applicant for exemption; nor do part-time or research-based programs that did not involve full time coursework in English.

Minimum Scores

Applicants must score at least 104 total for the TOEFL. Applicants must score at least 7.5 overall and no less than 7.0 for each section for the IELTS.

TOEFL or IELTS score reports are valid for two years .

Sending Scores to UChicago Law

Please send your TOEFL or IELTS score through LSAC's CAS.

Please review the English Language Proficiency page to learn more about the requirements.

Optional Materials

You may submit optional supplementary addenda to highlight topics you wish to bring to our attention that were not included in your personal statement or other application materials. The Admissions Committee typically finds one page or less is a sufficient length for most addenda. Applicants are not required to submit optional addenda. Applicants should plan to submit no more than two addenda. Please title addenda appropriately. Examples of supplementary addenda include:

UChicago aims to train well-rounded, critical, and socially conscious thinkers and doers. Describe how your background or experiences will contribute to the UChicago Law community. Example topics include: lessons you have learned; skillsets you have developed; obstacles you have overcome based on your background or upbringing; or topics you have become passionate about studying in law school based on your lived or educational experiences.
Share why you decided to apply to UChicago Law and how the Law School will be a good fit for your academic, professional, and/or personal goals. Please strive for your response to be more personal than a recitation of information from our website.
If you do not think your academic record or standardized test scores accurately reflect your ability to succeed in law school, please tell us why.
If there is something the Admissions Committee cannot learn about you from your application materials that would be helpful in the review of your file, please take this opportunity to share in a brief addendum.

Doctoroff Business Leadership Program Statement (required for applicants applying to the Doctoroff Program)

The Doctoroff Business Leadership Program is a selective certificate-granting program that blends the best of the MBA curriculum into our prestigious, three-year Law School education, providing students with the analytical and business training they will need to thrive in today's complex business environment -- whether as corporate attorneys, in-house counsels, business leaders, or entrepreneurs.

As part of the certificate program, students are required to complete a core business curriculum taught at the Law School by leading faculty from UChicago's world-renowned Booth School of Business. In addition, students will be matched with an alumni business mentor, participate in a business internship during their 1L summer, and take part in enrichment and leadership development activities.

Learn more about the Doctoroff Business Leadership Program here and through our Doctoroff Admissions video . If you are a student who is passionate about pursuing a career at the intersection of business and law, you are strongly encouraged to apply to the Doctoroff Business Leadership Program.

If you are admitted to the Law School and want to be considered for the Doctoroff Business Leadership Program,

answer "yes" to the Doctoroff question in the application and
submit a statement of interest that describes in 250 words or less why you want to participate in the Program and how earning the Doctoroff Business Leadership Program Certificate will help you achieve your career goals.

You may submit the statement in the Attachments section of the online application.

JD/PhD Essay

If you have obtained a PhD, are completing a PhD, or if you are concurrently applying to a PhD program, we invite you to submit a one-page optional essay explaining your research and academic interests, your professional goals, and how completing a JD would help you improve your research and achieve your professional goals.

If you choose to submit this essay, please attach it to the JD/PhD Essay in the Attachments section.

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Loyola University Chicago

Pre-law advising, career services, personal statement and resume.

Personal statements are a critical component of your law school application as they allow you to address the admissions committee directly as you would in an interview. While the LSAT and undergraduate GPA form the foundation of the admission evaluation process , law school essays provide you an opportunity to “show” who you are as a person, to demonstrate your commitment to the legal profession, to explain the reasons you are a good fit for the particular law school, and to generally set yourself apart from other applicants. Thus, a well-written personal statement might make an otherwise equivocal admissions committee take another look at an applicant’s file; and an outstanding personal statement might make the difference between a “waitlist” and an “admit” decision.

Personal Statement

Consider the following recommendations as you develop your personal statement:

E mphasize those things that will distinguish you from other candidates (e.g., significant employment, travel abroad, research projects, presentations, and/or publication s ).
Do not emphasize shortcomings in your record in the personal statement. If you want to explain a low GPA or LSAT score, do so in a separate addendum , where you should b e brief, factual, and honest.
Write in a direct, concrete fashion about real experiences, events, people and how they impacted you.
Speak to one particular topic or theme in each paragraph ; use separate paragraphs to signify the transition from one topic to the next. Be clear, organized and reader-friendly.
Limit yourself to around two double-spaced pages.
Have a Pre-Law advisor or another trusted advisor review your personal statement.

Because many law schools do not grant interviews for applicants, it is important to provide detailed information relevant to your academic and personal qualifications for the study and practice of law. You should note and describe briefly your academic record, honors and awards, work and volunteer experiences, foreign language competencies, and study abroad and research opportunities that you have undertaken. To l earn more about writing an effective resume , please visit www.luc.edu/career .

Consider the following advice as you develop your resume:

Order each section in reverse chronological order by employment end date. If your most recent experience is not related to the legal profession, consider alternate section headers to bring your most relevant experience to the top of your resume. For instance , you may consider a “Related Experience” and “Additional Experience” section in order to list a more relevant, yet less recent, experience at the very top of your resume .
Focus on transferable skills (e.g. synthesized, analyzed, researched, wrote, addressed, persuaded); avoid simply listing tasks. D escribe a particular role in terms that show its relatability to law school or the legal profession. For instance, you may describe a tutoring position in terms of your ability to develop rapport with your client to build an effective working relationship, assess the student’s level of understanding, and synthesize complex information to the most pertinent points of discussion. Th ese examples are stronger than simply listing the task, e.g. tutored an eighth grade student in English, in that you demonstrate several skills could transfer from that setting into law school.
Include bullet point descriptions not only for paid experiences, but also for unpaid positions (including student clubs and organizations ) . If it’s worth listing on the resume, it’s worth offering context as to what you learned and what can be transferred from that role.
Review each school's application material to see if there are any specifications to which your resume must conform (e.g., page limits).
Review the Career Services Resume Guide in Handshake for a comprehensive overview of resume writing.
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University of chicago law school - acceptance rate & requirements.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 11/16/23

One of the T-14 law schools, the University of Chicago Law School is a top-ranked choice annually for thousands of law school hopefuls. Read on to learn how to get into the UChicago Law School!

UChicago Law School is ranked No. 3 on the U.S. News World and Report’s list of Best Law Schools. This ultimate guide will cover everything you need to know about getting into the University of Chicago Law School. Read on for programs, requirements, admission statistics, and more.

University of Chicago Law School Acceptance Rate: 14.2%

The University of Chicago Law’s recent acceptance rate was 14.2%. 5,246 students applied to the 2022-2023 admissions cycle and 747 were offered admission. If you're aiming to be one of the few that get accepted, law school admissions consulting in Chicago can help maximize your odds.

Below is a table of UChicago Law School’s acceptance rates for the past three years.

How Hard Is It to Get Into the University of Chicago Law School?

Getting into the University of Chicago Law School is challenging. As a highly competitive T14 school, less than 2 out of every 10 applicants are granted admission. To maximize your chances of acceptance, get admissions help from law experts .

University of Chicago campus on snowy winter day

Take our interactive quiz below to find out how likely you are to get into the University of Chicago Law School .

University of Chicago Law School Programs Offered & Ranking

U Chicago offers several degrees to help you advance your legal career:

As the 3rd-best law school in the nation, the University of Chicago Law School’s ranking reflects its esteem and prestige. Its corporate law and commercial law are the most distinguished in the country.

University of Chicago Admissions Statistics

This law school has high expectations of its prospective students! Just take a look at its most recent admissions stats .

University of Chicago Average GPA: 3.94

In the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, the University of Chicago Law School admitted students with an average GPA of 3.94. This school consistently admits high-achieving students and typically has a median GPA close to 4.0.

University of Chicago Average LSAT Score: 173

The average LSAT score of successful University of Chicago Law School applicants was 173 in a recent admissions cycle. Considering this score falls within the 97th percentile, it requires significant dedication and preparation to achieve. Thankfully, Juris Education offers expert LSAT tutoring in Chicago for a guaranteed 160+ score on the LSAT.

UChicago Law also accepts GRE scores but does not release GRE medians in its class profile data. However, the ETS online tool lets you predict LSAT scores based on GRE scores. For example, scoring 166 on each GRE section is equivalent to an LSAT score of around 172.

Male and female college students working on computers

University of Chicago Law School Requirements

Uchicago Law School requires applicants to complete the LSAC application to apply to their JD program. Applicants can choose to apply through Early Decision or Regular Decision. University of Chicago Law School requirements include:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution
All undergraduate and graduate school transcripts
LSAT, GRE, or GMAT scores
A personal statement
A resume detailing your education, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and work experience (you’re encouraged to indicate how much time you spent weekly on each activity)
At least 2 and up to 4 letters of recommendation
Proof of English language proficiency if English isn’t your primary language
An optional addenda
An application fee of $90 or a fee waiver

UChicago Law Letters of Recommendation

You must submit at least two letters of recommendation, but the school will accept up to four. UChicago Law recommends at least one letter be from an academic source “who can offer an informed assessment of your academic ability.”

UChicago Law Personal Statement

UChicago Law considers your personal statement an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee. The directions for your personal statement are:

“It should demonstrate your contribution to the Law School community beyond academics and should demonstrate your ability to communicate your thoughts effectively. The Admissions Committee often finds that a personal statement focusing on a unique personal attribute or experience is usually the most informative (as opposed to a restatement of your qualifications or resume).”

UChicago Law School Personal Statement Examples

These UChicago Law personal statement example excerpts can help you formulate your own perfect essay.

UChicago Law Personal Statement Example #1

“ As I tumble through the air, time seems to slow. I have fallen hard many times before, but even before I hit the ground I can tell this fall is different. I complete one and a half back flips and slam shoulders-first into the slope…I do not yet know that the impact has broken my neck.

I grew up only a short drive from some of New Zealand’s best ski resorts, but my family could never afford ski vacations. My first opportunity to try snowboarding came on a trip with my university flatmate.With expectations shaped purely by the media, I left for the trip assuming snowboarding was a sport for adrenaline junkies, troublemakers, and delinquents. Much to my surprise, I instead found that it provided me with a sense of peace that defied these preconceptions.

Anxiety had been a constant companion throughout much of my childhood. I had not always been this way, but years of physical and psychological abuse at the hands of my stepfather had taken their toll. My once carefree demeanor had changed, leaving me fearful, panicky, and timid…Snowboarding became a vehicle for regaining the confidence and self-worth that had been taken from me through the injustice of abuse. Even as I began to ride competitively in boardercross racing and halfpipe, launching myself into the air over sixty-foot jumps, the sense of peace I gained during my first day on a snowboard stayed with me. It did, at least, until that April afternoon.

As I lay in a hospital bed a few hours after my accident, an overwhelming sense of fear replaced any confidence that snowboarding had instilled in me. I faced the prospect of a lengthy and complicated surgery, with no certainty about the outcome… Two days later, surgeons worked for seven hours to rebuild my neck. I awoke to learn that I had escaped any serious nerve damage. However, I would need to be immobilized by a brace twenty-four hours a day, and for over three months, before I could even contemplate rehabilitation.

Those months passed slowly. When I was finally able to start the process of rehabilitation, I made recovery my full-time job. I quickly learned that pain was to become the central reality of that year. The first day I could walk to my mailbox marked a significant achievement…Only twelve months after my injury, he cleared me to make a few careful runs on an easy, groomed slope. While I made it through those first few runs safely, they left me shaking with fear.

Since then, I have again found joy in riding, but no amount of determination will allow me to ride the way I had before…My experiences showed me the transformative power of courage and self-confidence, and taught me to build these qualities in others. At the Aspen Skiing Company, I develop and implement teaching curricula for more than two hundred snowboard instructors. My goal is for my fellow coaches to recognize that snowboarding can offer much more than just a diversion. It has the potential to have a profound and inspiring impact on their students’ lives.

In the ample time my recovery allowed for reflection, I found solace in the fact that the abuse in my childhood fostered in me not bitterness, but an enduring dedication to fairness and justice. As a college student, this dedication led me to seek out classes in ethics and morality. As a manager and leader, I strive to display both courage and enduring fairness. My interest in the legal profession stems from my belief that laws represent the concrete expressions of justice and fairness in our society.

After discovering the salvation it held for me, I believed that I was reliant on snowboarding. Yet, being forced to face the grueling process of rehabilitation without it allowed me to take the final step to recovery from the trauma of my childhood. I realized I am much stronger and more resilient than I had previously believed. I realized that courage is not something that snowboarding gave me but something that has always been within me. These realizations have prepared me to broaden the scope of my dedication to justice. Secure in the knowledge that the courage and determination I have shown will help shape my future success, I am now ready to take on this new challenge: the study and practice of law.”

Why This Personal Statement Works

This personal statement is unique and highly personal, which is what UChicago Law wants to see. Through the author’s story, we see his resilience, courage, leadership skills, and capacity for reflection.

The beginning of the story is attention-grabbing, and the author artfully intertwines their physical and emotional recovery for a deeply personal account of their trauma and healing.

UChicago Law Personal Statement #2

“ I fell in love for the first time when I was four. That was the year my mother signed me up for piano lessons. I can still remember touching those bright, ivory keys with reverence, feeling happy and excited that soon I would be playing those tinkling, familiar melodies (which my mother played every day on our boombox) myself.

To my rather naïve surprise, however, instead of setting the score for Für Elise on the piano stand before me, my piano teacher handed me a set of Beginner’s Books…After I had mastered the note of “C,” she promised, I could move on to “D.”

It took a few years of theory and repetition before I was presented with my very first full-length classical piece: a sonatina by Muzio Clementi. I practiced the new piece daily, diligently following the written directives of the composer. I hit each staccato note crisply and played each crescendo and every decrescendo dutifully. I performed the piece triumphantly for my teacher and lifted my hands with a flourish as I finished. Instead of clapping, however, my teacher gave me a serious look and took both my hands in hers. “Music,” she said sincerely, “is not just technique. It’s not just fingers or memorization. It comes from the heart.”

That was how I discovered passion.

Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelssohn: the arcs and passages of intricate notes are lines of genius printed on paper, but ultimately, it is the musician who coaxes them to life…I poured my happiness and my angst into the keys, loving every minute of it. I pictured things, events, and people (some real, some entirely imagined— but all intensely personal) in my mind as I played, and the feelings and melodies flowed easily: frustration into Beethoven’s Sonata Pathétique, wistfulness into Chopin’s nocturnes and waltzes, and sheer joy into Schubert. Practice was no longer a chore; it was a privilege and a delight.

In high school, I began playing the piano for church services. The music director gave me a binder full of 1-2-3 sheet music, in which melodies are written as numbers instead of as notes on a music staff…I rarely played a song the same way twice; the beauty of improvisation, of songwriting, is that it is as much “feeling” as it is logic and theory. Different occasions and different moods yielded different results: sometimes, “Listen Quietly” was clean and beautiful in its simplicity; other times, it became elaborate and nearly classical in its passages. The basic melody and musical key, which a song is played—knowing the scale, the chords, the harmonies, and how well (or unwell) they work together—is essential…

Although my formal music education ended when I entered college, the lessons I have learned over the years have remained close and relevant to my life. I have acquired a lifestyle of discipline and internalized the drive for self-improvement. I have gained an appreciation for the complexities and the subtleties of interpretation. I understand the importance of having both a sound foundation and a dedication to constant study. I understand that to possess a passion and personal interest in something, to think for myself, is just as important.”

Why This is a Good Personal Statement

You may be thinking, “This personal statement has absolutely no relation to law or law school!” You’d be partially correct; remember, UChicago Law allows applicants to write about anything they want that uncovers their personality. This student chose music, and that’s okay.

However, her story shows where she learned about passion, putting her own spin on something that already exists, discipline, and her drive for self-improvement—all qualities that lawyers should embody.

Beyond that, her narrative is thoughtful and shows her understanding and growth over time. Her narrative focuses directly on the qualities she possesses that would make her an excellent lawyer.

Hopefully these personal statement examples have inspired you and will help you write your own memorable essay!

UChicago Law School Interview Questions and Format

The University of Chicago Law School does require an interview for its application process. Interviews are completed through invitation only, therefore not all applicants will receive one.

Interview Format

All interviews are conducted over Zoom with an admissions committee member. Interviews typically take 20 minutes to complete and are used to better assess an applicant’s communication skills, motivation, maturity, and contribution to the Law School.

Questions Examples

Here are some sample interview questions you could be asked:

What draws you to the University of Chicago Law School?
What motivates you?
Why did you pursue X experience?
What did you learn from X experience?
What challenges have you faced and overcome to get to where you are today?

University of Chicago Law School Tuition and Scholarships

The University of Chicago Law School’s tuition costs $76,479 annually. Including living, personal, and other expenses, the total estimated cost to attend this school is $110,142.

Let’s break down this figure :

Scholarships

University of Chicago Law School is considered one of the most expensive law schools to attend. Fortunately, it awards financial aid based on academic achievement and need. Around 80% of students are recipients of scholarships, and approximately 60% opt for loans.

Additionally, UChicago offers financial support to students pursuing careers in public interest or government through programs like their Loan Repayment Assistance Program and the Summer Public Interest Funding Program.

University of Chicago Law Application Deadlines

Applications for the University of Chicago Law School open September 1, 2023, and close March 1st, 2024 for regular applicants. UChicago Law offers Early and Regular Decision pathways.

Here are the important dates and deadlines you should know as you navigate the application process.

University of Chicago Law School Bar Passage Rate: 97.8%

The University of Chicago Law graduates have a 97.8% first-time bar passage rate . This is significantly higher than the national average of 79.1%.

How to Get Into the University of Chicago Law School: 3 Tips To Improve Your Admission Chances

Follow these tips to get into the University of Chicago and wow the judges:

The Personal Statement: Consider What the Admissions Committee Is Seeking

There are two main elements the admissions committee is looking for in your personal statement:

Who you are. Are you a likable individual who’ll contribute to the campus community? Does your statement showcase your thoughtfulness and reflection on your experiences? Will faculty and peers enjoy working with you and learning from you?
Your writing and communication skills. Is your delivery of your story effective? Is the information presented logically, and is it concise and clear? Good communication and writing skills are imperative to your success in the legal field: the admissions committee wants to see your potential.

Keep both elements in mind when crafting your personal statement.

Show Evidence of Leadership and Initiative

UChicago Law values candidates who exhibit leadership qualities and take initiative. Highlight instances where you have taken on leadership roles in academic or extracurricular settings.

Discuss how you have initiated projects, led teams, or contributed to positive change within your community. Providing concrete examples of your leadership abilities will strengthen your application.

Showcase Intellectual Curiosity and Critical Thinking

A final tip to increase your chances of getting into the University of Chicago Law School is to highlight instances where you engaged in complex problem-solving, pursued academic challenges, or demonstrated a keen interest in challenging concepts.

Don’t just go for the easy courses in your undergrad, prove you can handle academic rigor!

What Does UChicago Law Look for?

Typically, what UChicago Law looks for is high-achieving applicants who are intellectually curious, have experience in and a commitment to the public service sector, offer diverse perspectives to enrich the UChicago community, and show potential to be great leaders in the legal field.

If you still have questions about getting into UChicago Law, check out these FAQs.

1. Is the University of Chicago a Good School for Law?

Yes, UChicago Law is the third-best law school in the country, making it an excellent institution to further your legal knowledge and career.

2. Is It Hard to Get Into the Chicago Law School?

Yes, it’s relatively hard to get into UChicago Law School considering the 14.2% acceptance rate. However, a perfected application can help boost your chances; try not to get too hung up on statistics.

3. What GPA Do I Need to Get Into the University of Chicago Law School?

There is no exact GPA you need for UChicago Law, but you should strive for an undergraduate GPA of 3.94 or higher to be considered a more competitive applicant. Anything lower will fall below the median GPA of past successful students.

4. What Is a Good LSAT Score for the University of Chicago Law School?

Anything above the median LSAT score of admitted students would be a great LSAT score for UChicago. A great goal would be 173.

5. How Many Students Does UChicago Law Admit?

UChicago admits approximately 700-900 students a year. There are typically around 200 JD students entering the 1L class each year.

6. What Does UChicago Law Look for?

UChicago Law seeks students “who are intellectually curious, lively, collegial, and rigorous in their academic approach.” The school wants students who are serious about their education without taking themselves too seriously. A well-rounded background with various talents, experiences, and accomplishments helps.

Final Thoughts

The University of Chicago Law School is an excellent choice to further your law education and career. Although the UChicago Law is relatively selective, you can boost your chances of admission through a high GPA, stellar test scores, and a polished personal statement.

With the tips and information in this guide, you can make the most of your UChicago Law application and give yourself the best chance of acceptance!