Apply to the JD Program

The below checklist and components are for the JD program application only. For additional FAQs on the LSAT, how we evaluate applications, scholarship opportunities and more please see our FAQ website.

 

JD Checklist

  1. Register for  and pay all appropriate fees
  2. Register, prepare for, and take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
  3. Submit all official 
  4. Submit 
  5. Submit your application, personal statement and resume electronically through LSAC
  6. Submit the  to apply for in-state tuition if you believe you qualify. Even if you are already a Colorado resident you must submit this form to show documentation of your Colorado residency.
  7. Pay the $65 application fee
  8. Check the 

The Law School Admission Council provides additional resources on .

JD Application Components 

Application
Our application will open on October 1 for fall admission the following year. All applicants must apply electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). We admit students on a rolling basis until the application closes April 1.

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We require a resume to be submitted electronically through LSAC as part of your electronic application. We do not require any specific formatting; however, we suggest you spend ample time preparing a well-organized, easy to read resume.

Personal Statement
The personal statement requirement provides you an opportunity to present yourself to the Admissions Committee. It is to be submitted with your electronic LSAC application. The personal statement prompt is below. Your essay must be in your own words, double-spaced, and should not exceed 1,000 words. Supported file formats include: doc, htm, html, txt, PDF, wp, wpd, rtf, wps, wpt and docx.

Personal Statement Prompt
At Colorado Law, our core values of character, diversity, leadership, and commitment to service guide our mission to provide students with an exceptional legal education and prepare them to serve wisely and with professionalism. Our faculty and students advance the development of the legal profession through scholarship, challenge the status quo, and contribute to society with meaningful public service.

Please write a personal statement explaining how you will positively exemplify the values of Colorado Law in the classroom and beyond. You may also discuss any other factors that you think may assist the Admission Committee's evaluation of your application, such as: background information; experiences, talents or special interests; adversities you have overcome; and your reasons for applying to the University of Colorado Law School.

The personal statement is an opportunity for us to get to know you. Be authentic and share information about yourself that is not available in other components of your application (without restating your resume). We’re also looking for evidence that you can communicate effectively. Be sure to write clearly and concisely, taking extra care to avoid misspellings, grammar issues, and other errors.

Optional Statement Prompt
The optional statement should cover how your experiences, background, or perspectives could contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of our law school community.

You may share any facets of your identity, upbringing, life experiences, work, education, interests, or values that would make our student body more vibrant and reflective of a wide range of viewpoints and walks of life. This could include discussing any economic disadvantages or other adversities that you have overcome, challenging family circumstances, unique talents or viewpoints you would contribute, or any other details about your personal story that would further our mission of training thoughtful, compassionate, and successful lawyers from all backgrounds.

You do not need to talk about information you included in your personal statement. This additional statement is an opportunity for you to share more information about yourself that doesn't appear elsewhere. Your optional statement must be in your own words, double-spaced, and not exceed 500 words.

Addenda
Attach electronically any addenda following the personal statement. Clearly label the top of the document as "Additional Information."

LSAT
All applicants must take the Law School Admission Test. Please see our  for additional information. 

Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
You must register for the  as part of your LSAC application. Applicants must submit all post-high-school institution transcripts directly to LSAC. This obviates the need for applicants to submit transcripts to every law school to which they apply.

The CAS provides us with your Law School Report, which contains LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, a summary of undergraduate grades by year, a cumulative grade point average, and copies of all transcripts.

Recommendation Letters
We require two letters of recommendation and we will not accept more than four. We strongly recommend that one letter of recommendation come from an academic source.

Character and Fitness Questions
For additional information and commonly asked questions, please see our character and fitness website.

Residency
All applicants who wish to qualify for in-state tuition must submit the . Even if you are already a Colorado resident you must submit this form to show documentation of your Colorado residency. For more information see our Residency website.

JD Application FAQs

When does the application open and close for the fall 2024 entering JD class at Colorado Law?

Our application opens on October 1, 2024 and is available at . We admit students on a rolling basis until the application closes April 1, 2025.

Do you have an early decision process?

We do not have an early decision or early action process. We admit students on a rolling basis until the application deadline, or until our class is full.

How many applications does your school receive each year? How many students are typically enrolled?

We received nearly 2,900 applications for admission to the 2024 entering class. We typically enroll 160-180 new students each fall semester. Our fall 2024 entering class data outlines the class demographics in more detail.

Do you allow formal interviews with the admissions committee?

Each year, the Admissions Committee selects a handful of applicants to interview. This is an internal process, and you will be contacted directly if we want to conduct an interview.

When can I expect to receive a decision on my application?

The Admissions Committee begins reviewing completed applications in mid-October. We notify applicants by email regarding the Committee's decision on a rolling basis. 

Do you have a waitlist?

We establish a waitlist beginning in the fall and notify those who are listed. The waitlist is not ranked. The waitlist is reviewed periodically on an as-needed basis. Applicants are notified if there is any change in decision.

Do you offer deferred admission?

We grant deferrals on a case-by-case basis, particularly for active duty military, Teach for America, and Peace Corps service. Admitted applicants who need to defer their entrance into Colorado Law should email the Director of Admissions at alan.schieve@colorado.edu  to discuss their situation. 

How do I reapply?

Applicants who decline an offer of admission or were not offered admission may reapply through . Your reapplication should include: submission of a new application, application fee, a valid LSAT and updated Law School Report, personal essay, and recommendations. Your retained application and all supporting documents will be included in your new application for admission, but we suggest that you update your application with a new essay, resume, and letter(s) of recommendation.