In this next post in the Applying to Law School series, we focus on Early Decision (ED) programs for law school. You will learn what Early Decision is and what to evaluate when considering a law school’s ED program.
What is Early Decision?
Some law schools offer ED programs as an avenue to admission. ED programs are separate from the regular admission cycle and generally have different deadlines and criteria. Application through ED usually signals to a law school that it is an applicant’s top choice and that the applicant would matriculate if accepted. ED programs may be binding, which means that if accepted you must commit to matriculating at that law school and withdraw any pending applications at other schools.
TIP! Early Decision programs are not created equal. If you are considering an ED program or evaluating between different ED programs, make sure you understand all of the criteria and expectations. When in doubt, reach out to the specific law school and ask.
Three Different Examples of ED Programs
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
ED Deadline: November 15, 2024
Scholarship: Yes. Northwestern Pritzker offers a $120,000 merit scholarship (split evenly across three years) to those admitted through the ED program.
Is it Binding? Yes. Applicants must matriculate at Northwestern Law and submit a non-refundable $750 seat deposit fee if admitted through the ED program.
Interview: Yes. Northwestern requires the completion of an online video interview.
Boston College Law School
ED Deadlines: December 1, 2024 and January 16, 2025
Scholarships: Three program options with up to $165,000 awarded over three years. Applicants will self-select into one of three programs (Dean’s Scholar, BC Scholar or Eagle Track) to apply through based on their credentials. Each program has different criteria and scholarship opportunities.
TIP! Not all ED programs come with a guaranteed scholarship. For example, if applying through Boston College’s “Eagle Track” (one of three options offered) the applicant is not considered for a scholarship. Evaluate whether you would be better off applying through the regular decision cycle and being considered for a scholarship or if it is worth paying full price to attend.
Is it Binding? Yes. Admitted ED applicants must commit to attending that next fall.
Interview: No.
Washington University St. Louis School of Law
ED Deadline: Rolling. With WashU Law’s program, applicants can apply through the ED program at any time during the cycle. WashU gives those who apply through their ED program an answer within two weeks of applying. Additionally, applicants who are not admitted through the ED program are automatically transferred to the Regular Decision Program.
TIP! Not all law schools will transfer applicants who were not admitted through ED to their regular decision pool of applicants. Make sure you understand whether your intended law school’s ED program does this or not!
Scholarships: Yes. WashU awards applicants admitted through their ED program the strongest scholarship available to them as part of the entering class.
Binding: Yes. Those admitted through ED must accept their offer and any scholarship within two business days and withdraw applications from other schools. Applicants may not submit any new applications to other law schools.
Interview: Yes.
ED Programs can be a wonderful opportunity to signal to a law school that they are your top choice and that you would absolutely attend if admitted. This level of commitment may be a positive factor during the review of your application as it may allow law schools to secure candidates who strengthen their median numbers or pay full tuition (if no scholarships are offered). It may also be a good option for “splitters”. For example, a “splitter” may have an LSAT score around the 75th percentile or above and a GPA at the 25th percentile or below for that school, or vice-versa (this will vary from school to school based on their data).
Because these programs are binding and require you to withdraw from other law schools if admitted, you must carefully consider if applying through ED is the right choice for you. Additionally, if admitted through ED you forfeit the opportunity to ask for a reconsideration of any scholarship you may have received through the regular decision program. Not all ED programs are created equal, so you must understand exactly what the criteria are for applying through an ED program.
Best Practices
Do your research. Make sure you fully understand the impact of what it means to apply ED at a law school of choice.
If you choose to do ED, apply to one ED program only. Learn everything you can about the school. Rankings are not everything and each school has its own personality. Dig deeper! Remember, most ED programs are binding!
Triple-check if ED applicants have access to scholarships. If not, you may want to evaluate whether attending your #1 law school at full price is worth it to you.
When in doubt, reach out! Make sure you clarify any questions about an ED program directly with the law school.
Be mindful of ED deadlines. Some may be as early as November.
Make sure you understand whether you will be considered for admission through the regular decision pool if not selected through ED. Some schools will not automatically move you to the regular decision pool.
As with other parts of the law school application process, there is a lot to consider when evaluating whether to ED. Make sure you take the time you need, get all questions answered, and carefully think through this option before deciding.
Gabriela Brunner holds a JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law and a MS in Higher Education Leadership from Western Illinois University. Prior to becoming a prelaw advisor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gabriela practiced law for ten years in business litigation and immigration law. She has a passion for mindfulness and meditation, particularly as it applies to pre-professionals.
