Admission FAQ

How many applications does St. John’s Law School receive each year?
The Law School receives approximately 4,000 applications per year.

How many programs are offered?
We offer 3 programs: a 3 year full-time day program, a 4 year part time day program, and a 4 year part time evening program.

Can I apply to more than one program?
You can only apply to one program, however the application does include the option to select if you would be interested in an alternate division. 

What is the size of the first-year class?
The Fall entering class ranges in size from approximately 290 to 315 students.   The Fall 2009 class consists of 231 full time day students, 21 part time day students, and 63 evening students.

What is the application deadline?
Applicants should submit applications materials before April 1 to receive priority consideration.

Do you offer Spring Admission?
The JD program for first year students begins in the Fall only.  Transfer and Visiting students may apply for the Spring semester. 

What are the median LSAT score and GPA score of admitted applicants?
The median LSAT and GPA Fall 2009 entering class Full Time is 161 and 3.48 respectively. The median LSAT and GPA Fall 2009 entering class All Programs is 160 and 3.53 respectively.

How much does it cost per year to attend St. John’s?
The tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $42,200 for the full time program, and $31,650 for the part time program.

Do you require letters of recommendation?
We accept up to 3 letters.  We will accept them from LSDAS and directly from recommenders.

How long will it take to make a decision on my application?
The Admissions Committee will make every effort to render a decision on an application within 6-8 weeks of when it becomes complete.

Does St. John’s Law School have any joint degree programs?
Yes, we have a JD/MBA Program, and a JD/MA in Government and Politics Program.  In addition we offer a joint JD/LLM in Bankruptcy. 

How do you apply for the JD/MBA Program?
To qualify, an applicant must meet the individual criteria used for admission to the Law and Business Schools. Applicants must apply separately to the Law School and Business School and must be accepted to both schools. 

Does St. John’s Law School offer Scholarships?
St. John’s offers a wide range of merit and need-based scholarships.  There are no separate scholarship applications.  Each applicant will be reviewed for scholarship at the same time as the application is reviewed for admissions. 

Is campus housing available?
University Housing is available to law students.  The University has recently obtained beautiful, newly reconstructed townhouses and students are placed with law and graduate students in apartments.  Please visit our Housing Web page for more information about Residence Life on the Queens campus.

Does the Law School assist students in locating off campus housing?
The Office of Admissions maintains an informal list of apartments available in the area. This list is updated periodically and is available to students admitted to the school. We can also refer students to realtors and online resources.

What is the bar passage rate?
St. John’s Law School bar passage rate was 92% compared to the average for all New York State Bar test takers which was 83%. 

What is the Career placement rate?
96% of the 2008 graduating class was employed within nine months of graduation.

Can a student switch from a part time program to a full time program?
Students who begin in a part time day program may seek to transfer to the full time program provided they have a minimum GPA of 3.0 after one semester or after one year provided they have a minimum GPA of 2.5.  Part time evening students must complete one full year and have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to switch to a full time program. 

What are the most important factors the Admissions Committee look for when reviewing applications?
Applicants should recognize that Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores and undergraduate GPAs are important factors in the admission process. However, numbers alone might not entirely reflect an applicant's ability to succeed in the study of the law, enhance the law school's educational environment, and deliver legal services in a professionally responsible manner after graduation.

Therefore, the Admissions Committee will also consider, among other factors, the nature and difficulty of the applicant's course of undergraduate studies; the applicant's entire undergraduate record, including ascending or descending trends in achievement; graduate work or degrees; significant extracurricular activities while an undergraduate or graduate student; community activities; work experience; and personal obstacles that may have interfered with the realization of the applicant's full potential and personal achievements.

How does the Admissions Committee evaluate an applicant with multiple LSAT test scores?
If an applicant has taken the LSAT more than once, there will be an emphasis on the highest score during the review process.

When is the latest I can take the LSAT?
The February test is the last test we can consider for admission to the Fall class.

What is the 4 digit school code for Law Services?
The 4 digit school code is 2799

How do I apply for Financial Aid?
The Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to apply for financial aid at St. John’s Law. FAFSA forms are available at an undergraduate institution or you may apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  St. John’s federal school code is 002823.  Financial Aid counselors can be reached at (718) 990-2000 or financialaid@stjohns.edu.

Do you have a special admissions program for minority or other disadvantaged groups?
The Summer Institute is a program for individuals who have faced the challenges of discrimination, chronic financial hardship and/or other social, educational or physical disadvantages to such an extent that their undergraduate performance or LSAT score cannot otherwise warrant unconditional acceptance into the entering class.   Students who are interested in the program may include a cover letter along with their application requesting consideration for the Summer Institute.  View our Diversity Web page for additional information.

How may I apply to St. John's Law School?
You can complete the application form online or using Adobe Acrobat Reader software, you can print out application materials and mail them to the School of Law.  You can request a copy of the School of Law Bulletin by e-mailing the Admissions Office at lawinfo@stjohns.edu, or by telephone at (718) 990-6474.

Do you prefer applicants to submit a paper application or to apply online?
It does not make a difference if a student applies online or sends the application through the mail for the evaluation of the application.  However, applying online can expedite the process and ensures a more accurate translation of information and secure process. 

Does St. John’s Law School grant interviews?
We do not grant evaluative interviews.  St. John’s Law School hosts information sessions throughout the Fall and Winter and students can arrange an informational appointment to tour St. John’s Law School and speak with an admissions counselor.  Students can also take a virtual tour of the School of Law at our Web site.

How do I contact the Office of Admissions?
Office of Admissions
St. John’s University School of Law
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY  11439
(718) 990-6474
lawinfo@stjohns.edu