FAQ

Application Procedures

How do I apply to Hofstra Law School?
Once you have determined that Hofstra Law School is the right school for you, you can apply using a traditional paper application or electronic application. Electronic applications are encouraged since they usually can be completed more quickly and since LSDAS requests can be made faster. The $75 application fee is waived for those applying online. To proceed to Hofstra’s online application, please click here. To download a paper application, click here (PDF).

What are the application requirements?
Application requirements include the completed and signed application, a personal statement and the LSDAS report. The LSDAS report should include the results of your LSAT(s), at least one letter of recommendation and your undergraduate transcript(s). The $75 application fee is required only of those submitting a traditional paper application. For a complete list of application requirements, please click here.

What are the application procedures?
For a complete list of JD application procedures, please click here (PDF).
For a complete list of LL.M. application procedures, please click here (PDF) .

Can I apply to Hofstra Law School early decision?
Yes. First-year J.D. students can apply to any one of our programs (full time, part time day or part time evening) as an early decision candidate. This process enables applicants who have researched other schools and determined Hofstra is their first choice to demonstrate their commitment to attend Hofstra if admitted. This process is a binding one and, as such, it precludes you from applying to any other law school under a similar early decision process. If financial aid is a prerequisite for enrolling, you should apply under the Regular Decision process. For additional details regarding the early decision process at Hofstra Law School, please click here.

I have previously applied for admission, what is the process to be reconsidered?
A new, completed and signed application form is required along with the $75 application fee. Your LSDAS registration should remain active if you have taken or intend to retake the LSAT. Submitting an updated personal statement or new letters of recommendation is optional. The application fee is waived for those submitting online applications.

What is the best time to apply to Hofstra Law School?
The best time to apply to Hofstra Law School is during the months of October, November and December.

Can I apply to all three programs (full-time, part-time day, part-time evening) at the same time?
Yes. You can apply to all three programs; however, you need to include a separate rider to your application explaining the order of preference.

What does Hofstra look for in a personal statement?
The Admissions Committee will be looking for the ability to write clearly and concisely. Write about matters that are important to you but, at the same time, make room to tell us about who you are, where you are from, any accomplishments you have achieved, or any adversities you have overcome. Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words.

Who should write my letter(s) of recommendation?
The author(s) of your letter(s) of recommendation should be someone who knows you well and can make insightful comments about your academic abilities and how those abilities will translate to the law school environment. The author does not have to be a former professor or college advisor. Your recommender can be a mentor, supervisor, associate or someone from academia.

Do I have to register with LSDAS to apply?
Yes. All applicants must be registered with LSDAS.

I have been out of school for many years and my undergraduate GPA does not represent what I am now capable of. Will Hofstra Law School consider my graduate GPA and/or work experience?
Have an official graduate transcript sent to LSDAS and include your resume with your application for admissions. Be sure to use your personal statement as an opportunity to discuss your experience and accomplishments.

How important is the LSAT? If my LSAT falls outside the 25th-75th range but my GPA is strong, will I be accepted?
Scores, including LSAT and GPA, are not the determining factor for admissions. The Admissions Committee takes into consideration all aspects of the application including writing ability, academic ability, recommendations, leadership, advanced degrees, work experience, etc.

If I have multiple LSAT scores, will Hofstra Law School take the higher score or the average?
We will use your highest LSAT score when reviewing your application for admission.

If I am taking the LSAT again, should I wait to submit my application until I take the next test?
It is to your advantage to submit your application early so we may begin processing it. If you are taking the LSAT after you submit your application, please indicate this on your application. You may also check off the box indicating that you would like the Admissions Committee to wait to review your application until after the new LSAT score has been released.

If I have a foreign law degree (LL.B.), do I have to take the LSAT?
If you are interested in the JD program, you must take the LSAT. If you are looking to take the bar exam, then the LL.M. degree in American Legal Studies may be a better option. The LSAT is not required of LL.M. applicants.

If my undergraduate work is from a foreign institution, will my GPA count?
Yes. Hofstra Law School requires that your foreign transcripts be submitted through the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service. If you completed any work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service for the evaluation of your foreign transcripts. The one exception to this requirement is if you completed the foreign work through a study abroad, exchange program or consortium sponsored by a US or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the LSDAS subscription fee.

Do I have to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if English is not my native language?
Yes. Applicants whose college education was in a language other than English are required to present a recent score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, http://www.toefl.org/). Please contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and request that your TOEFL score be sent to the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. Hofstra Law School will look for a score of 237 on the computer-based test, 580 on the paper-based test or 92 on the internet-based test.

How long will it take to render a decision on my application?
Once an application is complete, it is sent directly to the Admissions Committee. Generally, a decision is made in as few as two weeks and as many as six.

How do I determine the status of my application?
Please be assured that as long as we have accurate e-mail, telephone and mailing address information, we will communicate the current status of your application with you. For example, we will notify you when your application is received and when it is complete. We will also notify you when your application is incomplete. In additional you may check the status of your application at any time through our online application status check. You will receive your user name and password via email once your application is received. If you have not received notification from us confirming receipt of your application within four weeks after submission, please contact the Office of Enrollment Management at (516) 463-5916 or lawadmissions@hofstra.edu.

How do I know if Hofstra Law School has received my LSDAS report?
Please contact LSAC student services at www.lsac.org or (215) 968-1001 or contact the Office of Enrollment Management at (516) 463-5916 or lawadmissions@hofstra.edu to determine if your LSDAS report has been received.

What undergraduate courses will best prepare me for law school?
Any class that develops your research and writing skills will best prepare you for law school.