JD Admissions Information
How To Apply
Submit your application through the LSAC online service. Please be sure to review the detailed application instructions (available here or through the LSAC e-app) as you complete the form.
» Review application instructions
Application Timeline
Application materials for the class of 2013 are available in early August, and may be submitted beginning September 1, 2009. The application deadline for Regular Decision candidates is February 15, 2010. Applications for the binding Early Decision option must be submitted by November 2, 2009.
» More about Early Decision
The application review process begins in late October, and decisions are made throughout the following months. Applicants will be notified as soon as an admission decision is reached. However, the time from an application's completion to a decision being reached may vary widely.
Although the application deadline is February 15, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. In recent years, most offers of admission were made prior to March 1, and all decisions were made by the end of April. Applicants who present a completed file earlier in the process have a distinct advantage.
Application Review
The application review process includes a thorough evaluation of a candidate's academic record, including the rigor and breadth of the curriculum, overall grade trends, any graduate level work, and test scores. To be eligible for admission, an applicant must receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution prior to enrollment at the Law School.
Duke seeks to identify applicants who demonstrate leadership and engagement. Most successful candidates show sustained and meaningful commitment to one or more fields of interest to them. Although many applicants have had some exposure to the legal profession, this is not in itself a requirement. The Law School benefits from a student body that represents a broad range of experiences and interests. It is often helpful to indicate reasons for interest in law school in general and Duke in particular, especially when they relate to an applicant's specific experiences. Special care is taken when evaluating applications to achieve diversity in interests, perspectives, and backgrounds.
When the admissions committee determines that additional information would be helpful in making a final decision, applicants may be invited to visit campus for an interview. These interviews are optional, and offered by invitation at the discretion of the admissions committee. All candidates are welcome to visit the law school for a tour, and may make an appointment for a non-evaluative informational meeting with an admissions officer.
Financial Aid Consideration
Duke Law School awards scholarships both on the basis of merit and on the basis of merit plus financial need. All admitted students are eligible for scholarship consideration. Information about applying for Duke Law scholarships will be sent to admitted students after they receive their offer of admission.
Mailing Address
Office of Admissions
Duke University School of Law
Science Drive & Towerview Road
Box 90393
Durham, N.C. 27708-0393
For overnight delivery, omit the box number.
