How to Apply

Using Our Online Application Process

We use an online application process and do not accept paper applications.

During the online process, you will be asked to fill out a form. Please do not print and mail it; it must be submitted electronically. We will return any print applications we receive.

To get started, use the Apply Now! link in the right-hand column. If you have questions while using the electronic application, contact LSAC's Help Desk at (215) 968-1393.

Your Completed Application Must Include:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) Report
• Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
• Academic Transcripts
• Resume
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Addendums (if applicable)
• Online Application & $50 fee

Your application will be considered complete only when these items are received. The LSDAS report will not be released to Gonzaga until at least two letters of recommendation and official transcripts from each previously attended college, university, or law school are received.

Important: We require full disclosure on the application. Failure to comply could result in the denial of your application, and may be cause for dismissal after admission or registration.

Bachelor's Degree

A specific major is not required. Our students have majors that range from philosophy to physics, and political science to computer science.

Ideally, undergraduate students will have pursued a program of study that sought to improve their writing, research, speaking, and critical thinking skills.

We prefer to accept students who have received their degree from a college or university that is accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In the case of international applicants, we will evaluate the degree-granting institution on a case-by-case basis.

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LSDAS Report

The LSDAS Report is facilitated by LSAC and and is required of every applicant to Gonzaga School of Law. It includes:

• LSAT score and LSAT writing samples
• official academic transcripts
• letters of recommendation

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LSAT

The LSAT is administered by LSAC and is offered four times a year, typically in February, June, October, and December.

While your LSAT score and undergraduate performance are important factors in our review, we seriously consider your:

• qualities of character
• intellectual ability
• professional potential

The Admissions Committee prides itself on the review of an applicant's entire file; Your personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation will be carefully reviewed.

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Transcripts

So that your official transcript may be posted to your LSDAS Report, the Registrar's Office of your college or university must send it to LSAC.

You are responsible for updating your transcript with LSAC at the completion of each academic term.

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Resume

Your resume provides the Admissions Committee with insight about activities you have engaged in. We suggest you include:

• Academic accomplishments and awards
• Extra-curricular college activities
• Military service
• Employment during college, including internships
• Employment and activities since graduation from college, if applicable
• Public service participation; such as civic, community, and volunteer activities

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Personal Statement

Your personal statement should provide the Admissions Committee with some insight into your desire to attend law school. Be sure to include any information you consider relevant. 

• Don't treat your personal statement as a narrative version of your resume or academic background. 
• Information relating to public service and cultural and/or ethnic diversity may be included in your personal statement or in an addendum.
• Please limit your statement to two double-spaced pages.

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Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are meant to provide us with additional information that will help us assess your potential to succeed in law school. We require that you submit two letters of recommendation to the LSDAS. 

• One should be written by a college professor or instructor who is familiar with your classroom performance, your writing level, and your analytical and critical thinking skills.
• If you have been out of school for an extended period, letters from employers and others which effectively assess your abilities, skills, motivation, and sense of responsibility are also helpful.

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Addendums

You may submit addendums in response to questions asked on the law-school application. Addendums should be clearly identified with the student's name and Social Security number or LSAC number, the question the addendum is answering, and a concise response to the question.

• Questions 22-25 deal with your public service activities, cultural and economic background, low LSAT, or low GPA. You are strongly encouraged to provide addendums if you answer "yes" to any of these questions.
• Questions 26-29 ask about your academic record, criminal record, professional service misconduct, and overall character and fitness to practice law. You are required to provide addendums if you answer "yes" to any of these questions.

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