collageThe students come from all over the United States and more than 70 countries around the world. Approximately 18% of HLS students are non-US citizens. Most are pursuing a J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree, while many others are earning an LL. Harvard Law School is committed to supporting its international students.
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Harvard Law School Admissions
As a law student, you can expect to learn how to deal with some of the most problematic – indeed, often seemingly irresolvable – conflicts and issues in modern society and morality. In providing a framework for examining and understanding different societies and cultures, law degrees are a useful way to prepare not only for specific legal careers, but for a wide range of professional roles – and indeed for life in general. As any lawyer will tell you, this is a challenging but ultimately rewarding process: when it comes to legal work, there is no such thing as “too much knowledge”. Even the most obscure or far-reaching area of study can provide valuable insights into the daily challenges of the legal profession.
The LL.M. (Master of Laws) program is a one-year degree program that typically includes 180 students from some 70 countries. The Graduate Program is interested in attracting intellectually curious and thoughtful candidates from a variety of legal systems and backgrounds and with various career plans. Harvard’s LL.M. students include lawyers working in firms or NGOs, government officials, law professors, judges, diplomats, activists, doctoral students, business people, and others. The diversity of the participants in the LL.M. program contributes significantly to the educational experience of all students at the School.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the LL.M. program, an applicant must have a J.D. (Juris Doctor) from an ABA-approved U.S. law school or a first law degree (J.D., LL.B. or the equivalent) from a foreign law school. Harvard Law School is rarely able to accept into its LL.M. program anyone who already holds (or is pursuing) an LL.M. from another law school in the United States.
Harvard Law School Admission Requirements International Students
Admission to the LL.M. program is highly competitive. Each year approximately 1,600 applicants compete for around 180 places in the LL.M. program. Most applicants are fully qualified for the program, and the Committee on Graduate Studies must select from among a large number of candidates who have excellent credentials. In evaluating applications, the Committee takes into consideration the applicant’s grades and rank in their law and other university studies, letters of recommendation, occupational interests, professional and personal accomplishments, and other factors, including the following:
For LL.M. Applicants From Abroad
The program is designed for intellectually curious and thoughtful candidates who come from a variety of legal systems and backgrounds and who have demonstrated an intent to return to their country to contribute to academia or the legal profession. We are equally interested in applicants pursuing careers in law teaching and research, government service, the judiciary, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and private practice. While we do not require work experience, we generally find that applicants who have had at least two years of work experience or further study beyond law school have a better sense of what they hope to accomplish during the LL.M. program. As a result, they often are able to submit stronger applications, and those who end up enrolling in the LL.M. program often find that their experience makes it easier for them to select courses and identify research topics, and in general get more out of their LL.M. year.
For LL.M. Applicants From Applicants From The United States
The program is designed for graduates of U.S. law schools who have had at least two or three years of experience beyond law school and who have committed themselves to a career in law teaching. In the admissions process, the Committee focuses primarily on applicants who have excelled in their basic law school studies, who elicit strong letters of recommendation from law school teachers and others familiar with their work, and who have spent at least two years working as a law school teacher, judicial clerk, or practitioner in a public agency or private practice. Evidence of graduate education in a field other than law is also significant. Weight will be given to materials demonstrating the applicant’s interest in, commitment to, and capability for a career in law teaching.
Harvard Law School J.D. Admission
Application to the Juris Doctorate (J.D.) program offered by Harvard Law School is made through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service(CAS). The application process for the class of 2023 opens on September 16, 2019. The deadline date for international students is February 3, 2020.
Application Fee: 85 USD
Academic Requirement: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with any major to be eligible for the J.D. program.
Test Score Requirement
Applicants will have to submit all the scores of LSAT and/or GRE taken in the last five years. There is no specific cutoff score for either of the test to get admission at Harvard Law School. Given below are the recommended minimum score to get admission in Harvard Law:
| Test | Recommended Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| LSAT | 170 |
| GRE | Above 80th percentile |
Documents Required:
- Official Transcripts
- LSAT and/or GRE Score
- English Proficiency Test Score(recommended)
- Letter of Recommendations
- Personal Statement
- CV/Resume
All the documents must be submitted electronically to LSAC. During the application review process, applicants may be invited to interview based on the application and documents submitted.
The Admission Office at Harvard Law School will make decisions for admission to the JD program on a rolling basis based on the academic merit of the applicant.
Joint Degree Programs
Harvard Law School also offers 5 joint degree programs for law aspirants who are interested in pursuing other fields of study along with the J.D. program. For admission in these programs, applicants have to apply to Harvard Law School and to the other graduate school of Harvard University separately based on the course opted.
Given below are the joint degree programs and the partner school that offers the program:
| Joint Degree Course | Partner School |
|---|---|
| J.D. and MBA | Harvard Business School |
| J.D. and Master in Public Policy/Administration in International Development | Harvard Kennedy School |
| J.D. and Master in Urban Planning | Harvard University Graduate School of Design |
| J.D. and Master in Public Health | Harvard Chan School |
| J.D.and LL.M | University of Cambridge |
Harvard Law School LL.M. Admission
Harvard Law School offers a one-year Master of Laws degree program at the graduate level. Applicants must have a J.D. from an accredited law school of the USA or a first law degree (J.D., LL.B. or the equivalent) from a foreign law school to be eligible for the LL.M program at Harvard Law.
Where to Apply: Official Application Portal
Application Deadline: December
Documents Required:
- All the previous academic record
- Letter of Recommendations
- Personal Statement
- CV/Resume
- Work Experience(preferred)
- Research Topics(preferred)
Admission Procedure
The admission to the LL.M. programs is strictly based on applicant’s grades in their JD/LL.B. studies, letters of recommendation, personal statement, occupational interests, research topics, accomplishments, work experience, and further study beyond law school.
Harvard Law School S.J.D. Admission
Harvard Law School offers S.J.D.(Doctor of Juridical Sciences) candidacy to around 10-12 applicants every year. The applications for the S.J.D. program for the academic year 2020-21 will starts in early February 2020.
Where to Apply: Official Application Portal
Application Deadline: April 1, 2020
Admission Requirement
- International applicants must have received an LL.M degree from Harvard Law School to be considered for S.J.D candidacy.
- Applicants must have written a 50-page LL.M. Paper and attained a distinguished academic record in their Harvard Law School LL.M. studies.
- International applicants must have obtained their previous degree/degrees in law with distinction.
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis after the application process opens. International students can expect a decision anytime between December and May. All the admission decision is made after careful evaluation of all the details, scores, and documents submitted by the applicants.
Harvard Law School will notify the applicants regarding their application status and decision through the portal and via email. All decisions regarding admissions to the school are made by the end of April.
How will the Admissions Committee review coursework that has been impacted by school closures, transitions to online course formats, and optional or compelled grading changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic?
We understand that many institutions across the globe are making tough decisions to adapt to the evolving 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The Harvard Law School J.D. Admissions Committee wholeheartedly respects the decisions of institutions and students as we all navigate this situation. We remain committed to taking a holistic, flexible approach to evaluating each application. This is applied to all applicants and to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
You do not need to explain any pandemic-related changes to your coursework or grades for spring and summer 2020. If you would feel more at ease by submitting a brief addendum explaining any changes, you are more than welcome to do so.I have experienced a professional or academic disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Will this impact my chance for admission?
Many people are having to put their academic, professional, and personal plans on hold for the time being. We understand this and realize that it might impact professional and academic opportunities opportunities, and other things relevant to your application.
If your professional or academic plans have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, it will not impact your chance for admission. If you would feel more at ease by explaining your situation to us, you can upload a brief addendum to your application.
Pauses, changes, and gaps in internships, research, service fellowships, and employment related to the COVID-19 pandemic will not impact your chance for admission to the Harvard Law School.Will you waive the test requirement for the 2020–2021 cycle?
Per ABA Standard 503, an accredited law school must utilize a “valid and reliable test” in the admissions process. Therefore, a standardized test score (either LSAT or GRE) is a required component of the application. How do I apply to the Harvard Law School J.D. program?
To apply to Harvard Law School through the regular J.D. process, you must first create an account with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). In addition to creating an account with LSAC, we encourage you to review the J.D. Application Components. What is the first-year class profile?
You can find the first-year profile for the most recent entering class here. When is the application deadline for the J.D. program?
The priority deadline for fall 2021 is February 1, 2021. The application closes on March 1, 2021.
Applications submitted after the priority deadline and and before the application closes will be processed and reviewed in the same manner as those submitted before the priority deadline with slightly different timelines for decision release.When can I expect a decision?
Applications submitted by the priority deadline are guaranteed a decision by April 1.
Applications submitted after the priority deadline and before the application closes are guaranteed a decision by May 1.What are the eligibility requirements for applying to the Harvard Law School J.D. program?
Regular J.D. applicants are eligible to apply if they will have a bachelor’s degree by August of the year they intend to enroll at HLS. The J.D. degree requires three years of full-time study beginning in the fall semester of each year exclusively. Please note, HLS does not offer a J.D. degree through part-time or summer programs.What is tuition at Harvard Law School? Is financial aid available?
Please refer to the Standard Student Budget to review an estimate of total cost, including living expenses, and tuition for the current academic year.
Financial aid at Harvard Law School is exclusively need-based; there are no merit scholarships available. All students, including domestic and international students, who demonstrate financial need according to a combination of federal and institutional guidelines receive adequate financial assistance to complete their course of study. For more information about financial aid, visit the HLS Student Financial Services Office website.
The Low Income Protection Plan (LIPP) is one of the most generous loan forgiveness programs in the nation. This program helps relieve the burden of repayment of educational loans for J.D. graduates in lower income employment options. Qualifying jobs include all full-time jobs in non-profits, government, or academia, as well as law-related jobs in the private sector. When should I apply for financial aid?
You cannot begin to apply for financial aid at HLS until you receive an offer of admission. For a broad overview of the entire financial aid application process, please review the Apply for Aid section of the Student Financial Services website. What is the best “pre-law” curriculum? How does one prepare for law school?
Harvard Law School considers applications from all undergraduate majors. There are no fixed requirements with respect to the content of pre-legal education. The nature of a candidate’s college work, as well as the quality of academic performance, are reviewed in the selection process. However, in preparing for law school, a broad college education is usually preferable to one that is narrowly specialized. The Admissions Committee looks for a showing of thorough learning in a field of your choice, such as history, economics, government, philosophy, mathematics, science, literature or the classics (and many others), rather than a concentration in courses given primarily as vocational training.Is an applicant with a STEM background viewed differently than an applicant with a humanities or social sciences foundation?
Harvard Law School encourages applications from every academic discipline. Lawyers with experience in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields are currently involved in some of the most important legal and regulatory questions of our time and will continue to be similarly engaged. If you have a STEM background, you may wish to work in the field for a few years to garner practical experience in the sciences before studying the legal aspects that regulate such work.Does Harvard Law School offer concurrent or joint degree programs?
Harvard Law School offers joint degree programs with the Harvard Business School (J.D./M.B.A.), the Harvard School of Public Health (J.D./M.P.H), the Harvard Kennedy School of Government (J.D./ M.P.P. or M.P.A./I.D.), the Harvard Graduate School of Design (J.D./M.U.P.), and the Cambridge University Faculty of Law (J.D./LL.M). The Law School also offers coordinated programs with the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (J.D./Ph.D. and J.D./M.A.) in many fields.
For questions regarding joint degree programs, please contact April Pettit, Assistant Director of Academic Affairs, at apettit@law.harvard.edu. For those interested in combining a legal education with advanced training in a field in which a joint degree is not offered, we offer a number of concurrent degree opportunities with other graduate schools.
Click here for more information on our various multidisciplinary programs, including cross-registering across Harvard University and study abroad options.Which standardized test scores can I submit along with my application?
Harvard Law School accepts either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). We do not have a preference for either exam. Similarly, a candidate is not considered more committed by taking both exams or disadvantaged by taking the same exam multiple times. Individuals considering either test should explore several factors, including whether they intend to apply to other law schools that may only accept the LSAT, timing and geographic location, and any other plans they may have for graduate study.
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) automatically reports all LSAT test scores from the past five years. To maintain parity in the requirements between the LSAT and GRE results, applicants must also submit all valid GRE test results from the last five years. Applicants may not choose which results they will share. A failure to comply with this policy may result in a withdrawal of an offer of admission.
If you have concerns about sharing every test result from the last five years, then please consider attaching an addendum to your application elaborating on your circumstances. We will still require all test scores from the last five years, but the Admissions Committee will review those scores along with your addendum.Why are the last five years of test scores required?
The Law School Admission Council automatically reports all LSAT test scores from the last five years. To provide consistent levels of information across both the LSAT and GRE, HLS requires all test results from the past five years. Applicants may not choose which results they will share.How long are my test scores valid?
The Law School Admission Council reports all LSAT scores from the past five years. GRE scores are valid for up to five years from the test date.Will you accept the LSAT-Flex and the GRE at Home?
Yes. You are welcome to take and submit either the LSAT-Flex or the GRE General Test at Home. We will accept either of these at-home, online administrations and will give them the same holistic consideration we do to the in-person LSAT or GRE. Your application will not be considered less competitive if you apply with the LSAT-Flex or the GRE General Test at Home. How should I submit my LSAT and/or GRE score(s) to HLS?
Candidates must apply to the regular J.D. program via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and must participate in the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). When we receive and process your application, HLS will request your CAS report, which includes your LSAT score(s), academic transcripts, LSAT writing sample(s), and letters of recommendation.
Applicants who elect to take the GRE (instead of or in addition to the LSAT) must instruct the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send HLS all GRE test scores from the preceding five-year period. Applicants who have taken the GRE can log into their ETS account and select Harvard Law School as a recipient of GRE results using the school code: 2135.Why did you begin accepting the GRE in addition to the LSAT?
Accepting the GRE is part of a wider strategy at Harvard Law School to expand access to legal education for students in the United States and internationally. According to the policies established in the American Bar Association (ABA) Interpretation 503-1, acceptance of the GRE is consistent with the rules that govern the data that accredited law schools must collect from students seeking admission. The GRE is offered frequently throughout the year and in numerous locations around the world, which may make it more easily accessible than the LSAT for some applicants.
While applicants need only take either the LSAT or the GRE, HLS does require all those test results from the past five years.How important are test scores in the admissions process?
Admission decisions are based on the Admissions Committee’s experienced judgment applied to individual cases, and many aspects are considered. Quantitative factors, while informative, are not dispositive in our selection process.
The LSAT and GRE are both designed to measure some of the acquired skills that are important to successful graduate school study. Within broad limits, both exams provide a reasonable assessment of these skills. Standing alone, however, the LSAT and/or GRE provide only a partial measure of an individual’s promise for legal study. In the context of the broader range of information contained in a complete application for admission, the LSAT and/or GRE is helpful in assessing individual promise and in making meaningful comparisons among those who apply for admission.
Please note, we have no computational methods for making admission decisions, no mechanical shortcuts, and no substitutes for careful assessment and good judgment applied to individual cases. We try to assess intangible qualities— concern for the welfare of others, energy, ambition, sound judgment, and high ideals. We have also found merit in allowing several strong factors to offset another factor on which an applicant may perform only modestly in comparison with other applicants. As a result, we emphasize that there are no “cut-off” GPAs or standardized test scores below which an application will not be considered in its entirety.
While applicants need only take either the LSAT or the GRE, HLS does require all those test results from the past five years.When should I take either the LSAT or GRE?
The LSAT is administered multiple times per year. Please visit the Law School Admission Council website for more information.
- For your application to be considered complete by the priority deadline, you must take the LSAT no later than the February 2021 administration. We review all LSAT results taken within the five-year window during which the scores are valid.
The GRE is administered year-round. Please visit the Educational Testing Service website for more information.
- For your application to be considered complete by the priority deadline, you must take the GRE by the end of February 2021. GRE test scores are officially reported within approximately two weeks of the test date. We review all GRE results taken within the five-year window during which the scores are valid.
Please note, we are not able to hold a decision on your application for any additional test scores. Applications will be completed and ready for review once we have received scores from the exam(s) indicated in your HLS application, and we have processed your complete CAS report with all requisite materials. Applications will be reviewed roughly in the order they become complete.
However, if your completed application has been submitted and remains under consideration, even past our application closure, you are welcome to send additional test scores through LSAC and ETS as they become available. Additional test scores cannot be considered once a final decision has been rendered on an application.Should I retake the LSAT or GRE?
You need only take the LSAT or GRE once, however, if you take multiple tests, the Admissions Committee will consider all LSAT and/or GRE scores presented as part of your application.
Please note, while the GRE is composed of multiple sections, no one section will be weighted more heavily than the others. Similarly, each test score is reviewed individually; we do not “super-score”, average, or consider the highest composite score exclusively.
We consider any information an applicant provides about their scores. If you feel that one or more of your scores is not representative of your capabilities, you may address your concerns in an addendum attached to your application. If you have already submitted your application, you may submit a PDF addendum via your status checker with your name and LSAC number. This will be automatically added to your file – therefore, there is no need to email the office.
While applicants need only take either the LSAT or the GRE, HLS does require all those test results from the past five years.Is there a fee waiver process for either the LSAT or the GRE?
LSAC offers fee waivers for the LSAT and Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Please find more information here.
ETS offers a limited number of GRE Fee Reduction Certificates. Please find more information here.Will HLS report my LSAT score to the American Bar Association (ABA) if I take both the LSAT and the GRE?
Yes. If you take the LSAT, then we will report the LSAT score to the ABA.When does Harvard Law School begin accepting applications? When is the deadline to apply?
The application for regular J.D. applicants will open on September 15, 2020 on the LSAC website. You can find further information here.
We recommend that you submit your application by our priority deadline on February 1, 2021. The application will close on March 1.Are application fee waivers available?
If you are applying to HLS with an LSAT score and if payment of the application fee would pose a financial hardship, we recommend (but do not require) that you first apply for a fee waiver through the Law School Admissions Council. Fee waivers from LSAC cover multiple application fees and some LSAC services, and an LSAC fee waiver may be the best way for you to reduce application related expenses. If LSAC has granted you a LSAT/LSAC Credential Assembly Service Fee waiver and you apply to HLS, your application fee will be waived.
If you are applying to HLS with a GRE score or are interested in requesting an application fee waiver directly from HLS, you may complete the HLS Fee Waiver Request Form. The HLS Fee Waiver Request Form will open on September 1 and close on February 1 each year. We cannot accommodate any fee waiver requests made prior to or after those dates.
HLS application fees are waived by HLS on the basis of financial need as demonstrated by information on the HLS form. No application for admission will be considered before the application fee has been paid or a fee waiver has been granted.Must I register with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service?
Yes. All applicants to the regular J.D. program, whether taking the LSAT or GRE, must also register for LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service and have all undergraduate and graduate transcripts sent to LSAC. When we receive and process your application, HLS will request your CAS report, and Law Services will send it directly to HLS. The CAS report includes any LSAT scores as well as copies of your academic transcripts, LSAT writing sample, and a summary of your undergraduate grades.
Applicants who received their bachelor’s degrees outside the United States, Puerto Rico, or Canada may not be eligible for LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service. Please refer to LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service to determine your eligibility. If you are not eligible for LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service, you must have your official university transcripts sent directly to LSAC. Candidates must also identify themselves as a foreign-educated applicant when registering for the LSAT.Are there “cut-off” GPAs or standardized test scores below which applications are not considered?
No. There are no “cut-off” GPAs or standardized test scores below which an application will not be considered in its entirety. We have no computational methods for making admission decisions, no mechanical shortcuts, no substitutes for careful assessment and good judgment.How do I find out whether a document has been received or if my application is complete?
Given the number of applications we receive and the limited time we have available to process, authenticate, and review each of them, it is not possible for us to reply to individual inquiries asking us to verify receipt of application materials or confirm the status of your application.
You will receive individual emails when your application is received and when it is complete.Can I find out my status via email or over the phone?
No. When decisions are rendered, applicants are notified through their status checker and by an email notification. If you are a current applicant, please refer to the “Application Received” or “Application Complete” emails for details.Will Harvard review my application even if some of the supporting documents are submitted after the deadline?
Yes. The deadline applies only to the submission of the application form itself. It does not apply to letters of recommendation, transcripts, standardized scores, or other addenda. While your application has been submitted and is still under consideration, you may submit additional materials. We highly encourage applicants to submit all relevant materials in a timely manner. Do you accept application materials by email?
No. All required application materials must be electronically submitted through LSAC.
Applicants who receive new grades after CAS reports have been sent to us should submit updated transcripts to LSAC. Information such as updated resumes, promotions at work, a change in an expected degree date, new employment status, or other amendments to the information in your file are welcome via your online status checker.
Please use your best judgment in uploading any additional materials, taking into account the frequency and nature of your past updates.How many letters of recommendation does Harvard require? Whom should I ask to write my recommendations?
Two letters of recommendation are required of all applicants to the J.D. Program. In the event that you would like to submit an additional letter, LSAC does provide space for a third recommendation.
All recommendation letters must be submitted electronically through LSAC. We strongly recommend that at least one letter come from a professor, advisor, or other educational contact who can address your academic and scholarly abilities. However, applicants who have been out of school for several years and struggle to find an academic recommender may submit letters from employers or others who have worked closely with them.
If you have utilized all three upload spaces in your application via LSAC, your recommender may email a recommendation letter to us directly at jdadmiss@law.harvard.edu. Kindly ensure your recommender includes your full name and LSAC number on the header. How should I approach my personal statement?
The personal statement is intended as an opportunity to give the Admissions Committee a better sense of who you are as a person and as a potential student and graduate of Harvard Law School. In many instances, applicants have used the personal statement to provide more context on how their experiences and strengths could make them valuable contributors to the Harvard and legal communities, to illuminate their intellectual background and interests, or to clarify or elaborate on other information in their application. Because applicants and their experiences differ, you are the best person to determine the content of your statement.What length should my personal statement be?
Please limit your personal statement to two pages using a minimum of 11-point font, 1-inch margins, and double spacing.What is the optional statement?
While the personal statement is a required component of the application, the optional statement, as the name suggests, is not. The Admissions Committee makes every effort to understand your achievements in the context of your background and to build a diverse student body. To that end, you may choose to submit an optional statement to elaborate on how you could contribute to the Harvard Law School community.What length should my optional statement be?
We ask that you limit your optional statement to one page, double spaced, using a font size that is comfortable to read (not less than 11 point).
Harvard Law School Admission 2020-2021 Deadline, Requirements, Application Process & Acceptance Rate
Ranked as #1 Law School by the QS Top Universities Ranking since 2016, Harvard Law School has maintained its status of being the best law schools in the world. Getting admission to Harvard Law School is extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 12 %, HLS offered admission to around 742 applicants out of more than 6000 applications received for the Class of 2021.
Harvard Law School offers a 3-year Juris Doctorate(J.D.), Master of Laws, and Doctor of Juridical Sciences programs. Application to the J.D. and LL.M/S.J.D. programs offered by Harvard Law School can be made through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service and official website respectively. Applicants are required to take the LSAT and/or GRE to gain admission to the J.D. program.
- Harvard Law School intakes students during the Fall semester.
- International students are recommended to submit English Proficiency Test Scores.
- There is no specific GPA requirement for admission, but the average acceptance GPA at Harvard Law School is 3.7 on a scale of 4.0.
- Harvard Law School also offers Joint Degree programs with other graduate schools of Harvard University.
Highlights
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Portal | UG: LSAC’s CAS PG: Official Website |
| Application Fee | 85 USD |
| Mode of Payment | Online |
| Number of Programs | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 10% |
| Test | LSAT, GRE, TOEFL |
| Academic Calendar | Semester |
| Interview Requirement | Based on Application |
| Work Experience | Recommended for LL.M. |
| Financial Aid | Available for International Students |
Harvard Law School Admission Deadlines
The application process for admission to the J.D. and LL.M. programs offered by Harvard Law School opens in the month of September every year. International students who desire to study at HLS must apply before the deadline. The deadline date for J.D. applicants is February 3, 2020, however, applicants will be able to send their documents until February 28, 2020, through LSAC’s CAS portal.
Given below is the program wise application deadline date:
| Program | Deadline Date |
|---|---|
| J.D. Program | February |
| LL.M. Program | December |
| S.J.D. Program | April |
Harvard Law School International Student Admission
The application and admission process of Harvard Law School is the same for native as well as international applicants. International students who desire to take admission at Harvard Law School must submit a strong application to HLS for a better chance of acceptance. The basic requirements to apply to Harvard Law School are:
- Official Transcripts from every college/university attended
- LSAT and/or GRE Results
- Two professional Letter of Recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Financial statements
As per the application process to study in the USA, international students whose first language is not English will need to submit the language proficiency score in order to get a student visa for the US and during LSAC’s CAS.
English Language Requirement
Harvard Law School does not require any language proficiency test scores from international applicants. However, international students are advised to send their Language proficiency scores to add more weight to their application.
The minimum recommended score is:
| Test | Recommended Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | iBT: 100 PBT: 600 |
| IELTS | Overall 7.0 with a minimum of 7 in writing |
Visa Process
An international student needs to have the following documents to apply for a student visa in the USA:
- Valid passport to prove nationality,
- DS-160 form (Non-immigrant visa application confirmation page)
- Receipt of payment of Application fee,
- Form I-20 issued by Harvard Law School on acceptance to the program
- Financial affidavit of support
- Official finance bank statement
International students have to complete the I-20 Form and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of 200 USD and apply for the F-1 visa by submitting the form and documentation.
If an optional statement runs over one page, it will be read. However, we ask that you use your best judgment to determine whether or not your optional statement should exceed the one-page allotment.Are all applications read?
Yes, front to back. Each application is guaranteed a thorough review by multiple members of the Admissions Committee.What if I applied to HLS in a previous year?
We retain application records for three academic years after the original year of your submission. Should an applicant choose to reapply within that time frame, our office will fully consider any previous applications alongside the current one. Your file will contain everything you’ve previously submitted within the past three years.
Applicants who wish to reapply will have to submit a new application, an updated resume, a new personal statement, any new or updated transcripts, and any new test scores. New letters of recommendation are not necessary but welcome, nonetheless.Reapplicants will also need to pay the current application fee.
If there are no new GRE scores to report, reapplicants will not need to resubmit scores that were included in their original application and that remain valid in the current application cycle. LSAC automatically reports new LSAT scores.
Please rest assured that the Admissions Committee does not view multiple applications negatively. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis for all applications. In the past, we have admitted a number of applicants who have applied more than once.What if I have a disciplinary record?
It is always best to answer questions concerning your disciplinary record fully and openly, and to provide the requisite accompanying explanation. Withholding information that, in the future, may be reported by your schools, places of employment, or other establishments can adversely affect evaluation if not included in your application. Please be advised that disciplinary records are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not necessarily viewed as inherently negative.Does Harvard Law School interview applicants?
Yes. Evaluative interviews are available by invitation only. All interviews are conducted via an online platform. If you are selected to interview, you will be notified by email with more information.What is your deferral policy?
At Harvard Law School, we expect that all applicants fully intend to enroll in the J.D. program in the fall of the year in which they apply. We also understand that individual circumstances related to enrollment can change after submitting an application.
We typically reserve deferrals for students who have specific academic or professional plans for a limited time period. Deferrals are in most cases limited to one or two years, though we have the ability to grant longer deferrals or extensions, for serious illness, visa delays, and extenuating personal circumstances.
We customarily approve deferral requests for military reasons, whether in the case of active deployment or involuntary extensions of military service.
Admitted applicants will receive more detailed information about the procedures for applying for a deferral. Deferral requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
College juniors interested in applying to HLS with the intention of deferring an offer for admission for two years after completing an undergraduate degree may apply to the Junior Deferral Program.
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