Below you will find information guiding you through the application process at the University of Mississippi School of Law.
Please be aware there is specifically designated information for International Students and Transfer Students.
If you have any questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions.
Steps in the Application Process
Step 1 – Take the LSAT & Register with LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service.
Instructions for registering with LSAT/CAS can be obtained from Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) at www.lsac.org. Although LSAC provides six opportunities each year for law applicants to take the LSAT, you are advised to take the LSAT no later than December prior to the term in which you wish to enter law school (summer or fall). The highest test score will be used for multiple tests.
Step 2 – Submit application through the LSAC website.
All applications must be made through LSAC. You will need to login or create an account to apply.
LSAC has created an application guide to aid in the application process.
You may check your application status through LSAC’s status checker.
Step 3 – Submit personal statement.
Your personal statement gives us an opportunity to get a sense of your voice, perspective, and experiences. You may elaborate on your significant life experiences; meaningful intellectual interests and extracurricular activities; your inspiration for pursuing a legal education or your particular career goals; significant hardships you have encountered and how you responded to them; your special talents or skills; or your educational path or employment history.
As you consider potential directions for your Personal Statement, please know that you do not have to tell us everything. You may develop a single theme with authentic and genuine information about yourself that will aid us in reaching a thoughtful decision. For example, you might explain your interest in the University of Mississippi School of Law and why we are a good fit for you culturally, academically, or professionally.
Alternately, you could describe a challenge, failure, or setback you have faced, explaining how you confronted that challenge and what you might have done differently. Importantly, this may include the manner in which you have overcome obstacles such as racial, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other discrimination, socio-economic status, loss of a family member, and disability or illness.
Or you could write about how the place you come from has shaped who you are today. You may explain what has motivated you or inspired you to assume a leadership position or attain a particular goal. You may have been inspired or motivated by your identity, heritage or culture, a particular area of interest or past experience, including any struggles, successes, mistreatment or discrimination. You may describe how a mentor, role model, or former professor inspired or motivated you. Another possibility is for you to tell us how an acquaintance might describe you and whether their superficial description would be the truth.
If you feel your academic credentials do not reflect your potential for success, consider using the Personal Statement to explain your capabilities. Alternatively, you may submit an addendum addressing this issue as part of your application.
Each applicant will be considered based upon their unique qualities and experiences.
While we do not impose a page or word limit for the Personal Statement, we value clear and concise writing. Most Personal Statements range from two to four pages. For ease of reading, please double-space and use at least an 11-point font.
Step 4 – Community Essay
Please Select Either Topic A or B
While we do not impose a page or word limit for the Community Essay, we value clear and concise writing. For ease of reading, please double-space and use at least an 11-point font.
Topic A
All students at the University of Mississippi have the responsibility to uphold the Creed:
- The Creed of The University of Mississippi
- The University of Mississippi is a community of learning dedicated to nurturing excellence in intellectual inquiry and personal character in an open and diverse environment. As a voluntary member of this community:
- I believe in respect for the dignity of each person.
- I believe in fairness and civility.
- I believe in personal and professional integrity.
- I believe in academic honesty.
- I believe in academic freedom.
- I believe in good stewardship of our resources.
- I pledge to uphold these values and encourage others to follow my example.
Why do you want to join a community bound together by these commitments?
Topic B
The University of Mississippi School of Law is a community committed to creating an educational experience that values a multiplicity of viewpoints. Such a range of views is vital to the education of our students and to the role we play in shaping the legal profession. We embrace our obligation to promote a justice system that provides equal access to all people and eliminates bias, discrimination, and racism in the law. Our law school community is committed to creating and nurturing an academic environment where all people feel welcome, all voices are heard, and together we undertake the serious pursuit of knowledge and growth. Why do you want to join this community?
Step 5 – Submit Letters of Recommendation
A minimum of two academic letters of recommendation from professors who have taught you in class, or from professors who have direct experience with your academic ability and potential, are preferred, especially if you are still in your undergraduate program or have just graduated. We strongly discourage recommendation letters from friends and family, and such letters do not substitute for academic letters of recommendation. If you have been out of school for a period of time, you may substitute letters from employers or others who are well-acquainted with your intellectual ability and academic potential. The Admissions Committee is looking for recommendations that explain how you will succeed academically in law school. Your letters of recommendation should be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service.
Step 6 – Submit application fee
The application fee is $40 and must be paid in the form of electronic transmission (Visa or MasterCard).
If you receive a fee waiver from LSAC to take the LSAT, we will also waive the application fee. You will need to provide our office with a copy of the approval letter that you receive from Law Services (LSAC).
Step 7 – For Establishing MS Residency: Submit Residency Form
If establishing Mississippi residency, submit the Mississippi Residency Form (pdf) with required documentation.
Regular Decision
Applications and supporting materials, including your CAS report, must be received by May 1. We will accept the April LSAT for regular decision, even if the scores are posted after May 1, as long as your application and all other supporting materials are received by May 1. We will inform you that your application has been accepted, denied, or placed on a waiting list by the end of May.
Late Decision
Late decision applications are considered on a space-available basis. Applications will be reviewed upon completion, and decisions will be made shortly thereafter.
Entrance Dates
Students are given the option to enter in the summer or fall of each admissions year. Because summer and fall enrollees are considered as one class, the same standards are applied in the decision-making process.
Waiting List
A waiting list may be established and held open until the registration date. Offers will be extended to applicants on the waiting list as vacancies occur. We will make every effort to give each admitted applicant as much time as possible to prepare for enrollment.