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Early Decision Option

Early Decision Option (EDO) is designed for full and part-time prospective first year law candidates who are confident that the Washington College of Law is their first choice. We expect candidates who select this option have researched a range of law schools and are committed to enrolling at American University Washington College of Law in the fall if offered admission.

The early decision process is easy and efficient. By applying through this process candidates save time, money, effort and the stress that comes with applying to multiple law schools. Additionally, candidates admitted early decision are considered first for merit scholarships. Other types of financial aid are awarded later in the admissions process. Since the evaluation for need-based financial aid cannot be reviewed by January 15, 2012, early decision is not recommended for candidates who need to know their full financial aid package before paying a deposit. Candidates admitted through this option are eligible for our institutional need-based grants on the same terms as non-early decision candidates.

Requirements for EDO 2012 Admissions Cycle:

• The application deadline is November 15, 2011.
• The file completion deadline is November 30, 2011. A file is ready for review once we have received a completed application, application fee, LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) /LSDAS report, personal statement, one letter of recommendation and the completed Early Decision Option Certification.
• The latest LSAT accepted for early decision candidates is the October, 2011 test.
• You may not apply for another binding early decision program at another law school.
• If admitted to the Washington College of Law under Early Decision Option, you must enroll at the Washington College of Law, withdraw all applications at other law schools regardless of your status and not initiate any new applications.
• Candidates admitted early decision are not eligible to defer admission to a later year or switch between the full-time and part-time programs prior to enrollment.
• If admitted under the Early Decision Option to the Washington College of Law a non-refundable deposit of $900 will be due by January 15, 2012.
• Failure to comply with the terms of this agreement may have consequences. The Washington College of Law reserves the right to report violations of this agreement of any kind to appropriate organizations including, but not limited to, the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), state bar associations, and other law schools.

Note: It may take up to two weeks for the law school to receive material processed through LSAC. Please take this timing into account when applying.

Notification will be mailed by December 23, 2011 and the deposit deadline for those admitted will be January 15, 2012. Candidates will be notified if they have been admitted, referred to the general admissions process or denied. If the Committee on Admissions chooses to refer an applicant, their file will be reviewed again in the spring as part of our general admissions process. Candidates who are referred to the general admissions process or who did not complete their file are released from the Early Decision Option requirements.