Frequently Asked Questions
Office of Admissions Contact List
Office of Admissions Reception Desk
Phone: 202- 274-4101
Email: wcladmit@wcl.american.edu
Current law students answer our main phone number and email. These students will either address your question or put you in contact with someone who can assist you.
Admissions Counselor Seton McIlroy
Assists applicants whose last name begins with A-K with general admissions questions or questions about their admissions file.
smcilroy@wcl.american.edu
Admissions Counselor Laura Faulkner
Assists applicants whose last name begins with L-Z with general admissions questions or questions about their admissions file.
faulkner@wcl.american.edu
Assistant Director Meghan Walter
Assists transfer/visitor applicants with the admissions process. Also assists first-year entering students with questions regarding the Public Interest/Public Service Scholarship, deferral policy, and international visa issues. mwalter@wcl.american.edu
Associate Director of Admissions Brooke Sandoval
Assists applicants with questions about visiting campus, course offerings, dual degree programs, and student organizations.
sandoval@wcl.american.edu
Admissions Assistant Mamie Lynch
Assists applicants with on-line application questions and the requesting of LSDAS reports.
mlynch@wcl.american.edu
How will I know that you have received my application?
We e-mail a confirmation to applicants that we have received your application. The email will come from wclapply@wcl.american.edu. Depending on your mail server it may be directed to your junk mail box. If we have requested your LSDAS report, then we have received your application. If we do not request your LSDAS report within three weeks of submitting your application, please contact our office.
Do I qualify for an application fee waiver?
The Washington College of Law waives the $70 application fee only for applicants who applied for and were granted a recent LSAT or LSDAS fee waiver. Applicants who received such a fee waiver MUST apply on-line via the www.lsac.org web site and the fee will be automatically waived.
What factors are weighted most heavily in the admissions process?
Your undergraduate academic record (grades,course selection, credits per semester) and the LSAT are important factors in reviewing your admissions file. Since many applicants have similar grades and LSAT scores, personal background, work experience, and letters of recommendation distinguish an applicant.
How long should my personal statement be?
The average length is 2-3 pages. Reviewers appreciate it if you could keep the font size legible (at least 11 point) and double spaced.
What is your letter of recommendation policy?
One letter of recommendation is required and the maximum is two. For people who are still in school or have recently graduated, a letter from an academic recommender is strongly suggested. Once we have received at least one letter of recommendation and if the rest of your file is complete, your file will be sent to the Committee on Admissions for review. If you request that we hold your file until two letters are received, it will delay the review process and therefore your decision.
Do you have an Early Decision Option?
Yes, the deadline to apply for early decision at Washington College of Law is November 14, 2007. For more information about our Early Decision Option please click here.
Is your Early Decision Option binding?
Yes, 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 a non-refundable deposit of $700 will be due by January 15, 2008.
If I answer YES to question 15 on the application regarding criminal activity, how will it affect the committee's decision?
Generally, the severity of the crime and any pattern of violations will have the greatest affect on the committee's decision. The American Bar Association Standard 504 requires the law school to advise each applicant to secure information regarding the character and other qualifications for admission to the bar in the state in which the applicant intends to practice.
Can I apply to both the full-time and part-time programs?
In the initial review process you must apply for either the full-time or part-time program. If you are placed on the waiting list, you will then have the option to be considered for both programs. If you apply for the full-time program but our committee feels you would be a better fit in our part-time program, they may offer you a place on our waiting list. Therefore we do not reconsider people who were denied full-time who then ask for consideration for the part-time program.
For multiple LSAT scores do you average LSAT scores or take the highest score?
WCL receives all LSAT test scores from the Law School Admission Council that fall within the 5 year LSAT reporting window. Although all tests within the reporting window are evaluated, generally we consider the highest score for admission purposes.
When will you request my LSDAS report from the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)?
Once applications are entered into our database, we request LSDAS reports from LSAC. Reports are requested in the order that applications are received. Due to the amount of mail we receive, it can take up to two weeks from the time your application is received until we can order your report. If it has been more than a month from the time your application was received and you notice that your LSDAS report has not yet been requested, please contact your admissions counselor.
Can I update or amend my application at a later date?
Once you submit documents to our office, they become our property. Please be sure to proof any information before you submit it. Due to the sizes of our applicant pool, our counselors will be unable to add corrected personal statements or resumes to your file. Only send an addendum to your counselor if it contains completely new information. You may either fax (202-274-4107) or e-mail your admissions counselor this new information. Be sure it includes your full name and LSAC number on all documents. Once your file has been forwarded to the admissions committee for review, we will not add any additional information.
Can I check the status of my application?
Our committee begins the review process in November. Therefore your application status will not change until the committee begins its review and decision-making process. All status updates are made in writing. We will notify you by e-mail once your file is complete and ready for committee review.
When is my admissions file complete and ready for review?
Your file is complete when we have received your application fee or LSAC fee waiver; your completed application with all questions answered; personal statement; LSDAS report (for International students - a credential evaluation report and LSAT report); and at least one letter of recommendation.
When will I receive a decision?
Decisions are made on a weekly basis November-May. Not all applicants who applied early in the process will receive the first decisions. If your academic record places you towards the middle of our applicant pool, our admissions committee may hold your file to compare it with more of our applicants.
What can I do to improve my chances for admission?
If you feel there is something important that our committee should know about you, it should be detailed in your own words in your admission file. It is up to you to articulate your interests and background in your file. Apply and complete your file early in the process so your file will be reviewed when we have more admission offers available. Due to the size of our applicant pool we do not grant evaluative interviews.
How do I contact an admissions counselor?
We encourage you to visit our school and attend an information session. These sessions are led by an admissions staff person and a current student. If you have questions that you do not feel comfortable asking in a small group, a counselor can speak with you individually. If you have an important concern that requires assistance from an admissions counselor, you also may call our office (202-274-4101) between the hours of 2-5pm (EST). Our counselors reserve these hours to address applicant questions. Please limit your calls to issues that require immediate assistance.
