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Frequently Asked Questions

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Application Procedure

  1. Where do I mail my application and recommendation letters?

    2. Texas Tech University School of Law
    Admissions Office
    1802 Hartford Lubbock, Texas 79409-0004

  2. Can the application be used for any semester?

    3. We accept first-year students for the fall semester only, though the Admissions Committee will select a small number of applicants to begin studies in the summer semester. We accept transfer and visiting students for all semesters. Please indicate the semester you plan to begin your study here in the appropriate space on the application form. If you are denied admission and choose to reapply in a subsequent year, you must complete a new application form.

  3. How are the applications processed?

    4. The Texas Tech University School of Law operates under a rolling admissions policy. The Admissions Office processes applications as they are received. When an applicant's file is complete, the Admissions Office sends it to the Admissions Committee for consideration. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Worthy applicants who apply after February 1 may not receive an offer of admission because we have reached our capacity.

  4. Who should mail letters of recommendation?

    5. You may include letters of recommendation with your application, or the individuals writing the letters can send them directly to us or through the LSAC letter of recommendation service. Do not delay filing an application while you wait for pending letters.

  5. How will you receive late transcript grades?

    6. An updated transcript may be submitted to LSDAS at any time and the cumulative grade point average will be recomputed to reflect the additional grades. An updated LSDAS report will be sent to the Texas Tech University School of Law.

  6. Can I schedule a personal interview?

    7. Time limitations and the large number of applicants restrict us from granting numerous personal interviews. All requests for an interview must be submitted in writing to the Admissions Office no later than March 15.

  7. May I appeal the denial of my application?

    8. Decisions made by the Admissions Committee are final and not subject to appeal. Occasionally, an applicant wishes to report a material change in his or her application, such as a new LSAT score or GPA as evidenced by an updated LSDAS Report. In this event, an applicant's file may be selected for reconsideration.

  8. What are my chances of being admitted to Texas Tech University School of Law?

    9. Because so many variables are associated with making an admission decision, it is impossible to predict which applicants will be successful. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Worthy applicants who apply after February 1 may not receive an offer of admission because we have reached our capacity.

  9. Can I call to check the status of my application?

    10. Federal law prevents us from releasing information about admission decisions by telephone or facsimile transmission. The Admissions Office can verify that your application file is complete, but that is the extent of information that can be released other than by a formal letter.

  10. If I am accepted but decide to wait until next year, what do I do?

    11. If you notify the Admission Office of your decision, your application will be withdrawn. We retain files for 5 years. You must reapply and send in another application fee. Your new application will be combined with your old file.

  11. What factors are weighed in making a decision on my application?

    12. While considerable weight is placed upon your LSAT score and grade point average, the Admissions Committee looks beyond the quantitative data in making its decisions and considers such factors as background, experience, extracurricular activities and interests, and evidence of leadership qualities. The committee also considers such factors as those listed on the application form.

  12. Can I apply after the deadline?

    13. We will accept your application for Regular Decision after the February deadline, but your chance of admission will be diminished because many acceptances will have been made by the time your file is considered. The School of Law reserves the right to return any application and application fee submitted after the February 1 deadline.

  13. When do I file my Declaration of Intent to Study Law form??

    14. The Texas Board of Law Examiners requires that every person who intends to take the Texas Bar examination must file a Declaration of Intention to Study Law. This must be filed with the Board during the student's first year of law school and must be accompanied by a copy of the student's law school application. Please make a copy of your application and keep it to submit with your declaration. The filing deadline for such declarations are as follows: fall entrants, October 1; summer entrants, September 15.

    The declaration must be filed on a form promulgated by the Board. The declaration requires disclosure of all legal and academic offenses. The admissions application requires the same disclosures. Any discrepancies between the two forms are reported to the School of Law. Possible disciplinary action, including revocation of admission or suspension, may result.

    After filing the Declaration of Intention to Study Law, the applicant will have to be fingerprinted. A time will be scheduled at the law school for the fingerprinting. Each student will be required to pay a fee of $9.95 by credit card, certified check, or money order at the time the prints are taken.

    The forms may be accessed online at www.ble.state.tx.us/Forms/ main_formsindex.html and should be filed after classes start by the deadlines shown above. The filing fee for the Declaration of Intention to Study Law is $190. Students who expect to practice in other states should investigate possible similar requirements in such states.

Application Requirements

  1. Does the application require a personal statement and a resume?

    2. Yes, a personal statement and resume are required. Applicants should write their personal statements with care. The personal statement provides applicants with the opportunity to convey information about themselves beyond the questions in the application form. No specific format for the personal statement is required, though Admissions Committee members often want to know the reasons why a particular applicant desires to study law. The personal statement also provides an opportunity to present information about other factors that might aid the committee in its decision, such as those listed in the application. In addition, applicants should avoid repeating facts found in the application form or resume, such as academic or personal accomplishments, unless they explain the significance or meaning of the information.

  2. Are letters of recommendation required?

    3. Yes. Two letters of recommendation are required, and the Admissions Committee will consider up to three. Select the writers of your letters with great care. The Admissions Committee receives very little help from letters written by judges, attorneys, and elected officials if these persons do not know you well and do not know you in a capacity other than as a family friend. Instead, you should choose employers, teachers, and others who can provide personal information about you beyond what your resume and application list.

Application Status

  1. Can I call to check the status of my application?

    2. Federal law prevents us from releasing information about admission decisions by telephone or facsimile transmission. The Admissions Office can verify that your application file is complete, but that is the extent of information that can be released other than by a formal letter.

  2. What is the application fee?

    3. The application fee is $50.

  3. How soon will I be notified of my acceptance or denial?

    4. Once a decision is made, the applicant will be notified by mail as soon as possible.

  4. What does it mean to be placed in the "Active Consideration" category?

    5. Qualified applicants neither accepted nor denied admission are placed in the "Active Consideration" category. This status means that the applicant's file remains under consideration until a final determination can be made. When a final decision is made, we will notify you in writing. While your application is in this category, the admissions staff and committee cannot respond to questions about the status of your file.

  5. If I am accepted but decide to wait until next year, what do I do?

    6. If you notify the Admission Office of your decision, your application will be withdrawn. We retain files for 5 years. You must reapply and send in another application fee. Your new application will be combined with your old file. In rare circumstances, the School of Law may grant an applicant's request to defer admissions for up to one year.

  6. What factors are weighed in making a decision on my application?

    7. While considerable weight is placed upon your LSAT score and grade point average, the Admissions Committee looks beyond the quantitative data in making its decisions and considers such factors as background, experience, extracurricular activities and interests, and evidence of leadership qualities. The committee also considers such factors as those listed on the application form.

  7. What are my chances of being admitted to Texas Tech University School of Law?

    8. Because so many variables are associated with making an admission decision, it is impossible to predict which applicants will be successful. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Worthy applicants who apply after February 1 may not receive an offer of admission because we have reached our capacity.

Costs

  1. What is the cost of tuition, books, and supplies?

    2. Tuition for 2007-2008 is $373.67 a semester hour for Texas residents and $621.67 a semester hour for nonresidents. These tuition figures could change in the 2008-2009 academic year. All students will have additional expenses of about $1,245 per semester in fees and approximately $1,000 per semester for books and supplies. To hold a place in the entering class, each accepted applicant must forward a deposit soon after acceptance (see deposit information). A student cannot receive grants, scholarships, and loans in excess of the cost of education, even if the academic year limits allowed on aid programs may be more than the cost of education.

    Students who move to Texas after reaching the age of 18 are considered to be nonresidents unless they have resided in the state for other than educational purposes for a period of 12 months immediately preceding enrollment. Questions of residency status frequently arise concerning members of the Armed Forces assigned to duty in Texas and persons who have been Texas residents but have moved out of Texas for employment. Applicants in these and other circumstances involving questionable residency status should seek clarification from the Law School.

    Applicants will receive information on programs and costs for student health services, student insurance, recreational sports, student parking, and other matters at student orientation immediately prior to the beginning of the fall semester. For more detailed information regarding residency, fees, veterans' exemptions from fees, refund policies, and loans, see the finance section in the university catalog available at www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications.

  2. What is the application fee?

    3. The application fee is $50.

  3. Are there any other fees or deposits of which I should be aware?

    4. Each accepted applicant is required to pay a deposit soon after being accepted to hold a place in the entering class. Applicants who fail to submit their deposit by the date specified in their acceptance letter will forfeit their place in the entering class. Applicants accepted in the Early Decision Program will be required to pay a non refundable deposit of $750. Those accepted in the Regular Decision Admission process will be required to pay a deposit of $300. In accordance with the LSAC Statement of Good Admission and Financial Aid Practices, this deposit for regular decision applicants is refundable through April 1 to allow them to choose among multiple offers of admission without penalty. After April 1 the regular decision deposit is not refundable.

    The Texas Tech University School of Law requires an additional deposit in June to continue holding a place in the entering class. Applicants who fail to submit the second deposit by the deadline will forfeit their place in the entering class. Both the initial deposit and the June deposit are refunded upon matriculation at the Texas Tech University School of Law.

Deadlines

  1. How early may I apply for admission?

    2. You may apply as early as September 1 when new application forms for the upcoming year become available online. The Admissions Committee encourages early application and will review your file as soon as it is complete. Applicants who apply later in the year, particularly after the deadline, may be denied because all of the available spaces for entering students have been filled.

  2. When is the deadline for applications?

    3. For Early Decision applicants, the application deadline is November 1, and the applicant’s LSDAS Report must be received from Law Services no later than November 10. For Regular Decision applicants, the deadline is February 1.

  3. Can I apply after the deadline?

    4. We will accept your application for Regular Decision after the February deadline, but your chance of admission will be diminished because many acceptances will have been made by the time your file is considered. The School of Law reserves the right to return any application and application fee submitted after the February 1 deadline.

  4. When do I file my Declaration of Intent to Study Law form?

    5. The Texas Board of Law Examiners requires that every person who intends to take the Texas Bar examination must file a Declaration of Intention to Study Law. This must be filed with the Board during the student's first year of law school and must be accompanied by a copy of the student's law school application. Please make a copy of your application and keep it to submit with your declaration. The filing deadline for such declarations are as follows: fall entrants, October 1; summer entrants, September 15.

    The declaration must be filed on a form promulgated by the Board. The declaration requires disclosure of all legal and academic offenses. The admissions application requires the same disclosures. Any discrepancies between the two forms are reported to the School of Law. Possible disciplinary action, including revocation of admission or suspension, may result.

    After filing the Declaration of Intention to Study Law, the applicant will have to be fingerprinted. A time will be scheduled at the law school for the fingerprinting. Each student will be required to pay a fee of $9.95 by credit card, certified check, or money order at the time the prints are taken.

    The forms may be accessed online at www.ble.state.tx.us/Forms/ main_formsindex.html and should be filed after classes start by the deadlines shown above. The filing fee for the Declaration of Intention to Study Law is $190. Students who expect to practice in other states should investigate possible similar requirements in such states.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

  1. What scholarship opportunities are available and when will I know if I am receiving a scholarship?

    2. The Texas Tech University School of Law awards scholarships through four programs: Regent's Scholarship Program, Presidential Scholarship Program, Out-of-State Tuition Waiver Program, and Advanced Student Scholarship Program. Some scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence; others have been established to assist those in financial need. There is no separate application required. All recipients will be notified of their awards at the time of acceptance or shortly thereafter.

  2. What is the FICE code for completing the FAFSA?

    3. The code for Texas Tech University is 003644.

LSAT

  1. Where can I obtain an LSAT booklet?

    2. You can obtain a booklet from most colleges in your area or through the Law School Admission Council at www.lsac.org.

  2. When are the LSAT tests given?

    3. February, June, September/October, and December of each year. LSAT scores are good for five years.

  3. What do I do about late LSAT scores?

    4. Do not delay filing an application pending late LSAT scores. We will request your LSAT scores from Law Services upon receipt of your application.

  4. How are multiple LSAT scores evaluated?

    5. Governing agencies permit law schools to report the highest LSAT score received by the applicant. Texas Tech University School of Law will evaluate the strength of an applicant’s file based upon the highest score achieved, while taking into consideration the number of scores reported and the number of exam scores canceled. Therefore, it is still in the best interest of the applicant to fully prepare for the exam and plan on sitting for the exam once. Never take the LSAT exam for practice under the belief that you can achieve a higher score at a later date.

Special Programs

  1. Does Texas Tech offer an Early Decision Program?

    2. Yes. Applicants who have investigated other law schools and believe that the Texas Tech University School of Law is the best choice for them may be interested in the Early Decision Program. Applications must be received by November 1, and the applicant’s LSDAS Report must be received from Law Services no later than November 10.

    The Admissions Committee may defer a decision on an applicant's file so that it can be considered along with the applications in the Regular Admission Program.

    Applicants accepted through the Early Decision Program will be required to submit non-refundable deposits earlier in the admissions cycle than applicants in the regular admissions program. Those accepted through the Program must also certify that they have withdrawn any applications at other law schools when they pay their deposits here.

    The Admissions Committee may choose to defer some applications received under the Early Decision Program for consideration in Texas Tech University School of Law's regular admissions program.

  2. Who is eligible for the Honors 3 Plus 3 Program?

    3. Only students in the Texas Tech University Honors College are eligible for this program. For information regarding admissions to the Honors College, please visit www.honr.ttu.edu.

  3. Who is eligible for the Early Decision Plan?

    4. Only students in the Texas Tech University Honors College are eligible for this program. For information regarding admissions to the Honors College, please visit www.honr.ttu.edu.

  4. Should I apply under the Early Decision Program or the Regular Admission Program?

    5. The Early Decision Program is for applicants that have considered several law schools thoroughly and have concluded that a Texas Tech legal education is the one most compatible with their goals for a professional education. The Early Decision Program is binding and requires a non refundable deposit. Applicants that are "undecided" about which law school they wish to attend or desire to "weigh their options" should apply under the Regular Decision Program.

  5. May I apply for the Summer Entry Program?

    6. No. The Admissions Committee will select approximately 20 students for summer entry from among the early and regular admission applicants.

  6. Do you have any joint degree or certificate programs available?

    7. Yes. The Texas Tech University School of Law has eight well-established joint degree programs and offers a Law and Science Certificate.

  7. Can I specialize in a particular area of law?

    8. Although concentration or specialization is neither required nor encouraged, the law school curriculum is sufficiently broad to allow, through a judicious use of electives, a concentration in some areas of law. These areas include Property and Estate Planning, Tax Law Litigation, Judicial Administration and Procedure, Environmental and Natural Resource Planning, Public Interest Law, Commercial Law, Business Association, Criminal Law, International Law, and Administrative Law. Applicants should view the curriculum to ensure that a sufficient number of courses (including supplemental and related courses) are offered in their area of interest.