Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions, we have answers.
Facts & Statistics | General Admission Info | First Years | Financial Aid
International or Foreign-Educated Applicants |
Facts and Statistics
Where is William & Mary Law School?
The Law School is located at 613 South Henry Street in Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg is about an hour west of Virginia Beach, an hour east of Richmond, and 2.5 hours south of Washington D.C.
How many students apply each year?
While the number varies from year to year, William & Mary Law School has a large applicant pool and admission is competitive. For the Class of 2026, the Law School received 2,248 applications.
What is the size of the entering class?
The 1L class that enrolled on August 14, 2023, totaled 154 students.
What is the median GPA and LSAT score of entering students?
The Class of 2026 that enrolled on August 14, 2023, has a median LSAT of 166 (75th/25th: 168/162) and a median undergraduate GPA of 3.77 (75th/25th: 3.87/3.55).
How much does it cost to attend William & Mary Law School?
Visit our Cost & Aid page for information.
How do I apply to be considered for in-state tuition?
Learn more about the qualifications for in-state tuition.
Where may I find more information about student life and the Williamsburg area?
Williamsburg is a fantastic place to work and play. There is an abundance of small-town hospitality, loads of outdoor activities, and a host of big-city amenities that you might not expect to find in a relatively small Virginia town. Student life is enriched by more than 50 organizations and students participate in a wide array of co-curricular programs and activities.
General Admission Information
What is the application fee for the first-year J.D. application?
There is a $85 application fee for first-year J.D. applications. If you feel as though this fee will prevent you from being able to apply to William & Mary Law School, please email the Admissions Office to request a fee waiver.
Do you accept transfer and visiting students?
Yes, dependant on space availability. Learn more about applying as a transfer or visiting student.
What is the latest LSAT score you will accept?
For first-year JD applications, applicants applying on or before the April 1 priority deadline should take the LSAT no later than April 2024. For applications submitted between April 1 and August 1, the Law School will accept June LSAT scores on a space available basis. W&M considers an LSAT score valid for a period of three years; therefore, the oldest LSAT score acceptable for the 2024-25 application cycle is June 2021.
Do you offer interviews?
We do not require interviews. Our admissions staff are, however, available to meet over Zoom. These “meetings” are not interviews, rather they are informational, giving you a chance to ask questions and gain additional perspective on the admissions process and W&M Law. Visit our Connect & Visit page to learn more.
Can I visit the Law School?
We offer daily tours of the law school when classes are in session. Visit our Connect & Visit page to learn more about how to make a tour reservation and other ways to get to know the Law School!
Does the Law School offer combination degree programs?
Yes. The J.D. degree can be earned in combination with other graduate degrees at William & Mary.
Does the Law School have an LL.M. program?
Yes. We offer both a traditional residential program and an online program. William & Mary's LL.M. program in the American Legal System provides advanced training for students from outside the United States who are interested in academic careers or who wish to increase their familiarity with the American legal system.
Does William & Mary have a part-time or an evening program?
No.
Can I defer enrollment?
The Law School will consider a deferment request on a case-by-case basis depending on the requester's circumstances. Requests for a one-year deferral must be submitted with an explanatory statement regarding the reasons for the request. Be advised, if a deferral is granted, the seat deposit must be paid to hold the seat; any previously awarded scholarship will not be deferred. A deferred student will be considered for a scholarship award with all those admitted to the class with which they will enroll. Scholarships the following year may be greater or smaller than those awarded the previous year.
First Year FAQ
How do I apply to William & Mary Law School?
Apply with the William & Mary Application through LSAC.
What are the requirements to be considered for first-year admission?
Our how-to-apply page lists both the requirements for admission and applicable deadlines.
I have completed graduate work. Will my graduate GPA or my undergraduate GPA be considered?
At William & Mary Law School we review all aspects of the application package including any graduate work. Because all applicants have an undergraduate record, the undergraduate GPA will be the primary GPA considered for admission purposes.
What specific courses should I take to prepare for law school? Does William & Mary prefer any particular major?
The Law School does not require any specific course of study. Our current students have studied almost every imaginable subject. Generally, successful law students possess the ability to read, comprehend, and analyze complex material. Many applicants have focused their studies in the fields of philosophy, political science, government, economics, or English, but these are only a few of the paths that students may take to prepare for a successful law school experience.
Will any past indiscretions prevent me from being admitted to William & Mary Law School?
Not necessarily. We understand that an applicant may have received misdemeanor, felony, and/or disciplinary charges. Without knowing the specific details, it is impossible to determine whether a past indiscretion will have meaningful ramifications on the admission decision. Of course, it is crucial that the applicant disclose those charges and provide a straightforward, honest, and fully forthcoming explanation. Please see the description of the LSAT, GPA, or Character/Fitness addenda on our application page.
Whom should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
Your letters should be completed by professors, instructors, or supervisors who know you well enough to be familiar with your character and abilities. If you are a student, or have graduated within three years of applying to William & Mary, one of your recommendations must come from a professor who can speak to your academic abilities.
May I submit a resume with my application?
Yes. We require a resume.
Does William & Mary Law School require a Dean's Certification for first-year J.D. applicants?
No.
What information should I include in my personal statement?
Good question! See our application page for details.
I do not perform well on standardized tests or I have mitigating circumstances explaining my poor GPA. Should I explain this in my personal statement?
We recommend that you use your personal statement to provide information to support your law school application request, not to explain a perceived deficiency. A supplemental statement may be submitted to address test or academic performance. Please see the description of the LSAT, GPA, or Character/Fitness addenda on our application page.
When do you begin accepting applications? When is your application deadline?
We begin accepting applications on September 1. The priority deadline to submit applications is April 1, but applications are accepted until August 1. Aapplicants should take the LSAT no later than April 2024. W&M considers an LSAT score valid for a period of three years; therefore, the oldest LSAT score acceptable for the 2023-24 application cycle is June 2021.
When will I receive a decision?
William & Mary's admission process includes a full-file review. The amount of time required for review(s) will vary for each applicant. All applications are reviewed once a file is complete, and applicants will be notified of decisions once they are finalized. Many applications will go through multiple reviews.
Is there an early decision program?
No.
Does applying early help my chances of admission?
Applying early facilitates the process; however, the application arrival date is not the deciding factor and applying early does not increase one's chances of gaining admission.
What are the factors considered for admission to William & Mary Law School?
Please see our admission policy.
If I take the LSAT more than once, how will you consider the scores?
William & Mary Law School will evaluate the LSAT portion of the application by using the highest reported score.
Does William & Mary Law School require seat deposits? Are they refundable?
A non-refundable $750 deposit is required to hold a seat in the incoming class. The $750 will be credited towards your first semester tuition bill.
My GPA and/or LSAT are below the median. Do I still have a chance of gaining admission?
Yes. William & Mary Law School seeks a diverse and talented student body and while your GPA and LSAT are two important measures of your academic achievement and potential, we realize that they only tell part of the story. We review all aspects of an applicant's file, including but not limited to your personal statement, community involvement, work experience, leadership, recommendations, course selection, etc. While we carefully review your GPA and LSAT, they are two of many factors that aid in our decision making process.
Financial Aid FAQ
Is financial aid available?
Yes.
What forms must I submit to be considered for financial aid?
Only your admission application is needed for most merit-based awards. There are some additional scholarships that will require a separate application; these awards are based on specific criteria listed within the application itself. The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed for need-based awards and all educational loans.
What is the Federal Code for William & Mary as required on the FAFSA?
The FAFSA Title IV code for William & Mary is 003705.
How do I go about obtaining federal student loans? What about private loans?
Federal unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans are available. You need to submit your FAFSA with the William & Mary code in order to be packaged for aid by the William & Mary Office of Student Financial Aid. Follow the directions provided to complete the loan application process.
When is tuition due?
Tuition or completed and approved loan applications are due August 1 for the fall semester and early January for the spring semester.
Can I apply for Virginia residency status after my first year of law school?
Yes. Learn more about obtaining residency.
International or Foreign-Educated J.D. Applicants
How do I submit transcripts from a college or university outside the United States or Canada?
Use the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for international transcripts. For information on this service, visit the LSAC website.
Do you require TOEFL from international students? What is the minimum score requirement?
All J.D. applicants are required to take the LSAT. The TOEFL is not required.