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Fri, 03/01/2024 - 3:54pm -- szb5706

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Penn State Dickinson Law

Master of Laws (LL.M.) Application Instructions

Penn State Dickinson Law and Penn State Law are reunifying to operate as Penn State University’s single law school with two locations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: Carlisle and University Park. While ABA approval for the reunification is pending, both schools are currently fully accredited. We submitted an application for acquiescence to operate as a single law school in July 2024 and plan to enroll a unified class in Fall 2025.

Penn State Dickinson Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) Application Instructions

Thank you for your interest in Penn State Dickinson Law and our LL.M. degree program.

Prospective students have the option of applying directly to Penn State Dickinson Law or via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Dickinson Law does not charge application fees, making the process accessible to all prospective applicants. 

Penn State Dickinson Law admits students exclusively for the fall semester start in August. Applications are reviewed and admission decisions made on a rolling basis, so early submission is highly recommended. Typically, applicants can expect notification within one week of completing the application. Those electing to apply directly should observe the following instructions.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must have completed, or be in the process of completing, a first professional degree in law. This is generally a J.D. from a U.S. law school or the equivalent to the J.D. from a law school outside of the U.S. Successful applicants are often licensed to practice law and have professional experience in legal practice.

Application Requirements

  1. Application. Applicants must submit a direct application (see below). Only complete applications will be reviewed. 

  2. Personal Statement.  Applicants must submit a brief personal statement (1-2 pages) that provides a clear and well-organized rationale for pursuing an LL.M. degree and specifically why the applicant has chosen to do so at Penn State Dickinson Law. This rationale should succinctly explain the applicant’s career plans and the relevance of an LL.M. degree in realization of those plans.

  3. Résumé or Curriculum Vita. Applicants must submit a résumé or CV outlining relevant work experience, education, and publications.

  4. Writing Sample. Though optional, applicants are encouraged to submit a short writing sample (in English) written entirely by the applicant without assistance, usually in the form of a journal article or legal brief.

  5. Transcripts. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each degree-granting, post-secondary institution previously attended. Transcripts must include both the original and, if needed, a certified English translation. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application, but official transcripts must be provided within two weeks of the start of classes.

  6. English Language Proficiency. Applicants for whom English is a native language or those who have earned an academic degree from a college or university in which the language of instruction was English meet the language requirement. In some cases, an oral proficiency interview may still be required. For applicants who are not native English speakers and have not received a degree from a college or university whose language of instruction is English, a TOEFL, IELTS or similar score that demonstrates advanced proficiency in English is required. Applicants must provide evidence of a TOEFL score report of 88 or higher, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, a Duolingo English Test score of 120 or higher, or the equivalent.

  7. Letters of Recommendation. Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation in English (or certified translations into English) from an employer or law professor. Recommenders should have knowledge of the applicant’s academic achievement and potential for a career in law. Each recommender should evaluate the applicant’s capacity for advanced study and potential for fulfilling the professional objectives for which the applicant seeks the degree.  To the extent possible, letters should be specific to Penn State Dickinson Law.

  8. Additional Documentation. As needed, applicants may submit additional supporting documentation that may be helpful with determining admissibility. 

Admissibility

Dickinson Law maintains a holistic approach to admission. Applications shall be evaluated with consideration to previous education and legal qualifications, professional experience, community service and personal accomplishments. Successful applicants will have provided a clear and compelling rationale for pursuing an LL.M. degree and specifically at Penn State Dickinson Law. It is important that applicants have well-defined career plans and demonstrate the important of earning a LL.M. degree in realization of those plans. Admissible applicants may be invited to an interview (in person or via Zoom).