Tulane University

Albany Law School Of Union University American University Appalachian School of Law Arizona State University Atlanta's John Marshall Law School Ave Maria School Of Law Barry University Baylor University Belmont University Boston College Boston University Brigham Young University Brooklyn Law School California Western School Of Law Campbell University Capital University Case Western Reserve University Catholic University Of America Chapman University Charleston School Of Law Cleveland State University Columbia University Cornell University Creighton University CUNY DePaul University Drake University Drexel University Duke University Duquesne University Elon University Emory University Florida A&M University Florida International University Florida State University Fordham University George Mason University Georgetown University George Washington University Georgia State University Gonzaga University Harvard University Hofstra University Howard University Illinois Institute of Technology (Kent) Indiana University - Bloomington Indiana University - Indianapolis Inter American University School of Law Lewis And Clark College Liberty University Lincoln Memorial Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University - Los Angeles Loyola University - Chicago Loyola University - New Orleans Marquette University Mercer University Michigan State University Mississippi College Mitchell Hamline New England Law | Boston New York Law School New York University North Carolina Central University Northeastern University Northern Illinois University Northern Kentucky University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University Ohio Northern University Ohio State University Oklahoma City University Pace University Pennsylvania State - Dickinson Law Pennsylvania State - Penn State Law Pepperdine University Pontifical Catholic University Quinnipiac University Regent University Roger Williams University Rutgers University Saint Louis University Samford University Santa Clara University Seattle University Seton Hall University Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Southern Methodist University Southern University South Texas College Of Law - Houston Southwestern Law School Stanford University Stetson University St. John's University St. Mary's University St. Thomas University (Florida) Suffolk University Syracuse University Temple University Texas A&M University Texas Southern University Texas Tech University Touro College Tulane University University of Akron University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas, Fayetteville University of Arkansas, Little Rock University of Baltimore University of Buffalo - SUNY University of California - Berkeley University of California - Davis University of California (Hastings) University of California - Irvine University of California - Los Angeles University of Chicago University of Cincinnati University of Colorado - Boulder University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Denver University of Detroit Mercy University of Florida (Levin) University of Georgia University of Hawaii University of Houston University of Idaho University of Illinois - Chicago University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Louisville University of Maine University of Maryland University of Massachusetts Dartmouth University of Memphis University of Miami University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of Missouri - Kansas City University of Montana University of Nebraska University of Nevada - Las Vegas University of New Hampshire University of New Mexico University of North Carolina University of North Dakota University of North Texas at Dallas University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Puerto Rico University of Richmond University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of South Dakota University of Southern California University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) University of Tennessee University of Texas at Austin University of the District of Columbia University of the Pacific (Mcgeorge) University of Toledo University of Tulsa University of Utah University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin University of Wyoming Vanderbilt University Vermont Law School Villanova University Wake Forest University Washburn University Washington and Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Wayne State University Western Michigan University (Cooley) Western New England University Western State College Of Law West Virginia University Widener University - Delaware Widener University - Pennsylvania (Commonwealth) Willamette University William & Mary Law School Yale University Yeshiva University (Cardozo)

Application requirements

Deadline

Aug 01, 2026

Recommendations

0 to 3

Updated for 2025-2026 application cycle

As part of your application, you are required to submit at least one, and no more than three, personal essays selected from the eight prompts listed in the application instructions.

Attach each essay as a separate document, clearly indicating at the top which prompt you are answering by referencing its corresponding number.

We understand that some applicants may feel obligated to respond to Prompt #1 because it resembles the traditional personal statement required by many law schools. Others may feel similarly about Prompt #8, which focuses on a more specific interest in attending Tulane. Rest assured: our Admissions Committee does not give preference to any specific prompt.

Prompts #1 and #8 are included in part because we know some applicants may already have written a similar essay for another school. However, you should feel entirely comfortable skipping those prompts if another topic, or combination of topics, better represents who you are. For example, an applicant might choose to respond only to Prompt #2.

Please select the prompt(s) that best allow you to convey the information you would like us to consider as part of your application. Our goal in offering a variety of structured choices is to give you the flexibility to frame your written work in a way that will be helpful in our review process but also allows you to highlight your strengths.

Each essay must be entirely your own work. While there is no required minimum or maximum length, we recommend approximately 2 to 3 typed, double-spaced pages per essay using a font size of at least 11 points. Essays that are significantly shorter or longer should demonstrate exceptional writing and editing skills.

Please do not use your personal essay(s) to explain academic performance issues, LSAT scores, or conduct matters. If you wish to address these topics, use the optional “GPA/LSAT Explanation” question, which may be submitted regardless of how many personal essays you choose to write.

Applicants who answer “yes” to any Character and Fitness questions must submit a separate written explanation. This disclosure is required and is not considered one of your personal essays.

Respond to at least 1 and at most 3 of the following essay options:

Option 1: Share a personal experience that has meaningfully shaped your values, goals, or sense of purpose. How has it influenced your interests or perspectives today? (Optional: You may begin by writing the question(s) your story helps answer.)

Option 2: Describe a challenge your community faced and how you helped address it. How did your background or perspective shape your response? Share the impact of your actions and how you define ?community.?

Option 3: Describe a time you stood up for something you believed in, even when it was unpopular. How did your values or background shape your actions? What did you do, and what impact did it have?

Option 4: Describe a time you used empathy to resolve a disagreement with someone who saw the world differently. What did you learn?

Option 5: Tell us about a connection you formed across difference. How did it shape your perspective or personal growth?

Option 6: Tell us about a time you balanced competing priorities like school, work, and family or community responsibilities. How did you decide what to prioritize, and what impact did your choices have on others or a cause you care about?

Option 7: Describe a time your background or identity shaped how you understood or responded to a situation. How did it influence your perspective or actions?

Option 8: If you feel a strong connection to Tulane, New Orleans, our region, or the opportunities offered by the law school, what experiences or aspirations have shaped that connection? How do you see Tulane Law supporting your growth?

The Tulane Law School Admission Committee requires complete disclosure regarding any violation or alleged violation of law (including traffic offenses) and regarding any university disciplinary actions, including a fully descriptive narrative of the event or events. In some cases, committee members may request additional information and/or supporting documentation. State bar character and fitness committees require bar applicants to provide such detail, and bar examiners compare the candidate's disclosure on law school applications with bar application disclosures after a background check that includes purged, sealed, and dismissed actions.

The failure to disclose an act or event such as the ones described in the questions below is often more significant, and leads to more serious consequences, than the act or event itself. Failure to provide truthful answers, or failure to inform the Office of Admission of any changes to your answers, may result in revocation of admission or disciplinary action by the Law School, or denial of permission to practice law by the state in which you seek admission to the bar.

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

We strongly urge, if you are unsure as to whether to make a disclosure, that you err on the side of disclosure. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about what you are required to disclose. Please note also that it is your responsibility to update your application by notifying the Tulane Admission Office if any criminal charges or disciplinary actions are filed or expected to be filed between the date you submit this application and the date you enroll at Tulane. Further, students have a continuing duty to supplement their responses to questions in the admission application concerning disciplinary action, arrests, convictions (whether or not sentence was imposed), pleas of guilty or nolo contendere, or violation or alleged violation of any law while enrolled at Tulane.

Have you ever been subject to disciplinary action (for scholastic or other reasons) in any of the colleges, universities, graduate or professional schools you have attended? This includes being dropped, suspended, warned, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, disciplined, expelled, or requested or advised to resign from any postsecondary school, college, university, professional school, or law school.

If your answer to either question concerning disciplinary action is yes, please electronically attach a statement marked "Character/Fitness: School" with an explanation of the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, the disciplinary action(s), or any pending action. Be sure to provide the dates of the events you are disclosing, along with a full description of what took place.

Have you ever been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere for a violation of any law? For purposes of questions 4 and 5, you should include offenses that resulted in purged, sealed, obliterated, dismissed, or destroyed records, regardless of whether you have been told that you need not disclose any such event, including traffic offenses. These will also be requested by state bar authorities in many states. If you are not sure about the nature or the ultimate disposition of a particular charge, you are advised to make full disclosure, as a subsequent finding that you failed to disclose relevant information could have disqualifying consequences.

If your answer to either question concerning violations of the law is yes, please electronically attach a statement marked "Character/Fitness: Legal" with a full explanation of the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, your arrest or conviction, or any pending charges. Be sure to provide the dates of the events you are disclosing along with a full description of what took place.

4. Have you ever been discharged from any employment or requested or permitted to resign in lieu of disciplinary action? Or, in connection with your employment, have you ever been subject to any formal or informal charges of improper behavior that had any part in your quitting, being permitted to resign, being discharged or resulting in a suspension, demotion or loss of pay? Or, in connection with work requiring licensure, have you ever been disciplined as a member of any licensed profession or occupation including, but not limited to, being suspended from practice, reprimanded, censured, disqualified, revoked, permitted to resign, admonished, sanctioned or removed, or have any complaints or charges, formal or informal, ever been made or filed or proceedings instituted against you in such capacity?(You need not answer this question in the affirmative if a work discharge was not connected to disciplinary action or charges of improper behavior.)

If you currently hold, or have ever held, a professional or occupational license of any kind, please list the license(s), dates held, and the jurisdiction or authority that issued the license. If you have not held such a license, please simply respond "N/A".

If your answer to the question concerning employment/professional discipline is yes, please electronically attach a statement marked "Character/Fitness: Employment" with a full explanation of the reasons for, and circumstances surrounding, your discipline and/or resignation/discharge. Be sure to provide the dates of the events you are disclosing along with a full description of what took place.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The LSAT, administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), is required for all applicants to the first-year JD program. Tulane does not accept any other tests for first-year applicants, nor is it test-optional for the Fall 2026 application cycle.

We recommend taking the LSAT as early as possible to allow time for full preparation. We will accept LSAT scores through April 2026 for enrollment in August. June 2026 scores may be considered for late applicants or waitlisted candidates, but please note that space in the class will be very limited by the time scores are released. The Committee may reach a decision before the June score becomes available.

We will accept any LSAT score that is considered current and reportable under LSAC policies, regardless of format or delivery method. Tulane only considers the highest reported LSAT score in its review process.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

Arrange for CAS to receive your college and university transcripts. CAS registration can be completed when you register for the LSAT. The CAS registration fee includes access to LSAC?s Letter of Recommendation Service.

LSAC may not forward a CAS report to Tulane until transcripts from every undergraduate institution you attended are received. Reapplicants to Tulane must submit a new CAS report, even if there are no updates. Refer to LSAC.org for complete CAS policies and procedures.

If you attended a college or university outside the U.S. or Canada for more than one year (excluding study abroad or exchange programs through a U.S. or Canadian institution), you must submit those transcripts through the LSAC CAS Authentication and Evaluation (CAS A&E) Service. An International Credential Evaluation by AACRAO will be incorporated into your CAS report. Do not use this service for international enrollment of one year or less.

Direct questions about CAS and CAS A&E to LSAC.

Application Form & Written Attachments

Submit the Tulane Law School application electronically via LSAC, including all required written materials.

Answer all questions completely and accurately. Some questions may require further explanation; attach responses as instructed within the application.

We communicate primarily via email regarding application status. Please check spam folders regularly.

Note that the "Character and Fitness" portion of the application requests full disclosure of charges, arrests, convictions, guilty and nolo pleas relating to any violation of any law. This includes offenses that resulted in purged, sealed, obliterated, dismissed, or destroyed records, regardless of whether you have been told by an attorney or other official that you need not disclose any such event, including traffic violations.

Many state bar authorities require that the law school provides a copy of your admission application when you apply for admission to a state bar. If state bar authorities note any discrepancy between answers to questions on the admission application and responses to questions on the state bar application (for example, in response to questions about criminal or disciplinary proceedings, or in response to questions about previous enrollment at educational institutions), they will investigate further. In some cases, discrepancies of this sort have caused serious problems for recent law school graduates seeking bar admission.

Applicants are cautioned to provide full and accurate responses to all character and fitness questions on the law school application. This includes dates and surrounding circumstances.

You must submit a resume and at least one personal essay. You may submit up to three personal essays, selecting from the prompts below.

No essay prompt is given preferential weight. Submit the response(s) that best reflect your background, values, and potential for success in law school.

Each essay should be your own original work. While there is no required length, we suggest 2?3 double-spaced pages per essay using a font of at least 11 points. This guideline is flexible.

Do not use your personal essay(s) to explain academic performance, LSAT scores, or conduct matters. Instead, use the optional "GPA/LSAT Explanation" section. If you answered "yes" to any character and fitness questions, you must submit a separate written explanation. These disclosures are distinct from personal essays.

Respond to at least 1 and at most 3 of the following essay options:

Option 3: Describe a time you stood up for something you believed in, even when it was unpopular. How did your values or background shape your actions? What did you do, and what impact did it have?

Option 4: Describe a time you used empathy to resolve a disagreement with someone who saw the world differently. What did you learn?

Option 5: Tell us about a connection you formed across difference. How did it shape your perspective or personal growth?

Option 7: Describe a time your background or identity shaped how you understood or responded to a situation. How did it influence your perspective or actions?

Additional Requirements: Fees & Optional Letters of Recommendation

The $60 non-refundable application fee is automatically waived for applicants who apply before February 1. Applicants on or after February 1 must pay the fee unless they have obtained a waiver. Payment must be made by credit or debit card through LSAC.

Fee waivers may be granted in cases of serious financial hardship. Contact Tulane before submitting your application if you intend to request a fee waiver. Submitted fees are non-refundable.

If you receive a Tulane Law fee waiver, enter your unique waiver code in the application. If you were granted an LSAC fee waiver, your Tulane application fee will be waived automatically.

Letters of recommendation are optional but strongly encouraged, especially if you wish to address any weaknesses in your application. Letters should be written by individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic or professional ability. No more than three letters should be submitted.

We prefer letters to be submitted through LSAC?s Letter of Recommendation Service (included in CAS registration). Letters may also be sent directly to the Tulane Law Office of Admission.

Application Review Process: Policies and Procedures

We begin reviewing complete applications in November. Some decisions may be deferred until mid-to-late spring. A waitlist will be created in the spring; offers of admission from the waitlist may continue into summer until the class is full.

An application is considered complete when the application form is submitted with all required responses and attachments, the application fee (or fee waiver) is processed, and the LSAC report with LSAT scores and transcript analysis has been received.

Our office will acknowledge receipt of your application by email and send information on how you can monitor your application status online.

Applicants who submit complete applications earlier receive optimal consideration for merit scholarships. For federal loans and other financial aid, ensure that your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is submitted on time.

For questions, contact the Tulane Law Office of Admission at admissions@law.tulane.edu or (504) 865-5930. Our website is law.tulane.edu.

Please inform us of any changes in your contact information or circumstances (e.g., disciplinary actions or changes in graduation date). Do not rely solely on postal mail forwarding services.

Tulane conducts a holistic review of each application. We do not use a fixed scoring system. Each reviewer considers an applicant?s strengths and weaknesses in context, in consultation with the Assistant Dean of Admission and/or the Faculty Admissions Committee. The rolling admissions process may require increasing selectivity over time, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

While standardized test scores and academic records are key predictors, Tulane also considers optional materials such as essays and recommendation letters. Note that responses to optional demographic information questions such as those on race/ethnicity are not accessible to those reviewing or deciding on applications.

We recognize no one applicant will perfectly reflect all aspects of our institutional values and identity. However, we aim to enroll students who show leadership, have illustrated past academic and professional growth, and demonstrate potential contributions to the law school classroom and the legal profession. We seek students who will engage with Tulane?s areas of academic strength, its New Orleans location, and our pioneering public service requirement and experiential learning opportunities.

The dean of admissions consults regularly with the law school dean and faculty admissions committee in implementing review policies and procedures.

Certification

By submitting your application to Tulane Law School, you certify that you have read and understood these instructions. You confirm that all information provided, including any attachments or separately submitted materials, is accurate. Any false or omitted information may result in referral to the LSAC misconduct process, denial of admission, revocation of an offer, or dismissal.

You also confirm that your essays are your own original work and understand that your application may be reviewed by bar authorities during their character and fitness evaluations. It is your responsibility to inform the Tulane Law Office of Admission of any changes to the information provided in your application, including updates to academic records, disciplinary or criminal matters, and employment status changes related to misconduct.