University of Illinois - Chicago

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Application requirements

Deadline

Apr 01, 2026

Recommendations

1 to 4

Updated for 2025-2026 application cycle

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every US 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.

The American Bar Association requires that law schools inform each applicant that state bar requirements deal with the character and fitness of an applicant at the time he or she seeks certification to register for the bar. It further permits the law school to seek information on character and fitness to ensure that appropriate law school qualifications are met. The following questions represent areas of inquiry made by the bar authorities in most states and must be answered with a "Yes" or a "No." Failure to do so will delay action by the Admission Committee. Indicate "No" if not applicable. If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment (see Attachments section).

Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on social probation, academic probation, or disciplinary probation, expelled, requested to resign, or requested or advised to discontinue your studies by any school, university, law school or other educational institution above the age of 13? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment (see Attachments section).
Have you ever been accused of or charged with any social, academic, or other misconduct, including, without limitation, the violation of any statute, ordinance, code of student conduct, or institutional policy, practice, or requirement, by any school, university, law school or other educational institution above the age of 13? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment. Please include documents reflecting the outcome or disposition of the accusation(s) or charge(s). (see Attachments section).
Have you ever been the subject of a probable cause hearing or other initial inquiry or have you ever accepted or elected a lowering of grade or other academic discipline in lieu of or in addition to participation in the disciplinary procedures of any school, university, law school or other educational institution above the age of 13? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment (see Attachments section).
To the best of your knowledge, have there ever been or are there now any formal or informal charges, complaints, or grievances pending concerning your conduct as a member of another profession or as a holder of a public office? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment. Please include documents reflecting the outcome or disposition of the charges, complaints, or grievances. (see Attachments section).
Have you ever been formally or informally detained, restrained, cited, summoned into court, taken into custody, arrested, accused, charged, convicted, placed on probation, placed on supervision, or forfeited collateral in connection with any offense against the law or an ordinance, or accused of committing a delinquent act, other than a minor traffic or parking violation? A "minor traffic violation" is a violation for which only a citation was issued, e.g. speeding less than 25 mph over the limit or other moving violations, however any traffic violation charged as a misdemeanor, involving felonious conduct or involving a fine of $350 or more must be reported. Other traffic offenses, including any in which acting under the influence of a drug or alcohol was an element of the offense, must be reported. NOTE: Please answer regardless of the final disposition.

If your answer is "Yes," please state the facts fully on a separate attachment and attach a copy of the arresting officer's report, complaint, indictment, trial disposition, sentencing documents and appeal documents (see Attachments section). If alcohol or drugs were involved, you must also attach the order of disposition and documents substantiating successful completion of any sentence or condition imposed. You must disclose each instance even if charges were not formally brought against you, were dismissed, you were acquitted, adjudication was withheld, or your conviction was reversed, set aside or vacated. You must disclose these instances regardless of whether you have been told that you need not disclose any such instance, your case was expunged or sealed, or the instance is in any other way subject to non-disclosure. You may be requested to provide additional information if you are accepted.

Have you ever had a complaint filed against you in any civil, criminal or administrative forum alleging fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, forgery, discrimination, or professional malpractice? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment. Please include documents reflecting the outcome or disposition of the case. (see Attachments section).
Are there any decrees, judgments, liens, or orders entered against you which have not been satisfied? If "Yes," state fully all the facts, including dates and results, on a separate attachment (see Attachments section).
Have you ever defaulted or are you currently in default on an educational loan (Stafford, SLS/ALAS/PLUS, or Perkins)? If "Yes," please provide an explanation (see Attachments section).

When to Apply

The University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (UIC Law) welcomes applicants to our Fall 2026 entering class. The priority deadline is March 1, 2026 and the standard deadline is April 1, 2026. Applicants will indicate their intention to enroll in our full-time day, part-time day, or part-time evening program when completing the application. While UIC Law will accept applications after the standard deadline, the Admissions Committee makes decisions on a rolling basis until the class is filled and we can not guarantee that applications submitted after April 1 will receive full consideration. It is to your advantage to submit your application as early as possible.

Admission Criteria

All candidates (except applicants applying as part of an approved "3 plus 3" program) who apply to UIC Law must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before enrolling. All "3 plus 3" applicants must be approved by and meet the requirements set forth by their undergraduate institution before applying to the JD program. Please note that the "3 plus 3" program is only available through certain undergraduate institutions.

The UIC Law Admissions Committee will consider the following criteria when reviewing your application:

Undergraduate cumulative grade-point average (GPA), as well as grade trends
College major and rigor of coursework
Graduate work, if any
Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores
Quality of Statement of Purpose and writing skills overall
Background including, but not limited to, personal and professional experiences (applicants must submit a resume)
Demonstrated leadership in academic, social, professional, and community organizations
Letter(s) of Recommendation
Issues that may affect character and fitness review by state bar examiners

Candidates who demonstrate exceptional performance in their academic coursework and on the LSAT or GRE have a higher likelihood for success in the admission process at UIC Law. Admissions interviews are optional and at the invitation of the Admissions Committee only.

It is important to provide truthful and complete answers to all questions on the application. Failure to disclose any changes to your application during the admission process or during your studies at UIC Law may result in refusal or revocation of admission, expulsion after admission, revocation or suspension of credits, degree, or certification for the bar, or denial of admission to the bar by the appropriate state agency, or other disciplinary action.

The Application Procedure

Applicants must apply to UIC Law via the Law School Admission Council's electronic application process (LSAC.org) and include:

A statement of purpose and any optional additional statements that may support admission. The statement of purpose should be an approximately two page typed and double-spaced document that provides an overview of your career goals, motivations for attending law school, and why UIC Law will help you reach those goals. The statements must be uploaded with your application.
An LSAT or GRE score: All applicants must submit LSAT and/or GRE scores. The Admissions Committee will not accept test scores more than five years old. Please see our website for further information regarding use of the GRE.
Academic Credentials: All applicants must register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), a service of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Your CAS report includes your LSAT score (if any) and writing sample, an undergraduate academic summary, copies of all undergraduate, graduate, and law school transcripts, and letters of recommendation processed by LSAC.
Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain at least one letter of recommendation and must use the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. Your letters will be copied and sent to us with your law school report.
A resumé.

Your application is not complete until we receive all items listed above. It is your responsibility to assure that your CAS report is complete with LSAC. You may check your CAS report status by logging in to your LSAC account online.

Re-application Policy

Applicants who wish to reapply to UIC Law must file a new application, including an updated statement of purpose and resume. Additionally, applicants must have a current membership with LSAC to ensure that their CAS report is updated and sent to the Law School.

Transfer Applicants

Admission of transfer applicants is always discretionary. Only students in good academic and disciplinary standing at an ABA-approved law school who have completed between 24 and 30 semester hours with at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA will be considered for transfer admission to UIC Law. In addition to the application and personal statement, all transfer applicants must provide a complete official transcript and letter of good standing from their current law school. The transcript and letter must be sent directly from the applicant's current school to UIC Law or be received by us via the LSAC Candidate Assembly Service.

Foreign Student and Lawyer Applicants

LSAC also provides a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for foreign applicants that includes an evaluation of foreign grades, transcripts, and credentials. All applicants whose native language is not English must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If an applicant has obtained a post-secondary degree from a university in the United States or another English-speaking country, the TOEFL requirement may be waived. For more information, please visit www.ets.org/toefl.

UIC Law is required by United States government regulations to check the availability of adequate funding for your tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of your studies at UIC Law. Upon paying the full tuition deposit, UIC will require that foreign applicants who are not also a permanent resident of the United States will submit proof of finances for the purpose of issuing immigration documents.

The Notification and Decision Process

Once UIC Law's Office of Admission has received your application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to check the status of your application online. Due to the volume of applications, it can take several weeks for your application to be processed and placed in review. Additionally, your application may be in review for several weeks before you receive a decision. It is not necessary to contact the Office of Admission before April 1 regarding your application status. The Office of Admission appreciates your patience during these periods.

Promptly notify the Office of Admission of any updates or changes to your application at law-admissions@uic.edu.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships are based on merit and are awarded to entering students who have demonstrated academic excellence, professional accomplishments, and a competitive LSAT or GRE score. All applicants are automatically reviewed for scholarship opportunities at the time of admission and are notified of any scholarship awards in the letter of admission.

Applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note that if you have previously defaulted on a student loan, you may be unable to secure federal student aid. We encourage applicants who have defaulted to consult with their lender or loan servicer.

UIC Law's Title IV school code for the FAFSA is 001776.