J.D. Admissions

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent) and must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the Admissions Office.

A complete application consists of the following:

• Register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
• Complete the LSAT, GRE or GMAT
• Submit your electronic application through LSAC
• Pay our $80 non-refundable application fee via online charge
• Submit transcripts to LSAC for processing
• Submit letters of recommendation to LSAC for processing

Complete accuracy is required in all statements made on any portion of the application. To ensure that decisions are based on factual information, we audit some applications at random each year.

In addition, you are required to update us about any changes that take place after submission of the application (enrolled students must submit any updates to the character and fitness portion of the application by October 1 of the 1L (first year) of law school). Inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading statements, or failure to update, can result in withdrawal of admission offers, honor code proceedings, dismissal from Cornell Law School, rescission or cancellation of any degrees you may have received from Cornell Law School, or other disciplinary sanctions.

Note: 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.

Your application and all supporting documents must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) by the following deadlines:

• Early Decision: January 1
• Regular Decision: March 1
• Transfer or Visitor applications: Open September 1 but will receive a later decision

Note: Binding early decision applicants admitted without an LSAT score who subsequently take the LSAT will be subject to admission reconsideration.  In the event admission is rescinded, any seat deposits paid will be refunded.

Because of the high volume of applications, emails, and telephone calls the Admissions Office receives, we ask that you use the Check Applicant Status Online page to monitor your application status.

How to Use the Applicant Status Online System

You will receive an email from our Admissions Office acknowledging receipt of your application, along with a user name and password. The first time you log in, you will be prompted to change your password for future use. Keep your username and password in a safe place, but if you misplace this information, call us for assistance at (607) 255-5141 or send an email.

Your Applicant Status Online will reflect your current status, along with a message providing more detail about your application. Refer to this status page for the most up-to-date information throughout the application cycle.