Applicants are selected for admission on the basis of demonstrated intellectual capacity for the study of law, evidence of integrity and moral character necessary for admission to the legal profession, and potential contribution to the Law School community and the legal profession. The combination of undergraduate grade point average and entrance examination score provides no guarantee in the Marquette University Law School admissions process. Grades and examination scores, while important, are not the only factors on which the Admissions Committee bases its decisions. Each application is read and reviewed fully by the Admissions Committee and candidates are considered both quantitatively and qualitatively. The admissions process is comparative, competitive, and selective. Marquette University does not discriminate in any manner contrary to law or justice on the basis of an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status in its educational programs or activities, including admissions.
Quantitative Factors: The Academic Record and the LSAT, the GRE, or JD-Next
The Admissions Committee considers not only the raw numerical undergraduate GPA but also such factors as trends in grades, performance across semesters and academic years, the nature, strength, and rigor of the academic program, the ratio of pass/fail to graded courses, variety and depth of coursework, and more. Where relevant, the Committee will take into account an applicant's time commitments because of employment, family, or personal obligations. Academic credentials of the non-traditional applicant are considered in the context of their personal and professional circumstances.
For applicants who already hold a graduate/professional degree or are currently enrolled in graduate/professional school, previous proven success in another graduate/professional program can be an important factor for the Committee to consider and candidates are encouraged to submit graduate/professional transcripts. However, a graduate/professional record does not replace an undergraduate record; in most cases, the Admissions Committee will likely consider a candidate's undergraduate record more important than a graduate/professional school record in its review of the application. Having stated that, a graduate/professional school record may provide the Committee with additional contextual information that may help the Committee come to an informed judgment on the candidate's ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment.
Historically, Marquette Law School had required applicants for JD admission to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) before they could be admitted to the Law School. Beginning with the 2025-26 application cycle, while Marquette Law School will continue to accept the LSAT, an applicant may submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores or results from the JD-Next 8-week course and admissions exam in lieu of LSAT scores.
An entrance examination score—whether from the LSAT, the GRE, or the JD-Next admissions exam—provides measures of acquired skills that the Admissions Committee may use as one of several factors in assessing an applicant’s preparedness for, and likelihood of success in, legal studies at Marquette Law School.
Qualitative Factors
Each application is considered in its entirety, including work experience, extracurricular and community activities, letters of recommendation, writing samples that accompany entrance examination score reports, the required personal statement, and any additional written statements that the candidate wishes to submit. The Committee will consider personal accomplishments and experiences that would help a student contribute to the Law School, the legal community, and the profession.
The Law School community recognizes that students from different backgrounds enrich the educational environment of the entire student body. The Admissions Committee encourages members of historically disadvantaged groups, members of groups that have been underrepresented in the legal profession, and first-generation college or law students to apply. The Law School supports its commitment to our students through academic and social support, and through financial assistance as determined by our scholarship resources.
Rolling Admissions
The Law School begins accepting applications for first-year admission on September 1. The Law School follows a modified rolling admissions process. Applications are placed before the Committee as they become complete although, typically, the Admissions Committee does not begin meeting until mid-October. Decisions are mailed throughout the winter, spring, and summer. Some candidates may receive decisions comparatively quickly based upon the overall and relative strength of their applications. Some candidates' applications will be “wait-listed” or "held" for consideration and comparison with the larger applicant pool.
Notification of Decisions
The Admissions Committee will notify all applicants of their decisions via U.S. Mail. Decisions are not released via telephone. The members of the Admissions Committee and the staff of the Office of Admissions adhere to this policy in order to protect the confidentiality of each applicant.