JD Application Options
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GW Law offers three JD application options: regular decision, binding early decision, and Presidential binding. All options use the same application components, but differ in deadlines, review priority, and whether the application is binding.
Applicants should choose the option that best aligns with their goals and timeline.
Review each option below or contact the Admissions Office (admissions
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu (admissions[at]law[dot]gwu[dot]edu)) with questions.
Application Options
1. Regular Decision
- Application Deadline: March 1
- Decision Timeline: Rolling review from November to May
- Seat Deposits: Required between April and July; Nonrefundable
Regular Decision is the standard application pathway for most JD applicants. Regular admission decisions will be made on a rolling basis between November and May. Admitted applicants will be required to make nonrefundable seat deposits between April and July.
Please note: Per ABA Standard 503, GW undergraduate seniors also may choose to apply without an LSAT score, provided they have an alternate test score (SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT) from within five years and have not taken and do not plan to take the LSAT. Seniors wishing to apply with a test other than the LSAT shall submit the Regular Decision application (not Junior Early Action).
2. Binding Early Decision
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Commitment Level: Binding upon admission
- Review: Priority review
The Binding Early Decision Program is designed for applicants who have researched their law school choices and are certain that GW Law is their top choice. This program allows applicants a means of expressing to the Admissions Committee their commitment to attend GW Law if admitted. Early Decision applicants are given priority review. Applicants admitted through this pathway must:
- Commit to attend GW Law
- Pay a nonrefundable seat deposit
- Upon admission, candidates have three days to withdraw their applications from all other law schools
- Refrain from submitting new applications elsewhere
Financial Aid: Early Decision applicants are eligible for need‑based grants, but applicants requiring merit aid to enroll should not apply through this pathway.
3. Presidential Binding
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Commitment Level: Binding upon admission
- Scholarship: Full‑tuition scholarship for admitted applicants
- Review: Rolling, highly competitive
The Presidential Binding Merit Scholarship Program is intended for applicants who are fully committed to attending GW Law and wish to be considered for a full‑tuition scholarship. The admissions process is rolling and highly competitive. Interested applicants should apply early in the admissions cycle. Part-time students are welcome to apply through the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program.
Applicants admitted through this pathway must:
- Commit to attend GW Law
- Pay a nonrefundable seat deposit for fall enrollment
- Upon admission, candidates have three days to withdraw their applications from all other law schools
If Not Selected for the Scholarship: Applicants are automatically considered under Regular Decision and are no longer bound to attend GW Law.
Application Components (All Options)
All three application types require the same materials:
- A resume;
- A two-page personal statement;
- Test score (LSAT, GRE, GMAT, or JD-Next), unless the test requirement is waived under our test-optional admissions process;
- All official academic transcripts;
- At least one letter of recommendation via Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). All applicants must register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and send their official transcripts to LSAC.