LLM Application Information
Here, you'll find comprehensive information on how to apply to our LLM program. If you have any questions or need clarification, our admissions team is ready to assist you. We can be reached by email, llmadmissions
law [dot] gwu [dot] edu (llmadmissions[at]law[dot]gwu[dot]edu), or by phone, +1.202.994.7242.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants with a JD from a U.S. or Puerto Rico law school must hold a Bachelor’s from a regionally accredited college or university and a JD from a law school that is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and/or is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Applicants with a law degree from a law school outside of the United States must have earned the degree from a recognized institution. Non-U.S. law school graduates may also need to meet the minimum language test requirement. All candidates for admission must have demonstrated excellence in academic standing and professional achievements or positions indicating their capacity for performing master’s-level work.
Application Timeline and Important Dates
Note: For this cycle, application fees are waived for first-time applicants
September 1
Spring and Fall Applications Open
November 15
Spring Application Deadline
February 1
Fall Binding Early Decision Application Deadline
February 1
Fall Binding Presidential Scholarship Application Deadline
March 1
Priority Deadline for Fall Application
May 1
Final Fall Application Deadline
Application Options
GW Law offers three LLM application options: regular decision, binding early decision, and Presidential binding merit scholarship. 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.
Regular Decision Application
- Application Deadline: March 1
- Decision Timeline: Rolling review from November to June
- Seat Deposits: Required between April and July; Nonrefundable
Regular Decision is the standard application option for most applicants. Regular admission decisions will be made on a rolling basis between November and June. Admitted applicants will be required to make nonrefundable seat deposits between April and July.
Binding Early Decision (Fall Only)
- 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 option 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
Presidential Binding Merit Scholarship
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Commitment Level: Binding upon admission
- Scholarship: $50,000/year
- Review: Rolling, highly competitive
The Presidential Binding Merit Scholarship Program is for full-time applicants who are fully committed to attending GW Law and who consider GW Law their top choice. Unlike the Binding Early Decision Program, applicants admitted through the Presidential Binding Merit Scholarship Program receive a $50,000/year scholarship.
The admissions process is rolling and highly competitive. Interested applicants should apply early in the admissions cycle.
Applicants admitted through this option 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.
Ways to Apply
There are two ways to apply to the LLM program:
1. Apply via LSAC (Preferred)
Applicants may apply to GW Law through LSAC, a widely recognized application platform. Using LSAC streamlines the application process, as it is not necessary to send any documents directly to GW Law. Applicants will send all transcripts and letters of recommendation to LSAC via their Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
2. Apply Directly to GW via PDF
Applicants may also apply via our PDF application. Instructions are on page 1 of the application.
Please note: Due to authentication and application processing, this method may take longer.
Application Components
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
- One letter of recommendation
- A brief essay describing the applicant’s professional goals and areas of interest for the study of law
- A résumé or CV
- If applicable, an official report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score. Required for students whose initial law degree was earned from a non-U.S. law school where English was not the language of instruction. Please arrange for ETS or the British Council to send your score to us. Our institution and department code for the TOEFL is 5246-03.
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