Admissions Toolkit

Indicating "yes" to the Character and Fitness questions on the application for admission related to past or current violations of the law does not prohibit acceptance to our law program. However, we want to make sure you understand that admission to law school and completion of a law degree does not guarantee you admission to the bar. Because of the ethical standards to which lawyers are held, failure to disclose information required by the Character and Fitness questions will often lead to more serious consequences than would flow from a full disclosure of the required information. If you indicate "yes" to any of the Character and Fitness questions on the application it will be necessary to attach a statement fully describing the events giving rise to the charge, the date of the charge, conviction or diversion, the name and location of the courts, and the disposition for each offense. Also, please keep in mind that, if, before or after a decision is made, any new developments cause your answer to no longer be correct or complete, you are obligated to immediately inform the Admissions Office.

The Admissions Office does not interview applicants for the J.D. program. We do encourage applicants to visit Washburn Law to learn more about the school and the admission process.

You should submit at least one letter of recommendation providing the Admissions Committee with an appraisal of your character, maturity, motivation and scholarly ability. Only one letter is required. The most useful recommendations are from those individuals who can offer sound judgments about your qualifications for the study of law. These letters are of particular value when they come from a former or current instructor.

Applicants who have been away from their graduate or undergraduate institutions for some time may substitute recommendations from employers if obtaining a faculty recommendation is not feasible. Applicants often believe that their prospects for admission are greater if they solicit letters of recommendation from judges or public figures. Many of these recommenders, however, have only a passing knowledge of the applicant and submit recommendations of little value. No particular form is necessary, but an original, signed letter, preferably on letterhead, is required. Letters are accepted only if sent directly to Washburn Law from the person writing the letter, or through CAS (previously LSDAS) letter of recommendation service.

You have the opportunity to submit two other pieces as part of your application to Washburn Law.

Test score statement

You may submit an optional grade or LSAT addendum if there were extenuating circumstances beyond your control that resulted in less than stellar academic performance.

Diversity statement

Washburn Law also accepts diversity statements.

The personal statement requested as part of the application is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to members of the Admissions Committee. The statement is a significant part of the application, as the Committee evaluates applicants in many areas beyond test scores and grade point averages. You should feel free to discuss any of the following areas:

• education
• background
• community involvement
• strengths and weaknesses in certain courses or activities
• personal and professional goals
• significant achievements
• stories of personal growth, triumph, or struggle
• motivation for attending law school
• any other information that may be relevant to the admission decision, including information demonstrating the unique contribution you can make to Washburn University School of Law.