Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

JD

LLM

What are typical GPA and LSAT scores of accepted students?

For the incoming class of 2007, 75% have an undergraduate GPA of 3.61 or higher, the median GPA was 3.74, and the median LSAT score was 169.

What is Admissions looking for in a personal statement?

The Personal Statement is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions decision maker and should include (1) what you think have been your significant personal experiences beyond what may be reflected in your academic transcripts and on your resume, and (2) your personal and career ambitions. From your personal statement, we should be able to understand why you want to go to law school and why you have decided to apply to Duke.

Should I submit additional essays?

You are welcome to supplement your personal statement with an optional essay. If you apply via LSAC, use the electronic attachment. You may submit a Duke-specific essay by letting us know why you want to go to law school and why you have decided to apply to Duke. Or, you may choose to submit an essay that describes how you will enhance the educational environment of the Law School and contribute to the diversity of the student body. Because we believe that diversity enriches the educational experience of all our students, Duke Law School seeks to admit students from a variety of academic, cultural, social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. If you choose to submit the diversity essay, tell us more about your particular life experiences with an emphasis on how the perspectives that you have acquired would contribute to the intellectual community of the Law School.

What should I include on my resume?

The resume is an important part of your application and it will be reviewed to learn of the extracurricular, political and community activities, and jobs you have performed. Your resume should include your full name at the top and list all honors and awards you have received. Include dates for all items listed on your resume. There is no required length.

Whom should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

References from friends, family friends, and relatives are strongly discouraged. Professors who have personal knowledge of your academic performance and potential should write your letters of recommendation. We will also accept recommendations compiled and submitted by a central reference system at your undergraduate institution. If you have been out of school for some time, you may substitute letters from employers or others who are well acquainted with your personal traits and intellectual potential. A signature is required on all recommendation letters submitted, preferably on letterhead.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Indicate on the application if you wish to apply for scholarship funds based on merit. You must also submit the Scholarship Application Form to be considered for scholarship funds baed on merit and financial need. If you are admitted, you will receive a financial aid package with information regarding student loans upon submission of the deposit to attend. If applying electronically, submit the Scholarship Application Form directly to our office; it will not be transmitted by LSAC.

For specific information on our Mordecai Scholars Program, please visit our page on Financial Aid.

Does Duke Law ever waive the application fee?

Automatic Fee Waivers: If you received a waiver of the fees associated with taking the LSAT, we will waive your application fee. If you apply electronically, LSAC will notify us if you received their fee waiver. If you submit a paper application, include documentation that identifies you as the recipient of the LSAC fee waiver.

Need-based fee waivers: We will be unable to consider fee waiver requests received after February 15, 2008. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for one-time-only application fee waivers. Submit your request in writing directly to our office along with the Scholarship Application Form. Your financial position and your parental income must be included. If applicable, include your current undergraduate financial aid award letter. This information will be used to evaluate your request for a fee waiver. The absence of the Scholarship Form indicates that you may not be eligible for a waiver of the application fee. Notice will be sent by email.