Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I apply?
You can apply at any time. With rolling admissions, applications are reviewed as they become complete.
More applications are received for the September class than for the January class; therefore reviewing applications for September takes longer. Many candidates apply for a fall class as early as one year prior. The September Class often reaches capacity as early as April or May. You do not want to miss out on being considered for the fall class if that is your preferred starting time.
2. When can I start?
You are able to start in September or January. Cooley uses a rolling admissions process in considering your application. You are encouraged to submit your materials so that a decision can be made promptly.
3. Do I need to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test)?
Yes, because it is required by the American Bar Association Standards for accreditation of law schools. You must take the LSAT regardless of life experience and other academic credentials. Click Here for LSAC Test Dates.
4. If I take the LSAT more than once, does Cooley Law School 'average' the scores?
No, we will use the highest LSAT score as long as it is not over five years old.
5. What if I am awarded a Merit Scholarship based upon my LSAT score, but I decide to retake the LSAT to increase my scholarship?
If your LSAT score is received by the law school from LSAC prior to your first day of matriculation, we will use your highest score to determine your scholarship.
6. Do I need to register for the JD CAS (Credential Assembly Service)?
Yes. You must register with CAS if you attended a university in the United States, its territories, or Canada. After you register for CAS, you must have a separate transcript sent to LSAC directly from each undergraduate and graduate institution you attended in the US, its territories, or Canada. This includes all classes taken at the undergraduate level, even one or two classes, and whether it was applied toward your degree or not. This also applies to college courses taken while in high school.
7. How important is the LSAT Writing Sample on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)?
Cooley Law School will, in some cases, score the writing sample. It is important that you do your very best to demonstrate your ability to write clearly and logically.
8. What should I send with my application? Do I need to submit a personal statement? What about letters of recommendations?
Cooley does require a personal statement, however letters of recommendation are not required as part of our admission process. We ask that applicants simply complete all portions of the application for admission through LSAC.
9. How specific must I be about my answers to questions on the law school application?
Please answer each question candidly. Your law school application is your first step in your admission to the practice of law. If you answer "yes" to any of the character and fitness questions, (other than minor traffic violations not involving drugs or alcohol), you must submit:
- a personal explanation disclosing the details of "who, what, when, where, and why;
- your age at the time of the incident; and
- court/official documents verifying that your disclosure had a final disposition and proof that all court-imposed fines and penalties have been satisfied.
Any question not answered truthfully at time of application will be considered a "late disclosure."
10. What is the tuition cost?
Learn more about Tuition and Financial Aid by clicking here.
11. If I am accepted to Cooley Law School, what's next?
- We invite you to visit Cooley's facilities. Contact the Admissions Office by telephone at (517) 371-5140, extension 2244 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Or you may complete an online request form.
- Contact Enrollment and Student Services at [email protected] with Financial Aid questions.
- Request that your final transcript (bachelor's degree and date conferred) be sent directly from your undergraduate institution to LSAC for evaluation or to the Admissions Office at Cooley. The offer of admission states, "Before you begin classes, we must have an official copy of your undergraduate transcript in your file. This offer of admission and subsequent enrollment is conditional upon receipt of the official transcript posting the baccalaureate degree and the date it was conferred."
- The only exception to requiring the transcript before classes begin is for those whose degree is conferred just weeks prior to starting law school. In those situations, please contact the Admissions Office. You will need to have the official transcript in your file as soon as possible after classes begin. You must have earned the bachelor's degree prior to beginning classes. Once classes begin, the Registrar's Office at Cooley conducts an audit of your file. If the official transcript posting your bachelor's degree is not in your file prior to your first semester's final exams, you risk being dropped from classes, and dismissed from school. Please attend to this important requirement.
- Pay the $25 non-refundable enrollment fee and electronically complete the Intent to Enroll form to reserve a seat.
- Pay the $500 tuition deposit (applicable to your first term's tuition) by the deadline date. Carefully read the language on the Intent to Enroll form if your application was processed after the posted deadline date. Once the deposit has been paid, the Financial Aid Office can proceed with processing your financial aid.
- Arrange for your housing needs.
- Once the $25 enrollment fee and the $500 tuition deposit have been paid, you can expect to receive information about how to access the Cooley Connect. This information will arrive about two months prior to the start of classes. Everything you will need for attending orientation and for starting classes will be accessible through the Cooley Connect. You will receive your class schedule approximately 4 weeks prior to the start of the semester.
- Attend the mandatory Orientation Program.
- Begin the study of law.
12. What about deferments? If I cannot attend classes when I originally planned, how can I defer enrollment?
Deferments are decided on a case-by-case basis. If you have enrolled in a class and would like consideration for a deferment of your enrollment, you must submit your request in writing (an email message to [email protected] constitutes “in writing”) to the Admissions Office stating your reason for a deferment. You must meet the requirements for the entering term to which you request deferment. (A deferment is not guaranteed.) Also, your LSAT score must be active (not more than 5 years old) at the time you request a deferment.
13. How do I get in touch with Cooley alumni?
You may contact our Alumni Office at (800) 243-ALUM to request a list of current alumni in your area.
14. Tell me about the JD CAS for Foreign-Educated Applicants (Schools outside of the United States, Outside of U.S. Territories, or Outside of Canada)
Cooley does not require foreign-educated applicants to utilize the JD CAS service provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) but Cooley will accept the JD CAS service in certain circumstances. Cooley Law School recommends that foreign-educated applicants have their undergraduate and graduate transcripts sent to World Education Services, Inc. (WES) for transcript evaluation. WES will assign a cumulative undergraduate grade point average as well as evaluate and determine U.S. equivalency for your course work. When using WES, Cooley requires the Comprehensive Course-by-Course Report provided by WES. See the WES website for information and fees. Cooley Law School also allows for foreign-educated applicants to utilize the JD Credential Assembly Service (CAS) provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
* All policies subject to change.