Northern Illinois University College of Law

College of Law

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Decision Factors

To apply to the NIU College of Law, a candidate must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A candidate also must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

The following factors are used in admission evaluation:

  • Academic performance at and above the collegiate level.
  • Aptitude for the study of law as indicated by performance on the LSAT.
  • Professional experience and achievement after college or graduate school.
  • Personal qualities of character, integrity, and initiative.
  • Ability to contribute to the diversity of the law school community and the success of its educational and professional goals.

The aptitude score and academic performance are considered together. Admission decisions in all cases are made by considering all factors in the individual applicant's file. Each application is considered both on its own merit and in comparison to others in the current applicant pool.

Applicants are admitted on a comparative and competitive basis through an evaluation of their aptitudes and promise. In no event will anyone be admitted who is not considered capable of successfully completing the College of Law program.