University of Houston Law Center – Law School Frequently Asked Questions

We require that you have a 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited university. The exact major is NOT important. You should select a major that interests you because you are more likely to earn better grades in such a program. Additionally, we recommend that you take courses that will help you develop your writing skills. There is an exception to the bachelor’s degree requirement if you are a University of Houston 3+3 Undergraduate/Law Dual Degree Program applicant.

We value strong academic performance; earning a competitive GPA should be a priority. Along the way, work on developing skills in writing, research, critical thinking, and public speaking, as these will serve you well in law school. Get involved on campus through student organizations or leadership opportunities and meet regularly with your university’s pre-law advisor for guidance. Finally, begin learning about the application process, including the LSAT and other admission requirements by reviewing resources such as the FAQs to stay organized and plan ahead. We recommend using the Pre-Law Checklist for reference.

The best way to connect with our admissions team is through one of our many group sessions. We have Chats with an Admissions Professional on a frequent basis, as well as Chats with an Admissions Ambassador. These are held virtually for your convenience. Additionally, we hold in-person information sessions, building tours, and class visits. Register for a session by utilizing our calendar.

We do not review application materials prior to submission of your application. For review of these types of documents, we recommend you seek guidance from your undergraduate academic advisor or pre-law advisor.

We recommend parking in the visitor section of the Elgin Street Garage.

The regular decision deadline is March 15th for the full-time day program and May 15th for the part-time evening program. The early decision deadline for both programs is November 15th. Even though we use fixed deadlines, it is still to your advantage to submit your application as early as possible.

No. All entering 1L students begin in the Fall.

Early Decision is a program in which applicants have the opportunity to be notified of their admission decision earlier than the majority of the applicant pool. UHLC’s Early Decision program is non-binding. Candidates for Early Decision must submit a completed application file by November 15th. Candidates are notified by February 28th. Regular Decision candidates are notified by mid-May for the Full-time Day Program and mid to late-July for the Part-time Evening Program.

The median undergraduate GPA and LSAT score for the entering class are measures of central tendency. UHLC admits students with undergraduate GPAs and LSAT scores above and below the median.

Yes. Applicants may apply with either an LSAT score or a GRE score. Applicants applying through the Houston Law Express program may apply with the GRE.

No, we do not accept JD Next.

No, we do not require a writing sample or addendum. If you feel that there is an important issue you need to address, such as a significant gap in your education/work history, or if you had a difficult semester/term, you may submit an addendum.

CAS calculates GPA based on the grading system utilized by your institution. CAS uses A+ only if your institution includes it on your transcript.

We do not offer fee waivers. UHLC does not charge an application fee, but applicants are responsible for LSAC fees.

No. The University of Houston Law Center is comprised of students of all ages and walks of life. If you are a non-traditional applicant, you can play up your experience and wisdom in your application.

If you have committed a felony, you must wait 5 years after you have completed your sentence and all conditions such as parole, are complete. If you have a misdemeanor, it depends on the type and time period. Always feel free to contact the Board of Law Examiners.

Yes. We allow Spring Admission for transfer or visiting students only. Entering 1L students can only apply for the Fall.

You need a 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited university, a current LSAT score or GRE score, the UH Law Center application, a personal statement, at least two letters of recommendation, and a list of extracurricular activities and/or a resume. All applicants educated in the United States must register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). An exception to the bachelor's degree requirement exists for applicants in the University of Houston 3+3 Undergraduate/Law Dual Degree Program. An exception to the LSAT/GRE score requirement exists for applicants in the Houston Law Express program; those applicants are allowed to apply without an LSAT or GRE score if they are a Houston Law Express applicant.

Yes. All applicants to UHLC are required to register with the CAS. CAS will compile all of your transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation into one report. If you have foreign transcripts, you will have to use the LSAC JD Credential Evaluation for evaluation. For information on CAS go to http://www.lsac.org.

Given that all applicants have earned a 4-year bachelor’s degree, our emphasis is on undergraduate cumulative GPA. We will review graduate transcripts subjectively.

The personal statement is a very important component of your application. This is your opportunity to demonstrate to the Admissions Committee your experiences, challenges, and strengths. Do not use this statement as a resume restatement. The personal statement should be 2-3 pages double-spaced and remember to proofread carefully!

We do not have a minimum score required. The lowest LSAT score accepted is usually in the mid-140s. Our median is 161. Please see our Class Profile for more information.

We do not have a minimum GPA required. The lowest GPA accepted is usually around a 2.50. Our median is approximately a 3.7. Please see our Class Profile for more information.

Applicants to the Full-Time Day Program should take the LSAT no later than the February administration (scores from the April administration will be considered on a space-available basis). Applicants to the Part-Time Evening Program should take the LSAT no later than the April administration (scores from the June administration will be considered on a space-available basis). Consider the LSAT timeline for guidance on the appropriate dates. You can register for the GRE at any time.

LSAT/GRE scores are valid for five years.

You can take the LSAT 5 times in a given cycle, and 7 times in a lifetime. Each attempt counts towards these quantities even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously.

UHLC considers the highest LSAT/GRE score when evaluating applicants for admission. All scores will be reported by the Credential Assembly Service.

Yes. At least two letters of recommendation are required and you can submit up to three.

Letters should be submitted through the Credential Assembly Service Letter of Recommendation service. For information go to http://www.lsac.org.

No. We will only accept letters sent through CAS.

We are limited to 35% non-resident enrollment by Texas state law.

Residency status is not considered in admissions decisions. As long as you have competitive numbers, and a strong application, you have a good chance.

Residency is based on the length of time you have resided in the state and your current employment. You can find details by reviewing the Residency Requirements and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To apply for financial aid, complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA is available starting October 1st each year. You can fill it out online at https://studentaid.gov. Financial aid is awarded once you are admitted.

All applicants are automatically considered for Dean’s Scholarships. Visit UHLC Scholarship Information for more information.

No. Your file will not be reviewed until your CAS report arrives.

You must notify the Office of Admissions.

We review applications on a modified rolling basis; we generally render decisions by mid-May.

No. Candidates who are not accepted through early decision are not reconsidered.

Waitlist review runs from late May through mid-June and may continue into the summer. The waitlist is not ranked. Letters of continued interest must be submitted via the LSAC portal only. Additional materials may be emailed to lawadmissions@uh.edu.

Yes. After completing the required first-year curriculum, you may petition to change programs if space is available.

Deferment requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please submit a written request to the Assistant Dean for Admissions.

It is competitive. Admission depends on first-year grades, class rank, the rigor of your current law school, and your reasons for transfer.

Visiting students from ABA-accredited law schools may attend with permission from their home law school.

Attorneys licensed in Texas may audit a class. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs for more information at LawOSA@uh.edu or by calling 713-743-2182.

We offer a J.D./M.B.A. with UH; a J.D./M.S. in Finance with UH; a J.D./M.A. in History with UH; a J.D./M.S.W. with UH; a J.D./M.D. with Baylor College of Medicine; a J.D./J.D. with the University of Calgary; and a J.D./LL.M. For details visit our dual degree program website https://www.law.uh.edu/academic/dual-degree.asp.

You will have to apply and be admitted to both programs separately.