The following information is for students interested in applying for our J.D. program who do not currently attend an ABA-accredited law school. If you curently attend an ABA-accredited law school and are interested in transferring to WVU Law, please see our Transfer Students page. 

Standards for Admission

The Enrollment Management Committee evaluates applicants in a holistic manner and considers an array of factors including, but not limited to, the following: academic achievement and potential; undergraduate and graduate coursework; demonstrated leadership skills; community involvement; overcoming adversity; work and life experiences; and a specific interest in the study and practice of law. When completing this application, students are encouraged to consider how they may address the factors listed above. While it is not necessary to address each item in your application, many of our most competitive applicants highlight the factors they believe are the strongest, address a specific interest in the study and practice of law, and indicate how WVU Law will assist them in achieving their personal and professional goals.

Application Dates

The application for students entering WVU Law in Fall 2026 opens on September 15, 2025. The priority application deadline is March 15, 2026. The regular application deadline is July 15, 2026. All supporting documents (i.e., letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, etc.) must be on file by March 22, 2026 for the priority application deadline and July 22, 2026 for the regular application deadline.

Because WVU Law uses a rolling process for both admissions and scholarship, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible beginning September 15.

Applicant Fee

The fee for applying to WVU Law is $50 US. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid by credit card when submitting your application.

Application Materials

A list of what is required to apply to WVU Law can be found on our Application Requirements page.

Reapplicants

Students who applied to WVU Law in a previous admissions cycle are encouraged to update their materials accordingly. At minimum, the Enrollment Management Committee requests that reapplicants update their application form, personal statement, resume, and provide their most recent academic documents. Letters of recommendation may be reused from previous applications, but the Enrollment Management Committee suggests that reapplicants provide a further letter from a recommender who can provide insight on the reapplicant's work since the time of the original application. Reapplicants must also disclose any updated information related to the Character and Fitness section.

Qualification for Admission to the Bar

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.