Answers to some of the most common questions about WVU Law. If your question is not answered, please contact a member of our staff.
Does West Virginia University offer specializations within the JD program?
Yes. WVU Law currently offers four areas of concentration: 1) Energy and Sustainable Development Law; 2) Public Interest Law; 3) International Law; and 4) Labor and Employment Law.
What is the College of Law’s application deadline? What materials must be received by that deadline?
March 15 is the date the admissions office must receive the application, personal statement, application fee, and the CAS Report (includes letters of recommendations and transcripts). It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the College of Law receives all application materials and CAS has received all transcripts and letters of recommendations.
Applicants may monitor the materials CAS has received at www.lsac.org. Application status at WVU is online and may be accessed with a username and password e-mailed approximately one week after submission of an application.
Applications will be accepted after the March 15 deadline only if seats are still available in the fall class. Please contact the College's Office of Enrollment Management with any questions.
What undergraduate degree do I need to attend the College of Law?
No particular undergraduate major is required for admission to the College of Law. Applicants are accepted from a diversity of backgrounds. Whatever major an applicant decides to pursue should be augmented by a well-rounded variety of course selections that might include philosophy, writing, logic, history, literature, and fundamentals of accounting. The College urges applicants to engage in a curriculum that demands intellectual self-discipline and develops reading, writing, verbal, and analytical skills. WVU accepts Board of Regents degrees.
What is the minimum GPA / LSAT for admission?
There is no set minimum GPA or LSAT. The admissions committee will consider an applicant’s entire application to determine the applicant’s likelihood of success in law school. For more information, visit our Class Profiles page.
I took the LSAT more than once, which score will the College of Law use?
The admissions committee sees all scores, but uses the highest score in its decision making.
What is the age-range of students at the College of Law?
Although age varies by class, the typical age range of law students is 21 to 50.
I have been admitted to the College of Law and now I am unable to attend, what do I do?
Let the Office of Admissions know as soon as possible, and ask about a deferment. If granted a deferral, it will save you the time and money associated with reapplying. It’s important to talk with the Admissions staff because depending on your circumstance, deferring your admission one year may result in a change in residency. Scholarship awards do not defer. You will be reevaluated for scholarship with the next class.
How much does WVU Law cost?
The cost of attendance at the WVU College of Law includes Tuition & Fees, Books & Supplies, and Living Expenses, among other things. More details can be found on our Cost of Attendance page.
How do I get Financial Aid?
Even as an affordable law school choice, we recognize that many students need financial aid to help afford the full cost of their legal education. More information can be found on our Financial Aid page.
Is preference given to West Virginia residents / WVU graduates?
West Virginia University, as a state land-grant institution, has as part of its mission the education of the students of West Virginia. Therefore, residents of West Virginia receive preference in the admission process. No additional preference is given to WVU students.
