Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants

What is the application deadline?

May 1.

When is the latest I can take the LSAT?

Applicants must take the LSAT no later than February of the year in which they hope to enroll.  Also, applicants must have taken the LSAT within five years of entering William Mitchell.  For students hoping to enroll in fall 2010, the oldest valid LSAT score would be from October 2005.

How long will it take the Admissions Committee to make a decision on my application?

The Admissions Committee will render a decision on an application four to six weeks from when it becomes complete.  Applicants should note that the date on which an application becomes complete is not necessarily the date on which they mail or submit it electronically.  The Office of Admissions will inform every applicant via e-mail when his or her application has been received and whether it is complete.

Does William Mitchell average multiple LSAT scores?

No.  The highest LSAT score among multiple scores will be considered for admission and scholarship awarding purposes.

What is the minimum LSAT score and GPA accepted for entering students?

Though predictors of academic success are an important part of the application review process, we do not have LSAT or GPA cut-offs for admission.  We read and consider every application we receive.  Our most recent student profile will have information about the median LSAT score and GPA of this year’s incoming class.

What things are most important to the Admissions Committee when it is reviewing an application?

The threshold question the Admissions Committee is trying to answer when reviewing an application is always, “Will this applicant be successful in studying the law at William Mitchell?”  Thus, the Admissions Committee will look carefully at an applicant’s LSAT score, his or her undergraduate GPA, the nature and rigor of his or her undergraduate course of study, trends in academic achievement at the undergraduate level, and the quality of the writing through an application.  The Committee will also consider an applicant’s predicted first-year average (PFYA).  The PFYA is calculated using both an applicant’s LSAT score and GPA and represents what we believe the applicant will receive as a GPA in his or her first year of law school.  The Admissions Committee is also interested in applicants who will contribute to the “Mitchell Mix.”  To that end, it will look for evidence of factors in an application that include, but are not limited to, diversity of background and experience, work experience, leadership abilities, international experience, emotional maturity, commitment to public service, overcoming hardship or obstacles, and evidence of passion.

What kind of degree do I need to have to enroll at William Mitchell?

You must have been awarded a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before you can enroll at William Mitchell.  The accreditation must come from an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.  A searchable database is available at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

Is William Mitchell accredited?

Yes.  William Mitchell has been accredited by the American Bar Association since 1938.  The college is also a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), is recognized by the United States Department of Higher Education, and is licensed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Applicants interested in financial aid at William Mitchell must complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Students completing the form must first apply for a federal personal identification number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov in order to sign the FAFSA electronically.  William Mitchell’s federal school code is G02391.  Applicants may submit the FAFSA after January 1 of the year in which they plan to begin law school and should do so before mid-March to receive priority consideration.  Applicants should note that they need not have received their admission decision before submitting their FAFSA!  Questions about need-based scholarships should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid at 651.290.6403 or finaid@wmitchell.edu.

Does William Mitchell interview applicants?

No, but we are always happy to meet with prospective students and applicants to discuss their questions and concerns about anything related to the admissions process, law school, or William Mitchell.

When can I visit William Mitchell?

Prospective students and applicants are welcome to make individual appointments to visit with an admissions counselor and tour the school.  They are also welcome to attend any one of the Open Houses we host throughout the fall and spring terms to meet us, current students, alumni, and faculty, and to learn more about the first-year curriculum, the admissions process, financial aid, and career and professional development here at Mitchell.  The easiest way to register for an Open House is to do so online.

Admitted Students

Does William Mitchell offer scholarships?

Yes.  William Mitchell offers merit scholarships.  All applicants are considered for merit scholarships at the same time that they are considered for admission; no separate application is necessary.  Merit scholarship recipients are notified of their awards at the time of their acceptance.  Questions about merit scholarships should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 651.290.6476 or admissions@wmitchell.edu.

Can I work and go to law school?

The American Bar Association limits the number of hours full-time students can work to 20 hours a week.  Part-time students’ work hours are not limited.  Thus, if you plan to work more than 20 hours a week, you should consider attending William Mitchell part time.

Can a student switch from a part-time program to a full-time program and vice versa?

Yes.  After the first year, William Mitchell students may move freely between full-time and part-time enrollment as often as each semester.  It is only in the first-year that students enroll as full-time or part-time and must maintain that enrollment status for that entire first year.

Where do William Mitchell students live?

All William Mitchell students live off-campus.  A good place to start looking for rental housing is our housing bulletin, an informally maintained list of available area rental properties.

Is parking available for first-year students?

Yes.  Free parking permits will be provided to all first-year students who request them.  These parking permits will allow first-year students to park in any available space they find in the Grotto Lot, two blocks east of William Mitchell College of Law at Summit Avenue and Grotto Street.  Free street parking is also available for first-year students on the streets surrounding the school within posted parameters.  On the weekends only, first-year students with a parking permit may also park in the lots adjacent to the school.

When will I find out what my class schedule is?

During your first year of law school, you will take all of your classes for the entire year with the same group of people—your “section.”  Although all incoming students will take the same courses in the first year, the days and times at which these courses are taken will vary slightly from section to section.  Full-time students will be in a section that meets during the day and will be enrolled in 5 classes (14 credits).  Part-time students will be in a section that meets in the evening and will have the option of taking 4 classes (11 credits) or 3 classes (8 credits).  Part-time students will be contacted in late spring about whether they would like to enroll in 4 classes or 3 classes.  All incoming students will be assigned to a section and receive a copy of their section assignment and course schedule in mid-June.  In formation about first reading assignments will be available in August.

When is orientation for new students?

Orientation for new students consists of two parts: a small group session in mid-August and the opening week orientation in late August.  Students will receive more information about orientation in July.  Further questions about orientation should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs and Student Life at 651.290.8642 or studentservices@wmitchell.edu.