LL.M. Application Instructions

Applying via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

For admission to the LL.M. program, applicants must submit an application via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Only complete and verified applications received from LSAC will be reviewed. Dickinson Law does not assess any application fees. However, LSAC does require certain fees that cannot be waived.

Begin with creating an account with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Then, follow these steps:

• Click on “School Search”
• Choose the alphabetical range option to search for “The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson Law”
• Click on “Add” and go back to “My Home”. Dickinson Law should now be listed under “My School List”
• Click on “The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson Law”
• Click on “Application Information” and select LL.M. Application for the desired semester.
• Click on “Apply and Submit Online”

Please note that all applicants must register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). As part of that service, LSAC will compile official transcripts and letters of recommendation and send a comprehensive packet of these necessary documents to Dickinson Law.

Application Requirements

• LSAC Application — Applicants must submit an application via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Only complete and verified applications received from LSAC will be reviewed.
• Personal Statement — Applicants must submit a brief personal statement (one to two pages) that provides a clear and well-organized rationale for pursuing an LL.M. degree and specifically why the applicant has chosen to do so at Penn State Dickinson Law. This rationale should succinctly explain the applicant’s career plans and the relevance of an LL.M. degree in realization of those plans.
• Résumé or Curriculum Vita — Applicants must submit a résumé or CV outlining relevant work experience, education, and publications.
• Writing Sample — Though optional, applicants are encouraged to submit a short writing sample (in English) written entirely by the applicant without assistance, usually in the form of a legal paper or brief.
• Official Transcripts — Applicants are required to have official transcripts submitted to LSAC from each degree-granting, post-secondary institution previously attended. Transcripts must include both the original and, if need, a certified English translation. Applicants must comply with all LSAC requirements and policies regarding transcripts.
• English Language Proficiency — Applicants for whom English is a native language or who have received an academic degree from a college or university whose language of instruction is English meet the language requirement. In some cases, an oral proficiency interview may still be required. For applicants who are not native English speakers and have not received a degree from a college or university whose language of instruction is English, a TOEFL, IELTS or similar score that demonstrates advanced proficiency in English is required.
• Letters of Recommendation — Applicants are encouraged to submit up to three letters of recommendation in English (or certified translations into English), including one from a law professor with whom the applicant previously studied. Recommenders should have knowledge of the applicant’s academic achievement and potential for a career in law. Each recommender should evaluate the applicant’s capacity for advanced study and potential for fulfilling the professional objectives for which the applicant seeks the degree. To the extent possible, letters should be specific to Penn State Dickinson Law.
• Additional Documentation — As needed, applicants may submit additional supporting documentation that may be helpful with determining admissibility.
   

Applying Directly to Penn State Dickinson Law

Penn State Dickinson Law welcomes direct applications from students nominated by its international partner institutions. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply directly as well. For all other applicants, please use LSAC for the application process, as explained above.

Eligible applicants who wish to access the direct application, kindly reach out to Penn State Dickinson Law at DickinsonGradEd@psu.edu. All attachments noted above (e.g., personal statement, résumé or CV, etc.) must be submitted via the direct application portal. Direct applicants must similarly meet all eligibility criteria.

Application Deadlines

Most LL.M. students begin their studies in the fall semester (mid-August). Depending on available space in the program, LL.M. applicants may have the option of beginning the LL.M. program in the spring semester (January). International students who require a visa for study in the U.S. are strongly encouraged to apply six months ahead of the anticipated semester start date.

Due to limited enrollment capacity, the LL.M. program will not be inviting applications for our spring 2025 semester starting in January.

Completed and verified applications submitted via LSAC are reviewed on a rolling basis until program capacity has been met, at which point the application will be closed. Typically, an applicant will receive notification within 3-5 working days of application completion.

Tuition & Scholarships

Penn State Dickinson Law is committed to providing every student access to a world-class education. All LL.M. applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. For the most current information on tuition and fees, please see Cost of Attendance.

Questions

Please contact us with any questions. Prospective applicants may also direct questions regarding the LL.M. program to:

Anthony C. Ogden, Ph.D.
Director, International Programs and Graduate Education
Email: DickinsonGradEd@psu.edu
Phone: 717-241-3532