- Leadership potential/experience
- Public service/public interest
- Social justice (including providing representation to underserved communities (e.g. rural, lower socio-economic class; marginalized populations), ability to contribute to and engage in an intellectual environment in which a wide variety of ideas and viewpoints are discussed, multi or cross-cultural experience, life experience related to social identity (ies), intent to pursue a non-traditional legal career).
The following items must be submitted in addition to the completed application via CAS:
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Two letters of recommendation (faculty letters of recommendation are strongly preferred for those students that are currently in school or have graduated within the past two years)
When should I take the LSAT?
There is no preferred testing date for the LSAT. It is offered nine times a year. Please note that we will accept scores from the June examination in the same year you wish to enroll. We will accept LSAT scores up to five years old.
What should I study at my undergraduate institution?
Moritz does not prefer or recommend any single area of study for a prospective student, and our students range in majors from accounting to zoology. While typical “law school majors” such as political science, business, history, and English are prominent, we also have students with backgrounds in engineering, education, biology, and mathematics. We encourage prospective students to study subjects that to them are most interesting. Focus on majors and courses that offer the chance to write extensively, examine texts, and practice logical reasoning. The Class of 2026 represents over 50 different majors, so the possibilities are truly open for any major.
I tried checking my application status online but I can’t log in.
The Office of Admissions will notify applicants by e-mail when their application has been received and processed. The email will include log in information for the online status page. It is important that the applicant provides the office with a current e-mail address and checks their e-mail regularly. If you cannot log in to the site, please contact the Admissions Office at (614) 292-8810 or lawadmit@osu.edu, and they can give your username and/or reset your password.
I sent in all my materials, but my status online says my file is incomplete.
In most cases, your file is incomplete because we have not yet received your CAS report from LSAC. There is a slight time delay in when we receive your application and CAS report and processed the files as received. If you find that your status has remained incomplete for some time, please contact the Admissions Office at (614) 292-8810 or email at lawadmit@osu.edu.
How is my application evaluated?
Moritz performs a holistic review of your application, meaning that all items in the file are considered before making a decision. In addition to LSAT scores and GPA, we also look at the candidate’s extracurricular involvement, work experience, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a host of other factors when making a decision.
What is your deadline for applying?
Applications for admission to the College of Law should be submitted anytime between September 15 and March 31 of the calendar year prior to the planned date of enrollment; although applications submitted after the preferential deadline of March 31 will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until June 1.
I see your application has a character and fitness section. Will I automatically be denied admission if I answer “yes” to any of the questions?
No. Character and fitness issues are assessed on a case-by-case basis. By answering affirmatively to any of the questions in the character and fitness section, it will not necessarily harm your chances for admission. We do, however, require you submit an explanation regarding the issue. Please note that if the school learns that your answer to one or more of these questions was not accurate, your acceptance may be revoked or, if you are already enrolled, you may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Why do I need to answer the questions in the character and fitness section?
After a law student applies to take the bar examination, the respective bar examiners have the law school provide an evaluation of that student’s character and fitness to practice law. Therefore, an essential part of assessing a student’s character and fitness to practice law must be completed when an applicant is considered for admission.
I’ve received a traffic ticket in the past. Am I required to report that?
No. Minor traffic and parking violations are not necessary to report. However, charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, and reckless driving must be disclosed as criminal charges.
While an undergraduate, I was placed on academic probation. Will that negatively affect my chances of being admitted?
Not necessarily. All character and fitness issues are assessed on a case-by-case basis. By submitting a required explanation, we can better understand the circumstances surrounding the issue and take that into consideration when reviewing your file.
I have new information that I would like to be added to my file, may I send that to the Admissions Office?
Yes. If your file has not yet been reviewed or has been deferred/waitlisted, you are welcome to send additional documentation in support of your admission. You are encouraged to email the additional information as a PDF to the Admissions Office at lawadmit@osu.edu. When emailing information, please include your LSAC account number for quick identification.
Do you have an early decision program?
Applicants to The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law frequently indicate that Ohio State is their first choice for a legal education. For those students who have carefully researched their law school opportunities, the Early Binding Decision Option provides an expeditious evaluation and decision by the Admissions Committee. This early notification has the advantage of enabling successful early decision applicants to pursue their educational, professional and familial engagements and responsibilities free of the time, expense and anxiety associated with the typical law school application process. Successful Early Binding Decision applicants will be notified of scholarship awards soon after admission. Thus, the applicant should be in a position to commit to attending Ohio State even though they might not have a complete financial aid package at the time of their deposit. It is important to recognize that the benefits associated with admission under the Early Binding Decision Option are accompanied by a reduction in law school choice. Ohio State reserves the right to provide other law schools with the names of applicants accepted under our Early Binding Decision Option.
Does Moritz permit transfer students?
Yes, provided the applicant has:
- completed one year of work as a full-time student at an accredited law school;
- ranked in the upper-third of their law school class; and
- quantifiable pre-law credentials comparable to those of the Ohio State law student with whom they would be competing.
A transfer applicant is responsible for making certain that the following items are submitted in order for their application to be considered complete:
- The completed application and application fee of $60 (submitted electronically through LSAC)
- Official transcripts of all work completed at all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended and the law school attended sent directly to LSAC
- A current CAS report sent from the Law School Admission Council
- An official letter from the law school attended certifying good standing and class rank sent to lawadmit@osu.edu
- A letter of recommendation from a law professor who has taught the applicant in class
- A resume including honors, awards, activities, and work experience
- A brief statement (one page or less) giving the reason for transfer to the Moritz College of Law
What is the application fee?
The fee is $60 for domestic applicants and $70 for international applicants.
International StudentsApplicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Our minimum required TOEFL scores are 80 internet-based; 550 paper-based; or 213 computer-based. Our minimum required IELTS score is 6.5.
Exemptions
Applicants who are citizens of or who have completed a degree in one of the following countries or territories are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement: See the complete list here.
Applicants who have held U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee status for at least one year from the first term of enrollment are also exempt from the English proficiency requirement.
Sending Test Scores
You must have taken an English test within the past two years. TOEFL and IELTS scores must be sent directly to Ohio State. For TOEFL score reports, Ohio State's institution code is #1592.
What is the application fee?
The fee is $70 for international applicants.
How long will it take for a decision to be made?
Ideally, from the time your application goes under review, we hope that you will receive a decision in six to ten weeks. However, be aware that this may fluctuate throughout the year. The Moritz College of Law Admissions Committee renders admissions decisions on a rolling basis after the application file is received and is complete (with supporting documents, such as the CAS report). Early Binding Decision applicants will receive a decision by December 19. Applicants will be notified of their decision via e-mail and decisions will be posted on the online status page.
I applied in November and it is now March, why haven’t I heard a decision?
In some cases, your application file is not fully completed. We only begin reviewing an applicant’s file when we receive all of the necessary documents. In this case, it is best to call or email the Admissions Office at (614) 292-8810 or lawadmit@osu.edu to see if your file is missing any items.
Can I call and get my decision over the phone?
No. Both for the sake of your privacy and our phone lines, we do not give admissions decisions over the phone. Your decision will be displayed on the Applicant Status page and through email.
I am on the wait list. When will I know whether an admissions offer will be extended?
Once you have been placed on the wait list, you truly have to wait and see. Every year, Ohio State Law receives applications from qualified students in a number that far exceeds the number of available seats. We limit our entering class size to approximately 160 students. If you have been placed on the wait list, the Admissions Office has carefully reviewed your file. Although additional information may be submitted (i.e. an updated transcript), it will not be reviewed unless, and until, a decision is made to extend offers of admission to students on the wait list. The Admissions Office takes great effort to determine those students who really are planning to enroll so that we can determine, as soon as feasible, whether offers will be extended to wait-listed students. The number of students pulled from the wait list varies greatly each year.
Although we fully understand that each student on the wait list needs to know, as soon as possible, whether they will have an opportunity to attend Ohio State in the fall, we cannot extend offers from the wait list based upon individual student deadlines. If we are able to determine in late-June that the likelihood of an individual student being pulled from the wait list is very small, we will notify that student in order to assist them in finalizing other options.
If a decision is made to extend offers to students on the wait list, the Admissions Office will review the files and select a group of students for further consideration. Factors taken into account may include, but are not limited to, the recommendations of the Admissions Committee, comparability of quantifiable credentials to that of the seated class, compatibility with Moritz College of Law programming, and contribution to the range of diversity within the class (educational/experiential background, residency/nonresidency, ethnic/cultural, area of substantive interest, etc.).
If there is any change on your wait list status, we will contact you as soon as possible. We would appreciate it if you would keep us informed of changes in your contact information via email at lawadmit@osu.edu.
After AdmissionAre scholarships given to incoming students?
Yes. Primarily, first-year students are eligible for scholarships based on academic merit, leadership, social justice, access, and public interest. For more information about our scholarships, please visit the Scholarships & Financial Aid section on our website.
I want to work during my first year. Is that permitted?
The Moritz College of Law has a long-standing policy that states that first-year students may not work. The first year of law school is very different from undergraduate school or holding a job, as the demands of the curriculum are inconsistent with outside employment. You can meet with the Dean of Student Affairs to ask about working as a 1L.
Can I get football tickets?
Law students are eligible to purchase a season ticket for Ohio State football games provided that your seat deposit is paid by May 1. Please visit www.hangonsloopy.com or call 1-800-GO-BUCKS for more information.
What classes will I take my first year?
Each student takes Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Legal Research, Legal Writing and Analysis, Property, Legislation, and our Legal Practice and Perspectives Program courses. Constitutional Law is a required second-year course.
Do you offer deferred admissions?
Moritz does offer deferred admissions on a case-by-case basis. If you are admitted and are interested in a one-year deferral, please send an email to lawadmit@osu.edu explaining your reasons for a deferral.
Is a seat deposit required to hold my spot?
If you are admitted to Moritz and wish to attend in the fall, you must submit a $225 seat deposit. Only by submitting your seat deposit will you be able to reserve your seat in the 1L class.
Is the seat deposit refundable?
No. After you submit your seat deposit, it is not refundable under any circumstances. Should you choose not to attend Moritz, you will forfeit your deposit.
