What we Look for in Applicants

William Wilson, Ph.D., Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions

Evidence of academic ability is the most important but not the only criterion for admissions decisions at St. Mary's. In selecting candidates for the study of law, we are interested in the whole person - in evidence that, in addition to outstanding academic ability, an applicant has the maturity, initiative and good judgment that are essential to the ethical practice of law. Lawyers are entrusted with other people's rights, money and security.

We look for evidence of character, personal growth, ability to overcome obstacles and other characteristics that indicate that a candidate would handle the trust reposed in him or her responsibly and honorably.

An applicant who has taken challenging, rigorous courses in history, economics, English, philosophy, science or other difficult subjects is better-prepared for law study than one who has had a weaker course load. Students who are economically disadvantaged but manage to work their way through school while maintaining a strong grade-point average similarly show evidence of a strength of character that attracts our attention.

The Personal Statement

The Personal Statement that St. Mary's University School of Law requires of applicants for admission is of critical importance. It gives each candidate a means of informing the members of the Admissions Committee about the intangible qualities that he or she possesses, but that no test can measure - and that may be of paramount interest to us at St. Mary's.

An applicant should take advantage of the opportunity to tell the members of the Admissions Committee everything that they need to know to make a fair evaluation of him or her.