Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to Law School | Touro Law

Q: What are Touro Law's admission requirements?
A: The principal criteria used in the admissions process are the cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or GRE score(s). The selection process, however, is not strictly mathematical. Other important considerations include:

• College major and course selection.
• Trend of undergraduate grades.
• Writing ability (as demonstrated by the quality of the Personal Statement and LSAT/GRE Writing Sample/s).
• Personal qualities of integrity and commitment to public service.
• Successful graduate study, where applicable.
• Professional experience and achievement after college, where applicable.
•  Letters of recommendation from persons with direct knowledge of the individual's intellectual ability, natural aptitude, and strength of character.

Q: Do admission standards differ between the full-time and part-time programs?
A: No. An applicant’s chances of being offered admission are the same, regardless of the division to which they apply.

Q: What major is recommended for students wishing to go to law school?
A: The Admissions Committee does not require a specific major for entry into the program, but favors a curriculum that is rigorous in nature. Courses should be chosen which provide a broad base of knowledge and enhance logical and analytical reasoning skills. Competence in written expression is also weighed into the admission decision.

Q: What about graduate work?
A: Graduate work can be an important factor in the admissions process. In some cases, it may be viewed as a more significant predictor of success than undergraduate work, especially when the applicant has been out of undergraduate school for several years. Note, however, that the ABA requires law schools to report only students' undergraduate GPA; consequently, the undergraduate GPA is always considered as part of the review process.

Q: Does Touro Law accept the GRE?
A: Yes, we do. However, GRE may not be submitted in lieu of the LSAT if an applicant has already taken or plans to take the LSAT. GRE takers must designate Touro to receive all reportable scores from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Our GRE Designated Institution (DI) Code is 3223.

Regardless of the standardized test taken, all applicants must participate in the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) provided by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC).

Q: What about the personal statement?
A: Next to the LSAT/GRE and/or GPA, the personal statement is weighed most heavily in the admissions process. It should be written with great care and should address candidly the strengths and weaknesses of an applicant's candidacy.

Q: What about letters of recommendation?
A: Letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged. Up to three letters may be submitted if the applicant chooses. Any letters received will be considered, although references alone cannot salvage an otherwise weak application. Letters should be sent through the Letter of Recommendation LSAC Service.  

Q: Does Touro Law conduct interviews as part of the application process?
A: No. However, students are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment to visit the Law Center; to meet with faculty, administrators, and students; to tour the facilities; and to sit in on class.

Q: Does the Law Center admit a mid-year (Spring) class?
A: Yes.  We do.  Regular First-year JD students may enter in the spring or in the fall semester.  JD transfer , General LLM, and visiting students enter in the fall, spring, or summer.

Q: What are the application deadlines?
A: Applications may be submitted anytime after September 1 during the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which you intend to begin law school.  The Law Center has rolling admissions; therefore, early application is encouraged.

Q: What is rolling admissions?
A: Rolling admissions simply means that applications will begin to be reviewed as the file becomes complete (complete generally means receipt of the CAS Report and supporting documentation).  For example, applications completed after May 1st for the fall semester will still be considered for admission, although they may be at a competitive disadvantage.

Q: Do I need to take the LSAT/GRE before I file my application for admission?
A: No. While we will need to receive a CAS report before your application is complete and ready for review, you may submit your application before you take the LSAT/GRE. You will want to designate in your Application for Admission when you plan to take the LSAT/GRE. 

Q: How does the Law Center treat multiple LSAT/GRE scores?
A: All test scores are considered in evaluating the student’s aptitude. Applicants whose first test score is not indicative of their potential should consider repeating the exam. However, they are strongly discouraged from taking the test more than twice.

Q: How do I register to take the standardized test?
A: You can register to take the LSAT at www.lsac.org and the GRE at https://www.ets.org/gre.

Q: What is the application filing fee? 
A: We are waiving the application fee of $60.00 for this academic year.

Q: What is the tuition?
A: For the most up-to-date information, click here.

Q: Does Touro Law offer any scholarships?
A: Yes. All applicants are considered automatically for scholarships, and more than 90% of entering students receive awards. Submitting an application for admission as early as possible is strongly recommended for optimum scholarship award consideration. 

Q: What sort of financial aid is available?
A: The Law Center maintains a generous scholarship program, designed to recognize and reward exceptional academic achievement and potential. In addition, a variety of student loan programs are available to help students defray educational and living expenses.

Q: Are loans sufficient to cover the entire cost of attending law school?
A: Yes. Even if you are not awarded a scholarship, a combination of federal and private loans should be adequate to cover all the expenses (tuition, fees, room and board, books, etc.) of attending the Law Center.

Q: Which form is required to apply for financial aid?
A: The Law Center requires the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for all federal and institutional aid programs. The FAFSA form is a prerequisite for applying for the specific loan programs. This form should be filed between January 1 and June 1. Early filing alleviates problems related to financing your education.

Q: What is Touro Law Center's code for the FAFSA form?
A: Touro Law's FAFSA code is 010142

Q: Where is the Law Center located? How do I get there?
A: Touro Law is located in Central Islip on Long Island, approximately one hour by commuter train (Long Island Railroad or LIRR) from Manhattan.  There is a free shuttle service between LIRR Central Islip Station and the Touro Law campus when school is in session.  The Law Center also is easily accessible by car from Nassau and Suffolk counties, Queens, and Brooklyn. See Directions. Free parking is available in school-owned lots adjacent to the law school building for all students and visitors.

Q: Are there law classes at the Touro University campus in New York City?
A: Yes. Starting in the Fall of 2024, we will be offering our FlexTime JD Program at our Manhattan campus, located at 3 Times Square.

Q: May I visit the Law Center campus?
A: Yes! Please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@tourolaw.edu or call (631) 761-7010 to set up an appointment.  

Q: Does Touro Law Center recruit where I live?
A: Yes. For our schedule of recruiting events, click here.

Q: May I speak with a current student or alumni?
A: We would be happy to ask a member of the Touro Law community to contact you regarding their experience at Touro Law Center. Just e-mail us or call 631-761-7010.

Q: What academic support services are available to students?
A: We offer several academic support programs:

• Academic Excellence & Bar Success Department
• Writing Center
• Teaching Assistants for first-year required courses.
• Legal Education Access Program - This program provides inspiring academic support and mentorship. LEAP is open to all admitted students regardless of race or ethnic origin, who can demonstrate through a history of socio-economic, educational, or cultural experiences that he or she has been disadvantaged.
• Individual counseling/academic advisement through the Office of Student Services and the Faculty Advisor Program.

Q: Does Touro Law have student organizations to join?
YES! Touro Law has more than 30 active student organizations in which all students are welcome to join. Additionally, there are honor societies including Touro Law Review, Moot Court Board, Trial Advocacy and Practice Society, that qualified upper-level students are invited to join or apply to. Learn more here.

Q: Where do Touro Law students live?
A: Touro Law Center is located in a suburban area east of New York City. For those students who would like to live close to the law school, there is a wide variety of housing options, ranging from apartments and condominiums to single-family homes

Q: Does the Law Center assist students in finding housing?
A: Yes. The Office of Admissions at Touro Law maintains a Housing Information Network to keep students informed of local rentals and of the names of other students wishing to house-share. Any questions, please e-mail admissions@tourolaw.edu.

Q: Is there parking on-campus?
A: Yes. There is ample parking in well-lit lots right next to the Law Center.

Q: Is there a charge for parking?
A: No. Parking is free of charge for all students and visitors.

Q: Does Touro Law provide daycare/child care on campus?
A: No. To find quality child care on Long Island, please feel free to contact the Child Care Council of Suffolk County (631.462.0303 or 631.462.0444) or the Child Care Council of Nassau County (516.358.9250 or 516.358.9288).  

Q: Does Touro Law accept transfer students from other law schools?
A: Yes. The Law Center admits students with advanced standing from other law schools. They may enter the program during the fall, spring, or summer semesters and choose full-time or part-time attendance.

Q: How many credits will the Law Center accept?
A: Students from ABA-accredited law schools may be awarded advanced standing for up to 43 credits. Only course grades of C+ or higher are transferable, and only the credits, not the grades, are transferred.

Q: What are the rules regarding class rank and honors eligibility?
A: For purposes of class rank, there is no distinction between transfer students and students who begin their studies at Touro Law. Depending upon their point of entry, transfer students are generally eligible for academic honors and may compete for membership on Touro Law Review and Moot Court Board.

Q: Can international students attend Touro Law's JD program?
A: Yes. They must hold a U.S. bachelor's degree or equivalent, and they must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Q: What type of visa is necessary to study at the Law Center?
A: An F-1 Student Visa. To be eligible, you must submit an Affidavit of Support to demonstrate that you will have adequate financial resources for tuition and living expenses for at least the first year of your program of study at the Law Center.

Q: Is it possible to work in the United States?
A: Yes. F-1 Visa holders are permitted to work on campus (up to 20 hours per week) when suitable employment is available. After one year or upon completion of the degree requirements, graduates are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training – for up to a total of 12 months – in an area related to their field of study.

Q: Can international students take out loans to help finance their education?
A: Yes. Subject to certain restrictions, international students may be eligible for loans. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Q: Does the Law Center require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
A: Candidates for the JD degree are not required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), since their success on the LSAT demonstrates language proficiency for graduate study. 

Q: What are the requirements for admission for the 2-Year JD for Foreign Law Graduates Program?
A: This program offers foreign law students the opportunity to earn a JD degree in two years. Admission to the program requires: successful completion of a degree from an accredited law school in a country other than the United States, submission of a Touro Law Center application for admission, and completion of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the GRE.

Q: Are 2-Year JD for Foreign Law Graduates Degree students eligible to sit for the New York Bar Exam?
A: Yes.