J.D. ENTERING STUDENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Where is Hofstra? How far is it from Manhattan? Long Island, N.Y. 25 Miles East of Manhattan a short train ride from Pennsylvania Station in New York City. 2. What are the median LSAT and undergraduate GPA? For the 2003 entering class, the median LSAT was 157 and GPA was 3.4; however, there is no specific LSAT score required. 3. How many students apply to Hofstra? Last year, 4500 students applied to Hofstra Law School 4. How many do you accept? Last year approximately 30% were accepted, (also known as selectivity). 5. How long will it take to render a decision on my application? Once an application is complete, it is sent directly to the Admissions Committee. Generally, a decision may be rendered in as few as 2 weeks and as many as 5. The earlier an application is submitted the better. 6. What is the bar passage rate for Hofstra Law Students? 79% 7. How many students are in the entering class? In the student body? Approximately 270. Approximately 800. 8. How many minority students do you have? Approximately 25% of the 2003 entering class, and the entire student body 9. What is the student to faculty ratio? 21 to - 1 10. What is tuition? Full-time: $29,826 includes fees Part-time: $22,374 includes fees 11. What is the employment rate? 98% within the first six months of graduation 12. What percentage of grads work in NYC? Approximately 70%
13. What does Hofstra specialize in? What is Hofstra known for? Hofstra Law School offers every facet of law study that a student might be interested in; with options for concentrations and unique skills based learning opportunities. In addition to research and writing, and learning the substantive rules of law, we offer strong skills based practical programs via clinical programs, externships and pro bono opportunities. 14. How do I apply? Do you have an online application? You may apply via paper application or electronic application. Electronic applications are encouraged as those LSDAS requests can be made faster and typically ensures faster completion. Go to www.hofstra.edu/law, select Prospective Students, Apply Online, Apply Online JD. 15. What are the application requirements? Application, Personal statement and LSDAS report (which should include LSAT, at least one letter of recommendation and undergraduate transcripts) 16. What does Hofstra look for in a personal statement? The Admissions Committee will be looking for the ability to write clearly and concisely. Write about matters that are important to you but at the same time make room to tell us about who you are, where you are from, what if any accomplishments you have achieved, or what if any adversities you have overcome. Hofstra Law School requires no more than 500 words for the personal statement; make sure you submit a statement that is written well and succinct. 17. What is the application fee? $60 18. Do you ever waive the application fee? Yes. If you apply electronically, go to www.hofstra.edu/law, select Prospective Students, Apply Online, Apply Online JD or go to LSACD on the Web. 19. Who should write my letters of recommendation? The authors should be people who know you well and can make insightful comments about your academic abilities and perhaps how that will translate to the law school environment. It does not have to be a former professor or college advisor. Your recommender can be a mentor, supervisor, associate or someone from academia. 20. When is the best time to apply? October December 21. Do I have to register with LSDAS to apply? Yes.
22. How important is the LSAT? Scores (LSAT or GPA) are not THE determining factor for admissions. All aspects of the application are considered writing ability, academic ability, recommendations, leadership, advanced degrees, work experience, etc. 23. If I have multiple LSAT scores, will Hofstra take the higher score? Or do you take the average? LSAT scores are averaged unless the higher score is a considerable improvement (7-10 pts or more). 24. If my LSAT falls outside the 25th-75th range but my GPA is strong, will I be accepted? Scores (LSAT or GPA) are not THE determining factor for admissions. All aspects of the application are considered writing ability, academic ability, recommendations, leadership, advanced degrees, work experience, etc. 25. I have a foreign law degree (LL.B.); do I have to take the LSAT? If you are interested in the JD program, YES. If you are looking to take the bar exam then the LL.M. degree in American Legal studies may be a better option, and the LSAT is not required. 26. I am taking the LSAT again, should I wait to submit my application until I take the next test? It is to your advantage to submit your application early so we may begin processing it. Once your scores are received and the file is complete it will go straight to committee. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. 27. My undergraduate work is from a foreign institution, will my GPA count? Yes. You must have your GPA evaluated by a third party translation service, such as World Education Service (WES). 28. English is not my native language; do I have to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)? Yes. Hofstra Law School will look for a score of 237 on the computer-based test or 580 on the paper-based test. 29. When should I apply for financial aid? It is recommended that you file your FAFSA as soon as you can. Plan to start financial aid applications in January or February. For more information go to wwww.hofstra.edu/law, select Prospective Students, Financial Aid.
30. Is need-based money available? Yes. A Hofstra Institutional Aid application will be mailed and must be submitted to request Hofstra Law Loans (low interest loans) and Grants (need based funding). More information is available at wwww.hofstra.edu/law, select Prospective Students, Financial Aid. 31. How are scholarships awarded? There are merit scholarships and two fellowships. Merit scholarships are awarded at the time of acceptance based on past academic performance and merit. The Child and Family Advocacy Fellowship, The Advocacy for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgenderd People Fellowship and the Dwight L. Greene Scholarship all involve a separate application, personal statement, official undergraduate transcripts and letters of recommendation. 32. I have previously applied, what is the process to be reconsidered? The $60 application fee (unless applying electronically) and an updated application form are required. Arrange for your LSDAS registration to be active if you have or intend to retake the LSAT. Submitting an updated personal statement or new letters of recommendation is optional. 33. Do you have any joint degree programs? Yes. The JD/MBA joint degree is a 4 year program. Applicants must apply to both the JD and the MBA programs separately. The LSAT and GMAT are required for the JD and MBA programs respectively. Joint degree applicants may apply to the MBA program during the first-year of law school or when applying for the JD program. 34. Does Hofstra have internships/externships and or clinical opportunities? Yes. Judicial Externship Program, Family Law Legal Services Externship Civil Externship Program, Criminal Externship Program Public Justice Foundation, Kurzer Community Education Program, REACH (Research, Education, and Advocacy to Combat Homelessness, UAC (Unemployment Action Center, Alternative Dispute Resolution Clinic, Child Advocacy, Criminal Justice Clinic, Housing Rights Clinic, Political Asylum- Immigration Clinic 35. Does Hofstra have study abroad opportunities? Summer: Nice, France and Sydney, Australia Winter: Curacao, the Netherlands Antilles Visit http://www.hofstra.edu/academics/law/law_programs.cfm for further details. 36. Do you have a part-time evening program? We anticipate offering a part-time evening program in fall 2004. Please check the Web site for updates.
37. Is admission to the part-time day program less competitive? The admission requirements and procedures for part-time consideration do not differ from the full-time program. 38. How many years does it take to complete the part-time program? 4 years 39. Can I switch from part-time day to evening? Or from part-time to full-time? Yes, you must be in good standing and have the Dean s approval, upon completion of the first year. 40. Do you offer weekend courses? Weekend courses are not offered. 41. I have been out of school for X years and my undergraduate GPA does not represent what I am now capable of, will Hofstra consider my Graduate GPA and/or work experience? What do you recommend? Have an official graduate transcript sent to LSDAS, include your resume with your application and be sure to use your personal statement as a reference to your experience and accomplishments. 42. Is there separate housing for law students? There is separate housing for law and graduate students. Approx. 30% of law students live on-campus. 43. What is the average age of the entering student? Age 24 50% of the 2003 entering class has been out of college at least 1 year. 25% of the 2003 entering class are 25 years of age or older. 44. What student organizations do you offer? Please visit http://www.hofstra.edu/academics/law/law_studentorgs.cfm for a list of organizations. 45. What undergraduate courses will best prepare me for law school? Any class that develops your research and writing skills 46. Can I apply to all three programs (part-time day, part-time evening, full-time)? Yes. However you need to include a separate rider to your application explaining the order of preference.
47. What is the status of my application? Please be assured that as long as we have accurate telephone, e-mail and mailing address information for you, we will communicate with you the current status of your application. We mail notification for each stage of the application process: application received, application complete and sent to committee for review, application incomplete and missing a particular item(s) and final decision. If you have not received notification from us confirming receipt of your application within four weeks after submission, contact us, as this may mean that we did not receive your application. The Office of Admissions can be reached by phone (516) 463-5916 or by e-mail lawadmissions@hoftra.edu. 48. Has Hofstra Law School received my LSDAS report? Contact LSAC student services at www.lsac.org or (215) 968-1001.