Frequently Asked Questions
Visiting
Where is Pace Law located?
Pace Law is located in White Plains, New York, where students have easy access to both New York City and the beautiful Hudson Valley. Students benefit from a myriad of social, cultural, and professional opportunities.
How far is Pace Law from New York City?
Pace Law is a mere 33 minute Metro North train ride from the heart of New York City. Visitors and law students have access to free (yes free!) parking and a free shuttle bus from the train station to the law school campus. The campus is only minutes from the Tappan Zee Bridge and easily accessible by car from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Click here for directions to the campus.
What is the Pace Law campus like?
Unlike many law schools, Pace Law offers a true campus setting with 12 acres of landscaped grounds in an opportunity-rich, urban environment. Visit our virtual tour here.
When can I visit the campus?
To schedule a tour and/or a classroom visit, please call or email the Admission Office at 914-422-4210 or admissions@law.pace.edu.
May I talk to a current student to learn about their law school experience?
Student Ambassadors are available during any tours, Information Sessions, or Open Houses.
Facts and Statistics
What is the size of your entering class at Pace Law?
For the entering 2011 class 200 Full-time and 16 Part- time students. For the entering 2011 January Accelerated class (complete law school in 2 and one half years) 27 Full-time students.
How many applications did Pace Law receive last year?
We received over 2,800 applications last year.
What were your median and 25%-75% percentiles last year?
For the 2011 class the median LSAT/GPA numbers for admitted students were: 156/3.43.
For the 2011 class the 25%-75% percentiles LSAT/GPA numbers for admitted students were: 153/ 3.20 and 159/3.64
Where is the 2011 class profile?
More information regarding the 2011 class is located here.
What is your student to faculty ratio?
The student to faculty ratio is 13:1.
What is the size of a first-year course at Pace Law?
There are 50 law students in a first-year course.
Is there a "small section" course in the first-year curriculum other than Legal Writing?
Yes, each Pace Law first-year has a small section course with only 20 students.
What is the average class size of upper level courses?
73% of our courses, excluding seminars, have a small enrollment of fewer than 26 students.
How many faculty members teach at Pace Law?
More than 100 full-time and adjunct professors compromise the Pace Law faculty. Our faculty members are both scholars and lawyers, with outstanding academic credentials and as well as extensive legal experience.
Application Process
How do I obtain an application?
You can find our application online at the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website by clicking here and then login or create an account with LSAC.
When is the application deadline?
Our priority deadlines are November 15 (for the January Accelerated Program) and March 1 (for regular decision program).
What is a "priority application" deadline?
Our "priority application" deadlines are not "hard deadlines" but rather these deadlines are when a large percentage of our applicant pool has submitted applications to Pace Law. We review every complete application no matter when the application was submitted. We still admit students after the "priority deadline" date.
Does Pace Law have rolling admissions?
Yes and we advise applicants to apply by our priority deadlines. The phrase “rolling admissions” is really “rolling notification” because we notify applicants regarding their admissions decision on a “rolling” basis.
What are the admissions requirements?
You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by August of the year you intend to enroll (with 2 exceptions) and a recent (within the prior 5 years) score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
What are the required admission materials?
An applicant must submit the following items:
- A completed Application Form;
- A Personal Statement;
- Two letters of recommendation submitted to the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service;
- An Official LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report, including transcripts of all college academic records, letters of recommendation, and a report of the candidate's score(s) on the LSAT; and
- The $65 application fee or fee waiver.
Is there an LSAT or GPA cutoff?
We review applications in their entirety; therefore, we do not specify minimum LSAT or GPA requirements.
Are applicants required to submit their applications through the LSAC system?
Applications are only accepted through the LSAC system. We will not accept application materials, or partial parts of applications that are sent directly to the admissions office.
If I cannot afford the application fee, does Pace Law offer a fee waiver?
Yes. Please send all fee waiver requests in writing to admissions@law.pace.edu.
Admission Options
When do students enroll at Pace Law?
We currently offer both fall and spring admission programs. The fall program begins in late August and the priority application deadline is March 1. The “January Accelerated Program” usually begins the first week of January and the application priority deadline is November 15. Students who enroll in January are able to complete Pace Law in two and one half years.
Does Pace Law offer a part-time program?
Pace Law offers some great opportunities to advance your education through our part-time Day Program. The part-time Evening program is no longer available and was phased out starting fall 2010.
Is there a different application for the part-time program?
All applicants use the same application to apply to Pace Law. Students designate on their application which program they are applying for, and their order of preference. The only difference is that the part-time program is not available for applicants applying for Spring Admission. The “January Accelerated Program” is offered for full-time applicants only.
What is the 3+3 Program?
3+3 is an accelerated program run through Pace University College of Arts and Science that enables students to complete their B.S. requirements in 3 years, rather than the traditional 4 years and then enter directly into Pace Law in that 4th year. In order to be eligible the student must meet with their advisor in the College of Arts & Sciences for a review of their transcript before your junior year to enter the program, and also complete the requirements for entry into Pace Law. This includes an application to be found on www.lsac.org and taking the LSAT exam.
Application Components
LSAT
Is the LSAT mandatory?
Yes, the LSAT is required for all applicants.
How does Pace Law treat multiple scores?
We consider the highest score during our review. If an applicant has taken the LSAT more than once and received a significantly higher score, the applicant may write an addendum to explain the difference in scores, if they so choose.
If I am an international student, am I also required to take the TOEFL exam?
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the use of the English language. An exception may be made for an applicant who has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants for whom the TOEFL test is required should contact TOEFL online at www.ets.org or by phone at 609-921-9000 for information and application forms.
Letters of Recommendation
Are letters of recommendation required?
We require two letters of recommendation from persons who know you well and who can attest to your capacity to succeed in the study of law. We prefer letters of recommendation to be from professors who have taught you.
May I submit more than two letters of recommendation?
We prefer that you only send two letters.
May I submit faxed or e-mailed transcripts or Letters of Recommendation? Are other faxed or e-mailed supplementary documents accepted?
No, we only accept application materials through LSAC’s CAS service. Please not do email or fax application materials to us.
Personal Statement
How should I approach my personal statement?
You should approach the statement as a personal interview. The statement should describe any personal attributes that you consider to be an asset and which will serve to your advantage in law school. We are particularly interested in aspects of your background that may not be evident from other parts of your application, which have prepared you to successfully undertake a rigorous program of law study. You may also provide a perspective on your career objectives and goals.
How long should my personal statement be?
The Admissions Committee requires each applicant to submit a brief, typed, double-spaced personal statement, typically not to exceed 500 words, as part of the application.
May I submit a statement about Diversity?
In an effort to ensure diversity, the law school offers potential students the opportunity to provide a diversity statement. This statement should demonstrate a candidate's potential to contribute meaningfully to the diversity of the Law School community and the legal profession.
May I submit an addendum with my application?
Applicants may wish to include an addendum regarding any inconsistencies in their application and provide answers to questions that they think the committee might raise when reviewing their application. An example would be an explanation of distinct trends or discrepancies among grades.
Application Review
How long is the application review process?
The review period for an application is typically 6 to 8 weeks from the receipt of a complete CAS report and application from LSAC; though more time may be required by the Admissions Committee during peak application season.
How can I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your application online using the status checker. Your password will be emailed to you once we receive notification of your application. If you have misplaced your password or forgotten your username, the admissions office will be happy to retrieve the username and reset your password.
Does Pace Law conduct interviews to applicants?
We do not conduct interviews to applicants due to the sheer volume of applications that we receive and have to review. We suggest that you make sure that your application is an accurate portrayal of your abilities and qualifications as a candidate for entry into Pace Law
If I am waitlisted, may I meet with someone to discuss my application?
We do not discuss waitlist applications on a one-on-one basis to keep the process as fair and as balanced as possible. We will reach out to waitlist applicants to request a “Statement of Further Interest.” In addition, waitlist candidates are encouraged to call us with any questions about their application status and about the application process as it pertains to their file.
What is the process for reapplying to Pace Law?
If an applicant has applied within the last year, all materials previously submitted have been retained. Any letters of recommendations already on file may be reused. Otherwise a student who is reapplying to Pace Law must submit new applicant materials:
- Completed application form;
- A personal statement;
- Application fee; and
- A LSAC CAS Report
Transfer/Visiting Students
What is the admission process to transfer to Pace Law?
A student who wishes to transfer must have finished at least one academic year at their current school and have maintained a 3.0 GPA to be considered for transfer. The student must submit their original LSAC CAS report, a statement detailing their reasons and interest in transferring to Pace Law and at least two letters of recommendation, including one letter from a current law school faculty member. The Pace Law transfer applicants can be found online at www.lsac.org.
What is the transfer application deadline?
The transfer application deadline is June 1.
How many credits will Pace Law accept?
Students from may be awarded advanced standing for up to 30 credits.
Does Pace Law accept transfers from a State Accredited or Non-Accredited law school?
A student coming from a State Accredited or Non-Accredited school may apply as a transfer student, with the same requirements as above.
Does Pace Law accept visiting students?
A limited number of students who are matriculated at law schools accredited by the American Bar Association or state-accredited law schools may study at Pace Law as visiting students. Such students must submit an application, fee, and personal statement that includes their reason(s) for requesting visiting student status, and a letter from the dean of the law school in which they are enrolled certifying that the student is a degree candidate in good standing, certifying that credit earned at Pace Law will be counted toward the degree to be conferred upon the student, and stating any specific requirements that must be completed while attending Pace Law.
Does Pace Law offer the opportunity to audit classes?
We currently do not allow auditing of classes by non-matriculated students.
Post Admission
How do I pay my seat deposit?
Seat deposits may be paid by mailing a check, or filling out the deposit form with credit card information, signed money order, or by dropping off a check/money order to the Admissions Office.
Does Pace Law offer preparatory courses prior to the start of law school?
The Pace Law Skills Enrichment Program (S.E.P.) is designed to give entering students pre-enrollment training in dealing with the academic requirements of law school, including the Socratic teaching method, case briefing, legal analysis, writing skills, and class and exam preparation. The Summer Enrichment Program is offered each summer to all admitted students.
Is it possible to defer admissions?
Submit a written request to defer to the Director of Admissions. All requests to defer will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
May I transfer from the full-time program to part-time program or vice-versa?
A student may be permitted to transfer from full-time to part-time, or vice-versa, after the completion of their first year. This request must be made in writing to the Dean of Students and may also include a meeting with the Dean before a final decision is made.
Academic Opportunities
What study abroad opportunities does Pace Law offer?
Each spring semester, Pace Law offers its students and other ABA-approved law schools the opportunity to spend time working and studying abroad through the Pace London Law Program. In addition, students can spend their fourth or fifth semester studying law at the University of Adelaide in South Australia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Allegre, Brazil, or the Universidade Federal do Pará in Belem, Brazil. Furthermore, there are also other International Law Programs and opportunities.
What joint degrees programs does Pace Law offer?
Pace Law offers the following joint degrees:
- JD/LLM in Environmental Law;
- JD/Master of Business Administration with Pace University Lubin School of Business;
- JD/Master of Public Administration with Pace University Dyson College of Arts and Sciences;
- JD/Master of Arts in Women's History with Sarah Lawrence College;
- JD/Master of Environmental Management with Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies;
- JD/Master of Science in Environmental Policy with Bard College - Bard Center for Environmental Policy; and
- JD/Bachelor of Arts or JD/Bachelor of Science with Pace University Dyson College of Arts and Sciences
How do I apply for a joint degree program?
You apply to both Pace Law and the other degree program simultaneously. You must be admitted by both Pace Law and the other program to pursue a joint degree.
What specialized areas of law does Pace Law offer?
Recognized areas of concentration include environmental, international, public interest, and criminal law.
Does Pace Law offer any special academic programs?
Pace Law houses many academic centers and institutes:
CENTERS:
- Center for Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
- Center for Environmental Legal Studies
- Criminal Justice Center
- Energy and Climate Center (formerly the Energy Project)
- Land Use Law Center
- Public Interest Law Center
- Theodore W. Kheel Center on the Resolution of Environmental Interest Disputes
- Women's Justice Center
INSTITUTES:
- Brazil-American Institute for Law and Environment (BAILE)
- Institute of International Commercial Law
- International Judicial Institute for Environmental Adjudication (IJIEA)
- New York State Judicial Institute
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS:
- Certificates in Environmental Law
- Certificate in Public or Private (Commercial) International Law
What clinical opportunities does Pace Law offer?
The Pace Law curriculum introduces foundational lawyering skills early in the first year through a new First Year Legal Skills Program. In the upper level, the legal skills program offers a rich array of clinics, externships and simulation courses.
Financial Aid
What is the tuition for the 2011-12 academic year?
The cost of tuition for the 2011-2012 academic year is as follows: Full-time Tuition $40,730/year, Part-time Tuition $30,550/year.
Does Pace Law offer scholarships?
Pace Law awards scholarships to qualified students on the basis of academic merit, leadership, work experience, community service, and financial need.
Where can I obtain more information Pace Law scholarships?
A full list of our current merit scholarship and endowment scholarship offerings can be found on our scholarship pages.
How do I apply for merit based scholarships?
A variety of scholarships are available to first-year law students, ranging from partial to full tuition. All students that are admitted to Pace Law are considered for merit-based scholarships at the time that their applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The scholarship review takes place after admission and all materials are reviewed including LSAT, UGPA, personal statements and other writing submissions. If a student is awarded a scholarship an award letter will be sent out in the mail approximately 2 weeks after their offer of admission.
How do I apply for need based grants?
Applicants with financial need will automatically be considered for Pace’s need-based grants when they fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What percentage of entering students receives scholarships?
Recently, forty percent of entering JD class was awarded scholarships and the average amount awarded was $15,000.
Does Pace Law sponsor a loan forgiveness program?
Pace Law offers a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) designed to help graduates with low income legal positions continue performing legal work for nonprofit organizations or the government.
Does Pace Law offer student housing?
Pace Law operates Dannat Hall, which is a law school student housing located on the law school campus. Dannat Hall was renovated (new kitchen, exercise room and laundry area) during the summer of 2011. Dannat Hall has its own cafeteria.
What is the cost of Pace Law Student Housing?
The rent for the entire 2011-2012 academic year in Dannat Hall is $10,250 for a large single room and $8,000 for a small single room.
