SCHOOL OF LAW

Based upon recent experience, we would have very few problems filling each seat with students who have achieved excellent LSAT scores and high GPAs in challenging undergraduate programs with difficult majors. Those two criteria, within certain limits, help a committee assess a student's ability to succeed at UT Law. However, these quantitative factors, while important, are not determinative.

UT Law takes no shortcuts and uses no computer program to assess each candidate. We provide a full-file review of all completed applications, in order to:

1. Identify students who exhibit demonstrated commitment to public service, leadership, and other qualities valuable to the legal profession;
2. Identify students whose background, experience, and other qualities are likely to be of value in the classroom and the Law School; and
3. Provide a service to the state of Texas by educating its citizens from underrepresented regions of the state and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

The Admissions Committee considers rigor of the undergraduate course of study as reflected by the applicant's college transcripts, graduate study, demonstrated commitment to public service, work experience, leadership experience, extracurricular or community activities, history of overcoming economic or other disadvantage, personal experiences with discrimination, overcoming disability, geographic diversity (particularly underrepresented regions of Texas), diversity of experience and background, maturity, ability to communicate, foreign language proficiency, honors and awards, service in the Armed Forces, publications, exceptional personal talents and other pertinent information.

The UT Law classes resulting from this admissions system have been motivated, engaged, energetic, and successful. We have achieved a graduation rate of 98%. This system is not always perfect, but it is careful, respectful, and reflective.

Specific weight is not attributed to any one of the factors listed. Instead, admissions decisions are based on all of the information contained in an applicant's file. In fact, the Law School discontinued its use of the Texas Index for admissions purposes on October 1, 2001.

Moreover, specific attention is given to an applicant's socioeconomic background. While some information related to socioeconomic background can be found in an applicant's responses to the application form and LSDAS reports, the Law School's application for the entering class includes specific requests for socioeconomic information. Applicants are encouraged to include information concerning their socioeconomic background, or any other information related to the factors listed by the Legislature, in their personal statements and/or in the optional statement on economic, social or personal disadvantage.