Admission to the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School Juris Master (JM) Degree Program is highly competitive. All applicants for admission must have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, high academic standing, and professional achievements or positions indicating the applicant's capacity for performing master's-level work.
Applications are submitted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Once your application is processed, you will receive a notification either requesting additional documents or requesting you to schedule an interview. Following your program interview, a final decision notification will be sent within 1 week, per admissions committee availability. Applications are due by August 1st for the Fall term, December 1st for the Spring term, and April 1st for the Summer term. If you wish to be considered for a late application, please contact the Graduate Admissions team at lawgradm@gmu.edu for more information.
Admission Requirements for All Applicants
Applications are not evaluated until all required supporting documents have been received. For guaranteed consideration, the applicant is responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School prior to the appropriate deadline. Items 1 through 5 are required from all JM applicants:
1. Application Form
2. Official Undergraduate Transcript
Applicants must submit all transcripts from college or university level work and degrees. Unofficial transcripts received directly from the applicant may be used pending the receipt of official transcripts.
3. 500-Word Statement
The applicant is required to submit a 500-word statement of educational and professional goals, double-spaced, that will serve as both a statement of purpose and a writing sample. The thoughts and words of the 500-word statement must be uniquely those of the applicant. With the exception of basic proofreading, no other(s) may assist in the creation of this statement.
4. CV/Resume
The applicant must submit a resume detailing the applicant's educational and professional experience and achievements. There is no page limit.
5. Letters of Recommendation
The applicant should submit at least one letter of recommendation addressing the applicant's academic and professional potential. Letters of recommendation must identify the applicant as a JM applicant. The applicant can have the recommendations sent directly to George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School via e-mail at lawgradm@gmu.edu
6. Application for Virginia In-State Tuition
Applicants who have resided in Virginia for 12 months or more and believe they qualify for in-state tuition rates must complete the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates.
Additional Requirement for Applicants with International Credentials
In addition to the Admission Requirements for All Applicants, George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School requires the following additional items from applicants who have graduated with international credentials:
1. English Proficiency Exam
For applicants whose first language is not English, a current TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score showing sufficient proficiency in the English language is required. Scores required:
- TOEFL: Minimum of 90 in the iBT test (100 or above highly preferred)
- IELTS: Minimum of 6.5 (7.5 or above highly preferred)
- Duolingo: Minimum of 110
2. Credential Equivalency Report
- The required information in the student’s transcript
- The student really attended the institution
- How the academic performance relates in a US context