Appalachian School of Law accepts candidates who will benefit from a challenging curriculum in a collegial environment, who we believe will be successful, and who we believe will pass the bar exam of their choice.
There is no application fee, but the application is accessed only through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). Interested candidates must obtain an account through LSAC; all documents supporting the application must be submitted for verification through this same entity which compiles what is known as the Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
American Bar Association accredited law schools require the use of CAS for JD applicants. If a JD applicant has studied for more than one academic year outside the United States or Canada, the applicant may use CAS for transcript evaluation and authentication if required by the law school. The JD CAS service is included in the CAS subscription fee.
SPRING APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2024
FALL APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 20, 2025
ASL Electronic Application (E-app)
Complete and submit through LSAC an electronic application with any required documentation.
Resume
Provide a resume covering educational, professional, and volunteer history.
Personal Statement
An original personal statement of 500 words or more describing your professional goals and qualifications.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is the first academic criterion. Applicants must submit all transcripts from each college, university, or high school dual enrollment program attended.
Official LSAT Score
All applicants are required to take the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test). If an applicant has multiple LSAT scores, the Admissions Committee will consider the highest official score reported. Scores from LSAT testing dates more than 5 years preceding the intended term of enrollment are not considered. ASL’s LSAC school code is 5829.
Letters of Recommendation
ASL requires two letters of recommendation but will accept up to four. Applicants should have letters sent directly to the Law School Admission Council. We look for the authors to be direct supervisors, former professors, e.g., from a professional person with direct, anecdotal evidence of the applicant’s ability to succeed in law school. Letters from friends, family, or someone without personal knowledge of the applicant are disregarded. Optional submissions may include an applicant’s graduate work, diversity statement, connection to the Appalachian region, and non-academic achievements. These can be submitted as attachments to the e-app or emailed directly to the Admissions Office.
Additional Information
ASL reviews applications on a rolling basis.
Admissions decisions are not based on any single criterion. ASL conducts a holistic review process, with each application being carefully reviewed and considered in relation to the Law School’s mission.
Applicants must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended to the Registrar’s Office or through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS). For more information about registering for the CAS service, please visit LSAC.org.
If the transcript submitted upon application contained work that was still in progress, you will need to submit a final official copy to the Registrar’s Office or through LSAC. Complete, official transcripts must be received by November 1 for the fall semester and April 1 for the spring semester. If complete, official transcripts are not received by these dates, grades will be held and the student will not be allowed to register for the following semester.
All documents received by Appalachian School of Law in connection with such applications for admission become the property of the law school. Under no circumstance will any document be duplicated, returned to the applicant, or forwarded to any agency or other college or university.
We are happy to discuss our admissions process and criteria with potential applicants at any time. If you have any questions, please contact us.
ASL is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
Apply for free on the LSAC website: www.LSAC.org
If you have questions about the application, please do not hesitate to contact the admissions office at admissions@asl.edu or (276) 244-1203.
Seat Deposit
To make a seat deposit, please click here
If you have questions about paying the seat deposit or the seat deposit amount, contact the Admissions Office at 276-244-1203.
The Appalachian School of Law does not discriminate in admissions decisions on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, religion, national and ethnic origin, age, veteran status, or political affiliation.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character and fitness and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting that jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). Below, you will find links that may be helpful.
Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements
National Conference of Bar Examiners
Bar Admissions Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar
