Early Decision programs are not new, but they have been gaining popularity among both law schools and applicants in recent cycles. We will address the value of such programs momentarily, but first let us define what “Early Decision” really means. An Early Decision program is essentially a contract between an applicant and a school – the only hardline often being that “if admitted, you will immediately withdraw all applications to other law schools to which you have submitted an application” with
First, a quick disclaimer (get used to writing these, future lawyers): when we say “law schools” we do not mean to speak for every single law school. There likely are a few outliers. But at the macro-level, here is what is going on. Most law school Early Decision (ED) programs don’t provide the substantial boost that applicants believe. An analogy I often use is that a Las Vegas casino wouldn’t have a blackjack table that loses money. In blackjack, if a player follows perfect betting strategy,
Please note: While undergraduate admissions programs typically use the term "early decision" to denote binding admission and "early action" to denote non-binding admission, law schools do not use this terminology uniformly, and we have used the terminology each individual school uses below. Programs marked "(Scholarship)" offer guaranteed scholarships with admission through the early decision program in question. Those not marked "Scholarship" do not offer guaranteed scholarships, but applicant
We compiled early decision information for every ABA-accredited law school, below, including deadlines, notification timelines, and any guaranteed scholarships that may be attached.
Here's a list of law schools that have early decision or early action transfer programs.
