FAQ

J.D. Entering Student FAQ

1. Where is Hofstra University School of Law located?
2. How many students apply to Hofstra School of Law?
3. What are the LSAT and GPA 25th and 75th percentiles and medians of Hofstra Law Students?
4. Can you provide a profile of the entering class including class size, number of minority students, faculty ratio, etc.?
5. What is the average age of an entering student?
6. Is there separate housing for law students?
7. Can you tell me about graduates of Hofstra Law School? What is their employment rate? How many grads work in New York City?
8. How much does it cost to attend Hofstra Law School?
9. Does Hofstra offer part-time programs of study?
10. Is admission to the part-time day or evening program less competitive?
11. Can students switch from the part-time day program to the evening? Or from the part-time program to the full-time program?
12. Are weekend courses offered by Hofstra Law School?
13. What does Hofstra School of Law specialize in? Is the school known for any specific area of expertise or curriculum?
14. Does Hofstra Law School have any joint degree programs?
15. Does Hofstra Law School have clinical or externship opportunities?
16. Does Hofstra have study abroad opportunities?
17. What student organizations are offered? Are student publications offered?
18. How do I apply to Hofstra Law School?
19. What are the application requirements?
20. Can I apply to Hofstra Law School early decision?
21. I have previously applied for admission, what is the process to be reconsidered?
22. What is the best time to apply to Hofstra Law School?
23. Can I apply to all three programs (full-time, part-time day, part-time evening) at the same time?
24. What does Hofstra look for in a personal statement?
25. Who should write my letter(s) of recommendation?
26. Do I have to register with LSDAS to apply?
27. I have been out of school for many years and my undergraduate GPA does not represent what I am now capable of. Will Hofstra Law School consider my graduate GPA and/or work experience?
28. How important is the LSAT? If my LSAT falls outside the 25th-75th range but my GPA is strong, will I be accepted?
29. If I have multiple LSAT scores, will Hofstra Law School take the higher score or the average?
30. If I am taking the LSAT again, should I wait to submit my application until I take the next test?
31. If I have a foreign law degree (LL.B.), do I have to take the LSAT?
32. If my undergraduate work is from a foreign institution, will my GPA count?
33. Do I have to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), if English is not my native language?
34. How long will it take to render a decision on my application?
35. How do I determine the status of my application?
36. How do I know if Hofstra Law School has received my LSDAS report?
37. What undergraduate courses will best prepare me for law school?
38. When should I apply for financial aid?
39. Is need-based money available?
40. How are scholarships awarded?

School Overview

1. Where is Hofstra University School of Law located?
   Hofstra University School of Law is nestled in the 240 acre Hofstra University campus in Hempstead, Long Island, just 25 miles East of Manhattan and in the heart of the Long IslandÕs thriving business community. Students have easy access to New York City through the Long Island Railroad, which stops less than 2 miles from campus. In addition, both John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports are located within 30 minutes from campus. The campus is an accredited member of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta.
   
   
2. How many students apply to Hofstra School of Law?
   The number of applicants varies by year. For fall 2006 admissions, we received over 4,800 applications.
   
   
3. What are the LSAT and GPA 25th and 75th percentiles and medians of Hofstra Law Students?
   The 2006 entering full-time class maintained a 157 median and 153/159 25th/75th percentile LSAT (153 median, 150/155 Ð 25th/75th LSAT part-time) and a 3.50 median and 3.23/3.65 25th/75th GPA (3.20 median and 2.91/3.47 Ð 25th/75th GPA part-time). Please note that Hofstra Law School does not require a specific LSAT score or GPA and other factors are considered in the admissions process.
   
   
4. Can you provide a profile of the entering class including class size, number of minority students, faculty ratio, etc.?
   Of the 1,000 students at Hofstra Law School, 425 full-time and part-time students represent the first year class. Approximately 25% of the entering class is comprised of students of color. Students at Hofstra Law enjoy a 19:1 student to teacher ratio.
   
   
5. What is the average age of an entering student?
   While the age of students ranges from 20 to 65 years, the average age of an entering student is 24 years.
   
   
6. Is there separate housing for law students?
   Law students are housed with other graduate students in New Complex and Twin Oaks. Wings or floors comprised solely of law students are available.
   
   
7. Can you tell me about graduates of Hofstra Law School? What is their employment rate? How many grads work in New York City?
   Hofstra Law School is very proud of our graduates. According to the most recent survey, 98% of graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation and 70% of graduates work in Manhattan.
   
   
8. How much does it cost to attend Hofstra Law School?
   For the 2006-2007 academic year, tuition for full-time students is $35,260 and, for part-time students, $26,329. All applicants are considered for academic scholarships. Separate applications are required for fellowships and financial aid.
   
   

Hofstra Law School Programs

9. Does Hofstra offer part-time programs of study?
   Hofstra Law offers a full-time program as well as part-time day and evening programs.
   Our part-time evening program, which began in the fall of 2004, is designed to permit students, typically with full-time jobs or family responsibilities, to complete law school over four years while generally attending school three evenings per week.
   The part-time day program was created for students who have a flexible work schedule, like nurses and law enforcement officers, or have child-care responsibilities or disabilities that prevent them from carrying a full, five-course load. Classes meet five days a week so that law school can be completed in four years.
   
   
10. Is admission to the part-time day or evening program less competitive?
    The admission requirements and procedures for part-time consideration do not differ from the full-time program.
    
    
11. Can students switch from the part-time day program to the evening? Or from the part-time program to the full-time program?
    Yes. Upon completion of their first year of school, students can switch programs if they are in good standing and have the DeanÕs approval.
    
    
12. Are weekend courses offered by Hofstra Law School?
    No. Weekend courses are not offered through the Law School.
    
    

Academics/Curriculum

13. What does Hofstra School of Law specialize in? Is the school known for any specific area of expertise or curriculum?
    Some areas of expertise include International Law, Litigation, Family Law, Skills and Clinical Instruction, though Hofstra Law School offers every facet of law study that a student might be interested in. We also offer extensive research and writing courses as well as strong skills-based practical programs via clinics, externships and pro bono opportunities.
    
    
14. Does Hofstra Law School have any joint degree programs?
    Yes. We offer both the JD/MBA and JD/MS in Taxation. Each joint degree program is typically completed in 4 years. Applicants to the JD/MBA program apply to the MBA program during their first year of law school. Both the LSAT and GMAT are required. Applicants to the JD/MS in Taxation program apply to the MS program after their first year of law school. The GMAT is waived for the MS in Taxation, though the LSAT is required for JD admissions.
    
    
15. Does Hofstra Law School have clinical or externship opportunities?
    Yes. For more than 30 years, students have participated in Hofstra Clinics which provide hands-on training for students and top-notch legal services to clients. Students are able to participate in one of the following 7 clinics: Child Advocacy, Criminal Justice, Housing Rights, Mediation, Community Development, Political Asylum and Securities Arbitration. Each six-credit clinic is one-semester, though students have the option of extending their involvement with the clinic for an additional semester by enrolling in a one or two credit Clinical Practicum. In addition, Hofstra Law School offers Judicial, Civil and Criminal Externship Programs.
    
    
16. Does Hofstra have study abroad opportunities?
    Hofstra has both summer and winter abroad opportunities for students. In the summer, students can travel to Nice, France, Sorrento, Italy, and Sydney, Australia to study. In the winter, students travel to Curacao, the Netherlands Antilles. In addition, students at Hofstra Law School, a founding member of the European American Consortium of Legal Education (EACLE), can participate in a semester-long exchange program with any of the EACLE member institutions. EACLE member institutions are located in such places as Helsinki, Rotterdam and Warsaw. For additional information on study abroad opportunities, please visit us on the Web at http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Law/law_programs.cfm.
    
    
17. What student organizations are offered? Are student publications offered?
    Hofstra offers approximately three dozen student organizations as well as four journals. Although the organizations are open to all students, journals are open only to those with outstanding academic performance or to those who successfully compete in a writing competition or submit of an article deemed publishable by the Board of Editors. For more information regarding our student organizations and journals, please visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Law/law_studentorgs.cfm.
    
    

Applying to Hofstra Law School

18. How do I apply to Hofstra Law School?
    Once you have determined that Hofstra Law School is the right school for you, you can apply using a traditional paper application or electronic application. Electronic applications are encouraged as LSDAS requests can be made faster and typically ensures faster completion. You can apply on our Web site by selecting Prospective Students, Apply Online, Apply Online JD or visiting the following link: https://os.lsac.org/Release/startup.aspx. The $60 application fee is waived for those applying online.
    
    
19. What are the application requirements?
    Application requirements include the completed and signed application, a personal statement and the LSDAS report. The LSDAS report should include the results of your LSAT(s), at least one letter of recommendation and your undergraduate transcript(s). The $60 application fee is required only of those submitting a traditional paper application.
    
    
20. Can I apply to Hofstra Law School early decision?
    Yes. First-year J.D. students can apply to any one of our programs (full time, part time day or part time evening) as an early decision candidate. This process enables applicants who have researched other schools and determined Hofstra is their first choice to demonstrate their commitment to attend Hofstra if admitted. This process is a binding one and, as such, it precludes you from applying to any other law school under a similar early decision process. If financial aid is a prerequisite for enrolling, you should apply under the Regular Decision process. For additional details regarding the early decision process at Hofstra Law School, please visit http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Law/law_early_decision.cfm.
    
    
21. I have previously applied for admission, what is the process to be reconsidered?
    A new, completed and signed application form is required along with the $60 application fee. Your LSDAS registration should remain active if you have taken or intend to retake the LSAT. Submitting an updated personal statement or new letters of recommendation is optional. The application fee is waived for those submitting online applications.
    
    
22. What is the best time to apply to Hofstra Law School?
    The best time to apply to Hofstra Law School is during the months of October, November and December.
    
    
23. Can I apply to all three programs (full-time, part-time day, part-time evening) at the same time?
    Yes. You can apply to all three programs; however, you need to include a separate rider to your application explaining the order of preference.
    
    
24. What does Hofstra look for in a personal statement?
    The Admissions Committee will be looking for the ability to write clearly and concisely. Write about matters that are important to you but, at the same time, make room to tell us about who you are, where you are from, any accomplishments you have achieved, or any adversities you have overcome. Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words.
    
    
25. Who should write my letter(s) of recommendation?
    The author(s) of your letter(s) of recommendation should be someone who knows you well and can make insightful comments about your academic abilities and how those abilities will translate to the law school environment. The author does not have to be a former professor or college advisor. Your recommender can be a mentor, supervisor, associate or someone from academia.
    
    
26. Do I have to register with LSDAS to apply?
    Yes. All applicants must be registered with LSDAS.
    
    
27. I have been out of school for many years and my undergraduate GPA does not represent what I am now capable of. Will Hofstra Law School consider my graduate GPA and/or work experience?
    Have an official graduate transcript sent to LSDAS and include your resume with your application for admissions. Be sure to use your personal statement as an opportunity to discuss your experience and accomplishments.
    
    
28. How important is the LSAT? If my LSAT falls outside the 25th-75th range but my GPA is strong, will I be accepted?
    Scores, including LSAT and GPA, are not the determining factor for admissions. The Admissions Committee takes into consideration all aspects of the application including writing ability, academic ability, recommendations, leadership, advanced degrees, work experience, etc.
    
    
29. If I have multiple LSAT scores, will Hofstra Law School take the higher score or the average?
    We will use your highest LSAT score when reviewing your application for admission.
    
    
30. If I am taking the LSAT again, should I wait to submit my application until I take the next test?
    It is to your advantage to submit your application early so we may begin processing it. If you are taking the LSAT after you submit your application, please indicate this on your application. You may also check off the box indicating that you would like the Admissions Committee to wait to review your application until after the new LSAT score has been released.
    
    
31. If I have a foreign law degree (LL.B.), do I have to take the LSAT?
    If you are interested in the JD program, you must take the LSAT. If you are looking to take the bar exam, then the LL.M. degree in American Legal Studies may be a better option. The LSAT is not required of LL.M. applicants.
    
    
32. If my undergraduate work is from a foreign institution, will my GPA count?
    Yes. You must have your GPA evaluated by a third party service, such as World Education Service (WES), who can provide the US grade, credit and degree equivalent.
    
    
33. Do I have to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), if English is not my native language?
    Yes. Hofstra Law School will look for a score of 237 on the computer-based test, 580 on the paper-based test or 92 on the internet-based test.
    
    
34. How long will it take to render a decision on my application?
    Once an application is complete, it is sent directly to the Admissions Committee. Generally, a decision is made in as few as two weeks and as many as six.
    
    
35. How do I determine the status of my application?
    Please be assured that as long as we have accurate telephone, e-mail, and mailing address information, we will communicate the current status of your application with you. For example, we will notify you when your application is received and when it is complete. We will also notify you when your application is incomplete. If you have not received notification from us confirming receipt of your application within four weeks after submission, please contact the Office of Enrollment Management at (516) 463-5916 or lawadmissions@hofstra.edu.
    
    
36. How do I know if Hofstra Law School has received my LSDAS report?
    Please contact LSAC student services first, to determine if your LSDAS report has been received, at www.lsac.org or (215) 968-1001. You may also contact the Office of Enrollment Management at (516) 463-5916 or lawadmissions@hofstra.edu.
    
    
37. What undergraduate courses will best prepare me for law school?
    Any class that develops your research and writing skills will best prepare you for law school.
    
    

Financial Aid

38. When should I apply for financial aid?
    It is recommended that you file your FAFSA as soon as possible. Plan to start your financial aid application in January or February. For more information go to www.hofstra.edu/law, select Prospective Students, Financial Aid, or click here: http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Law/law_financialaid.cfm.
    
    
39. Is need-based money available?
    Yes. A Hofstra Institutional Aid application must be submitted to request Hofstra Law Loans (low interest loans) and Grants (need based funding). More information is available online at: http://www.hofstra.edu/Academics/Law/law_financialaid.cfm.
    
    
40. How are scholarships awarded?
    There are merit scholarships and two fellowships available. Merit scholarships are awarded at the time of acceptance and are based on academic performance and merit. The Child and Family Advocacy Fellowship and Fellowship for the Advocacy for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered People require a separate application, personal statement, official undergraduate transcript and letters of recommendation. These applications can be found on our website.