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Application Process for BCL/JD Degree Program

Application Process for BCL/JD Degree Program

Law at ۲ݮƵ is a limited enrolment program. Apply as early as possible and ensure that we have received all required supporting documents on or before the appropriate deadline. Files are reviewed only when complete.

Online application

Online application

Candidates must apply to the BCL/JD program online. The is available as of September 1. In order to avoid unnecessary processing delays, please read the application instructions carefully. Please admissions.law [at] mcgill.ca (email) the Law Admissions Office at the Faculty of Law if you are unable to apply online (transfer applicants).

Once you have applied, an acknowledgment notice will be sent to the email address indicated on your application within 48 hours. If you have not received your acknowledgment notice within 48 hours following the submission of your application, you should contact the Admissions Office at the Faculty of Law admissions.law [at] mcgill.ca).

Verifying the status of your application via Minerva

Verifying the status of your application via Minerva

Your acknowledgment notice will include your ۲ݮƵ Identification (ID), and a password that you will need to log in to the Minerva website, where you can monitor the status of your application. As your supporting documents are received and recorded, consult the admissions checklist to see which documents (if any) are missing, incomplete, or illegible. Consult your admissions checklist regularly as new items might be requested to complete your file. It is important to respond to requests for further documentation in a timely manner.

You are responsible for monitoring the status of your application on Minerva. A status of “Items outstanding” means that your application is incomplete. If your application remains incomplete after the deadline for submission of supporting documents, your application will be cancelled. However, your application will not be cancelled if only your LSAT score is missing after the deadline. If you plan on writing the LSAT, your application status will remain "Items outstanding" until we get your score, after which your file will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

An indication of “Ready for review” means that your file is complete and/or under review by the Admissions Committee. Your status will remain “Ready for review” until a final decision is rendered.

During peak periods (i.e., close to deadlines), the we receive a high volume of documents. At those times, there may be a delay of up to 48 hours between when a document is received and when it is verified on Minerva. Taking this delay into consideration, please contact the BCL/JD Admissions Office only if your file remains incomplete 48 hours past the deadline.

Review of Applications

Review of Applications

Once an application is complete, it is circulated for review. Reviewers carefully assess all documents submitted and evaluate the candidacy according to the Faculty's Admissions Policy, and in comparison to all other candidates in the applicant pool.

Admission decisions

Admission decisions

Applicants receive an email from the Admissions Office when a decision has been rendered. Final decisions are available in Minerva. Decisions are never disclosed over the phone.

Every effort is made to inform candidates of the decision at the earliest possible date. However, the review process is labour-intensive and may extend into June. Final decisions on waitlisted applicants may be made until the end of August.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Application Fee

Application Fee for the Faculty of Law

A non-refundable application fee is required for application to the BCL/JDprogram. For current fee information, please visit the Student Accounts website. A credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express only) is required to complete the online application form. ۲ݮƵ's highly secured e-payment service minimizes cardholder risk. Your credit card information is passed instantly to the Moneris payment gateway and is not stored at ۲ݮƵ. Moneris handles 80% of all credit card transactions processed in Canada.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Applicant Categories

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

University Applicants

University Applicants

A University applicant to ۲ݮƵ's Faculty of Law must be on track to complete their degree or have a minimum of 60 credits of undergraduate studies before starting their law studies. This category includes applicants who, at time of registration, will have completed more than 30 credits in addition to a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS).

While candidates who have completed 60 credits are eligible to apply to the BCL/JD program, applicants who are not on track to complete their degree before starting their law studies are unlikely to be offered admission.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Mature Applicants

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants are those who have interrupted their formal education for a minimum of five years, which do not have to be consecutive. Candidates who qualify as Mature must apply in this category. There is no predetermined number of Mature candidates admitted in a given year. Mature applicants are evaluated according to the same criteria and standards of excellence as any other applicant, with particular attention being paid to professional activities. Mature applicants must meet the educational requirements, set for all candidates, as outlined in the Education requirements page. Mature applicants who are regarded as potentially admissible following a review of their file may be required to attend an interview.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

CEGEP and Quebec French Baccalaureate (Collège international Marie de France and Collège Stanislas) Applicants

CEGEP and Quebec French Baccalaureate (Collège international Marie de France and Collège Stanislas) Applicants

Candidates may apply on the basis of a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS) from a CEGEP, or a Quebec French Baccalaureate (QFB). This category includes candidates who will have completed up to 30 credits of university studies in addition to the DCS or QFB at the time of registration.

Only candidates completing French Baccalaureate Programs in Quebec at Collèges international Marie de France and Stanislas are eligible to apply. Any French Baccalaureate programs from outside Quebec do not meet the eligibility requirements. Candidates who will have completed a French Baccalaureate or an International Baccalaureate Diploma outside the province of Quebec, must have completed a minimum of two years of full-time university studies (60 credits), at the time of registration, to be eligible to apply to our program.

  • CEGEP/QFB candidates are not eligible to apply to the joint degree programs.
  • CEGEP/QFB candidates who are regarded as potentially admissible following review of their file are required to attend an interview.
  • Candidates admitted directly from CEGEP or a Quebec French Baccalaureate, who are interested in practicing in the United States, should be aware that Bar admission requirements in a number of US states requires studies at the university level before studying law.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Advanced Standing Students

Advanced Standing Students

Applicants who hold a law degree from a Canadian or foreign university recognized by ۲ݮƵ must apply for admission to the BCL/JD program under the Advanced Standing category, unless applying under the Comité des équivalences category (see Comité des équivalences). There are a limited number of places available for Advanced Standing applicants. Applications are evaluated using the same criteria as applications to the first year of the BCL/JD program, with particular attention to performance in law studies.

As a general rule, Advanced Standing candidates have completed a law degree which would allow them to sit the Bar exam for the same jurisdiction as the one in which they completed their studies and/or would be admissible to graduate programs in law. Advanced Standing candidates applying from the French educational system must have a license (licence en droit); candidates holding only a DEUG are not eligible.

Successful applicants must complete a minimum of 75 credits at ۲ݮƵ and graduate from the integrated BCL/JD program. In most cases, Advanced Standing students will be required to complete the required private law courses that are taught transsystemically – Property, Contractual Obligations and Extra-Contractual Obligations/Torts – in order to meet ۲ݮƵ’s degree requirements. It is not possible to obtain either the BCL or the JD degree on its own. The Associate Dean (Academic) determines equivalences for previous studies.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Transfer Students

Transfer Students in the Faculty of Law

Students who have successfully completed at least one year of full-time studies in an undergraduate program at another Canadian law faculty may apply for admission as a Transfer student. There are a limited number of places available for Transfer students. Transfer applications are evaluated according to the criteria for admission to the first year of the BCL/JD program. Particular attention is paid to performance in law studies and reasons for requesting a transfer.

Successful transfer applicants must complete a minimum of 75 credits at ۲ݮƵ (roughly 2.5 years). The Associate Dean (Academic) determines credit for previous studies. In most cases, Transfer Students must take the required private law courses that are taught transsystemically – Property, Contractual Obligations and Extra-Contractual Obligations/Torts—in order to meet ۲ݮƵ’s degree requirements. Candidates will not receive credit for courses in property, obligations, contracts, or torts taken during the first year completed at another law faculty.

  • Transfer students should forward transcripts of Winter term results as soon as they become available. Transfer applications cannot be evaluated without these results.
  • Candidates who have completed a certificate in law are not eligible to apply under the Transfer category. These candidates must apply in the category of University, Mature, or CEGEP. Courses completed in a certificate in law program cannot be credited toward a ۲ݮƵ law degree.
  • Students who are not in good standing or who have been required to withdraw at the end of their first year at another Canadian law faculty are not eligible to transfer to ۲ݮƵ.
  • The online application is available from September 1 until November 1 for this category, even though the deadline for submitting an application is May 1. To submit a paper application under this category after November 1, please contact admissions.law [at] mcgill.ca.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Comité des équivalences

Comité des équivalences

The Faculty accepts applications from candidates who hold a law degree from a Canadian or foreign university recognized by ۲ݮƵ and who are seeking to fulfil the requirements of the Comité des équivalences of the Barreau du Québec or of the Chambre des notaires, in order to practice in Quebec. Successful applicants must have the final decision of the Comité des équivalences of the Barreau or the Chambre des notaires in hand at the time of registration. Candidates must submit their equivalency application from the Barreau du Québec or the Chambre des notaires before our deadline for supporting documents.

Please note that:

  • This is a non-degree program. Courses taken by Comité des équivalences students cannot be credited toward a ۲ݮƵ law degree. Students wishing to obtain the BCL/JD degrees should apply under the Advanced Standing Students category.
  • The Faculty does not consider candidates applying to fulfil the requirements of the National Committee on Accreditation.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Visiting Students (Letters of Permission)

Visiting Students (Letters of Permission)

Students who have completed two years of studies at another law faculty who wish, for academic or personal reasons, to spend a term at ۲ݮƵ may be admitted as a Visiting Student. The Faculty endeavours to accommodate qualified students who are in good standing in their own faculties, where student numbers at ۲ݮƵ permit.

Students from other law faculties who would like to attend ۲ݮƵ as a Visiting Student must apply through the Admissions Office. Their application must include a Letter of Permission from their home university. The Director (Student Life and Learning) makes decisions on these applications. Accepted students must arrange their academic program with the Director (Student Life and Learning).

  • This is a non-degree program. Courses taken by Visiting Students cannot be credited toward a ۲ݮƵ law degree.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Incoming Exchange Students

Incoming Exchange Students

Students registered in degree programs in law at universities that have an official exchange agreement with ۲ݮƵ University or with the Faculty of Law may apply as Exchange students. In addition, ۲ݮƵ participates in a number of exchange programs through BCI (Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire, previously known as CREPUQ). ۲ݮƵ's exchange partners are listed on ۲ݮƵ University's website.

Candidates in this category must fill out the online application form. There is no application fee.

Exchange students are selected and officially nominated by their home universities. Please note that home university internal application deadlines may vary. ۲ݮƵ considers applicants on an individual basis; the minimum entrance requirement is generally a cumulative B average or its equivalent. Decisions on applications for exchange are made by the Director, Student Life and Learning at the Faculty of Law. Admission decisions on exchange applications are final.

The Faculty has a limited number of places for Exchange students, and entrance into courses which have enrolment limits or require the permission of the instructor is not guaranteed.

Note: This is a non-degree program. Courses taken by Exchange students cannot be credited toward a ۲ݮƵ law degree.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Aug. 23, 2022) (disclaimer)

Special Students

Special Students in the Faculty of Law

The Faculty will exceptionally permit a limited number of candidates not actively pursuing a law degree to apply as Special Students. Students registered in other universities, and candidates not actively pursuing a university degree, may apply to take certain courses within the Faculty.

Special Student status will be granted to applicants who provide compelling academic or professional reasons for taking law courses and who successfully demonstrate the capacity to undertake the requirements of the requested course(s). Status will be granted only where sufficient course space is available.

Special Students are limited to a maximum of 6 credits per term, and to 12 credits in total.

Important information about this category:

  • ۲ݮƵ students registered in a faculty other than law, who, for exceptional reasons related to their program of study, wish to enrol in a Faculty of Law course, must obtain the permission of the Associate Dean (Academic) and the course instructor. Such students need not fill out the online application. The Application to register for law courses for ۲ݮƵ students form is available on the Law Student Affairs Office website.
  • Students registered in other Quebec universities who wish to take certain courses within the Faculty must apply through (Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire, previously known as CREPUQ). Such students need not fill out the online application.
  • This is a non-degree program. Courses taken by Special Students will not be credited toward a ۲ݮƵ law degree.
  • Students wishing to obtain a ۲ݮƵ law degree and students recently refused admission to a degree program in the Faculty of Law will not be admitted as Special Students.
  • The Faculty does not consider Special Student applications from candidates seeking to fulfil the requirements of the National Committee on Accreditation.

The list of courses offered by the Faculty of Law is available from the Student Affairs Office website at mcgill.ca/law-studies/courses/current.

Note: All mandatory undergraduate courses for the BCL/JD program (see list below) and graduate courses (600 level) are not open to Special Students:

In addition, the following undergraduate complementary courses are not open to Special Students:

  • PROC 200 Advanced Civil Law Obligations
  • PRV3 200 Advanced Common Law Obligations
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Application Deadlines for Law Undergraduate Programs

Application Deadlines for Law Undergraduate Programs

The online application is available as of September 1. Deadlines vary by applicant category. Applicants must take the time to identify the category in which they must apply. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the online application is completed by the deadlines indicated below and that all supporting documents are uploaded via Minerva by the deadlines listed below. Instructions on uploading documents can be found at Application Supporting Documents. With the exception of references (which must be submitted in accordance with specific instructions for referees) and some transcripts, all supporting documents must be uploaded via Minerva. We strongly encourage emailing rather than mailing references.

Deadlines must be respected. Late applications are not accepted. There are no exceptions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply and submit all required supporting documents as early in the process as possible and in advance of their relevant deadlines.

Incomplete applications will not be circulated to the Admissions Committee. Incomplete applications will be cancelled the day following the supporting document submission deadlines.

Please refer to Applicant Categories in order to determine which deadline applies to you.

Note: First-year, Transfer, and Advanced-Standing students may only enter the program in September.
First Year (Fall) Online Application Deadlines Supporting Document Deadlines
University November 1 November 8
Mature November 1 November 8
CEGEP/Baccalaureate (Collège international Marie de France and Collège Stanislas) March 1 March 7
Applicants to Upper Years Online Application Deadlines Supporting Document Deadlines
Advanced Standing (Fall) November 1 January 15
Transfer (Fall) May 1 June 15
Comité des équivalences (Fall entrance) May 1 July 1
Chambre des notaires (Fall entrance) May 1 July 1
Special (Fall entrance) August 1 August 8
Visiting (Fall and/or Winter) May 1 June 15
Incoming Exchange (Winter) September 15 October 1
Incoming Exchange (Fall) April 15 May 1
Comité des équivalences (Winter entrance) October 1 December 1
Chambre des notaires (Winter entrance) October 1 December 1
Special (Winter entrance) December 1 December 8
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Application Supporting Documents

Law Application Supporting Documents

Applicants must upload supporting documents via Minerva after having completed the online application (after having received the acknowledgment notice via email). Not all documents may be uploaded via Minerva. See Uploading supporting documents below.

Supporting documents required for all applicant categories (unless otherwise indicated):

  • Transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • CV
  • References (not required for Exchange students)
  • Letter of Permission/Nomination (Visiting and Exchange students only)
  • Final decision from the Comité des équivalences of the Barreau du Québec or the Chambre des notaires du Québec (Comité des équivalences applicants only)
  • Photocopy of passport (Exchange students only)

The Admissions Office will obtain LSAT results directly from the Law School Admission Council for those candidates who have taken, or plan to take, the LSAT.

After completing the online application, candidates must ensure that required supporting documents are uploaded via Minerva (or, if necessary, mailed directly to the Admissions Office at the Faculty of Law). Documents sent by mail must be postmarked or delivered on or before the dates listed in Application Deadlines for Law Undergraduate Programs. Documents sent by fax or email will not be accepted, unless specifically indicated in the instructions for document submission. See References.

During peak periods (i.e., close to deadlines), the volume of document intake is extremely high (over 1,300 applications yearly) and there may be a delay of up to 48 hours between the receipt of a document and the date on which it is recorded in our information system. Taking this delay into consideration, candidates should contact the Admissions Office only if their file remains incomplete 48 hours past the deadline for supporting documents.

Documents submitted to ۲ݮƵ University in support of an application to be admitted, including, but not limited to, transcripts, diplomas, references, and test scores (in paper or electronic format), become the property of ۲ݮƵ University and will not be returned to the applicant or forwarded to another institution.

Uploading supporting documents

Uploading supporting documents

You must upload your supporting documents rather than mailing them. Uploading your documents saves you time, effort, and the expense of mailing transcripts and supporting documents to us. It prevents delays normally incurred in the processing of paper documentation, allows you to associate your documents with the correct application and requirement, and assures that your documents have been received.

Documents that can be uploaded via Minerva Number of uploads allowed
Unofficial transcripts Updated version accepted
Personal statement One
CV Updated version accepted
Letter of extenuating circumstance (if applicable) One

Please see the instructions at mcgill.ca/applying/nextsteps/documents/upload. Documents that have been successfully uploaded to an application should not be sent by mail.

Mailing supporting documents

Mailing supporting documents

Documents that have been successfully uploaded to an application should not be sent by mail. Below is the address for supporting documents, if submitting in person, by mail, or courier (for documents that cannot be uploaded):

  • Law Admissions Office
  • Faculty of Law
  • ۲ݮƵ University
  • New Chancellor Day Hall, Room 418
  • 3644 Peel Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 1W9
  • CANADA

Submit your documents as early as possible. The Admissions Committee only reviews files once complete. Only required supporting documents will be added to your file. Please refrain from sending other items, as these will not be considered part of your admission file.

Inquiries about supporting documents should be directed to:

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Transcripts

Transcripts for Law Applicants

Applicants must submit a complete academic record from all previous post-secondary studies, as well as subsequent transcripts until the applicant has received the Admissions Committee's final decision.

Applicants have three different ways to submit their transcripts:

  1. Transcripts for studies undertaken in Quebec universities may be submitted electronically via the BCI (Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire, previously known as CREPUQ) system. Applicants have to contact the registrar of their home university and ask for this arrangement.
  2. All other transcripts must be uploaded via Minerva. Transcripts received in this manner are considered unofficial. Applicants will only be asked for official transcripts if and when offered admission to the program. Our offer of admission will be contingent upon the receipt and verification of these official documents. If you have uploaded unofficial transcripts, you are not required to submit official transcripts until we request them from you.
  3. If submitting official transcripts, to be considered official, these must be submitted in an envelope sealed by the Office of the Registrar of the issuing institution. If your institution offers the option of sending official e-transcripts to ۲ݮƵ, the email address to use is: officialschooldocs [at] mcgill.ca" target="_blank">officialschooldocs [at] mcgill.ca.This email address is for the reception of official transcripts and/or proof of graduation only and must be sent to us directly rom the institution, or third party service provider (i.e., Parchment, NSC, Digitary).

Scanning your transcript – Make sure that the page orientation of the scanned document matches the original. For example, transcripts that are printed vertically (portrait) should be scanned so that they appear in portrait format. Transcripts printed horizontally (landscape) should appear in landscape format.

Note: ۲ݮƵ University reserves the right to require official academic credentials at any time during the admissions process, and rescind any offer of admission made if discrepancies between unofficial and official transcript(s) are found.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all required transcripts are submitted as early as possible.

  1. BCI transcripts: Applicants need not submit paper-based official transcripts of studies undertaken in Quebec universities to the Admissions Office if these transcripts are submitted electronically via the BCI (Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire, previously known as CREPUQ) system. Transcripts submitted via the BCI system are considered official.
  2. ۲ݮƵ transcripts: Transcripts for studies at ۲ݮƵ are obtained by the Admissions office directly from ۲ݮƵ's Enrolment Services. Applicants who participated in an exchange during their program at ۲ݮƵ must submit a transcript for their exchange grades.
  3. Exchange, Visiting, Independent studies transcripts: Applicants must submit transcripts for results in studies carried out while on exchange or visiting another university, unless the grades as well as the credits obtained are already included on transcripts issued by their home university. Exchange programs should be indicated in the University History form of the online application.
  4. Transcripts not in French or English: Transcripts in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation provided either by the school issuing the transcript or by a certified translator.
  5. CEGEP transcripts (Permanent Code): Applicants who are currently, or have been, enrolled at a CEGEP must provide their Permanent Code. Starting mid-October each year, ۲ݮƵ will obtain official CEGEP transcripts electronically from the Government of Quebec. The processing of applications for applicants who are currently, or have been, enrolled at a CEGEP will not take place until a valid Permanent Code is provided.
  6. Quebec French Baccalaureate: Applicants in Quebec French Baccalaureate programs must submit official transcripts.
  7. Official Electronic Transcripts: More and more institutions offer the option to send official e-transcripts. The email address to use when requesting e-transcripts be sent to ۲ݮƵ is: officialschooldocs [at] mcgill.ca. This email address is for the reception of official transcripts and/or proof of graduation only and must be sent to us directly from the institution or 3rd party service provider (e.g.,Parchment, NSC, Digitary).
  8. Winter term transcripts for Transfer students: Transfer students should forward the official transcript of their Winter term results as soon as they become available. Transfer applications cannot be evaluated without these results.
  9. Transcripts will not be returned: Transcripts sent to ۲ݮƵ become the property of the University and will not be returned or forwarded to other institutions.
  10. Law School Data Assembly Service & Ontario Law School Application Service (OLSAS): The Faculty of Law at ۲ݮƵ does not receive transcripts through the Law School Data Assembly Service or through OLSAS.
  11. French or English language courses: Applicants should report in the University History form (or the Quebec Collegial Studies from) of the online application any courses taken, outside a degree program, which would contribute to their language competency and submit a transcript or certificate of completion.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Personal Statement

Personal Statement for Law Applicants

Applicants must submit a 750 word essay referred to as a Personal Statement.

What is the purpose of the Personal Statement?

The Personal Statement is your moment to showcase the unique aspects of your motivations, your background, and your personality that make you a compelling candidate for our program.

The Admissions Committee relies on the Personal Statement to understand the factors that motivate you to pursue a legal education, the particular meaning that the study of law holds for you, and the reasons for your interest in our program. In addition, your Personal Statement shows the Admissions Committee your writing style, your ability to present your ideas in English and/or French, and your maturity and judgment as shown through your writing.

What is the Admissions Committee looking for in reading your Personal Statement?

The Admissions Committee is interested in hearing why you want to study law, why you are interested in ۲ݮƵ in particular, and what you will bring to our learning community. The Committee looks for indicators of intellectual curiosity, community engagement, political/social insight, leadership skills, ability to work with others, openness to diversity (cultural, linguistic, and otherwise), maturity, judgment, and potential for development through opportunity or adversity.

We strongly encourage applicants belonging to an equity-deserving group to include information in their Personal Statements on how their personal circumstances, lived experience, work, community involvement, and extra-curricular activities relate to their desire and preparation to study law at ۲ݮƵ University.

The Personal Statement must be a product of your own reflection. We truly value a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and future aspirations. Whether you wish to become a practising lawyer or you have other ideas about your career path following a legal education, your application, and specifically your Personal Statement, should show thoughtful consideration of your reasons for studying law, and at our Faculty in particular.

Practical tips

Read our mcgill.ca/law/bcl-jd/admissions-guide/admissions-policyAdmissions Policy to get a sense of what we look for in our admitted students.

Before writing, reflect critically on your motivations, your interests, and your convictions, and their connection to our program. Do some research on our law faculty and others. Law faculties all tend to have their own strengths and particularities. Doing some research may help you identify and articulate why you are interested in studying at ۲ݮƵ in particular.

The Personal Statement should not be used as a vehicle for narrating or repeating your CV. You have a limited amount of writing space; make it count. Do not repeat aspects of your candidacy that the Committee will see in other documents unless these aspects are directly linked to your interest in studying law at ۲ݮƵ. Be authentic. Be yourself. Don't be afraid to be original, but be careful not to sacrifice substance.

You may submit your Personal Statement in English, French, or both. It is important that you write the statement in whatever of the two language(s) you are most comfortable expressing yourself. It is not recommended to use the Personal Statement as a way to establish your bilingualism unless you are very comfortable expressing yourself in the other language.

Importantly, make sure that your Personal Statement follows our formatting guidelines (see below) and that it has grammatical integrity. Only one submission of the Personal Statement is accepted so it is important to submit the Personal Statement in its final version of both format and substance. Indigenous applicants are invited to submit additional documentation in addition to the Personal Statement. Please see the Indigenous Applicants page for more information.

Format

The format of the Personal Statement must adhere to the following basic characteristics:

  • Maximum of 750 Words (Include a word count at the end of your Personal Statement.)
  • Indicate your name and ۲ݮƵ ID (found in the Minerva acknowledgment notice) at the top right corner of all pages.
  • Candidates who have applied to the Faculty in the past must submit a new Personal Statement with any new application. Re-applicants who make no substantive changes to their Personal Statement from one application to the next are unlikely to be viewed as competitive.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating Circumstances

If you have experienced serious medical or personal difficulties that have had an impact on your academic performance, you may submit a separate letter to explain the impact of these extenuating circumstances on your academic record. If appropriate, applicants may include supporting documentation such as a medical certificate.

By allowing you to provide an explanation for circumstances beyond your control that may have impacted your academic transcripts, the extenuating circumstances letter will let you to focus your Personal Statement on your motivations for studying law.

Format

Format

Indicate your name, ۲ݮƵ ID (indicated in the acknowledgement notice), and the subject of your letter "Extenuating circumstances" in the top right corner of each page. Note that the extenuating circumstances file should include both the letter and supporting documentation (where applicable) and must respect the maximum file size (3 MB). Only one version is accepted. Additional documents sent by mail will not be considered.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

CV

CV for Law Applicants

Applicants are required to submit a CV highlighting:

  • academic background and achievements;
  • work experience;
  • volunteer and community work;
  • extracurricular activities, sports, hobbies, and other significant interests.

The CV assists the Admissions Committee in its assessment of a candidate's academic strength, depth of involvement in extra-curricular activities, leadership, and time management skills.

Note: We strongly encourage you to indicate the number of hours worked during your studies, as well as the time commitment involved in your volunteer and community activities. It is in your interest to share with the Admissions Committee your academic and non-academic contributions and distinctions.

Re-application: Candidates who have applied to the Faculty of Law in previous years are required to submit an updated CV.

Format

Format

While you may format your CV in any way that best presents your information, the CV must conform to the two-page maximum. The Admissions Committee will not read beyond the two-page limit.

Please visit the Supporting Documents page of the Faculty of Law Admissions Guide if you wish to use our optional CV template: mcgill.ca/law/bcl-jd/admissions-guide/supporting-documents

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

References

References for Law Applicants

Two (2) references are required. The Admissions Committee does not accept additional references.

Applicants must indicate the 2 chosen referees in the first and second fields of the Referee Information section of the online application. Only forms received from the 2 chosen referees will be inserted in the candidate's file. If you wish to make a referee substitution, you may do so until the deadline to submit Supporting Documents. In this case, please advise the Faculty of Law's admissions.law [at] mcgill.ca (Admissions Office) in writing.

Applicants who are students, or who have recently completed programs of study, are expected to provide academic references from current or recent professors or teachers who are familiar with their work. Applicants in the CEGEP and Quebec French Baccalaureate (Collège international Marie de France and Collège Stanislas) category are expected to submit two references from CEGEP or college professors.

Applicants who are unable to obtain academic references because they are no longer students should submit references from individuals who are well placed to evaluate the applicant's academic abilities such as critical reading, research, and writing; these may be professional references, but ought to be from a person who is in a supervisory position vis-à-vis the applicant.

It is highly recommended that candidates also review the Instructions and form for referees to think of referees who might best be able to respond to the questions asked.

Personal references are not helpful.

Note: The Law Admissions Office does not contact your referees to solicit their references.

Requirements

Requirements

The candidate must send a copy of the Instructions and form for referees to ensure that the references meet the formatting requirements set out by the Faculty's Admissions Office. The Instructions for applicant referees and reference form is available under Instructions and form for referees.

The candidate must send referees the link to Instructions and form for referees. The Admissions Office does not contact referees to invite them to complete the reference form. On the Instructions for referees page, referees may download the Reference form which they must complete and email directly to the Admissions Office.

The candidate must inform their referees what category of admission they are applying under. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that Reference forms are received by the Admissions Office by the applicable deadline.

The Admissions Office does not confirm receipt of references with the referee via email. Applicants are instead encouraged to verify the status of their documents via their Supporting Documents Checklist in Minerva.

Re-applicants

Re-applicants may choose to either re-use references submitted in previous applications or choose new referees and have them submit new references. If you wish to re-use references, simply fill in the names of the same referees in the on-line application and the references from your previous application will be carried forward.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Applicants are not required to take the LSAT. However, if a candidate has taken or will be taking the LSAT, the score will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Applicants who have taken or will be taking the test must report the date(s) of sitting(s) and provide their LSAT identification number in the appropriate places on the application. They must do so regardless of whether the LSAT may, in their own estimation, strengthen or weaken their candidacy.

Note: Candidates must advise the admissions.law [at] mcgill.ca (Faculty of Law Admissions Office) in writing of any change regarding the registration to the LSAT when the change occurs after the submission of the application form. If the candidate is writing the LSAT, the file will be circulated for review by the Admissions Committee only when all pending LSAT results are received.

Consequences of Failure to Disclose

Consequences of Failure to Disclose

The Faculty of Law may revoke an offer of admission or cancel an application at any time for material misrepresentation, including omissions, in an application. Although the LSAT is not a mandatory element in an application for admission, every applicant who has taken or will be taking it must disclose their LSAT information and failure to do so is a material misrepresentation. The Admissions Office conducts random verifications for LSAT scores throughout the admissions process and a systematic verification with respect to candidates who receive an offer of admission. These verifications have, in the past, resulted in the revocation of offers of admission.

Why does the Faculty of Law not require the LSAT?

Why does the Faculty of Law not require the LSAT?

The Faculty of Law is a bilingual learning environment. We believe it would be disadvantageous to the significant proportion of applicants and admitted students who indicate French as a first language to require, as a matter of eligibility, a test that is offered only in English.

Who should take the LSAT?

Who should take the LSAT?

While it is not required, it may nevertheless be advisable for many candidates to consider writing the LSAT. Admission to ۲ݮƵ’s Law program is highly competitive; there are roughly eight times as many applicants as there are available places in the first-year class. Accordingly, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for admission to a number of faculties of law. Almost all faculties of law outside Quebec (with the exception of the Civil Law program at the University of Ottawa and the French Common Law programs at the University of Moncton and the University of Ottawa) require the LSAT.

The quality of ۲ݮƵ’s applicant pool is exceptionally strong. Among admitted students, the average entering GPA is a 3.8 on a 4.0 scale (about an 85% average). Applicants with academic records below this average GPA or percentile are encouraged to consider writing the LSAT.

If you are considering writing the LSAT only to improve your application to ۲ݮƵ Law, it will be important to assess how the results could impact the strength of your application. It is also important to note that if you write the LSAT more than once, ۲ݮƵ Law takes your average score. Based on an average of incoming classes in recent years, the average LSAT result of those entering the ۲ݮƵ program is 162, with 50% of the entering class with a score between 160 and 164, 25% being between 150 and 160, and 25% being above 164.

When should I write the LSAT?

When should I write the LSAT?

Candidates should write the LSAT by November of the year prior to the year for which they seek admission. Candidates who register for the November LSAT should be aware that consideration of their file will be delayed until receipt of the score.

Applications from candidates who register for the January LSAT of the year for which they seek admission will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee only when all required elements, including the January LSAT score, are received. Given the passing of several months since the application deadline, candidates who register for the January LSAT risk that, by the time the Committee reviews their application, there will no longer be a place to offer even if the Committee wishes to admit.

Processing of LSAT Results

Processing of LSAT Results

The Admissions Office obtains test results directly from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Applicants whose service with the Law School Admission Council has expired must reactivate their service in order to enable the Admissions Office to obtain their LSAT score.

۲ݮƵ University does not administer the LSAT. Applicants who wish to register for the LSAT must do so directly with .

For additional information, see the LSAT section of our FAQ.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)
Faculty of Law—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)
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