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Application Procedures for B.C.L./LL.B. Degree Program

Faculty of Law application procedures and admission requirements have recently changed; please clickhere for the most up-to-date information.

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Note: This is the 2018–2019 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .

Application Procedures for B.C.L./LL.B. Degree Program

Law at McGill 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 B.C.L./LL.B. program online. The is available as of September 1. In order to avoid unnecessary processing delays, please read the application instructions carefully. Please undergradadmissions.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 following the submission of your application form. 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 (514-398-6602 or admissions.law [at] mcgill.ca).

All candidates who submit an online application will be invited to fill out an anonymous applicant survey once the application has been submitted and the application fee paid. Please kindly fill out the survey, which enables us to gain a better understanding of our pool of applicants. This survey is part of a larger effort to tackle barriers to legal education and to have the legal community better reflect the population. This information is collected for statistical purposes only and is not linked to your admission file as reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The Faculty of Law thanks you in advance for your cooperation.

Verifying the status of your application via Minerva

Verifying the status of your application via Minerva

Your acknowledgment notice will provide you with your McGill Identification (ID), and a password that you will need to log in to the Minerva website. On this website, applicants can check the status of their application and, as supporting documents are received and recorded, be able to verify which documents (if any) are still missing. Please check the status of your application checklist regularly. New items may also be added to the checklist when necessary to complete the admissions file; it is important that applicants respond to such requests for documentation by uploading the appropriate document in a timely manner.

You are responsible for monitoring the status of your application on Minerva. When verifying the status of your application, an indication 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. An indication of “Ready for review” means that your file is complete and/or under review by the Admissions Committee. Your status will indicate “Ready for review” until a final decision is rendered.

  • Your file will not be cancelled if only your LSAT score is missing after the deadline. The status of your application will indicate “Items outstanding” until we get your score. If writing the LSAT, your file will be circulated for review by the Admissions Committee only when all pending LSAT results are received.

During peak periods (i.e., close to deadlines), the Admissions Office receives a high volume of documents 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 and verifiable by you on Minerva. Taking this delay into consideration, please contact the Law Admissions Office only if your file remains incomplete 48 hours past the deadline.

Review of Applications by Admissions Committee

Review of Applications by Admissions Committee

Once an application is complete, it is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Without exception, every application to the McGill program is reviewed by at least one member of the Admissions Committee; the majority of applications are reviewed by two or three members. Committee members carefully review 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.

Decisions on Applications

Decisions on Applications

The official decision of the Admissions Committee of the Faculty of Law is released by electronic mail and confirmed via the candidate's Minerva account. Decisions on individual applications cannot and will not be disclosed over the phone.

Every effort is made to inform candidates of the decision of the Admissions Committee at the earliest possible date. However, the process is labour-intensive and may extend into June. Final decision about applicants who have been placed on the waitlist may be made until the end of August.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

Application Fee

Application Fee for the Faculty of Law

A non-refundable application fee is required for application to the B.C.L./LL.B. program. 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. McGill'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 McGill. Moneris handles 80% of all credit card transactions processed in Canada. If you cannot pay by credit card, please contact the undergradadmissions.law [at] mcgill.ca (Admissions Office at the Faculty of Law). The Faculty may issue a fee waiver to a candidate demonstrating significant financial need.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

Categories of Applicants

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

University Applicants

University Applicants

A University applicant to McGill's Faculty of Law must have completed a minimum of two years of full-time university studies (60 credits) at the time of registration. This category includes applicants who, at the time of registration, will have completed more than one year of university studies in addition to a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS).

Please note that, while candidates who have completed 60 credits are eligible to apply to the B.C.L./LL.B. program, the strength of the University applicant pool is such that the Faculty rarely admits candidates who will not have completed an undergraduate degree at the time of registration.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

Mature Applicants

Mature Applicants

A Mature applicant is defined as an individual who has interrupted his or her formal education for a minimum of five years. Applicants who qualify as Mature must apply in this category. There is no predetermined number of Mature candidates admitted in a given year. A Mature applicant is normally expected to have completed a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS) from a CEGEP or two years (60 credits) of university studies. Mature applicants who are regarded as potentially admissible following a review of their file may be required to attend an interview.

In addition to all post-secondary transcripts, Mature applicants are required to submit a detailed résumé of their non-academic experience along with letters of reference from persons who are familiar with their academic potential. The candidate should seek to demonstrate his or her ability to meet the demands of law studies, to reason and analyze, and to express him/herself well both orally and in writing.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (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 one year of university studies in addition to the DCS or QFB at the time of registration.

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.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

Advanced Standing Students

Advanced Standing Students

Applicants who hold a law degree from a Canadian or foreign university recognized by McGill must apply for admission to the B.C.L./LL.B. 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 B.C.L./LL.B. program, with particular attention to performance in law studies.

Successful applicants must complete a minimum of 75 credits at McGill and undertake the integrated B.C.L./LL.B. program. It is not possible to obtain either the B.C.L. or the LL.B. degree on its own. The Associate Dean (Academic) determines equivalences for previous studies.

Note: Advanced Standing candidates applying from the French educational system must have obtained a license (licence en droit) in order to be eligible; candidates holding only a D.E.U.G. are not eligible.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (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 B.C.L./LL.B. 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 McGill. The Associate Dean (Academic) determines credit for previous studies. In most cases, Transfer Students will be required to take the transsystemic first-year courses—Contractual Obligations and Extra-Contractual Obligations/Torts—in order to meet McGill’s degree requirements. Candidates will not receive credit for courses in 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 McGill 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 McGill.
  • 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—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (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 McGill 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.

Please note that:

  • This is a non-degree program: students wishing to obtain the B.C.L./LL.B. 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.
  • Courses taken by Comité des équivalences students cannot be credited toward a McGill law degree.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (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 McGill 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 McGill permit.

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

  • Courses taken by Visiting Students cannot be credited toward a McGill law degree.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

Incoming Exchange Students

Incoming Exchange Students

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

Students participating in an exchange must fill out the online application form. There is no application fee for these candidates.

Exchange students are selected and officially nominated by their home universities. Please note that home university internal application deadlines may vary. McGill 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 Assistant Dean (Student Life and Learning). Admission decisions on exchange applications are final; there is no reconsideration process.

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: Courses taken by Exchange students cannot be credited toward a McGill law degree.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (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:

  • McGill 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 McGill 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.
  • Courses taken by Special Students will not be credited toward a McGill law degree.
  • Students wishing to obtain a McGill 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 www.mcgill.ca/law-studies/courses-registration-exams/courses.

Note: All mandatory undergraduate courses for the B.C.L./LL.B. 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—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (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 category of admission. 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 reference letters (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 reference letters.

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.

Note: If your reference letters must be sent by mail, where a deadline falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the effective deadline for mailed reference letters will be the next business day. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all supporting documents are uploaded via Minerva by the deadlines listed below.

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 Categories of Applicants in order to determine which deadline applies to you.

Note: First-year, transfer, and advanced-standing students may only enter the program in September.
Applicants to First Year (Fall 2019) Online Application Deadlines Supporting Document Deadlines
University November 1, 2018 November 8, 2018
Mature November 1, 2018 November 8, 2018
CEGEP/Baccalaureate (Collège international Marie de France and Collège Stanislas) March 1, 2019 March 7, 2019
Applicants to Upper Years Online Application Deadlines Supporting Document Deadlines
Advanced Standing (Fall 2019) November 1, 2018 January 15, 2019
Transfer (Fall 2019) May 1, 2019 June 15, 2019
Comité des équivalences (Fall 2019 entrance) May 1, 2019 July 1, 2019
Chambre des notaires (Fall 2019 entrance) May 1, 2019 July 1, 2019
Special (Fall 2019 entrance) Ҵýapp, 2019 August 8, 2019
Visiting (Fall 2019 and/or Winter 2020) May 1, 2019 June 15, 2019
Incoming Exchange (Winter 2019) September 15, 2018 October 1, 2018
Incoming Exchange (Fall 2019) April 15, 2019 May 1, 2019
Incoming Exchange (Winter 2020) September 15, 2019 October 1, 2019
Comité des équivalences (Winter 2019 entrance) October 1, 2018 December 1, 2018
Chambre des notaires (Winter 2019 entrance) October 1, 2018 December 1, 2018
Special (Winter 2019 entrance) December 1, 2018 December 8, 2018
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (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 categories of applicants (unless otherwise indicated):

  • Transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • ܳé
  • Letters of Reference (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 Letters of Reference.

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 Undergraduate Admissions Office only if their file remains incomplete 48 hours past the deadline for supporting documents.

Documents submitted to McGill University in support of an application to be admitted, including, but not limited to transcripts, diplomas, letters of reference, and test scores (in paper or electronic format), become the property of McGill 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
ܳé Updated version accepted
Letter of extenuating circumstance (if applicable) One

Please see the instructions at www.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
  • McGill University
  • New Chancellor Day Hall, Room 418
  • 3644 Peel Street
  • Montreal QC H3A 1W9
  • CANADA

Submit your documents in 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—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (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 (sent to us by mail in an envelope sealed by the Registrar of the issuing institution) 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.

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: McGill 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. McGill transcripts: Applicants need not submit official transcripts of studies at McGill University to the Admissions Office. The Admissions Office obtains these results directly from McGill's Enrolment Services. Applicants who participated in an exchange during their program at McGill must submit a transcript.
  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 marks 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, McGill 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 McGill 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 McGill 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 McGill 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—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

Personal Statement

Personal Statement for Law Applicants

Applicants must submit a brief essay referred to as a Personal Statement. The following is intended to assist in preparing this document.

What is the purpose of the Personal Statement?

Your Personal Statement allows the Admissions Committee 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?

Members of the Admissions Committee are interested in what you will bring to the study of law and to our learning community, and how you will benefit from the study of law. They look 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. Particularly if you are a Mature category applicant, you should discuss the relevance of your past experiences to your current motivation(s) for the study of law, and the reasons for doing so at this point in your life. Ultimately, and whatever your applicant category, 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 (at our Faculty in particular).

Practical tips

Before writing, reflect critically on your motivations, your interests, and your convictions, and their connection to our program. The Personal Statement should not be used as a vehicle for narrating or repeating your resumé. Bear in mind that you have a limited amount of writing space; make it count. Be authentic. Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to be original, but don’t overlook the importance of the substance. Finally, ensure that your Personal Statement follows our formatting guidelines and that it has grammatical integrity.

Format

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

  • Two pages in length (maximum)
  • Single-spaced
  • Arial or Times New Roman font
  • 12-point font
  • Margins of 1.25 inches
  • Indicate your name and McGill ID (if available) at the top right corner of both pages
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating Circumstances

Serious medical or personal difficulties may have had an impact on an applicant's academic performance. If this is the case, the applicant should submit a separate letter to explain their particular extenuating circumstance(s). If appropriate, applicants may include supporting documentation such as a medical certificate.

Format

Format

Indicate your name, McGill 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—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

ܳé

ܳé for Law Applicants

Applicants are required to submit a resumé highlighting their:

  • academic background and achievements;
  • work experience;
  • volunteer and community work;
  • extracurricular activities, sports, hobbies, and other significant interests.
Note: It is useful to the Admissions Committee if you 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 Committee your academic and non-academic contributions and distinctions.

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

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

Format

Format

The resumé is required to be a maximum of two (2) pages (letter size). Applicants should not expect that the Admissions Committee will read beyond two pages.

Please indicate your name and McGill ID (indicated in the acknowledgment notice) in the top right corner of each page.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)

Letters of Reference

Letters of Reference for Law Applicants

Two (2) letters of reference are required. The Admissions Committee does not accept additional letters of reference.

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 letters of reference from CEGEP or college professors.

Applicants who are unable to obtain academic references because they are no longer students should submit letters 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.

Personal references are not helpful.

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

Requirements

Requirements

The candidate must send a copy of the Reference Letter Instructions to the referees to ensure that the letters of reference meet the formatting requirements set out by the Faculty's Admissions Office. The Law Reference Letter Instructions form is available under Letters of reference.

It is strongly recommended that reference letters be sent by the referee via e-mail. This helps the Admissions office process your file more efficiently.

  • Letters sent by University Career Centres will also be accepted if stated that the letters are confidential.

If submitted on paper, the sealed letter of reference may be given to the applicant directly or be mailed to the Law Admissions Office.

  1. The Admissions Office does not accept letters of reference by fax or by telephone.
  2. Given our strict requirement of two letters of reference:
    1. A candidate should indicate the two chosen referees in the first and second fields of the Referee Information section of the online application.
    2. Only letters from those two referees will be inserted in the candidate’s file.
    3. A candidate who wishes to make a referee substitution may do so until the deadline to submit supporting documents. In such case, please advise the admissions.law [at] mcgill.ca (Faculty of Law Admissions Office) in writing.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (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 irrespective 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 McGill’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 McGill’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.

When should I write the LSAT?

When should I write the LSAT?

Note: As of 2018, the Law School Admissions Council has introduced new LSAT dates. Please review the new LSAT schedule at .

Candidates should write the LSAT by November of the year prior to the year for which they seek admission at the latest. 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).

McGill 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—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)
Faculty of Law—2018-2019 (last updated Aug. 16, 2018) (disclaimer)
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