(1) APPLICATION FORM & FEE

The application with all questions answered, essays and a $50 (U.S. dollars) nonrefundable application fee should be received no later than February 1 of the year enrollment is sought. Applicants may use either of the following methods to submit the application.

• Apply online using the LSDAS Electronic Application from the LSAC website. Applicants using this method are instructed to pay the application fee by credit/debit card through LSAC; or
• Download the application from the William & Mary website. Applications mailed to the Law School must include the application fee check or money order payable to the College of William & Mary.

LL.M. applicants are responsible for submitting all required documents by February 1 for fall entry. Applications and supporting materials received after February 1 will be considered on a space-available basis.

(2) ACADEMIC RECORDS

Submit original or certified (notarized) copies of all official transcripts/academic records in their original language from all post-secondary institutions attended. Where the official documents are issued in a language other than English, certified English translations must also be submitted.

(3) LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation. Letters are preferred from law professors, employers or other significant persons with knowledge of the applicant's academic or professional career. Letters may be submitted using the following methods:

• Applicants may obtain letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes and submit them with their application; or
• Recommenders may send their letters directly to the Admission Office. If using this method, applicants should provide the recommenders with a stamped envelope addressed to: William & Mary Law School, Admission Office, PO Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795, USA.

(4) TOEFL SCORE

Applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if;

• the applicant's native language is not English or;
• the applicant did not obtain a law degree from an educational institution in which the language of instruction is English. 

The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at test sites throughout the world. For a complete list of test centers, test dates, and registration procedures, please visit the TOEFL website.   When you register to take the TOEFL, or on the day of the test, you can designate institutions to receive your official TOEFL Score Report.  The William & Mary institution code is 5115 and the department code is 03.  After the test, for a fee, you may request that reports be sent to additional institutions. 

An applicant's confirmation record or photocopy does not replace the official TOEFL Score Report. William & Mary will not accept other examinations of English proficiency in place of the TOEFL.

The minimum TOEFL scores acceptable for admission are:

• 100 (Internet-based total);
• 250 (computer-based total);
• 600 (paper-based total)

William & Mary may accept a student with a slightly lower TOEFL score in certain cases.  However, an applicant with such a score should retake the TOEFL to attempt to raise their score.  TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.

An applicant need not be completely fluent in English to be eligible for admission to the LL.M. program. The study of law in the United States requires strong oral and written proficiency in English.  A student with serious language limitations will be severely challenged and may not benefit fully in a new cultural and social environment. The LL.M. degree program requires oral participation and a research paper and because integration into the academic community is large part of the LL.M. experience, only those students who are confident of their command of the English language should apply.

VISAS

International students must satisfy the United States government's requirements for admission into the United States.  Admitted international students must complete financial forms to be submitted with their tuition deposit and typically apply for an F-1 student visa or a J-1 exchange visitor visa. They will be sent documents to present at a U.S. embassy or consulate when applying for their visa.  For additional information visit the College International Student Service website.

LL.M. APPLICATION CHECKLIST

1. Submit application with all questions answered, essays and a $50 (U.S. dollars) nonrefundable application fee payable to the College of William & Mary or pay online by credit/debit card through LSAC;
2. Submit original or certified (notarized) copies of all official transcripts/academic records;
3. Submit two letters of recommendation; and
4. Submit an official TOEFL Score Report.

Law School Addresses