FAQs: LLM Admissions

Following is detailed information that provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from applicants to the LLM program at Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University. We encourage all potential applicants to review materials on this page prior to contacting our office with questions.

Can you tell me about your law school and LLM application process?

As a starting point, it is generally most useful for prospective LLM applicants to visit our law school’s website as well as our LLM website where students will find specific information about each LLM program we offer.

We also encourage you to review our general FAQs which helps prospective LLM applicants better understand the degree requirements and application process.

For step by step instructions on how to apply for our LLM programs and to learn the deadlines for each term, please visit our “How to Apply” page.

Cyber, Intelligence, and National Security Law LLM

The Cyber, Intelligence & National Security Law LLM provides students with in-depth study of cyber, intelligence, and national security issues, both established and developing, from the country’s leading experts. Students will emerge as experts in navigating the existing and emerging policy, legal, and constitutional issues that are specific to cyber, intelligence, and national security law. Please visit LLM in Cyber, Intelligence, and National Security Law for information regarding the degree requirements, curriculum, and faculty of the U.S. Law LLM program.

Global Antitrust Law & Economics (offered in residence and online)

The Master of Laws (LLM) in Global Antitrust Law & Economics is designed to provide students with in-depth study of global antitrust issues, both established and developing, from among the best antitrust law and economics faculty in the world, and to provide them with the tools they need for specialized careers in antitrust.

Scalia Law is home to some of the most knowledgeable and prestigious antitrust law faculty in the world. Scalia Law has the only faculty that includes leaders of both antitrust enforcement agencies: the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Other notable faculty members include the coauthor of the leading treatise on competition law and economics and several PhD economists in the area of industrial organization who contribute regularly to antitrust literature. Please visit LLM in Global Antitrust Law & Economics for information regarding the degree requirements, curriculum, and faculty of the Global Antitrust LLM program.

Intellectual Property LLM

This degree is designed for attorneys who intend to practice in the fields of patent, copyright, and trademark law. The curriculum in the Intellectual Property LLM program includes courses covering every aspect of intellectual property law, from basic courses in patent, copyright, and trademark, to enforcement, litigation and dispute resolution, among others. Please visit LLM in Intellectual Property for information regarding the degree requirements, curriculum, and faculty of the Intellectual Property LLM program.

United States Law LLM

The U.S. Law LLM degree  is designed to offer international lawyers a strong foundation in the U.S. legal system, allowing them to choose courses that best fit their interests or pursue the courses that fulfill the requirements to sit for a bar examination in the United States. Students have the opportunity to fully integrate into law school life and take courses with renowned faculty side-by-side with JD students, while gaining a solid foundation in U.S. Law. Please visit LLM in U.S. Law for information regarding the degree requirements, curriculum, and faculty of the U.S. Law LLM program.

Admissions Information/Application Process

Our LLM application, along with detailed instructions, is available online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). LSAC provides a useful LLM Application Checklist as well as detailed instructions on how to use the LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS). If you have questions about the admissions process, make sure to review our How to Apply page, and if you have further questions contact Graduate Admissions  lawgradm@gmu.edu.

How many LLM applications do you receive? How many applicants do you accept?

The number of LLM applications varies dramatically from year to year. More importantly, the number of admission offers also varies and depends on academic and professional records. Like our JD admissions process, our LLM admissions process is competitive. We are looking for students who are a good fit for our specialized programs. Enrollment in the LLM program is limited to less than 25 students per program to ensure that each LLM student receives individual attention.

What is Scalia Law’s application deadline?

Scalia Law LLM Application Deadlines International students who need to apply for a student visa (F1) Students who do not need a visa (includes U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or others already living in the United States)
Fall Application Deadline May 1 August 1
Spring Application Deadline November 1 December 1

All documents must be received by those dates. If you have questions about the admissions process, make sure to review our How to Apply page, and if you have further questions contact Graduate Admissions at lawgradm@gmu.edu.

After completing the LLM program, am I eligible to take a United States bar examination?

The U.S. Law LLM Program is designed to help international lawyers obtain the necessary academic credits to sit for a bar exam in the United States.

Click here for more information regarding foreign-trained attorney eligibility for United States bar examinations.

International lawyers who enroll in the Cyber, Intelligence, and National Security Law LLM; the Intellectual Property Law LLM; or the Global Antitrust Law & Economics LLM may also be eligible to sit for a bar examination in the United States if they are willing to complete the additional coursework required by their jurisdiction of choice (approximately 8 to 10 additional credits).

Full-Time and Part-Time Programs

Scalia Law offers both full-time and part-time LLM enrollment. 

Students in the full-time program generally attend classes during the day (day classes are scheduled between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.). Students in the part-time program generally attend classes in the evenings (evening classes are scheduled between the hours of 6:00 and 10:00 p.m.) and take fewer classes.  However, full-time students may register for evening classes, and part-time students may register for day classes.

Is it easier to gain transfer admission to the part-time program?

No. Our admission standards are the same for the full-time and part-time programs.

How many credits are required?

In order to earn an LLM at Scalia Law, students must successfully complete a total of 24-26 credit hours. Domestic JD holders will have the 2 credit Introduction to United States Law requirement waived, and therefore must complete 24 credit hours to receive the LLM degree. Students who have not studied at a United States Law School must take Introduction to United States Law and therefore must complete 26 credit hours to receive the LLM degree.

Full-time students typically take 12-15 credit hours per semester; part-time students typically take 8-12 credit hours. For the purposes of the F-1 and J-1 visas, 9 or more credit hours are required to meet the full-time requirement of the visa.

Is there any provision for LLM of previously completed credit hours?

No transfer credits will be granted for LLM applicants. The director may waive the Introduction to United States Law requirement for students who have previously studied at a United States law school, excusing the student from that 2 credit hour course. However, no transfer of credit will transpire and the Introduction to United States Law course would not appear on a student’s transcript in the situation of a waiver.

Students who have received a JD from Mason may be able to transfer some credits towards an LLM degree. Contact lawgradm@gmu.edu for more information about potentially transferring credits from a Scalia Law JD towards a Scalia Law LLM degree.

Requirements to Be Considered for Admission

There are a number of requirements that you must satisfy in order to be considered for admission to our LLM program. Please be sure that you carefully review the instructions that accompany our application form, which is available through LSAC. 

What is the general application process for LLM students?

Please see our How to Apply page for full details on the application process.

  1. Application and Application Fee
    All applicants apply electronically via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). LSAC provides a useful LLM Application Checklist as well as detailed instructions on how to use the LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS). A completed application form will be sent to the law school electronically and on paper. Please do not send us a paper copy of your electronically submitted application. The application fee has been waived for all LLM applicants.
  2. Official Transcripts
    Applicants must submit all transcripts from college, university, law school, and post-graduate level work and degrees through LLM CAS, which should include:
    (a) An official law school transcript showing completion of a JD degree in the United States; or
    (b) An official transcript (including grades) showing completion of a law degree in a country other than the United States; or
    (c) Other official proof of status as a lawyer in a country other than the United States.
  3. 500-Word Statement
    The applicant is required to submit a 500-word statement of educational and professional goals, double-spaced, that will serve as both a statement of purpose and a writing sample. The thoughts and words of the 500-word statement must be uniquely those of the applicant. With the exception of basic proofreading, no other(s) may assist in the creation of this statement.
  4. Resume
    The applicant must submit a resume. There is no page limit.
  5. Letter of Recommendation
    The applicant must submit one letter of recommendation addressing the applicant’s academic and professional potential. A letter of recommendation must identify you as an LLM applicant.
    Scalia Law strongly prefers that applicants use the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service, following LSAC procedures. Any applicant who does not use the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service may have their recommendation sent directly to Scalia Law School. Recommendations submitted directly to Scalia Law must be sent directly from the recommender’s email account or via post in a sealed envelope and bear the recommender’s signature across the sealed envelope flap.
  6. Interview
    All applicants must complete an informal interview with the director of the LLM program. Interviews may take place in-person at the George Mason Arlington campus or remotely via Skype. Interviews will last between fifteen and thirty minutes and are informational in nature. The admissions office will contact applicants to schedule interviews once all other application documents have been received.
  7. Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates (required only for applicants who believe they qualify for in-state tuition rates) 
    If you believe you qualify for in-state tuition please fill out the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates  and submit together with a copy of your Driver’s License to lawgradm@gmu.edu.
    See the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia Domicile Guidelines the George Mason University Domicile Office for information regarding in-state tuition rate eligibility.
  8. Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Scores (required only for applicants who are graduates of United States law schools)
    For graduates of United States law schools, documentation of LSAT scores or an attached copy of the Credential Assembly Service Law School Report, which can be usually obtained from the registrar of the degree-granting institution, is requested.
  9. Proof of English Proficiency (required for applicants who do not possess a JD from an ABA approved law school, are not native English speakers, and have not received a degree from a college or university whose language of instruction is English)
    A current TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score showing sufficient proficiency in the English language is required.
    Scores required:
    • TOEFL: Minimum of 90 in the iBT test (100 or above highly preferred)
    • IELTS: Minimum of 6.5 (7.5 or above highly preferred)
    • Duolingo: Minimum of 110
    For test schedules and information please visit:
    TOEFL
    IETLTS
    Duolingo English Test

    Applicants must have taken the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo within two years of submitting their application. In addition to these testing requirements, English proficiency will be assessed during the mandatory interview.
  10. International Student Certificate of Financial Responsibility Form: required for students accepted to the LLM program who will need to apply for a student (F-1 or J-1) visa. After admission candidates will receive this form by email with all necessary information.

How many letters of recommendation are required?

We require one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must identify you as an LLM applicant.

Does Scalia Law require that letters of recommendation be submitted through the Law Services Letter of Recommendation Service?

Scalia Law strongly prefers that applicants use the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service, following LSAC procedures. Any applicant who does not use the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service may have their recommendation emailed directly to Graduate Admissions lawgradm@gmu.edu. Recommendations submitted directly to Scalia Law must be sent directly from the recommender’s email account or via post in a sealed envelope and bear the recommender’s signature across the sealed envelope flap

May I submit a resume with my application?

Yes, a resume is required for LLM applicants.

Is there a preferred topic for the personal statement?

The applicant is required to submit a 500-word, double-spaced statement of educational and professional goals that will serve as both a statement of purpose and a writing sample. The thoughts and words of the 500-word statement must be uniquely those of the applicant.  With the exception of basic proofreading, no other(s) may assist in the creation of this statement.

My personal statement is longer than 500 words. Is that a problem?

We strongly prefer that you stay within the 500-word limit. However, we neither count words nor penalize applicants for overages. If your statement is 550 or 650 words, that’s fine. If your statement is 2,000 words, you should try to rework it to get the word count closer to 500.

Other Helpful Information

Does Scalia Law School give preference to Virginia applicants or to applicants from certain parts of the Commonwealth?

Applications are reviewed in their entirety, and admission offers are made to the most desirable candidates without regard to geographic distribution or residency.

Are Personal Interviews Required?

Yes, an informal interview is required as a part of the LLM admissions process. All applicants must complete an informal interview with the director of the LLM program. Interviews may take place in-person at the George Mason University Arlington campus or remotely via Skype. Interviews will last between fifteen and thirty minutes and are informational in nature. The admissions office will contact applicants to schedule interviews once all other application documents have been received.

If an applicant completes an interview in-person on the Arlington campus, LLM applicants are welcome to visit the law school for a tour as well.

Must I disclose information about prior or pending criminal, disciplinary, or academic problems in my LLM application?

Yes. It is extremely important that you describe details of any criminal, disciplinary and/or academic actions in response to the Character and Fitness section questions of our LLM application. Failure to disclose this information can result in serious problems, both in relation to your law school application (we have revoked acceptances in the past in cases in which we learned of the applicant’s failure to disclose information) and in applying for admission to the bar in any state. State boards of bar examiners will conduct character and fitness investigations to determine if you are fit for admission to the bar. Those investigations typically include criminal background checks, as well as review of your law school application, undergraduate record and law school record. It is critically important that your disclosures of the type of information requested in our Character and Fitness section questions be complete, truthful and consistent in your law school and bar applications.

Can I visit the law school and sit in on a class?

Applicants are welcome to visit our law school for a tour and class observation. Please check our web site at tour schedule.

If I am admitted to Scalia Law School, how long will I have to decide if I will attend? Does Scalia Law require a seat deposit?

If you are offered LLM admission to Scalia Law, you will be required to make a seat deposit of $250.00 within two weeks of admission, or as of April 1 for fall admissions, whichever comes later. You will not be able to register for classes, set up your Mason e-mail account, of receive your I-20 or DS-2019 immigration forms until your seat deposit and Intent to Enroll form are received and processed.

Is the seat deposit credited toward tuition?

Yes. The seat deposit that you make prior to matriculating will be credited to your first semester tuition.

Is the seat deposit refundable in whole or in part?

No. The seat deposit is completely non-refundable. If you make your seat deposit and subsequently decide that you will not attend Scalia Law, you will forfeit your seat deposit.

When is tuition due?

Tuition is due on a semester basis, on the first day of each semester.

How much does it cost to attend the LLM program?

For detailed information regarding cost, including part-time tuition rates and cost of living, please visit the Tuition and Costs page.

Is financial aid available?

Scalia Law students may receive loan funds. Government subsidized student loans are only available to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents. Admitted students work with the Office of Student Financial Aid to obtain loans. For more information, please go to Financial Aid.

Are there any scholarships available?

Scalia Law has limited scholarship funds available for outstanding LLM applicants. Awards range in amount from $1,000 to $10,000 per semester. No additional application materials are required to be considered for scholarships – all applicants are evaluated as potential scholarship candidates and scholarship offers are made on a rolling basis. We encourage all students to investigate community scholarships, many of which are identified on the law school’s website.

Does George Mason University offer in-state tuition rates for Virginians?

George Mason University offers lower tuition rates for individuals domiciled in Virginia. For more detailed information about domicile, please visit Virginia In-state Tuition Eligibility.

When does the Scalia Law LLM program start? When does it end? How long does it take to complete the degree program?

Students start the LLM program in the fall and spring of each year. The fall semester begins in mid-August, and the spring semester begins in early January. For exact start and end dates, as well as holiday periods, see the Academic Calendar.

The LLM degree is awarded once a student has completed 24-26 credit hours (24 credit hours for those students who have the Introduction to United States Law course requirement waived, 26 credit hours for those students who must complete the Introduction to United States Law Course).

Each semester, students take between 5 and 17 credit hours, with most full time students completing 9–14 credit hours a semester, and most part time students completing 5–8 credit hours a semester. Two full semesters are offered each academic year – fall and spring. There is also a short summer semester, but typically very few courses are offered during the summer.

LLM students may take up to three years (6 semesters) to complete the degree. Full-time students can complete the degree in one year (2 semesters), but some choose to spread out their credits over three to four semesters rather than two semesters.

What classes do LLM students take?

LLM students take courses included in their LLM program’s curriculum.

With the exception of Introduction to United States Law and Economic for Lawyers, spring session, residential LLM courses are taken alongside JD students.

Students are allowed to take courses outside of their LLM program curriculum if they have a particular interest in a course or if they are obtaining bar exam eligibility through extra coursework. However, these courses will not be counted towards the 24-26 credit hours required for the LLM degree. The student will be billed for courses outside the LLM curriculum just as they would be for courses within the LLM curriculum.