Applicants must hold a degree in law, from an accredited institution outside of the United States, which is equivalent to the J.D. in that it qualifies the applicant to become a candidate for admission to practice in the country in which the degree-granting institution is located. Admissions decisions are based on the applicant’s academic performance, English language proficiency, significant work experience and letters of recommendation showing the applicant’s aptitude for advanced law study. An applicant’s professional plans and goals also may be considered and efforts are made to admit students from different areas of the world in order to enrich the diversity of the class.

Transcripts — Applicants must submit official transcripts from all relevant academic institutions previously attended. All transcripts must include an English translation. If you would like to have your credentials evaluated, the following services are available: LL.M. Credential Assembly Service, Educational Credential Evaluators and Foreign Education Credential Service.

English Proficiency — Applicants must earn a minimum paper-based score of 575, a computer-based score of 230, or an internet-based score of 88 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Penn State Dickinson’s institutional code for the TOEFL test is 2187. A minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also acceptable.

Personal Statement — Applicants must submit a personal statement addressing their reasons for pursuing an LL.M. and discussing their plans and goals for the future. Personal statements usually will be one or two pages in length.

Letters of Recommendation — Each applicant must submit two letters of recommendation. Usually, letters of recommendation are from professors or employers of the applicant. Ideally, letters of recommendation will describe the length and nature of the recommender’s relationship to the applicant and address specifically the applicant’s aptitude for advanced law study in an English language environment.

Visa — Every applicant must also submit an Application for Visa Document and a Financial Certification Form, along with supporting documentation. Bank statements used as supporting documentation must be converted into U.S. dollars. (Click here to get a free copy of Adobe® Acrobat® Reader.)

Application — Most applicants download an application and mail it together with supporting documents. Download an Application. If you would like to apply electronically, the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) will process a Penn State Dickinson application for electronic submission to us. LSAC Electronic Application. Please link to our Application Checklist to make sure your application is complete.

For additional information or assistance, please send an e-mail to llminfo@psu.edu or contact Fiona McCormick at fcm3@psu.edu or (717) 240-5202.