Full Ride Scholarships for Law School Early Decision Applicants (2023)
Law school admissions season has begun, which often garners questions about early decision programs. Early decision, often simplified to ED is often juxtaposed with regular decision due to their varying requirements.
As the name suggests, those applying for an early decision program have an earlier deadline than regular decision applicants. Most early decision programs have deadlines before December 31st, and several programs close as early as November. In contrast, regular decision applicants can continue applying after December.
The most notable difference is that early acceptance applicants must attend the program they apply to. Once notified of their acceptance, students must withdraw all applications from other schools. It is not advised for applicants to apply to multiple early decision programs. Outside of significant circumstances, early decision contracts are considered binding.
Applicants should carefully consider whether they desire to apply to an early decision program, as students are often resigned to whatever financial package the school offers them. Law schools are aware of how financial aid can deter students from applying early decision. Thus, several law schools offer full scholarships for students who apply early decision. Read about them below!
UCLA offers the Distinguished Scholars Award for students who desire to apply early. Additionally, applicants should have determined UCLA is their top school of choice. The award gives recipients a full tuition scholarship for the duration of law school. Those applying to Distinguished Scholars cannot apply to UCLA’s general early decision program. The deadline to apply to the Distinguished Scholars Program is November 15th. Additionally, all applicants must take the LSAT by October 31st. You can learn more here.
The Early Decision Distinguished Scholars is an early decision program at Boston University Law. This program grants recipients a full tuition scholarship for all three years of law school. Notably, applicants do not have to submit a separate application for this scholarship. When someone applies early decision, they are automatically considered for Distinguished Scholars. However, those who are accepted to BU but are not accepted to the Distinguished Scholars program must attend Boston University Law. Moreover, these students will not be considered for merit scholarships. Interested applicants can learn more here.
St. John’s University Law School offers the Honors Early Decision Program. Accepted students will receive a full tuition scholarship, a special faculty advisor, and invitations to special events. Only applicants who demonstrate both academic and leadership achievements will be chosen. Accepted students are chosen out of the early decision applicant pool every month. Thus, those interested in this program must have their application completed before the 1st of each month, October through January. Interested students can learn more here.
The Binding Presidential Merit Scholar Program is an ED program offered by the George Washington Law School. It is only for students who have determined GW is their top choice. Students accepted will receive a full tuition scholarship. Notably, this program is also open to those who will attend GW Law part-time. All applicants must apply by February 1st. Learn more here.
The Antonin Scalia Law School (George Mason University) offers the Scalia Law Scholars Decision Program. Students accepted to this program will receive a full tuition scholarship for the duration of law school. Chosen applicants must demonstrate both academic and leadership qualities. Additionally, applicants must sign an agreement stating they will attend Scalia Law School if chosen. All interested applicants may apply, even those who plan to attend Scalia Law part-time. All application materials must be submitted by January 15th. Potential applicants can learn more about the program here.
Arizona State University offers the O’Connor Honors Program for early applicants. Applicants must have an LSAT of at least 168 and a GPA of 3.89. Additionally, applicants must be civic-minded and demonstrate leadership qualities. Those accepted will receive full tuition scholarships and invitations to special events. Moreover, Honors Scholars are expected to give 40 hours of pro bono work each year of law school. You can learn more about the program here.
The preceding institutions offer full-tuition scholarships to early decision applicants. However, there are a multitude of law schools that offer partial scholarships for early applicants. Click on the links below to learn more:
Applying ED is a monumental choice because it is binding. If you decide to apply to one of these programs and are accepted, you must attend that institution. Exceptions are only made due to significant, unforseen circumstances. If you have questions on whether you should apply ED, we would love to meet with you! Click here to learn more about how you can work with one of our admissions experts. During our meetings, we can discuss more about your life circumstances and whether early decision is the right choice for you.
If you have any questions about early decision, how we can support you or the law school application process in general, don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@smontgomeryconsulting.com.
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