What Admissions Committees Look for in MLS Applicants
If you find yourself in a law-adjacent role and want to advance your understanding of legal frameworks without earning a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, then a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) could be suitable for you. In this graduate-level program, you can build valuable skills and legal knowledge that apply to a wide range of industries and disciplines — all by completing just 45 credit hours.
Before applying to an MLS program, however, you’ll want to ensure you meet all MLS admissions requirements and put your best foot forward with a strong application.
Core Admissions Requirements for MLS Applicants
While no two MLS programs are exactly alike, most do have similar requirements when it comes to previous education, grade point average (GPA) expectations and English-language proficiency for international applicants.
Bachelor’s Degree & Academic Background
For example, applicants to any MLS program should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. This degree doesn’t necessarily need to be in a law-related field. However, applicants without a legal background may be required to meet certain prerequisites before beginning an MLS curriculum.
GPA Expectations & Academic Readiness
Many schools also set forth requirements regarding an applicant’s GPA in a previous degree program. It is not uncommon, for instance, to require that MLS applicants have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in an undergraduate degree program in order to qualify for admission.
In some cases, this requirement may be waived if an applicant has less than a 3.0 GPA but also possesses extensive experience, but this is typically looked at on a case-by-case basis.
LSAT/GRE Not Typically Required
Some schools offering an MLS program may require applicants to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and earn a certain score before being admitted into the program. However, this is becoming less common — and many schools have now eliminated any LSAT/GRE testing requirements as part of the application process.
English-Language Proficiency for International Applicants
For international applicants applying to an MLS program, additional MLS admissions requirements may be in place. Specifically, it is common for schools to require that international students demonstrate proficiency in the English language by earning a minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Required Application Materials for MLS Degrees
With a firmer grasp of common MLS admissions requirements, you might be wondering what kind of documentation you would need to submit along with your formal application. Keep in mind that some of the following documents may take time to procure (such as official transcripts and letters of recommendation), so you won’t want to wait until the last minute to obtain them.
Transcript From All Previous Schools
Most legal studies admissions committees will want to see official transcripts from your previous school, which means that printing off a copy of your transcript online won’t suffice. You will need to request a formal, official transcript from your previous school(s) and have it sent directly to the school where you wish to complete your MLS program.
Updated Resume or CV
In addition, a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) may be required as part of your MLS program application. Be sure this document has been updated with your most recent and relevant experience, including:
- Your undergraduate degree
- Any relevant legal coursework
- Any professional experience that may be applicable to your MLS program
Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
A personal statement or similar essay may be requested as part of the MLS application process as well. Typically no longer than one to two pages, this document explains:
- Why you want to pursue an MLS degree
- Your long-term professional goals
- What makes you a suitable fit for the program
In lieu of a personal statement, some schools may request that applicants submit a "problem of practice" essay that details a current problem relevant to their professional practice, its potential underlying causes and the questions that could be explored to pursue possible solutions.
Letters of Recommendation (Academic or Professional)
As part of your MLS application, you may also be asked to submit two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources. These letters should speak to your performance and accomplishments, highlighting your ability to succeed in an MLS program.
If letters of recommendation are requested, be sure to provide an updated copy of your resume to each of the references writing your recommendation, along with any relevant information about the MLS program itself.
Writing Sample (If Required)
Some schools may request a copy of a previous academic writing sample. Ideally, this will be a legal writing sample — but any academic sample is generally suitable if your undergraduate degree is not in a legal field.
Application Fee & Waiver Options
Any application fees for your MLS program should be paid at the time you submit your application. If you’re running into trouble paying the application fee, waivers may be available through your department head or your school’s financial aid office, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
What MLS Admissions Committees Evaluate:
- Undergraduate GPA and coursework rigor, including overall GPA and relevance of coursework to an MLS program.
- Ability to handle graduate-level reading and research, often demonstrated with a writing sample (personal statement or sample of previous academic writing).
- Relevant work experience and progression, including volunteer positions and internship roles.
- Communication and critical thinking skills.
- Attention to detail and professionalism.
- Career fit and program alignment; this is where a strong personal statement can make a big impact.
Optional but Helpful Elements for MLS Admissions
Looking for ways to go above and beyond in your MLS application? Here are a few more items you might consider including with your application, where possible, to further differentiate yourself from other applicants.
Certifications (Compliance, HR, Healthcare, Cybersecurity)
If you’ve earned any professional certifications beyond your undergraduate degree, it may be helpful to list these on your resume or (if relevant) highlight them in a personal statement. This is especially true if your certifications are in a law-adjacent field like compliance, human resources (HR), healthcare or cybersecurity.
Volunteer Work or Community Engagement
Another potential way to help your MLS application stand out is to highlight any volunteer work or community engagement efforts in which you’ve been involved within the past few years. This work doesn’t have to be law-related but should demonstrate your commitment to helping others and finding proactive ways to serve your community.
Industry Involvement or Leadership Activities
If you have any relevant legal experience (even if your undergraduate degree wasn’t in a law-related field), this is something you’ll want to call out in your application, too. This, in addition to any leadership experience at your place of employment or previous school, could go a long way in setting your application apart in a competitive admissions process.
International Applicant Considerations
If you’re applying to an MLS program as an international student, plan ahead for a few more legal studies admissions requirements:
Transcript Evaluations (WES/ECE)
Aside from providing an official copy of your undergraduate degree transcripts, you may need to complete a formal transcript evaluation. This process essentially translates your degree and relevant coursework into an English equivalent. Transcript evaluations are performed to ensure that international students applying to an MLS program meet basic academic requirements.
Typically, the evaluation process is completed by a specialized agency, such as the World Education Services (WES) or the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).
English Proficiency Testing
International students may also need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language before being admitted into an MLS program in the United States. Passing scores can vary from one program to the next, but in general, a 6.5 on the IELTS or a 79 on the TOEFL computer exam is considered a passing score.
Visa & Financial Documentation
It is not uncommon for schools to require international applicants to provide proof of financial stability, ensuring that these students will be able to reasonably afford at least one year in the program. To prove this, international applicants may be asked to submit copies of:
- Loan letters
- Scholarship offers
- Bank statements
- Visas and passports
Final Tips to Strengthen Your MLS Application
Whether you are a domestic or international student, keep in mind some final tips to ensure you’re submitting the strongest application possible.
One of the best things you can do is to focus on your personal statement or problem of practice. This is where you’ll have the most freedom to get creative, set yourself apart and really demonstrate what makes you a great fit for the program.
Be sure, too, that you start early with seeking out letters of recommendation. As basic etiquette, give your references at least a few weeks to craft your letter so they are not rushed — the sooner you can ask, the better.
Because attention to detail is such a key deciding factor among MLS admissions committees, carefully edit and proofread your application and documents before you submit. It can be helpful to read everything out loud to catch any errors or clumsy phrasing.
Ready to Apply to an MLS Program?
Applying to an MLS program may feel daunting at first, but with these tips in mind, it doesn’t have to be. At Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law, our Master of Legal Studies program has very clear admission requirements that you can review. If you have any questions, you may always reach out for further guidance or clarification.
Our MLS program is offered with a range of concentrations, including:
Get in touch to request more information or get started with your application today.
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