Admissions Testing

International M.S.L. candidates are required to submit the results of standardized admission tests as part of their application to the graduate law program at UDSL.  Most applicants choose to take the Graduate Record Examination or GRE, an admission test relied upon by most U.S. graduate programs.  This test can be taken at many locations around the world and can even be taken by computer.  Information on the GRE test can be found at: www.ets.org/gre.  The University of Dayton School of Law reporting code for GRE test results is 0002.
UDSL also accepts test results from applicants who have chosen to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test or GMAT.  Information on the GMAT can be found at www.mba.com . Our reporting code for GMAT test results is KF2-36-44.   UDSL will also accept test results from other standardized admission tests such as the Law School Admission Test or LSAT (http://www.lsac.org/) or the Medical College Admission Test or MCAT (http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/ ) both of which are offered at many locations throughout the world.
While UDSL can, in extraordinary circumstances, accept test results from graduate school admission tests administered by foreign countries or institutions, the need to obtain information and further data about any such test may complicate and delay our admission decisions.
Applicants should note that UDSL can only accept official test results reported by the testing authority and will not accept test results reported by the applicants themselves.  In addition, test result over five years old will not be accepted.

English Language Proficiency

Given the nature and difficulty of the subject matter of UDSL’s graduate law programs, proficiency in both oral and written English is indispensable to the successful participation and completion of the programs.  As a result, candidates for admission to either the LL.M. or the M.S.L. program must demonstrate such proficiency.  For international students whose native language is not English, this requirement may be met by having completed their basic legal or bachelor’s studies in a university where instruction was in English.

Alternatively international students may demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test administered by the Educational Testing Service.  Applicants for admission must attain a TOEFL score of at least 600 (on the paper-based test), 250 (computer-based) or 100 (iBT) or by taking an equivalent exam with similar results.  Scores from TOEFL or other tests more than two years prior to application to the program will not be accepted nor will self-reported scores.  The University of Dayton reporting code for TOEFL test results is 1834.   Information on the TOEFL can be found at: www.ets.org/toefl.

For students whose English language skills may not yet meet the minimum level of proficiency required for immediate admission to UDSL’s graduate law programs, the University of Dayton’s Intensive English Program (IEP) offers a unique opportunity to obtain those skills prior to taking any courses in the graduate law programs.  The IEP offers students a combination of the study of English as a second language together with an immersion in the American culture and university experience.  Every term, the IEP offers courses in grammar, reading and writing, listening and speaking English as well as special courses in TOEFL preparation, the dynamics of the American classroom, research paper writing, and pronunciation.  More information on the Intensive English Program at the University of Dayton can be found at http://iep.udayton.edu/.

Financial Aid for International Students

The University of Dayton School of Law does not, at this time, offer any scholarships to LL.M. or M.S.L. students.  However, outside educational scholarships from governmental sources or private organizations may be available to LL.M. or M.S.L. students, though these scholarships and grants are highly competitive and often have early application deadlines. Examples include awards by international or national bar associations and various philanthropic organizations.  Some foreign governments also offer scholarships and grants to their citizens for advanced legal studies like UDSL’s graduate law programs.  Applicants may find that the institution from which they received their post-secondary university or college degree may have information about private or governmental scholarships or grants for study in the United States.
While many law students utilize educational loans to finance their legal studies, many of these educational loans are not available to non-U.S. citizens who are not already permanent residents of the United States.  However, international students may be eligible for educational loans through their own governments or international organizations as well as private educational loan programs.
Whether international students finance their legal studies at UDSL through personal funding, scholarships or grants, or governmental or private educational loans, proof of financial support while pursuing your studies at UDSL will be required of you in order to obtain a visa for study in the United States.  For information on the financial declarations required of international graduate law students click here.

International Student Services at the University of Dayton

Leaving your home to study abroad and experience a new culture is a wonderful experience that will bring new opportunities and a lifetime of memories.  But the decision to study abroad is also filled with uncertainties for many students.  Even if I’m admitted to a graduate program, what official documents do I need to travel to the United States?  Where would I live?  How do I shop?  Would I “fit in?” Will there be other students like me on campus? 
Fortunately, the University of Dayton is well prepared to help you answer these questions and to make your experience as an international student at Dayton both enjoyable and successful.  The University of Dayton enrolls students from around the world to study and conduct research here in Dayton.  Known for outstanding academics, a safe environment, and a welcoming campus, international students and scholars thrive at the University of Dayton. The  University’s Center for International Programs (CIP), http://international.udayton.edu/  and, especially its International Student and Scholar Services, http://international.udayton.edu/iss/,  can provide you with information and assistance on a wide variety of matters such as immigration, housing in Dayton, health insurance and medical services and becoming acclimated to the University, the School of Law and the surrounding community.  For further information about these issues or the School of Law in particular, contact us at:

 UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS PROCESSING
300 COLLEGE PARK
DAYTON, OHIO 45469-1301
or
UDSL Admissions and Financial Aid 
Phone: (937) 229-3555
Fax: (937) 229-4194
E-mail: lawinfo@udayton.edu