Question 1

When is your deadline?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

For Fall 2024, our Priority Deadline is on February 9th, and the final deadline is May 10th. As for Spring 2025, the priority deadline is set for September 23rd, with the final deadline being November 25th to qualify for our priority deadline, which includes a fee waiver, you must submit your application, resume, and personal statement. Test scores and CAS reports can be provided after the deadline.

Question 2

What do I need to apply?

Accepted Answer

In order to apply to our program you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a current LSAT or GRE score, an STCLH application, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume. All applicants must also register with CAS.

Question 3

Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in pre-law or a law related field?

Accepted Answer

While we require an accredited bachelor’s degree it does not need to be in a specific area or focus.

Question 4

Do you offer spring admission?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our spring class starts in early January. See the above question for deadline information.

Question 5

When should I take the LSAT or GRE?

Accepted Answer

We recommend taking the LSAT or GRE when you feel most prepared however by taking it on the earlier side of the application cycle it will allow you extra time should you want/need to retake the exam. Results are sent timely after your exam is taken.

Question 6

Will my applicant be considered if I apply by the application deadline, but the LSAT or GRE score will be released after the deadline?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as your application is submitted by the application deadline your application will be considered. Once we receive your score and your file is complete, we will place your application in review.

Question 7

How long is my LSAT/GRE score valid?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

LSAT/GRE scores are valid for five years. Your most recent score must still be valid at the start of the semester for which you are applying.

Question 8

How does STCL Houston consider multiple LSAT/GRE scores?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

We will consider your highest LSAT score as we review your application. However, all LSAT scores will be reported to us by CAS. We will consider all reportable GRE scores and will evaluate each section of the GRE independently. We are required to report to the ABA the highest score achieved.

Question 9

Do I need to register with CAS?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Yes. All applicants are required to register with the CAS; foreign educated applicants will submit their foreign transcripts to the LSAC JD Credential Evaluation Service for evaluation. For information on CAS go to https://www.lsac.org.

Question 10

When should I apply?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

If you would like to take advantage of the application fee waiver you should apply by February 9th (for Fall) and September 23rd (for Spring). We have a rolling admissions process, and we review applications as they are completed.

Question 11

What if my grades or LSAT/GRE are below the median?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

We admit students who are below the median and review all applications on a holistic basis. However if your scores or grades are on the lower side your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and resume will be very important.

Question 12

What is the lowest LSAT/GRE you will accept?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

We do not have a minimum LSAT/GRE score and all test scores will be considered. However, files are reviewed holistically.

Question 13

What is the lowest GPA you will accept?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

We do not have a minimum GPA and like the LSAT/GRE, all files are reviewed holistically.

Question 14

Do you consider graduate grades?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

We will look at them however they are not weighed as heavily as undergraduate grades. Not all applicants earn graduate degrees, so it is better for us to use the undergraduate GPA. Also, we have no context for considering and comparing graduate grades.

Question 15

Other than grades and the test score, what do you look for?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Our admissions committee takes the personal statement very seriously. Since we do not offer Admissions interviews you should approach it as an opportunity to interview with the committee. You may write about your skills, strengths, advanced degrees, work experiences, personal struggles you have overcome, and professionally related extracurricular activities. Make sure that you do not restate your resume. In a separate statement of no more than 1 page, you may want to explain any mitigating circumstances in your record. Also, remember to proofread your information very carefully!

Question 16

How long should the personal statement be?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

It should be 2-3 pages double-spaced.

Question 17

Do you have provisional admissions?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

No, we do not.

Question 18

I am non traditional student. Will my age work against me in the application process?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

No. The Admissions Committee wants to have all kinds of people as part of its law school. As a non-traditional student, you can use your experience as a benefit in your application.

Question 19

How do I apply for scholarships?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Once admitted, applicants are considered for scholarships and are awarded them automatically based on their undergraduate GPA and the LSAT or GRE score. There is no separate application. If an admitted student is not awarded a scholarship their first year, they may be eligible for academic scholarships based on their law school GPA for their 2nd and 3rd year.

Question 20

How do I apply for financial aid?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

You can complete the FAFSA after January 1st. That gets the process started. STCLH will not make a decision on your financial aid until you have been admitted into the JD program. We will automatically mail you any additional information that you need to apply. You can complete the FAFSA online. You should not wait until you have been admitted to complete the FAFSA.

Question 21

What types of Federal, State, and Institutional aid can I receive?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

As a graduate student, financial aid consists of Federal Direct loans including Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loans and Federal Work-study. Institutional aid consists of scholarships. Residents of the State of Texas can apply for the Texas Equalization Grant (TEG).

Question 22

Where can I find information on Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loans?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

A comprehensive webpage of all Federal Direct Student Loan information is located here.

Question 23

Can I apply for financial aid before I am accepted for admission?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Yes, anyone may complete the FAFSA before applying for admission or being accepted. The FAFSA application is located here. South Texas College of Law Houston’s Federal School Code number is (004977). Once you complete the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will receive your results electronically.

Question 24

What other forms does South Texas College of Law Houston require of a student to apply for financial aid?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Students planning to borrow Federal Direct Student loans must complete both loan entrance counseling and Master Promissory Notes located here.

Question 25

How do I apply for a South Texas College of Law Houston scholarship?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

All entering students are considered for merit scholarships based on their undergraduate performance and LSAT score. Please contact the Admissions Office at 713-646-1810 for more information on scholarships.

Question 26

Do many students at South Texas College of Law Houston receive scholarships upon admission?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Approximately 56 percent of South Texas College of Law Houston’s admitted students receive partial scholarships. The College also offers scholarships to continuing students. These scholarship opportunities are announced during the academic year.

Question 27

Will Federal Direct Student Loans cover all of my costs at South Texas College of Law Houston?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

A combination of Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans may be necessary to cover the full cost of attendance at South Texas College of Law Houston. Costs of attendance include tuition, fees, books, room, board, transportation, and miscellaneous. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan maximum amount per fall and spring semesters is $20,500. This amount doesn’t cover the full amount of tuition and fees and therefore, students borrow the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan to cover the remaining balance. A Graduate PLUS loan maximum amount per year is limited to the College’s Cost of Attendance.

Question 28

How will I know how much I need to borrow to cover the Cost of Attendance?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

After a student is admitted and submits a seat deposit, the Financial Aid Office will review a student’s FAFSA and institutional financial aid application for eligibility. Based on a student’s eligibility, the Financial Aid Office will email a student a financial aid award letter which may consist of loans, scholarships and or grants.

Question 29

Will I be able to borrow to purchase a new laptop?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

After a student is admitted and submits a seat deposit, the Financial Aid Office will review a student’s FAFSA and institutional financial aid application for eligibility. Based on a student’s eligibility, the Financial Aid Office will email a student a financial aid award letter which may consist of loans, scholarships and or grants.

Question 30

What if I choose not to borrow a Federal Direct Loan or less than the maximum amount?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

A student should borrow only the amount needed. When you receive your financial award letter detailing how much you are eligible to borrow, you may reduce that amount simply by logging into your STANLEY web account. Information and directions are provided along with the award letter.

Question 31

What steps do I take if I do need to borrow the full amount of the Federal Direct Loan as shown on my award letter?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Step 1: A student wishing to accept all of the loans offered to him/her will log into STANLEY and accept the awards.

Step 2: Navigate to here to complete entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note.

Step 3: If the student chooses to borrow a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loan, he/she will apply here and a credit check will be completed as part of the application process.

Question 32

Why is my credit important how can I check it?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Many students who attend South Texas College of Law Houston borrow Federal Direct Graduate PLUS loans in addition to the unsubsidized loan. To be eligible for the Graduate PLUS loan, a student must have non-delinquent credit. Bad credit usually implies having made late payments (more than 30 days) on credit cards, medical bills, telephone bills, rent or other types of credit. Defaults, collections actions, write-offs and bankruptcy also indicate bad credit. Because mistakes often occur with credit reporting agencies, we strongly recommend that you contact one or all of the national credit agencies to receive a copy of your credit report in advance of applying for Graduate PLUS loans. You may request your annual free credit report here.

Question 33

What if I have a negative credit rating?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

If your credit rating is negative, you should remedy any deficiencies before applying for a loan. Some students are required to have co-signers for Federal Graduate PLUS loans. Negative credit may seriously affect your ability to finance your education through the Graduate PLUS loan program. South Texas College of Law Houston does not have the resources to lend money to students who cannot obtain Federal Graduate PLUS loans or Private (Alternative) Loans.

Question 34

May I return my refund if I decide I no longer need it?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Yes. A student can return Federal Direct Student loan funds to the U.S. Department of Education at any time. The return is done through the loan servicer that your loans have been assigned. If you do not know your servicer or do not have their information, do the following:

Log onto to www.nslds.ed.gov (National Student Loan Data System) and select “Financial Aid Review” (FAFSA ID login information is required)
Once in your account on NSLDS you will see:
- Each student loan ever borrowed and the college attended
- Each servicer assigned by the U.S. Department of Education to each
  loan
- Contact information for each servicer
Contact your servicer for all information regarding your loan including
returning funds, repayment plans, etc.

Question 35

If I have more questions, who can I contact?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

You may call or email the Financial Aid Office at South Texas College of Law Houston. The email address is faid@stcl.edu and the phone number is 713-646-1820.

Experian, 1-888-397-3742 or visit their website

Trans-Union, 1-800-888-4213 or visit their website

CBI/Equifax, 1-800-997-2493 or visit their website

Question 36

Who is the ideal candidate for the J.D. Part-time / Online?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

The J.D. Part-time / Online schedule is designed for motivated self-starters who wish to pursue a law degree through a more flexible delivery format that allows them to maintain their professional and personal responsibilities while obtaining their legal education. We expect students in the online schedule to be comfortable in an online learning environment and have access to reliable internet access for the virtual classroom and digital resources.

Question 37

Is the J.D. Part-time / Online schedule as rigorous as the traditional, full-time J.D. schedule?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Yes. South Texas requires all students to meet exacting admissions criteria. Just like students in the traditional, on-campus programs, online students will be expected to meet rigorous academic and professional standards.

Question 38

Can students continue to work full-time while pursuing the J.D. Part-time / Online?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

We anticipate our J.D. Part-time / Online students to continue working at their full- or part-time jobs during the day. Additionally, we expect they will commit the necessary time and effort during the evenings and weekends to complete classwork, including attending some regularly scheduled synchronous classes in the evening as well as participating in some daytime commitments, such as faculty office hours or school events.

Question 39

How much time should students expect to dedicate to the J.D. Part-time / Online?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

As with any law school degree program, the J.D. Part-time / Online schedule will require significant dedication during and after class times, which will include readings, preparation, office hours, discussion board submissions and responses, and synchronous and asynchronous classes. Students should plan to commit approximately two to three hours per week outside of class for every credit hour.

Some students may periodically choose to take time off from work or daytime commitments to complete assignments or prepare for classes or exams.

Question 40

How does the J.D. Part-time / Online work?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Types of classes: Beginning in fall 2023, J.D. Part-time / Online students will take classes mostly online in a combination of synchronous classes (face-to-face virtual at set times) and asynchronous classes (no set class time, but with regularly assigned deadlines) each semester.

On-campus requirement: At the beginning of the fall semester each year, students will have a required in-person experience on campus in Houston (7-8 days). For the first year, this includes orientation with all students, opportunities to meet the professors teaching online courses that semester, connections with student organizations, and in-person class time. This “residency” experience will ensure that online students are familiar with and become a part of the South Texas community.

Time to completion: The part-time J.D. degree can be completed in four years.

Question 41

When will synchronous courses be scheduled, and how often?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Synchronous activities will typically be scheduled on weekday evenings and occasionally during the day on Saturdays.

Question 42

Can online students access campus resources?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

STCL Houston Student Services will be available for virtual meetings and phone calls with online students, in addition to various online workshops and connection opportunities. Some of those include academic advising, financial aid and debt counseling, library services, and career services.

Question 43

What opportunities will exist to connect with professors?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

For all students, STCL Houston faculty are available during regular office hours, and phone or virtual conversations are quite common. Students and professors also engage through email and through the learning system messaging features. If online students sign up for co-curricular or extracurricular activities involving professors, they will have additional opportunities to make connections with faculty members.

Question 44

Will online students be able to engage with student organizations?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Student organizations will offer virtual opportunities for online students to participate in various meetings and in academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities including law reviews, clinics, and advocacy. Students who are able are always welcome to come to campus for in-person participation, as well.

Question 45

Will online students be allowed to transfer into the full-time, on-campus schedule after their first two long semesters?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

J.D. Part-time / Flex and J.D. Part-time / Online students may seek to transfer to the full-time, on-campus schedule after successfully completing the initial fall and spring semesters. Transfers are granted on a case-by-case basis.

Question 46

Will online students be able to apply for financial aid and scholarships?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Yes, J.D. Part-time / Online students are eligible to apply for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as all other South Texas students.

Question 47

Will the diploma for online students indicate classes were taken online?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

South Texas College of Law Houston offers one ABA-accredited J.D. degree, and each student’s diploma only notes that degree — regardless of whether the degree was achieved full-time or part-time, on campus or online.

Question 48

Are letters of recommendation required?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Yes, at least two letters of recommendation are required, and you may submit up to three. It is more important what your recommenders say versus who they are. However academic or professional recommendations are preferred.

Question 49

How and where should letters of recommendation be addressed?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Letters of Recommendation may be addressed to the members of the Admissions Committee and must be submitted using the CAS letter of recommendation service. Go to https://www.lsac.org for more information.

Question 50

Should the letters be sent to you directly?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

No. We require that you use the CAS recommendation service. If you are unable to submit them during CAS please contact admissions@stcl.edu.

Question 51

Will my file be reviewed before it is complete?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

No. We do not review files until a CAS report has been received.

Question 52

When will I be notified?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Decisions are made on a rolling basis, and all decisions will be sent out via email. You will also receive an email once you apply with access to our online portal where you can check the status of your application.

Question 53

My application has been waitlisted. When will I receive a final decision? May I submit additional information?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

The Admissions Committee will begin to review applicants on the waitlist throughout the admissions process. Please be advised that this review often continues throughout the summer and fall and we may not have a final decision until weeks before the term begins. Candidates on the waitlist will receive a second full-file review by the Committee, so candidates are encouraged to submit additional new information, such as updated resumes and statements of interest. No set number of seats in the entering class are reserved for candidates on the waitlist, and decisions to admit candidates from the waitlist are made on a space available basis.

Question 54

If I am accepted as a Part-Time Program student, can I switch to full-time at some point in the program or vice versa?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Yes, while we would like to be notified as soon as possible we understand that circumstances change. The registrar will work with you to update your schedule and academic plan.

Question 55

What is your policy on deferment?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

We do not offer deferments. If an applicant is interested in being considered for the following application year they will need to submit a new application, resume, and personal statement.

Question 56

How do I apply as a transfer student?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

To be admitted with advanced standing, a transfer applicant must have earned credit for at least 24 semester hours at an ABA-accredited law school. The college will not award credit for more than 30 semester hours earned at another law school. Transfer applicants are required to submit the following:

A completed application for admission
The $55 non-refundable application fee
An official letter of good standing from the law school from which the applicant is attempting to transfer
Personal statement
Resume
An official transcript reflecting all law grades earned

If you are waiting for your final grades, we ask that you send your application, supporting documentation, and the official transcript before the deadline of June 15 for fall transfer applicants and November 15 for spring transfer applicants or as soon as documents are available. Decisions on transfer files cannot be made, however, until all the above items are received.

Question 57

Can I take classes at STCL Houston if I am not a student there?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

A student from another ABA-accredited law school may apply to South Texas College of Law Houston as a visiting student, subject to availability of space. Visiting students must submit the following:

An application for admission
The $55 non-refundable application fee
A letter of good standing from their law school indicating that transfer credit will be accepted towards the student’s degree program.
Visiting students will be required to pay registration fees and tuition in full at the time of registration. Visiting students are prohibited from applying as a transfer student once they have visited at South Texas College of Law Houston.

Question 58

Can I audit a class?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

Only current STCL Houston students and in some cases, STCLH alumni, can audit classes.

Question 59

I am an attorney in another country. Do I have to get a J.D. to take the Texas bar?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

If you are not licensed in your country, you must definitely get a J.D; however, after your first year of law school, you may be able to receive 30 hours of credit for your prior law school work.

If you have practiced in your country for 5 years of the last preceding 7 years; from a common law country; or have an LL.M., then you may be able to take the bar. Contact the Board of Law Examiners to confirm the rules (512) 463-1621 or https://www.ble.state.tx.us/

Question 60

What joint degrees do you offer?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

We offer a joint JD/MBA program with Texas A&M University and the University of St. Thomas.

Question 61

How do I get into a joint degree program?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

For all of the joint degree program, you need to apply to both our program and theirs and be accepted by both. Admitted students will apply for the MBA program after their first year of Law School.

Question 62

When is your deadline?

BlueAtlas · Accepted Answer

For Fall 2024, our Priority Deadline is on February 9th, and the final deadline is May 10th. As for Spring 2025, the priority deadline is set for September 23rd, with the final deadline being November 25th to qualify for our priority deadline, which includes a fee waiver, you must submit your application, resume, and personal statement. Test scores and CAS reports can be provided after the deadline.

Question 63

What do I need to apply?

Accepted Answer

In order to apply to our program you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and a current LSAT or GRE score, an STCLH application, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume. All applicants must also register with CAS.

Question 64

Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in pre-law or a law related field?

Accepted Answer

While we require an accredited bachelor’s degree it does not need to be in a specific area or focus.

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