FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LL.M. Program
LL.C.M. Program
S.J.D. Program
Summer Program

LL.M. PROGRAM

Q. Do I have to take the TOEFL? What is the minimum score required?

Either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is required for all applicants to Penn Law's graduate programs whose native language is not English.  If you believe that this requirement should be waived in your case, please send us an e-mail via our Contact Us tool at http://www.law.upenn.edu/cf/adms/gradcontactus/

We do not set a minimum requirement for the score; however,  Penn Law generally looks for a TOEFL score of at least 250 (CBT), 600 (WBT) or 100 (IBT); or a 7 on the IELTS test.

We have, however, made exceptions depending on the other strengths and specific circumstances of particular applicants, and therefore a lower score does not automatically preclude an applicant from consideration for Penn Law's LLM program.

Please feel free to highlight, in the personal statement portion of your application, any issues you feel might strengthen your application.

Q. What is the difference between the thesis track and the course track? Do I have to choose one when I apply?

Students who want to pursue only course work will choose the course track. Students who wish to do extensive research that culminates in a lengthy scholarly paper may choose the thesis track. Only those students who are capable of doing extensive independent research and who have strong writing skills should choose the thesis track.

Applicants who are interested in the course track should apply for it during the fall semester after their arrival at Penn.

Q. Does the LL.M. Program permit me to specialize? Can I specialize in the LL.M. Program?

The Penn Law LL.M. program offers students the opportunity to earn a general LL.M. degree through the creation of a personal curriculum that can be as broad or highly specialized as the student desires.   LL.M. students can choose from among approximately 65 courses each semester to sample a range of legal topics or, alternatively, choose their own concentration. Students have chosen concentrations in diverse areas such as corporate law, constitutional law, international business law and intellectual property. These are just a few examples of the areas of specialization.

Q. Must letters of recommendation be from professors?

While we prefer letters from professors, we understand that it is not always possible to obtain them or that others may be better situated to provide an in-depth evaluation. In this case, it is permissible to submit letters of recommendation from employers, colleagues or other professionals who can describe your abilities and achievements. We do recommend, however, that applicants provide at least one recommendation from an academic reference.

Q. Is financial aid available for LL.M. students?

Unfortunately, the Law School has very limited financial resources available for scholarships for LLM candidates. There are no specific forms that applicants need fill out in order to apply for financial aid, as all applicants are considered for financial assistance on a merit basis.

There are a number of factors that are considered in allocating financial aid, including each applicant's academic achievements, professional experience, and future promise.  Applicants should be aware, however, that the number of qualified candidates far outstrips the amount of financial assistance available for distribution.

Financial assistance offers are generally announced in the months of March and April.

Q. What is the Penn Law European Society (PLES) Scholarship?

PLES is the association of alumni and friends of Penn Law in Europe.  It has sponsored a scholarship that awards to a small number of LLM applicants (2-4) a partial or full tuition waiver along with the opportunity to work as a research assistant to a Penn Law faculty member. All applicants with a background in EU law, regardless of citizenship,  may be considered for the program.  Interested candidates should check off the appropriate box on the application form.

Selection is highly competitive, and made on the basis on high academic achievement, demonstrated character and prospective contribution to fellow students’ understanding Europe’s evolving legal context.

Q. Can I transfer from the LL.M. Program into the JD Program?

Penn Law LLM candidates may apply to transfer into the J.D. class.  They must compete against other transfer applicants, however, the vast majority of whom are current JD students at other US law schools. Admission to Penn Law's JD program for any of these candidates is extremely competitive.

Penn Law LLMs have two relative advantages in this process. First, they alone among transfer applicants are not required to have taken the LSAT exam. Second, they are able to submit letters of recommendation from Penn Law professors. Penn Law LLMs who successfully transfer to the JD program generally receive advanced standing for academic work completed in their home countries (not for their work in the LLM program). Thus, they generally start their JD studies as part of the 2L class and, after spending a total of three years at Penn Law, earn an LLM as well as a JD.

Q. Is there a part-time program?

We do not offer a part-time LL.M. program. Therefore, working full-time while enrolled in the program is not permitted.

Q. Do I need a law degree to apply to the LL.M. program?

In most cases, an applicant must have a law degree (or expect to receive one before arriving at Penn) in order to be considered for the program. However, we have made exceptions in some cases where it is clear that the applicant has sufficient knowledge to be eligible to apply. Typically, this would be for an individual with an advanced degree in a related field and/or one who has passed an examination in his/her country, allowing him/her to practice law there.

Q. How do I submit the application fee?

The application fee may be paid by credit card for those applying online, or by check (if funds are drawn on a U.S. bank), by international money postal order, or by travelers checks. Be sure to make the payment payable to the “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.”  We cannot accept wire transfers or checks drawn on banks outside the U.S.

LL.C.M. PROGRAM

Q. Can I choose a concentration in the LL.C.M. program?

Yes, you can focus your studies in a particular area of concentration. You can review the concentrations and the course offerings in the Degree Requirements section of the web.

Q. What if I choose not to concentrate in a particular area?

The LL.C.M. program has the flexibility to allow you to select the courses that are of interest to you. You do not have to select a concentration unless that is what you want.

Q. I do not have a Penn Law LL.M. May I apply for the LL.C.M?

You should be aware that it is unusual for an applicant to be admitted to the LL.C.M without having earned a Penn Law LL.M. You may apply for the LL.C.M., but the chances of being admitted will be less than that of a similarly situated applicant from Penn Law’s LL.M. program.

Q. Can I apply to the LL.C.M. program at the same time I apply to the LL.M. program?

Yes. Applicants applying to the LL.M. program may request admission to the LL.C.M. program to be completed immediately after receiving their LL.M.

Further, applicants applying to the LL.C.M. program who have not received an LL.M. from Penn Law, may apply to the LL.C.M. program and request that should their application not be accepted, they be considered for placement in Penn Law’s LL.M. Program.

S.J.D. PROGRAM

Q. I do not have a Penn Law LL.M. degree. May I apply to the S.J.D. Program?

Typically, admitted S.J.D. students have earned an LL.M. or J.D. from Penn Law. However, in some cases, we are able to admit students who do not have a degree from Penn Law. Individuals who have earned advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D. in their home country or those who have earned an LL.M. in a U.S. law school may apply.

Q. What kind of financial aid is available for S.J.D. students?

There is limited aid for S.J.D. candidates. Generally, only a few scholarships are offered each year, and they cover the majority of tuition and fees, but do not cover living expenses. There is no stipend offered to S.J.D. students.

Q. How long will it take to complete the S.J.D. program?

Candidates are permitted to complete the program in three years. It is our expectation that the candidate will complete the dissertation and successfully defend the dissertation within this time frame, although some candidates do complete the program in less time.

In exceptional cases, the candidate may request an extension of time of up to two years. Under no circumstances will the extension be granted beyond these two additional years.

Q. Do I have to select an advisor before I apply?

If the applicant is admitted, it will be the responsibility of the International Programs Committee to select an advisor.

Q. How long must the S.J.D. proposal be?

There is no requirement on the length of the proposal. However, the proposal should thoroughly describe the dissertation topic, the goal of the paper and how you expect to achieve this, the research methodology and the relevance of the topic.

SUMMER PROGRAM

Q. Can I apply to the Summer Program if I do not have a law degree?

In general, all applicants to the Summer Program must have received a law degree prior to the start of the program. Candidates who believe that a waiver of this requirement is warranted by special circumstances may submit such a request, with explanation, via our Contact Us tool at http://www.law.upenn.edu/cf/adms/gradcontactus/

Q. Can I choose apply to the Summer Program if I am not enrolled in the LL.M. Program at Penn Law?

Yes, Penn Law admits a small number of outstanding applicants to the Summer Program even though they have not been independently admitted to LL.M. Program.  For more information, please visit: http://www.law.upenn.edu/prospective/grad/summerprogram/

Q. If I am applying to the LL.M. Program, do I need to separately apply to the Summer Program?

No. The Summer Program is mandatory for all LL.M. candidates who matriculate at Penn Law. Accepted applicants to the LL.M. program are automatically be enrolled in the Summer Program.

Q. Do I need to take the TOEFL/IELTS if am applying only to the Summer Program?

Yes.  Candidates applying only to the Summer Program must take either the TOEFL or IELTS exam and arrange for results to be delivered to the Law School prior to deadline for applications to that program. Applicants who believe that a waiver of this requirement is warranted by special circumstances may submit such a request, via our Contact Us tool at http://www.law.upenn.edu/cf/adms/gradcontactus/