Prospective Students - General
How many applications do you receive?
It may vary year to year from 2300 and 2800 applications.
What is your class size?
We anticipate a class size of approximately 185 students.
Do you have different categories of admission?
Yes. Students who meet the appropriate criteria could apply in our Indigenous, Access, Mature, or Canadian Forces categories of admissions. More details may be found here: Discretionary Categories.
Does Western have any quotas or caps for any category of applicants?
No. In general, we are looking for strong applicants in all categories of admission.
What is required to be a competitive candidate?
A competitive candidate in the General Category will have completed a minimum of three years of undergraduate university study, (although most of our admitted students have completed a four-year degree), have an A- (82-84%) (GPA 3.7) average preferably overall, but particularly for the last two full years of study, and an LSAT score above the 80th percentile.
Will OLSAS convert my grades?
Visit the Ontario Law School Application Service website to access the OLSAS Grade Conversion Table. Find your University on the "Institution Scale Chart," then use the appropriate column to determine what OLSAS value (GPA) will be assigned to each of your grades.
If I provide you with my LSAT score and grades, can you tell me my chances of admission?
While we can tell you whether you may present as a competitive candidate in terms of LSAT score and grades, it is not possible to predict chances of admission in advance based on those metrics alone. Chances of admission also depend on your personal profile and the applicant pool with which you are competing in the year you apply.
Is there more emphasis placed on an applicant’s grades or LSAT score?
We look at both without placing emphasis on one more than the other, as a general rule, but that can vary depending on the application. In short, we assess applications holistically.
What does the holistic application review include?
In addition to strong LSAT scores and grades, we are looking for well-rounded applicants with a variety of experiences (work, public service, leadership, etc.) and skills, including strong communication and social skills. We also consider your personal statement, reference letters, and the LSAT Writing. Please see the following illustration about our holistic application review process.
Will a high LSAT make up for a low GPA, or vice versa?
It depends on the strength of both. Generally, a very weak GPA or LSAT cannot be overcome with a high LSAT, or GPA, as the case may be. We like to see solid ability in all three areas we assess: academic performance, LSAT performance, and your personal profile.
If English is not my first language, do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
Proof of English proficiency is required if English is not your first language and your university education was in a language other than English. Please see our English Language Proficiency requirements.
Is there a particular program of pre-law study you would recommend?
We do not recommend or prescribe any pre-law program of study, as there is value in having a well-rounded knowledge base. Every year, we admit students from over 40 different programs. You should take a program of study you enjoy and in which you believe you will excel. However, we do encourage you to take courses where you will have significant opportunities to research and write, as these are critical skills for legal study and practice.
Does Western offer part-time study?
We offer an extended-time program where you may complete your JD degree in four, five, or six years instead of three. This is not a “night-school” program, however. You are required to have flexibility in your schedule. If you are interested in this program you should select this option when you apply through OLSAS and mention in your personal statement your reasons for requesting it.
What is Western Law’s tuition?
Tuition and supplemental fees are $21,840 for Ontario residents, and $23,900 for domestic out-of-province students. The supplemental fees include Student Activity Fees, Student Health and Dental Plan, and a London Transit Bus Pass.
