St. Francis Admissions (ADM 100-013)

1.0 Purpose

This policy outlines the admissions requirements and procedures for prospective students applying to St. Francis School of Law. The policy details required application materials, eligibility criteria, and licensure considerations to ensure that applicants meet the academic and regulatory standards necessary for legal education.

2.0 Definitions

Application for Admission – The official online form that prospective students must complete and submit to be considered for enrollment at St. Francis School of Law.

Academic Acceptance Committee (AAC) – The committee responsible for reviewing applications holistically and making admissions decisions based on applicant qualifications.

Official Transcripts – Academic records issued directly to the receiving institution by the postsecondary institution(s) attended, submitted electronically or by mail.

Personal Essay – A 500 to 1,000-word written statement submitted by the applicant that outlines their background, motivations, and professional goals for earning a law degree.

Declaration and Affirmation for Admission – A required document for applicants residing outside of California, confirming their intent to seek employment in California upon successful completion of the program.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)/Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) – Standardized tests used for law school or graduate school admissions. While not required, scores from either exam must be submitted if available.

Letter of Standing – A document provided by a prior law school, if applicable, verifying the applicant's status and academic history at that institution.

3.0 Scope

This policy applies to all prospective students applying for admission to the Juris Doctor (JD) program at St. Francis School of Law. The policy also provides guidelines for applicants who reside outside of California and those with prior legal education experience.

4.0 Policy Statement

St. Francis School of Law is committed to providing an accessible and rigorous legal education for students who are prepared for the academic challenge of a Juris Doctor (JD) program and dedicated to a future in the legal profession.

The admissions process evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic background, professional experience, personal integrity, and motivation for pursuing legal education. St. Francis enrolls new Juris Doctor students twice per year, in the Fall and Spring terms, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Before the start of classes, all admitted students participate in a comprehensive orientation designed to facilitate a smooth transition into law school and introduce them to the academic community.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution or a nationally accredited institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education. Equivalent international degrees may also be considered.

Applicants must meet or exceed the pre-legal education requirements set by the State Bar of California and must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale in all postsecondary education. If there are any questions regarding an applicant’s pre-legal education qualifications, the applicant may submit an Application for Evaluation of Pre-Legal Education to the State Bar of California for verification.

While the LSAT or GRE are not required for admission, applicants who have taken the LSAT or GRE must submit their official score report prior to the Academic Acceptance Committee’s review of their application. Additionally, applicants who have taken the GRE are encouraged to submit their scores as part of their application.

St. Francis School of Law is committed to transparency regarding how prior criminal convictions or institutional discipline may impact legal education and future licensure. Applicants with a prior criminal conviction are required to submit a detailed explanation of each conviction and a signed Criminal Conviction Disclosure Form, provided by the Admissions Office. Since a prior conviction may affect eligibility to practice law in California, applicants are encouraged to review the State Bar of California’s Moral Character requirements before applying.

Applicants with prior institutional disciplinary history are also encouraged to provide full transparency in their application. Those who have been suspended, dismissed, or otherwise disciplined by a prior educational institution for conduct-related reasons must submit a detailed explanation of the incident and a signed Institution Discipline Disclosure Form, which will be provided by the Admissions Office.

St. Francis School of Law welcomes applicants who have previously attended law school and will work with each student to determine the best path forward in their legal education. Applicants with prior law school experience must submit official transcripts from all prior law studies. In some cases, students may be required to restart their legal education. If required, the applicant must submit a Starting First-Year Law Studies Over Certification to the State Bar of California and provide St. Francis with a copy of the approved certification upon receipt.

Applicants who have been previously disqualified or dismissed from any law school due to academic reasons may still be considered for admission if they can demonstrate the ability to successfully complete legal studies. Such applicants may qualify under one of two conditions:

• Exceptional Circumstances – Applicants may apply at any time if they provide credible evidence that their prior academic disqualification was due to an event or hardship that impacted their performance.
• Demonstrated Growth Over Time – Applicants may apply after a waiting period of at least two (2) years if they can demonstrate that professional, academic, or personal development during this time has strengthened their ability to succeed in law school.

Each case will be reviewed carefully by the Academic Acceptance Committee, and if admitted, the Dean will document the rationale for the decision in the applicant’s file.

At St. Francis School of Law, we recognize that every applicant brings unique experiences and perspectives. Our goal is to ensure a fair, thorough, and transparent admissions process while supporting students in achieving their legal education and career goals.

5.0 Procedures

Application Submission- Prospective students must complete and submit the St. Francis School of Law online application, available at.  Once submitted, applications will be reviewed holistically by the Academic Acceptance Committee (AAC). Applicants may be required to revise, supplement, or provide additional documentation before a final decision is made.

Required Application Materials- To ensure a complete application, the following materials must be submitted:

• Official Transcripts
  • Applicants must submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, including undergraduate, graduate, and, if applicable, prior legal education.
  • Electronic transcripts are preferred and should be sent to admissions@stfrancislaw.com.
  • If mailing transcripts, they should be sent to:
    St. Francis School of Law
    Office of Admissions
    1020 S. Washington Street
    Owosso, MI 48867
  • Questions regarding transcript requirements should be directed to admissions@stfrancislaw.com or 800-931-2694.
• Personal Essay
  • Applicants must submit a 500-1,000 word original essay addressed to the Academic Acceptance Committee.
  • The essay should introduce the applicant’s background, motivations, and professional aspirations related to legal education.
  • Essays must demonstrate clarity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to legal study.
• Current Resume
  • A detailed and up-to-date resume must be submitted, outlining the applicant’s academic background, work experience, leadership roles, and relevant skills.
• Letters of Recommendation
  • At least one (1) letter of recommendation is required, with the option to submit up to three (3).
  • Letters may be from professional, academic, or personal sources. However, only one letter per category should be submitted.
  • Recommenders should speak to the applicant’s work ethic, analytical skills, motivation, and integrity.
• Declaration and Affirmation for Admission (For Applicants Residing Outside of California)
  • Applicants who reside outside of California must complete and submit the Declaration and Affirmation for Admission to St. Francis School of Law form before their application can be reviewed by the Academic Acceptance Committee.
  • This form affirms the applicant’s intent to seek employment in California after completing the program, in accordance with 34 CFR 668.14(b)(32).

• Additional Documentation (If Applicable)
  • Applicants with Prior Law School Experience
    • Must submit official transcripts from prior law studies.
    • A letter of standing from their previous institution may be required.International Applicants
    • May be required to submit a credential evaluation and English proficiency test scores.
  • Applicants Disclosing Prior Criminal Convictions
    • Must submit a detailed explanation of each conviction, including the date, circumstances, and resolution.
    • Must sign and submit the Criminal Conviction Disclosure Form, provided by the Admissions Office.
    • Since a prior criminal conviction may impact licensure, applicants are encouraged to review the State Bar of California’s Moral Character requirements before applying: State Bar of California - Moral Character Guidelines

• Applicants with Prior Institutional Discipline
  • Must submit a detailed explanation of the disciplinary action taken by a previous educational institution.
  • Must sign and submit the Institution Discipline Disclosure Form, provided by the Admissions Office.
• Applicants with Prior Institutional Discipline
  • Applicants are encouraged to submit all application materials electronically to admissions@stfrancislaw.com whenever possible.
  • Mailed documents should be sent to the Office of Admissions at the address listed above.
• Special Considerations for Prior Law School Disqualification:  Applicants previously disqualified or dismissed from law school for academic reasons may qualify for admission under the following conditions:
  • Exceptional Circumstances – Applicants may apply immediately if they provide credible evidence that their disqualification resulted from an event or hardship rather than an inability to complete legal studies.
  • Demonstrated Growth Over Time – Applicants may reapply after at least two (2) years if they can demonstrate significant academic, professional, or personal development that strengthens their ability to succeed in law school.
  • Applicants required to restart their legal education must submit a Starting First-Year Law Studies Over Certification to the State Bar of California: Starting Over Certification Form
  • St. Francis must receive a copy of the approved certification from the State Bar of California before registering for classes.
• Final Decision & Enrollment
  • Once all required documents are received and reviewed, the Academic Acceptance Committee will make a final admissions decision.
  • Applicants will be notified of their admissions status via email.
  • Admitted students will receive next steps for enrollment, including orientation details.

6.0 Responsibilities

The admissions process at St. Francis School of Law is a collaborative effort between the applicant, the admissions team, and the Academic Acceptance Committee (AAC). Each plays a critical role in ensuring a fair and efficient evaluation process.

Student

Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete and accurate application, including all required documents such as transcripts, a personal essay, a current resume, and at least one letter of recommendation. If applicable, they must also provide disclosure forms and explanations related to prior law school disqualifications, institutional disciplinary history, or criminal convictions. Students should proactively monitor their application status, respond promptly to requests for additional materials or clarifications, and, if uncertain about eligibility, request an Evaluation of Pre-Legal Education from the State Bar of California before applying. Upon admission, students must follow all enrollment instructions, including participation in orientation and submission of any outstanding documents.

Admission Staff

The Admissions Office is responsible for facilitating the application process, ensuring that all materials are received and organized, and maintaining clear communication with applicants. The team conducts an initial review of each application to verify eligibility and completeness before forwarding it to the AAC for a final decision. Admissions staff provide guidance to prospective students regarding program requirements, licensure considerations, and the application process. If an admissions interview is required, the office coordinates and schedules the interview with the applicant and AAC members. Additionally, the Admissions Office ensures compliance with institutional policies, maintains accurate documentation of all admissions decisions, and supports students throughout the enrollment process.

Academic Acceptance Committee

The Academic Acceptance Committee (AAC) plays a key role in conducting a holistic review of each applicant’s qualifications. The AAC evaluates academic history, professional experience, personal essays, and letters of recommendation to determine an applicant’s readiness for law school. In cases where additional information is needed, the committee may request supplemental materials or clarification. The AAC is also responsible for reviewing applications that may require conditional admission, ensuring that all admissions decisions align with the standards and mission of St. Francis School of Law.

By working together, applicants, the Admissions Office, and the AAC create a thorough and transparent admissions process that supports student success and upholds the integrity of the institution’s legal education program.

7.0 Citations & Related Information

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