The application asks for you to indicate for which division you wish to apply: full time or part time (for those schools that offer part time).  For the majority of the applications, you are allowed only to check one or the other.  But some schools allow you to check both.

I’ve learned from working with my clients that most of you prefer the full-time program.  However, I’ve always considered it my job to make you aware of all of your options, and I leave it up to you to make the best decision that meets your interests.

If a school permits you to apply to both divisions, I encourage you to do so.  Why not increase your chances of being accepted?  Generally – and you’ll wish to verify this with the Admissions Office – after you complete your first year of law school, as long as you are not on probation, you should be able to switch divisions.  You can finish your degree as a full-time student, but be aware that there is a sequence of classes that you’ll need to fulfill with your original part-time cohort.  It also may take you an additional semester to graduate, but be sure to verify this with the Registrar’s Office.

If you receive a defer decision or be put on the waitlist, the Admissions Committee might give you the option of being considered for the part-time division as well as the full-time division to which you originally applied.  Once again, please think about the advice above.

Now, for those of you who have already applied to law school, if the law school gives you the opportunity to request admission to both divisions – and you have yet to hear a decision – call the Admissions Office and ask if you can send in an additional letter requesting to be considered for both.

As always, the decision stands with you, but you owe it to yourself to explore all your options.