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Application Process

Can the Gates Public Service Law Scholarship be used at other universities?

No. The Gates PSL Scholarship is awarded only to students who enroll in the JD program at the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ.

If I’m not sure which law school I want to attend, can I still apply for the Gates PSL Scholarship?

In order to be considered for a Gates PSL Scholarship, you must be accepted into the JD program at the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ and have submitted a separate application for the scholarship. You’ll be considered for the scholarship, but if you’re accepted by the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ and decline to attend, you’ll no longer be eligible for the scholarship.

If I haven't taken the LSAT yet, can I take the February LSAT and still be considered for the Gates PSL Scholarship?

No. In order to be considered for the Gates PSL Scholarship, an admission decision would need to have been made by February. Because LSAT scores for the February exam are released mid- to late-March, the timing would be too late for consideration.

If I applied for the Gates PSL Scholarship last year and deferred enrollment, do I need to reapply for the scholarship?

Yes. You must complete and submit a new application for the Gates PSL Scholarship.

Will I receive confirmation from the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ that my Gates PSL Scholarship application has arrived?

Yes. After the Gates PSL Scholarship Program Office has received your scholarship application, we’ll send you an email confirmation. We’ll also inform you if your application is missing any items.

Should I fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

Yes by Feb. 28. Even if you’re applying for the Gates PSL Scholarship, we recommend that you also complete and submit a FAFSA. Once your FAFSA has been received, the Office of Student Financial Aid will determine whether you’re eligible to receive other financial assistance in the event you aren’t awarded a Gates PSL Scholarship.

Do I need to write and submit a separate essay for the Gates PSL Scholarship in addition to the personal statement that’s part of my application for the JD program at the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ?

Yes. A separate essay, not to exceed 700 words in length, is a required part of the Gates PSL Scholarship application. In your essay, you should discuss the factors that have shaped your vision and influenced your commitment to public service.

Can I use the same recommenders for the Gates PSL Scholarship as I did in my application for the JD program at the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ?

Recommendations for your Gates PSL Scholarship application can be from the same people, but it’s a good idea to make sure that your recommenders highlight your commitment to public service and potential for contributing to it.

The Gates PSL Scholarship application requires a résumé with details of public service experience. Should the résumé include my education, work experience, etc., or just my public service experience?

The résumé should include all your experiences: education, work and public service. This will help the members of the Gates PSL Scholarship Selection Committee to get a better sense of what you would bring to the program. If you wish to use your résumé from your JD application, indicate that on your Gates Application.

Is there an age limit for applicants?

No. As long as you are eligible to be admitted to the JD program you are eligible for consideration for the Gates PSL Scholarship Program, regardless of your age.

Will my Gates PSL Scholarship application be reviewed even though my JD application is still under review?

The Admissions Office makes every effort to provide a decision to Gates PSL Scholarship applicants so that their application is not held up and can move forward in the process. If there are extenuating circumstances that the Admissions Office cannot proceed with your JD application, they will work with the candidate to resolve the issue.

Public Service

What is the definition of public service for purposes of the Gates PSL Scholarship Program?

For a detailed definition, see Terms and Conditions.

If my goal after graduation is to do public service with an international organization, will that type of work satisfy the Gates PSL Scholarship’s public service requirement?

As long as the public service work fits within the Gates PSL Scholarship Program guidelines, your post-graduate public service law work can be accomplished anywhere in the world.