Applications to Dual Programs

[bd622]

Do you happen to be familiar with the application process for dual programs? For most of the schools that I plan to apply to, the two applications are reviewed separately and separate admissions decisions on the two sides of the program are made. As such, law school applications seem much more time-sensitive, and I am wondering if I should focus on getting them out and then move to the other applications, or if I should be aiming to submit them concurrently. I'm taking my LSAT for the first time in October. If you happen to have a timeline for dual program, that would be great.

Thank you!

[Anne Chaconas]

Hi bd622,

Dual programs tend to be a little different from school to school when it comes to deadlines, submissions, and requirements. As such, there isn't really a "timeline" that can be applied across the board. My first suggestion is that you undertake a side-by-side comparison of what you will need for each application, when deadlines are, and what you need to do and/or request in order get everything done. Often, each application will ask for similar things (aside from the essays you may need to complete): transcript(s), résumé, letters of recommendation. You can get these done and/or requested simultaneously, which will save you time.

When it comes to timing, the advice I've given students in the past is that they attempt to submit both around the same time (if at all possible). This is simply due to logistics--if you can get both submitted at the same time, you know that each school will be able to evaluate your app without having to wait for the other, and you are likely to get an admissions decision on both sooner. However, it won't hurt you if you don't, as long as you submit both before the deadline (and preferably considerably ahead of it). When it comes to submission of your applications, both will benefit from submission considerably ahead of the official application deadline, so aim to have everything submitted before the end of the year. This should give you plenty of time to complete both applications well.

Do you have to take any other standardized tests? To which schools are you applying? If you are willing to give me a little more information, I'm glad to give you a more specific plan. Without specifics, I'm afraid I can only give you very general advice.

Best of luck!

[bd622]

Hi Anne,

Thank you so much for your reply. I am not sure yet as to all of the schools and programs to which I am applying.

In almost all of the programs though the candidate is asked to apply to each program separately and candidates must gain separate admission to each program. However, I'm wondering whether you know, even when an applicant must gain separate admission, if not being accepted to one side of the program could be a reason for rejection from the law side of the program, and vice versa. Or, are the decisions made entirely mutually exclusively?

Thank you so much for your assistance.

[Anne Chaconas]

Whether applications are mutually exclusive will depend entirely upon the program--some will only let you attend if you've been admitted to both, while others will let you complete the JD even if you haven't been admitted to the MPH part (if you are admitted to the MPH but not the JD, there aren't very many--if any--programs that will let you complete the MHP part, since traditional MPH candidates have stricter and more varied requirements than dual-degree JD/MPH candidates. These are primarily JD programs with MPH components). I suggest contacting the admissions offices for each of the schools you're interested in and asking; it's important for you to have this information on hand and plan for contingencies.

My initial advice would still stand: Work on your apps now, get everything completed and submitted before the end of the year (November, if you can). Make a list of what you'll need, and start compiling it all. Focus mostly on the LSAT until you take it (give it an 80/20 split--80% of your time on LSAT prep, 20% on application prep), and start brainstorming, outlining, and drafting any essays you need to submit. Make sure to request letters of rec and transcripts NOW, as well--they can take a while to get, and then LSAC has to process them, too. You may need extra copies sent directly to the MHP programs, depending on their policies. Once you've taken the LSAT, take a couple of days off, and then put yourself in application overdrive, getting everything ready for submission as soon as your LSAT score is available.

Hope that helps! Best of luck!