APPLYING TO LAW SCHOOL: Dean's Letters or Certification Forms
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What are Dean's Certification Forms?
Disclosure
Dean's Letter Instructions for Current Students
Dean's Letter Instructions for Alumni

What are Dean's Certification Forms?

• Some law schools require submission of a Dean’s Letter or Dean’s Certification which asks college(s) whether a law school applicant has been subject to disciplinary action or academic probation.

• Dean’s certifications give Hunter an opportunity to support your applications by including a letter that explains aspects of your academic program, highlights strengths, notes significant extracurricular activities and outside employment, and explains any extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance.

• If you have attended undergraduate institutions other than Hunter, you may need to obtain a Dean’s certification from those schools as well.
  
  

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Disclosure

• Applicants who have had academic difficulties or have a record of violation of college rules should inform the Pre-Law Advisor. After discussing the circumstances with the applicant, the Pre-Law Advisor can assist in writing an “addendum” to law school applications about situations that require explanation.

• Please note that if there is a criminal or disciplinary violation in your background, it is advisable to disclose the facts when you apply to law school as failing to do so can have serious consequences. If not disclosed at this time, they may surface when you apply for admission to a bar.
  
  

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Dean's Letter Instructions for Current Students

• Hunter does not use the law school forms. It uses its own form which is accepted by law schools. Please complete the top of the Hunter College Dean’s Certification Form. Please be sure to sign the form and provide your contact information.

• Complete the Pre-Law Questionnaire and Waiver Form and attach your résumé and personal statement for law school. It is also helpful (but optional) if you request that copies of letters of recommendation be sent to Pre-Law Advising.
  
  
• Make an appointment with the Pre-Law Advisor to submit and discuss the Dean’s letter.

• Provide stamped letter-sized envelopes, addressed to the law school(s).

• Dean’s certifications are sent directly from Hunter to individual law schools. At your request, a letter (with explanatory/supporting info) can be submitted to schools that do not require a certification (please provide stamped envelopes addressed to the school/s to which you would like the letter to be sent).
  
  

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Dean's Letter Instructions for Alumni (two options)

Option One:
If you need a Dean’s Letter quickly, the Pre-Law Advisor will ask the appropriate college official to check your disciplinary record and will complete the law school form(s). Please:

• Print out and complete the top of the Hunter form.  Please be sure to sign the form and to attach your contact information.

• Provide stamped letter-sized envelopes, addressed to the law school(s)

• Send these materials to: Barbara Landress, Pre-Law Advisor, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, Room 1134 East, New York, NY 10021
  

Option Two:
Alumni who want a more detailed letter may follow the process outlined above for current students.  For this option, please schedule a meeting to be held either in person or by phone with the Pre-Law Advisor.

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