Applicants to the Accelerated J.D. Program should submit the following:

1. Evaluated Transcripts from all institutions attended (even if a degree was not received) through AACRAO. Applicants must submit a course by course evaluation, not a basic evaluation;
2. Proof of English Language Proficiency (see requirements below);
3. A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV);
4. Two letters of recommendation (we suggest that at least one letter be from a member of the applicant’s law faculty and that at least one be from a judge or practicing lawyer); and
5. A personal statement explaining your background, interest in studying law in the United States, and career goals.

Application Forms

Accelerated J.D. Application Instruction Sheet

Accelerated J.D. Application

Accelerated J.D. Educational Experience Form

The University of Arkansas is committed to the policy of providing educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of their economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, sex, creed, veteran’s status, age, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or national origin.

English Language Proficiency

For applicants whose first language is not English, we require an official TOEFL score of 550 or better on the paper-based exam, 79 on the internet-based test, or an official IELTS score of 6.5 or higher. The University also accepts the Pearson Test of English – Academic (PTE-A) as a measure of English proficiency. We require at least a 58 on the PTE-A. Additional evidence of language proficiency may be required. Proficiency scores should be submitted directly from the testing center to the School of Law. Our institution code is 6866.

Supplemental Financial Information/Certificate of Eligibility

International students admitted to the Accelerated J.D Program for Foreign-Trained Lawyers will enter the United States on either an F-1 Student Visa or a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa. The U.S. Immigration Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) will be forwarded to the student as soon as the completed and signed University of Arkansas Supplemental and Financial Information form is returned to our office by the student. Before departure for the United States, the student must present the I-20 Form and a valid passport to a U.S. consulate abroad in order to obtain a Student Visa (F-1). If a sponsor or government requests J-1 status for the student, and has not made special arrangements for the visa, we will issue an IAP-66 form requesting a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visit or J-1 status.

SEVIS Fee

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, and is the online database used to track all international students and scholars in the United States. Individuals applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa must pay a one-time SEVIS processing fee, called the I-901 fee. The SEVIS processing fee is $200 for F-1 visas and $180 for J-1 visas. You will need to bring a receipt of payment for this fee to your visa interview. For more information on the SEVIS fee and instructions on how to make payment, please visit the International Admissions website.

Visa Application

Enclosed with your I-20, will be instructions on the visa application process. It will be important for you to understand the application and interview process in your home country. The U.S. government publishes list of U.S. embassies with instructions on visa applications.