2021 Junior Deferral Program Cycle Overview

Over the last two years, we have attempted to demystify the application process by releasing the dates for each application cycle early.

Here is our expected timeline for the 2020–2021 Junior Deferral Program cycle:

March 1: JDP Application Opens

July 1: JDP Application Closes

Mid-July: Interview Invites Released

Late July: Acceptances

Late August: Deadline to Respond to Offer of Admission

Unlike the regular J.D. admissions process, the Junior Deferral Program does not operate on a rolling admissions basis. We will accept applications from the date the application opens through the application deadline. This means there is no direct benefit in applying earlier rather than later.

Our advice? Take the time you need to put your best foot forward and submit the highest quality application possible. But don’t wait until the last minute to begin thinking about your application. Consider when you will take the LSAT or GRE if you haven’t already done so. LSAT test dates are available here and GRE test dates are available here. Start thinking about who you will ask to write you a letter of recommendation. Be sure to give your recommenders plenty of time to write a quality letter on your behalf. Take time to update and edit your resume and utilize your school’s career center to review it before you submit. Make a plan and don’t be afraid to ask for advice and support from faculty, administrators, mentors, advisors, friends, and/or family when needed.

For more advice about the application process and components, we encourage you to explore the Inside the Black Box and Junior Deferral Program sections of our blog. You might also enjoy listening to the Navigating Law School Admissions podcast that we launched this past summer with the Yale Law School admissions team (and some special guests from Northwestern, UT-Austin, and Columbia). And please follow us on Instagram and Twitter to stay connected and learn more about HLS.

We look forward to reading your application this summer.