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How to Apply

The 2008-2009 program is underway and is no longer accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2009 Details will be posted in Spring Program location: UW campus, Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

• Admission Requirements
• Application Process
• Fees and Tuition
• Earning the Certificate

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year institution.

2. Relevant transferable skills, including, but not limited to, the ability to work independently, project management skills, objectivity and conscientious attention to details.

English Competency

All Paralegal students are expected to be able to understand (reading and listening skills) and write English at an upper division undergraduate level. The paralegal field not only requires that students be able to understand lectures in English delivered at a rapid pace, but also to learn the special jargon that is key to legal work. Applicants for whom English is not a first language may assess their own skills by attending information meetings where they will have an opportunity to speak with an instructor and others whose speech is typical of that in class. The program does not state a minimum TOEFL level for admission, however a suggested level is 540 (207 in the computerized version).

People for whom English is a second language should be confident of their ability in English before registering for the Paralegal Studies Program. Special help is not available to them through the Program, and refunds are not given to enrolled students who find that their ability in English is not sufficient.

International Students: This program does not qualify as full-time study, and therefore does not meet requirements for an F-1 visa. However, if you are an F-1 student currently enrolled full-time in another program, OR you are in the U.S. on some other type of visa (not F-1), you may be eligible to take a certificate program or course. For complete details, or to contact an adviser, see Visa Information.

All applicants are asked to submit applications materials that are entirely their own work, unedited by others. These will be considered as evidence of competence in written English during the admissions process.

Application Process

The 2008-2009 program is underway and is no longer accepting applications. The next program begins in Autumn 2009. Click here to be notified via e-mail when complete details for the next program are available online. The following information regarding the application process may be helpful as you plan for applying to the next program:

To Apply: Please submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and two stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing a) your relevant work and volunteer experience, and/or transferable skills and knowledge of the field, and b) how you expect the program will help you meet your professional goals
2. Your résumé listing education and applicable experience
3. Your college transcript from the institution, including the UW, which awarded your highest or most pertinent degree. Unofficial transcripts, including photocopies, are acceptable.

Application Review: Applications are evaluated by a review committee designated by the advisory board. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance within two weeks after their application is received.

Enrollment: Applicants accepted to the program receive enrollment information for the first-term course and are encouraged to make their fall tuition payment early. Enrollment in the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, upon receipt of the first-term tuition payment.

Waitlist: Some programs maintain a waitlist for applicants accepted after the program has reached enrollment capacity. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to enroll. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the next program offering.

* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Fees and Tuition

Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $4,095, excluding certificate program and registration fees and textbooks. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term. First-term tuition of $1,365, plus the $35 nonrefundable registration fee, is due two weeks before the start of the first course. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Information on registration and refund policies and procedures is included with registration materials.

Earning the Certificate

Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by the advisory board and instructors. At the end of each course, participants are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion. Because courses are arranged sequentially, participants need to successfully complete classes in the previous term before they advance to the next term.

When the required courses are completed in this noncredit program, participants earn a certificate, which is presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony.