How to successfully apply for Boston University’s LLM programs: A full guide from its Director of Graduate Admissions

Whether you’re just graduating from law school or you have years of legal practice behind you, you’ve accomplished something significant. But when plenty of other candidates can say the same, what makes you stand out? That’s where an LLM from Boston University School of Law (BU Law) can come in. At the  #24 Best Law School in the US, you can specialize in American Law, Banking & Financial Law, Intellectual Property & Information Law, Taxation, or prepare to sit fora US Bar Exam. Whichever route you choose, BU Law provides one-on-one academic and professional advising to help you work towards your goals. And when you leave, you bring a global network of accomplished BU Law alumni with you.

If you’re planning on applying and standing out, Director of Graduate Admissions Michelle L’Etoile has more than 30 years of experience leading recruitment, admissions, and enrollment strategy for BU Law’s LLM programs to share. Here’s what she wants you to know.

BU Law LLM applicants (US- and foreign-trained) must have a first degree in law from an accredited or recognized law school. Source: Boston University

1. What would someone realistically need to get into BU Law’s world-class LLM programs?

To be accepted into BU Law’s LLM programs, you would need to demonstrate two things: the capacity to succeed in our programs and genuine, specific interest in what we offer.

Our admissions process is holistic. We’re not screening solely on GPA or years of experience. Instead, we assess your relevant experience, academic background, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and (for many candidates) an interview.

Here’s what successful applicants typically do:

• Demonstrate specific interest in the program. We can tell the difference between “I want an LLM” and “I want this LLM at this school.” In my years reviewing applications, the generic ones blur together. The ones that stand out are from people who’ve clearly thought about why BU Law. This shows up as relevant coursework, internship experience in the field, substantive work experience tied to your specialization, or a thoughtful personal statement that explains why our program will help you achieve your goals.
• Build a professional track record. If you graduated from law school years ago, your law school GPA doesn’t matter as much. Instead, we look at what you’ve accomplished since: internships, promotions, successful projects, client work, and demonstrated expertise in your field. I’ve seen recent professional success be a far better predictor of LLM performance than grades from a decade ago.
• Display strong English language proficiency. Law school demands rigorous written and oral communication. If English isn’t your first language, we need evidence that you can operate fluently in the classroom and in writing.

We value candidates from diverse backgrounds, countries, industries, and practice settings. Each year, we admit recent graduates and people decades into their careers, as well as students from over 30 countries. I’ve found that the most vibrant classes include both someone fresh from law school with academic excellence and someone with 15 years of specialized practice. This mix makes the classroom discussions more interesting and gives students different perspectives on the material.

Tell us who you are, show us you’ve thought carefully about what you want to study and why, and demonstrate that you have the English language skills and professional capacity to thrive here.

2. What GPA do applicants need to have for a chance of getting into BU Law’s LLM programs?

We don’t have a minimum GPA requirement because we review applications holistically, considering your institution’s rigor, your professional accomplishments, and relevant coursework for your intended specialization. A GPA number means very different things depending on where you studied and when you studied, so we adjust accordingly.

Our admissions committee takes into account academic achievements, professional experience, involvement in the community, and any other factors you provide. We also consider the context of your environment, background, and life experiences.

Factors we consider include:

• Academic achievements in the context of your institution and grading system
• Professional experience and what you’ve accomplished since graduation
• Coursework relevant to your intended LLM specialization
• Community involvement and life experiences
• The overall picture of your qualifications and potential to succeed

As we review applicants from around the world with different grading and assessment systems, what matters more is the overall picture of your qualifications and potential to succeed in our programs, not a single number.

For our specialized LLM programs, grades in courses related to your intended specialization carry more weight than your overall performance. For example, if you’re applying for Tax, we look closely at your tax coursework. Relevant internship and work experience in your intended field also carries significant weight, especially when we’re trying to assess whether you’ll do well in the program.

If you’ve been out of school for three years or more, relevant work experience can compensate for lower grades. We’re far more interested in what you’ve accomplished professionally and what expertise you’ve developed than in grades from years ago. I’ve seen candidates with modest GPAs build impressive careers, and that matters to us.

3. What’s your advice for starting the application process if someone is totally new to it and wants to approach it strategically?

Start planning at least a year in advance because every component of this process, including transcript delivery, letters of recommendation, essay writing, application processing, external scholarships, and visa processing, takes longer than you think. Starting early gives you the buffer you need to avoid missing deadlines or losing funding and admissions competitiveness. You should:

• Request official transcripts from your university as early as possible. Depending on your institution and country, this can be extremely lengthy. Postal delivery to the US can take up to a month, and processing takes a minimum of two weeks.
• Give the person writing your letter of recommendation at least a month’s notice.
• Take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exams before filling out your application so the scores are ready to be submitted immediately.
• Start your personal essay at least a month before you apply, giving yourself time to brainstorm, draft, edit, and review.
• Apply early for sufficient time to navigate admissions and secure your visa. External scholarships like the Fulbright can take up to a year before notification. Once admitted, the visa process takes several months or even a year in some countries, plus additional embassy review time.

Here are the most common mistakes I see students making:

• Applying too close to deadlines. Even if you meet the deadline, processing delays mean your application arrives later in our review cycle, affecting both admissions and scholarships.
• Delaying transcript requests, underestimating postal and processing time.
• Rushing recommenders or choosing weak ones. Generic letters hurt your profile.
• Submitting an essay without thorough review. We can tell when an applicant has rushed this, and it weakens your competitiveness.

We review on a rolling basis, so earlier applicants access larger scholarship pools and receive decisions sooner. Starting a year in advance gives you time for every step without unnecessary worry.

4. Does BU Law value professional experience more than academic backgrounds?

No professional experience is required for our LLM programs. We have a wide range of applicants, and what matters most depends on your specific profile. Some applicants are just graduating from law school. Others have been working for a few years or even for decades. We admit both. Professional experience can strengthen your candidacy, particularly in scholarship consideration or if your academic profile is weaker. But it’s not a deal-breaker if you don’t have it.

If you don’t have professional experience:

• Internship experience in your intended field is a strong positive factor. It shows you’ve tested your interest and developed relevant skills.
• Passing your country’s bar licensure exam demonstrates competence and commitment to the legal profession.
• Demonstrated interest in the program through specific coursework related to your intended LLM specialization (Tax courses for a Tax applicant, IP courses for an IP applicant, etc.) significantly helps your case.
• Having a compelling reason for pursuing the degree now matters. We’ve admitted recent graduates whose personal statements showed deep reflection about their goals and why they needed this credential at this stage. That clarity of purpose outweighed their lack of years in practice.

If you have professional experience:

Work experience strengthens your application, particularly if it’s directly tied to your intended specialization. But it’s not automatic. I’ve seen applications from attorneys with 20 years of experience get passed over because their personal statements were generic or they hadn’t articulated why they needed an LLM at this point in their career.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone decades into your career, what matters is demonstrating genuine interest in the program, clarity about your goals, and the capacity to succeed in a US graduate law program. Professional experience helps, but it’s not the deciding factor.

5. Do I need to take any of the following tests: the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)?

No, you do not need the LSAT, GRE, or GMAT for our LLM programs, whether you’re an experienced professional or a recent law graduate.

Instead, we focus on your academic record, your letters of recommendation, your professional experience, and your personal statement. These are far better predictors of success in a graduate law program than a test score.

The only standardized test we require for admission is English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) unless:

• Your native language is English, or
• You received your undergraduate or first law degree in a country where English is both the language of instruction and the only official language

English language proficiency is essential because law school demands rigorous written and oral communication. We need confidence that you can engage fully in the classroom, write legal analyses, and participate in discussions. This is a genuine predictor of success, unlike the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT.

Source: Boston University

A complete application to a BU Law LLM program should include your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, English language test scores, and current resume or CV. Source: Boston University

6. How important are letters of recommendation? Must they come from a current manager?

Letters of recommendation are crucial, and I’d rate them an eight out of ten in importance. They help us gauge what kind of student you’ll be, how you’ll fit into our community, and they reveal attributes that can’t be seen elsewhere in your application. Your transcripts show what you achieved, and your personal statement tells us what you want to do. But your letters tell us who you are as a person and a colleague. They reveal your work ethic, your determination, how you handle challenges, and what it’s actually like to work with you. In a graduate program, you’ll be collaborating with classmates and engaging with faculty. Character and integrity matter enormously.

Your letters do not need to come from a current manager. We welcome letters from a range of recommenders who are well acquainted with your academic or professional abilities and can provide a thoughtful, thorough, and candid assessment of your potential for success in a graduate law program in the US. If you recently graduated from law school, letters from law professors are preferred because they understand how you perform in an academic setting, which is directly relevant to how you’ll perform in our graduate program.

Acceptable recommenders include:

• Former law professors
• Current or former employment supervisors
• Professional colleagues who have worked closely with you
• Clients who can speak to your professional abilities

In my years reviewing applications, the strongest letters come from people who know your work well and can provide specific examples of your capabilities. A generic letter from a renowned professor or senior executive who barely knows you actually hurts your candidacy. A detailed letter from a direct supervisor or teaching assistant who has seen you tackle complex problems is far more valuable.

7. Do you accept English language proficiency scores below the stated minimums or from organizations beyond IELTS and TOEFL?

We require international students to submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, we do consider applications from candidates scoring below our stated minimums through a holistic review process. We do not accept alternative English proficiency tests.

Our minimum scores are:

For our two-year program, which is designed to help you improve your English proficiency skills, the minimums are:

You do not need to submit proof of English proficiency if your native language is English or if you received your undergraduate or first law degree in a country where the language of instruction and only official language are English. Applicants requesting an exemption must submit a waiver request form.

Candidates who receive a score below the required minimum are still encouraged to apply because we utilize a holistic approach when reviewing applications. We frequently receive applications from otherwise qualified candidates who don’t reach 5.0 on the TOEFL or 7.0 on the IELTS.

English language proficiency is essential for your success here. Law school demands rigorous written and oral communication. You’ll be reading complex statutes and case law, writing legal analyses and papers, participating in seminar discussions, and eventually advising clients or colleagues. Misunderstanding a legal term or botching an argument can have real consequences. We need confidence that you can operate fluently from day one, not just survive, but truly thrive and contribute meaningfully to the classroom.

8. Do you interview candidates as part of your application process? What’s the process like?

Yes, we conduct interviews for LLM candidates, and we remain one of the only law schools to offer interviews for applicants to our graduate programs. This is an important part of our evaluation process and an opportunity for you to determine if we’re a good fit for you as well.

Once you submit a completed application and our admissions committee has confirmed that you meet the eligibility requirements, you will be invited to interview with a program representative. Not every applicant is invited to interview, but if you receive an invitation, it’s a positive signal that we find your application competitive and want to learn more about you. Interviews are typically 20 to 30 minutes, conducted by phone, via video conference, or, if practical, in person.

Source: Boston University

Interviews help us assess your English language proficiency beyond what your TOEFL or IELTS scores may indicate. This is especially important because law school involves real-time classroom discussion and collaboration with peers. We also use the interview to understand your goals and whether our programs will help you achieve them. Additionally, the interview allows us to assess how serious you are about BU Law and our programs, and it gives you the chance to ask us questions to ensure we’re a good fit for you as well. Sometimes candidates want to clarify aspects of their application or provide additional context, and the interview is the right forum for that.

Tips for a successful interview:

• Remember that this is a conversation, so just be yourself. We’re excited to meet the authentic you and get insights into your interests and study plans.
• Articulate your career goals and demonstrate an understanding of how our program will contribute to your aspirations.
• Showcase your soft skills and let what is not on your resume or transcript shine through.
• Ask us questions. This is your opportunity to explore and discover more about us and determine if you think we’re a good fit for you too.

Our admissions committee members are lovely people, so please don’t be nervous. The candidates who do best are those who are genuine, prepared to discuss their goals, and genuinely curious about what we offer.

9. What are BU Law’s frequently asked interview questions for LLM candidates, and what’s the best way to answer them?

When answering our interview questions:

• Be specific. Instead of “I want to study international law to help people,” explain exactly what you’ve done, what gap you’ve identified, and how the program addresses it.
• Show self-awareness and reflection. Strong answers demonstrate that you’ve thought carefully about your career trajectory and what you need next. You’ve identified a specific gap in your knowledge or skills, and you know why this program will help you close it.
• Connect your background directly to the program. Don’t just tell us about your experience. Explain how it led you to BU Law and our specific LLM specialization. Show that you’ve chosen this program intentionally and not just applied to any law school.
• Be authentic. This is a conversation, not a performance. We want to meet the real you. Candidates who speak genuinely about their goals and challenges come across as thoughtful and credible.
• Demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. Whether it’s mentioning faculty work, Boston’s unique position in your field, or specific program features, show that you understand what BU offers and why it’s the right fit for you. This reveals serious interest in our program specifically.
• Keep your answers concise but substantive. You don’t need to ramble, but don’t oversimplify either. Provide enough detail to show depth of thought without losing focus.

Examples of common interview questions:

• “Tell me about yourself and your professional background.”
  • Weak answer: “I’m a lawyer in Finance. I work on deals.”
  • Strong answer (for Banking & Finance LLM): “I’m a corporate finance attorney at a mid-market firm in Panama. Over the past four years, I’ve focused on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A), primarily working with tech startups and investors. I’ve noticed that most of my international clients are unfamiliar with US securities law and banking regulations. That’s why I’m pursuing BU’s LLM in Banking and Finance. It’ll let me deepen my expertise in US financial law and provide more comprehensive counsel to my clients.”

Why it works: It’s specific, shows self-awareness, connects your background directly to the program, and demonstrates you understand what the program offers.

• “Why are you interested in an LLM now?”
  • Weak answer: “I want to advance my career and get a better job.”
  • Strong answer (for Tax LLM): “I’ve been working in corporate tax compliance for eight years, and I’ve realized that to advise clients on complex cross-border transactions, I need deeper knowledge of US tax law. My firm is supporting my professional development, and I’ve reached a point in my career where I’m ready to formalize what I’ve learned on the job. An LLM in Tax from BU will prepare me for more complex advisory work and help me move toward a tax specialist role.”

Why it works: It’s concrete, shows career progression, explains timing, and connects your experience to the specific program.

• “Why BU Law specifically?”
  • Weak answer: “BU is a great school.”
  • Strong answer (for IP LLM): “I’ve been working in patent law at a biotech firm for five years, and I’m particularly interested in US patent issues that arise when biotechnology research and development crosses borders. I’ve followed BU Law’s faculty work on global IP issues and biotech regulation. Plus, Boston’s proximity to the biotech hub in Cambridge and your connections to innovation firms make it an ideal place to study IP while building networks in a sector I want to work in long-term.”

Why it works: You’ve done your homework, you understand how the program aligns with your career goals, and you recognize Boston’s unique position in your field.

• “What are your goals after you graduate?” (most common!)
  • Weak answer: “I want a good job in law.”
  • Strong answer (for American Law LLM): “I want to return to my home country, France, and work with a multinational firm or in-house counsel at a company operating internationally. I’d like to pursue an LLM in American Law from BU so I can help French businesses navigate US transactions and collaborate more effectively with US counsel. I’d also like to eventually mentor junior lawyers in my country who are interested in US law.”

Why it works: It’s thoughtful, realistic, geographically specific, and shows you’ve considered multiple dimensions of your career.

• Other common questions:
  • What are the most important things you are looking for in an LLM program?
  • Is there anything you are worried or concerned about with the program?
  • How would your friends or colleagues describe you and why?
  • Do you have any particular curricular interests, including courses, subject areas, or professors you are especially interested in which are offered at BU?

10. Does an interview call mean high probability of admission and good scholarship offers?

An interview invitation is an important step forward in the admissions process. It means we think you’re a strong candidate. But it is not a guarantee of admission; your written application, interview performance, and how you compare to other candidates all factor into our final decision. Scholarships are awarded based on academics, professional experience, and our funding priorities.

11. Does BU Law offer financial aid or scholarships to international LLM students? How realistic is it to get scholarships or funding for an LLM program?

We offer merit-based scholarships ranging from 10% to 50% tuition discounts, but realistically, most international students should plan to fund a significant portion of their education through outside sources.

All full-time residential program applicants are automatically considered for scholarships with no separate application or additional paperwork required. Applicants from the public service sector are also automatically considered.

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to award full-tuition scholarships. Our funds are limited, and we do our best to distribute them across our applicant pool. The good news is that the majority of our applicants receive some amount of scholarship.

To maximize your chances:

• Submit your application as early as possible. We award most scholarship funding on a rolling basis, so earlier applicants have access to larger funding pools.
• Build a strong profile with academic achievements and relevant professional experience. These factors directly influence scholarship decisions.
• Explore outside funding through your employer or the government. Various sources of assistance may be available to international students through resources outside the university.

Excellent places to start for external funding:

• EducationUSA
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program
• AccessLex Law School Scholarship Databank

We also have resources specifically for international students. Many successful students combine BU scholarship support with external grants, employer sponsorship, and government funding to make their education affordable.

Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

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