Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Application deadline for admission to the TRU Law Sept 2013 class?

NOTE: This section UPDATED May 8, 2012 - Your fully completed application form and fee must be received by the Faculty of Law Admissions Office and post-marked no later than February 1st 2013.

How do I apply?

The TRU Law Sept 2013 application deadline is February 1, 2013.

Return your completed application together with the application fee and all supporting documents to:

The Faculty of Law
Attention: Law Admissions
Thompson Rivers University
900 McGill Road
Kamloops, British Columbia
Canada V2C 0C8

What documents are needed in addition to my completed application form?

Your official transcripts
Your LSAT score
Your personal statement (maximum 500 words)
3 letters of reference (2 academic and 1 non-academic)
your application fee
any other supplemental documents required by your selected category of admission

How much is the application fee?

The application fee for Canadian students is $100 and $130 for international students and is NON REFUNDABLE.

Payment of the application fee is by cheque or money order made payable to “Thompson Rivers University – LAW”.

Which category of admission should I select?

You may select from one of the following three categories of Admission: Aboriginal Applicant, Regular Applicant, or Special Consideration Applicant.
Aboriginal Applicant: If you are an applicant of Aboriginal ancestry you may apply in either the Regular or the Aboriginal applicant category.

Regular Applicant:
A regular applicant has:

Obtained an undergraduate degree in an approved course of study from a degree granting institution; or
Successfully completed the first 3 years (minimum 90 credits) or more of an approved course of studies leading to an undergraduate degree from a degree granting institution; or
Successfully completed the first two years of studies leading to an undergraduate degree at a degree granting institution, and be currently enrolled in the third year of the degree program. Please note that any offer of admission will be conditional on successful completion of the third year by June 30th of the academic year in question with a minimum of 90 credits at a degree granting institution, and maintenance of the academic average obtained in the first two years of studies, with 30 of the 90 credit requirements having been completed at the senior level.

Special Consideration Applicant:
Because of special circumstances in life, you may not satisfy one or more requirements of a regular applicant and may seek admission under the Special Consideration category. This category of admission usually requires supplemental documentation. Examples of special circumstances in life include: disability or special needs, financial disadvantage, age (generally over 30 years old), membership in a historically disadvantaged group, residency in a small and/or remote community, or any other factors that you would ask the Admissions Committee to consider.

How many years is the full-time JD program?

It is a 3 year degree program.

How can an applicant prepare academically for Law School? What courses should an applicant take in their undergraduate degree?

TRU Law recognizes that attracting students into the faculty from a variety of academic disciplines makes for an enriched climate within the law school. You can expect that students in your class will come from diverse undergraduate, social, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

Do I need to request a copy of my transcripts?

Yes, only official transcripts will be accepted, and they must be mailed directly from the granting institution.

Do I need to have a copy of my final winter grades sent in after I've already applied?

No, there is no need to send us your final winter grades as we use your grades earned up until December 31st of the year you apply to calculate your GPA.

What is the last Law School Admission Test (LSAT) I can write to be considered for admission?

Your LSAT must be written prior to December 31st of the year you apply for admission.

For admission in Sept 2013 the last LSAT score would be from the December 2012 exam.

Our Admissions office will request your LSAT score/s be forwarded directly from the Law Schools Admissions Council in Newtown, PA upon receipt of your completed application package.

Does the Faculty of Law average multiple LSAT scores?

No, your highest LSAT score will be reported and considered when your application is reviewed. However, all scores are included in the application file for the admission committee member to view. A significant increase in score will be noted.

How long are LSAT scores valid?

The LSAT score is valid for 5 years.

How can an applicant register for the LSAT?

Registration to write the LSAT can be done on-line, by mail, or by phone. LSAT Information Books are available by calling the Law School Admissions Council office directly at tel: (215) 968-1001. For further information about the LSAT contact lsacinfo@lsac.org or visit www.lsac.org.

Are Letters of Reference required?

Yes, your application to TRU Law will need three letters of reference. Reference letters should be 1 to 2 pages in length in a sealed envelope with the referee’s signature across the seal. All reference letters need to be mailed directly to the Law Admissions Office at Thompson Rivers University

Applicants are urged to provide two academic references and the third reference can be a non-academic reference. If you are unable to provide two academic references, a brief note should be included in the application explaining the reasons for this.

Non-academic references should be written by someone who has had interactions with you in a professional capacity. Examples of non-academic references: a current employer, a former employer, an individual from an organization that you volunteered/volunteer with. Applicants are encouraged to avoid non-academic references from family members.

Where will the classes be held?

All classes will be on the Thompson Rivers University campus in Kamloops, British Columbia. View the TRU Virtual Tour.

How much are tuition and fees?

$8400.00 tuition plus $665.21 in additional fees per semester for the 2012/2013 school year.

When is payment of tuition and fees due?

Tuition for the Faculty of Law is due on August 31, 2012

What resources are available for students at TRU?

What housing options are available for students at TRU?

There are many options for purchasing or renting off-Campus Housing – here are some helpful sites:

TRU Off-Campus Housing Registry

kamloops.kijiji.ca

kamloops.en.craigslist.ca

www.venturekamloops.com

www.cdnhomefinders.ca

www.realtor.ca

Students interested in TRU’s On-Campus Housing should visit TRU Housing

Where can I locate child care resources?

There are a number of options available in Kamloops for child care. Parents electing off-site day care options have a variety of alternatives in most communities. These are a few resources:

www.childcarechoices.ca

www.kamloopsy.org

www.canadachildcaredirectory.com

TRU offers an on-campus daycare centre.

How do I qualify for financial aid?

Information about financial aid can be found at TRU Financial Aid, or by contacting the Financial Aid office at tel: (250)828-5024.

Health services are available on campus for students at TRU?

TRU Students have access to medical and health services on campus. The clinic on campus is located in Old Main Building – Lower Level - Room OM1461 - tel: 250-828-5126. For further information about health related services please visit TRU Health & Safety or TRUSU Health & Dental

How do I find a family physician in Kamloops?

For a listing of Kamloops doctors accepting new patients visit www.cpsbc.ca or call the Royal Inland Hospital at tel: 250-374-5111.

Where are the Walk in clinics located in Kamloops?

Kamloops Urgent Care Clinic, 4-910 Columbia Street West - Tel: 250-371-4905

Summit Medical Clinic, 4-1380 Summit Drive - Tel: 250-374-9800

North Shore Treatment Centre 700 Tranquille Road - Tel: 250-554-4265