Events
Law Rattler Roadmap: Information for New Students
Welcome to St. Mary’s Law
Follow these steps to become a Rattler!
Now what’s next?
Already admitted?
We are excited to welcome you to our community and look forward to the many contributions you will make to our campus, the San Antonio community and beyond. Check back periodically for updates from St. Mary’s Law.
Awaiting your admission decision?
Check your admission status.
Still need to apply? We’re still accepting
We’re looking forward to receiving your application and learning more about you and your interests. Learn more about our admissions process and contact us with any questions.
#1 Visit and Join the Conversation
St. Mary’s is excited to host virtual and personalized, socially-distanced on-campus events for our admitted students to celebrate and welcome new law students. We encourage you to set up an appointment for a tour in order to help guide your decision and to connect with the St Mary’s community.
#2 Consider Costs and Funding
Costs
COST OF ATTENDANCE
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA), or student budget, is the average cost to attend St. Mary’s Law for one academic year (fall and spring). The COA includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and other personal expenses.
Please note that the COA includes estimated amounts for indirect costs (such as transportation and personal expenses). Your St. Mary’s bill will include only direct costs.
Funding
There are many different types of financial assistance available to law students. The most common categories of aid are merit-based sources (such as Dean’s scholarships and Endowed Scholarships) and need-based sources (such as federal loan programs).
ST. MARY’S SCHOLARSHIPS
#3 Complete Enrollment Confirmation and Submit your Enrollment Deposit
Ready to become a St. Mary’s Law Student? Great!
If you do not submit the tuition deposit by the deadline, we reserve the right to cancel your place in the entering class. Once your payment is confirmed, an email acknowledgment will be sent to you within 48 hours.
Seat deposit deadline for Fall 2023 – Please see your student status checker for your deposit deadline, if applicable.
Tuition deposit deadline for Fall 2023 – June 5, 2023
#4 Submit Additional Forms
In addition to deposits, law students are also required to submit the following forms and before the first day of class:
- Official undergraduate transcript (students must order their transcripts from their respective undergraduate registrar’s office to be sent to St. Mary’s Law directly, c/o Catherine Mery)
- Emergency Contact Form (form sent via email in late spring/early summer from Office of Student Enrollment)
- Submit a personal/professional headshot photo to be used for student ID cards. There will be more information in the summer about where to submit this photo.
Direct Deposit (not required, but recommended)
Direct Deposit facilitates a quick return of receiving loan assistance or credit from your student account. Therefore, it is highly recommended to set up deposit to receive funds faster than mailed checks sent out by the Office of Financial Assistance.
SIGN UP FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT
Bookstore Charge Account
You will not be able to buy books for your fall classes until you are registered (completed by the Office of Student Enrollment). Once you know which books you need based on registration, you will want to get your books prior to the start of classes, so that you can prepare for your first day. Most law students get their books from the Barnes & Noble at St. Mary’s University (the university bookstore).
BOOKSTORE CHARGE ACCOUNT
#5 See Yourself as a Law Student of St. Mary’s University
#6 Attend Orientation and Take the Pledge
Your transition to life at St. Mary’s University School of Law begins at Orientation. This two-day 1L orientation is mandatory for all new students. Students should plan to arrive in San Antonio in time to get settled before orientation begins. Please plan to be present for each day of orientation. There will be an additional mandatory session with the Board of Law Examiners after the start of classes.
Dates of Mandatory 1L Orientation
Aug. 1-4: Orientation (published online and on-demand) for incoming online J.D. students
Aug. 7-8: Orientation (in-person) for incoming online J.D. students
Aug. 7-9: Orientation (mandatory in-person) for full-time J.D. students
Aug. 10: 1L Day of Service — 9 a.m. to noon (optional)
Aug. 14: Classes Begin for JD Students for Fall 2023 semester
Take the pledge
“I, (name), do solemnly pledge that:
I will engage in the diligent study of law, always acting in an honest, moral, and professional manner;
I will be guided by the spirit of hospitality, collaboration, mutual support, and scholarship, which are the ideals of a Marianist university; and
I will be trustworthy, honorable, and professional in all aspects of my life.”
#7 Get Involved
Connect with St. Mary’s Law admitted students, admins and current students as we share important information and the student experience to welcome the newest 1Ls to our community.
Suggested Reading List
Cannot wait to start law school? The suggested reading list for incoming fall students may help to prepare you for the nuances of law school, including the common study methods, pedagogy, and experiences of law students.
VIEW THE SUGGESTED READING LIST
Contact Us
The Office of Law Admissions
Call: 210-436-3523
lawadmissions@stmarytx.edu
The Office of Financial Assistance
St. Louis Hall, Room 301
210-436-3141
finaid@stmarytx.edu