Trial Admissions Program (TAP)
Our Trial Admissions Program (TAP) is designed for students who have excelled in only one of the two principal predictors of success in legal studies, undergraduate GPA or LSAT. Through participation in doctrinal and writing courses, applicants are given an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to succeed in law school. Although TAP classes do not count toward a degree, they can lead to admission. Applicants who do not meet regular admissions standards are automatically considered for TAP. Only candidates that take the LSAT will be considered for TAP.
An invitation to participate in TAP is not an acceptance into Delaware Law. Admission to the entering class is granted only to TAP participants who achieve a minimum 2.3 GPA. TAP courses carry no academic credit toward the JD degree, will not appear on a student’s law school transcript, and will not transfer to any other program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about TAP. Full details about the program are supplied to all applicants who are offered a seat in TAP at the time the offer is made. Some details about TAP change from one offering to another, and all details are subject to change.
Q: Do I complete a separate application to be considered for TAP?
A: No, there is no separate application. All applicants who do not meet regular admissions standards are automatically considered for TAP.
Q: Can I take any standardized test and be offered a spot in TAP?
A: No. The LSAT is the primary admissions test used by Delaware Law. While Delaware Law School will accept the JD-Next or the GRE for admission to the law school (subject to certain restrictions and limitations, see our Application Requirements and Procedures for details), only applicants with a reported LSAT score are considered for TAP at this time.
Q: When can I expect to hear if I've been offered a seat in TAP?
A: TAP offers are not extended until all the details, including class schedules, faculty, and tuition costs, are finalized. These details are confirmed during the spring semester, generally by mid- to late-March. The Admissions Office usually begins sending offers to participate in TAP at that time.
Q: How many people participate in TAP?
A: TAP is a competitive program, and we aim for a class of approximately 40 participants.
Q: How many TAP participants are accepted into the law school?
A: An invitation to participate in TAP is not an acceptance into Delaware Law. There is no quota for admissions from TAP, and admission to the entering class is granted only to TAP participants who achieve a minimum 2.3 GPA. TAP courses carry no academic credit toward the JD degree, will not appear on a student’s law school transcript, and will not transfer to any other program.
Q: If I'm successful in TAP, do I receive a merit scholarship?
A: Yes, all successful TAP participants who matriculate at Delaware Law School are offered a merit scholarship. The amount of the scholarship will be disclosed in the TAP offer and will be renewable provided the student maintains good academic standing in Delaware Law.
TAP Schedule
TAP participants typically take three courses, starting in late May and ending in late June. TAP courses are conducted entirely online, and all classes take place in the evening, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 9:00 p.m. with a brief break.