OLSAS: The Complete Guide to Ontario Law School Applications

OLSAS: The Complete Guide to Ontario Law School Applications

If you're applying to law school in Ontario, you’ll be doing it through OLSAS—the Ontario Law School Application Service. But what exactly is it? How do you apply through it? What are the deadlines, requirements, and tips to stand out?

Let’s break it all down step-by-step.

What Is OLSAS?

OLSAS stands for Ontario Law School Application Service. It’s a centralized application platform run by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) that streamlines your law school application to all Ontario universities.

Rather than applying separately to each law school, OLSAS lets you apply to multiple law schools at once with one set of documents. All seven Ontario law schools use this system:

• Osgoode Hall Law School (York University)
• University of Toronto Faculty of Law
• Queen’s University Faculty of Law
• Western Law (Western University)
• University of Ottawa Faculty of Law
• University of Windsor Law
• Bora Laskin Faculty of Law (Lakehead University)

OLSAS Application Components

Here’s what you need to submit through OLSAS:

1. Transcripts

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Sent directly to OLSAS from your schools
• International transcripts may require WES evaluation

2. LSAT Scores

• Required by all Ontario law schools
• Must be sent through the LSAC (Law School Admission Council)
• Some schools accept scores written as late as January

3. Autobiographical Sketch (ABS)

• A detailed list of your activities: volunteer work, employment, awards, research, etc.
• You must include verifiers for each entry

4. Personal Statement (a.k.a. Statement of Interest)

• Varies by school
• Usually 500–1,000 words
• Explains why you want to study law, your interest in the specific school, and your goals

5. Letters of Reference

• Usually 2 letters
• At least 1 academic referee strongly recommended
• Uploaded directly by the referee via the secure portal

6. Program-Specific Materials

Some schools may request:

• Equity or access statements
• Indigenous category documentation
• Optional essays or additional questionnaires

OLSAS Deadlines & Fees

Application Deadline:

• November 1 (for entry the following September)
• Submit ALL components (including references and transcripts) by this date

Fees:                                                

• $200 base application fee
• $115-$150 per law school you apply to, depending on the school
• Some schools offer fee waivers for applicants with financial need

How OLSAS Calculates Your GPA

OLSAS uses its own GPA conversion table, applying a standard 4.0 scale to all grades. This may differ from your institution’s GPA. They calculate:

• Cumulative GPA

Special Applicant Categories

Each law school has its own applicant categories, including:

• Indigenous Applicants
• Access Applicants (students with personal or systemic barriers)
• Mature Applicants
• Part-time or Combined Programs (JD/MSW, JD/MBA)

If you apply under one of these categories, schools may ask for extra documentation or statements.

Tips for a Competitive OLSAS Application

Here’s how to give yourself an edge:

1. Start Early

Don’t underestimate the time it takes to collect transcripts, write essays, and request references.

2. Make Your ABS Strategic

Treat it like a mini-resume. Show leadership, impact, and commitment.

3. Tailor Your Personal Statement

Speak directly to each school’s values and programs. Show them why you belong there.

4. Choose Referees Thoughtfully

Select those who can speak to both your academic ability and personal strengths.

5. Proofread Everything

Don’t lose points over typos. Law school is detail-oriented—your application should reflect that.

6. Track Your Documents

Use the document tracking feature on OUAC to ensure nothing is missing.

Sample OLSAS ABS Entry

Here’s what a solid ABS entry might look like:

Position: Volunteer Caseworker, Community Legal Clinic

Time Period: May 2022 – August 2022 (16 weeks)

Hours: 160 total

Description: Interviewed clients, gathered intake documentation, shadowed legal advisors during consultations. Contributed to legal research on housing rights.

Verifier: Alex Chan, Clinic Supervisor – [email protected]

You’ll need to repeat this format for all activities, listing them under categories like Employment, Volunteer, Awards, etc.

What Happens After You Submit?

• OLSAS forwards your application to each law school
• Law schools review applications independently
• Offers of admission typically go out between January and April

8 Most Common Questions About OLSAS

Final Thoughts

OLSAS makes applying to multiple Ontario law schools easier—but it doesn’t make it easy. The application is competitive, detailed, and time-sensitive. If you take your time, write honestly, and meet all the requirements, you’ll give yourself the best shot at getting in.

BeMo Can Help You Succeed

Need help with your OLSAS personal statement or ABS? Want expert feedback on your LSAT prep strategy or referee selection?

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting