Are certain undergraduate majors looked upon more favorably than others?

The school does not prefer certain majors over others. The study of law transcends any individual academic discipline, allowing students to apply previous knowledge or expertise from a variety of fields. We look for candidates with high academic achievement under rigorous conditions, and those who have developed strong critical thinking, writing, problem-solving and analytical skills. The most suitable pre-law courses/majors vary across undergraduate institutions. Prospective students are encouraged to seek counsel from academic or pre-law advisors at their undergraduate institutions.

Students with STEM majors (science, technology, engineering, math) are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Are personal interviews offered as part of the admissions process?

UCLA Law does not offer interviews as part of the admissions process. However, the Law School Admissions Committee may request an interview on a case-by-case basis.

Are there advantages to applying for early decision?

The primary advantage to applying to our Early Decision Program is that applicants who apply by the priority deadline of November 15 are notified by late December and can be done with the law school admission process. This option should only be used by applicants who are willing to enroll at UCLA if admitted, since they will not receive admission decisions or financial aid offers from other law schools. While Early Decision admits will be considered for need-based financial aid on the same basis as other admitted students, they will not be considered for merit-based financial aid. From an admissions standpoint, applicants may have a slight advantage, since they will be evaluated in the smaller early decision pool.

The primary advantage to applying to our Distinguished Scholars Program is that it is a full-tuition program, although similar to the Early Decision Program, students admitted through the program must be willing to enroll at UCLA if admitted.

Does UCLA offer an early decision program?

Yes. We have two early decision programs: our binding Early Decision Program and our full-tuition UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Program.

How may I request an application fee waiver?

Please view our fee waiver policy.

Is it advantageous to submit my application early?

Although you are generally encouraged to apply early to ensure that all your materials are received on time, this will not significantly affect your odds of being admitted. Nor does applying early guarantee early receipt of a decision. Offers of admission are usually made between January and late April, and various factors determine when you will actually hear from us. Our general advice is to apply when you most feel prepared.

Is preference given to California residents?

Not at all. Although we receive the largest proportion of applications from California, we seek to admit and enroll a geographically diverse class each year. Admission decisions are not based on quotas, and the goal of the Law School Admissions Committee is to admit the most compelling and talented candidates into UCLA Law.

What comprises a complete Fall 2023 J.D. application to UCLA School of Law?

For application requirements, please visit Applying to First Year Class.

What is the Fall 2023 application deadline for first-year admission to the J.D. program?

Regular decision applications must be submitted on or before February 1, 2023. The priority application deadline for the binding Early Decision program is November 15, 2022. The application deadline for the binding Distinguished Scholars program is November 15, 2022. The application deadline for the non-binding Achievement Fellowship program is December 15, 2022.

How does the Law School Admissions Committee handle multiple LSAT or GRE scores?

Our general policy is to consider the highest LSAT or GRE score attained, although we will take note of all scores. In the case of a significant discrepancy between scores, applicants are advised to address this issue in their application. It is always helpful for the admissions committee to be aware of factors that may have adversely or positively impacted performance on the LSAT or GRE.

What are the latest standardized test exam dates that will be considered for Fall 2023 admission?

Applicants must take the LSAT or GRE by January 2023. However you will still need to apply by our February 1 deadline.

Applicants applying for the Early Decision or Distinguished Scholars programs must take the LSAT or GRE no later than October 31, 2022. Applicants applying for the Achievement Fellowship must take the LSAT or GRE no later than November 30, 2022.

What is the Law School Admissions Committee's policy on accepting old LSAT or GRE scores?

We will honor any past LSAT score of which LSAC has record. In general, LSAT scores are kept for five years. We will also honor any past GRE score of which the ETS has record. In general, GRE scores are also kept for five years.

Will a future LSAT or GRE score be considered after I have already submitted my application?

Yes, so long as the exam is taken by January 2023 and we are aware of your intent to do so. You should therefore indicate this on your application in the test-requirements section.

Do credits from undergraduate/graduate law degrees (LL.B., LL.M., etc.) obtained in a foreign country count toward the J.D. at UCLA?

No. Internationally educated candidates seeking a J.D. from UCLA must apply for first-year admission and complete our standard three-year J.D. curriculum.
 

What kinds of financial aid are available to international students?

International applicants are automatically considered for scholarship assistance. For more information on the financial aid process, please consult the UCLA Law Financial Aid website.

Does UCLA Law have a part-time program?

UCLA School of Law offers a full-time course of study leading to the J.D., LL.M. or S.J.D. degrees. These degree programs do not offer evening, summer or part-time study. The Master of Legal Studies degree program, designed for professionals who seek legal knowledge but not the opportunity to practice law, offers a part-time program.

Is it possible to defer enrollment after being admitted?

Requests for deferment are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All requests must be made in writing and include specific reasons for wishing to defer. Barring rare exceptions, deferment requests are generally granted for only one year. If a request is denied and an admitted applicant chooses not to enroll, he/she is welcome to re-apply in the future.

What is the cost of attendance at UCLA Law?

For information regarding annual fees, please consult Tuition and Costs for information.

Does UCLA Law accept transfer applicants into the second-year class?

UCLA Law believes transfer students further enrich the quality of its academic program. There is ample evidence that transfer students contribute significantly to the institution in the classroom, clinical efforts, student projects and research supervised by faculty. The faculty believes it appropriate to plan enrollment so that some spaces are available in the second year for those who have achieved academic distinction at another American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law school during their first year.
 

Does UCLA School of Law accept visiting (non-matriculating) students?

Yes. Students who have completed the equivalent of two years at another ABA-approved law school may apply for visiting student status at UCLA Law for their third year. Admission is granted at the discretion of UCLA Law, and candidates must demonstrate compelling personal and/or intellectual reasons for seeking to spend the year with us (i.e., beyond the mere desire to live in Los Angeles or to attend UCLA Law). Visiting students are responsible for meeting all costs associated with attending UCLA Law for the year, and they will ultimately obtain the J.D. from their original institution. Though visiting students typically matriculate for a full academic year, it may be possible to visit for one semester. Please contact admissions@law.ucla.edu for more information.

What is the Fall 2023 deadline for transfer and visiting student applicants?

Applications to visit for a full academic year from fall 2023 to spring 2024, or to visit for the fall 2023 semester only, will open on May 1. Applications are due by June 30. Applications to visit for the spring 2024 semester only must be submitted by December 1. The transfer application will be available on May 1. Applications must be submitted on or before June 30. The priority deadline for transfer applications is June 15.

How would I go about arranging a visit to the Law School?

UCLA Law welcomes visitors throughout the year.

We are pleased to offer law school tours and class visits for interested prospective students to learn more about UCLA Law. Law school tours are offered year-round and class visits are offered each fall and spring semester, excluding holidays or campus breaks. Both tours and class visits can be experienced either in person or virtually.  

For more information, please view our Visit Campus page. We look forward to hosting you!

How active are UCLA Law alumni in the life of the law school?

Alumni are frequently involved in numerous capacities. They serve as mentors to first-year students, help conduct our mock interview program, provide key input to our Achievement Fellowship program, and work with student organizations on planning conferences, lectures and other events. They assist with career-related activities, including weekly brown-bag lunch events exploring different practice specialties and Dean's Roundtable discussions. Alumni also take part in the Law School's annual Public Interest Career Day, various symposia hosted on campus, and receptions promoting careers in government and small-firm practice.

UCLA School of Law has 18,000 alumni in nearly every state, the U.S. territory of Guam and more than two dozen foreign countries.

The UCLA Law Alumni Association automatically includes all alumni. The association hosts activities in the following California locales: Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, San Francisco and Silicon Valley, as well as in New York, NY, and Washington, D.C.

Learn more about the UCLA School of Law Alumni Association.

What are the latest employment statistics of UCLA Law graduates?

Please refer to our Post-Graduate Outcomes.

What is the profile for the latest entering class?

Please view our most recent entering class profile.