What comprises a complete Fall 2021 J.D. application to UCLA School of Law?
For application requirements, please visit Applying to First Year Class.
What is the Fall 2021 application deadline for first-year admission to the J.D. program?
Regular decision applications must be submitted on or before February 1, 2021. The priority application deadline for the binding Early Decision program is November 16, 2020. The application deadline for the binding Distinguished Scholars program is November 16, 2020. The application deadline for the non-binding Achievement Fellowship program is January 4, 2021.
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 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.
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.
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.
