J.D. Admissions Policy
UCLA School of Law seeks to admit students of outstanding intellectual ability who will bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to the classroom and the legal profession. UCLA Law has, as one of its central purposes, the training of attorneys who will attain high levels of professional excellence and integrity, and who will exercise civic responsibility in myriad ways over long careers.
Through long experience, the faculty has concluded that the quality of the education of each student is affected in significant ways by the presence of vital, diverse viewpoints. Indeed, students of all backgrounds choose to come to UCLA in significant part because of UCLA Law's outstanding achievements in creating a highly diverse educational environment.
In evaluating each applicant, UCLA Law places substantial weight on traditional measures of academic ability, namely grades and standardized test scores, specifically Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores and Graduate Records Exam (GRE) scores. We also recognize that other factors and attributes contribute greatly to a person's ability to succeed as a law student and lawyer, including economic, physical or other challenges that have been overcome; scholarly achievements such as graduate study, awards and publications; the rigor of the undergraduate educational program undertaken; and letters of recommendation.
We place special emphasis on socioeconomic disadvantage in our evaluation. We also consider work experience and career achievement; community or public service; career goals; the ability to contribute to law school programs and specializations; evidence of and potential for leadership; language ability; unusual life experiences; and, any other factors (except those factors deemed inadmissible by applicable law) that indicate the applicant may make a distinctive contribution to UCLA Law or the legal profession.
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Course of Study
UCLA Law's J.D. program offers a three-year, full-time course of study. Evening, summer, and part-time programs are not offered. Applicants for admission must have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college of approved standing before they begin their work at UCLA Law.
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Deferred Enrollment
UCLA Law reviews deferral requests on a case-by-case basis. All deferral requests must be made in writing. Admitted students whose deferral requests are denied and who decline to attend after being admitted must reapply if they wish to be considered for admission in a subsequent year.
Applicants are advised that the UCLA Law continually reassesses its admission policy and that this policy is subject to change.
Additional information on admissions criteria is available in The ABA-LSAC Official Guide to American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Law Schools, which may be ordered through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
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Nondiscrimination Policy
The University of California, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and university policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. The university also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in university programs and activities.
Inquiries regarding the university’s equal opportunity policies may be directed to the Office of the Campus Counsel. Inquiries regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or 504 Compliance may be directed to the ADA and 504 Compliance Office. Students may complain of any action which they believe discriminates against them on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age and may contact the Office of the Dean of Students, for further information and procedures.
