Several academic factors influence the admission decision: undergraduate grade point average (GPA), Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score, a record of improvement in undergraduate study, graduate education, additional training, and continuing education. Honors, publications, and community service are also relevant.

SJCL attempts to discover students who show the capacity to succeed in law. The School’s broad policy includes consideration of community involvement, life experience, employment history and accomplishments, motivation, and maturity – factors which indicate the applicant will add a unique perspective to the student body.

The Law School prefers applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university. In some instances, particularly outstanding individuals without a four-year degree will be considered for admission, provided other requirements are met. (See Special Students.)

Preparation for Law School

Because strong analytical and communication skills are vital to the practice of law, students are urged to incorporate writing, logic, philosophy, and research courses into their pre-law curriculum. Please contact the SJCL Director of Admissions for additional guidance.

Pre-Admission Counseling

Interviews with the Director of Student Services, Dean, and Director of Admissions can be scheduled to explore admission criteria, procedures, finances, and career options. Also, meetings can be arranged with current students or faculty who can share insight into the rewards and demands of law school.

Admission Categories

Regular Students
Individuals who hold a minimum of a two-year degree, or the equivalent, from an approved college or university, or who will complete such a degree prior to entering law school, qualify as Regular Students. Under the rules of the California Committee of Bar Examiners, Regular Student status also may be achieved with 60 qualifying units of college credit.

Special Students
Exceptional men and women who do not have a baccalaureate degree, associate degree or 60 qualifying units of college credit are classified as Special Students. A limited number of Special Students are accepted each year.

When reviewing Special Student applications, the Admissions Committee stresses a solid LSAT score (50th percentile or better), a GPA of 3.0, or above, on any college coursework completed, maturity, and a record of personal accomplishment.

All Special Students must take three College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. Pursuant to Committee of Bar Examiners’ rules, an applicant must take the English Composition Exam and his/her choice of exams on two of the following subjects: Humanities, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences – History.

Upon completion of their first year, “Special Students” must successfully pass the First-Year Law Student’s Examination administered by the Committee of Bar Examiners in order to proceed.

Transfer Students
Students who are in good standing at either a state-accredited or ABA-accredited law school and are applying for admission with advanced standing are considered Transfer Students. Transfer Students are required to submit official transcripts for all law school work and a letter of good standing from the dean of the law school previously attended. Credit for specific course requirements is established on an individual basis.