Several academic factors influence the admission decision: undergraduate grade point average (GPA), Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) 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 Director of Admissions for additional guidance.
Pre-Admission Counseling
Interviews with the Director of Student Services, Dean, and other staff 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.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is June 30; however, it is to your advantage to apply early. The Law School operates on a “rolling” admissions process – that is, accepting qualified individuals as their applications are completed. Because there are a limited number of spaces, the class could fill prior to the deadline.
Admission Categories
Regular Students
Those holding a Bachelor’s degree in any major from an approved college of university qualify for admissions as a Regular Student. 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 applicants 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 or GRE 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 or English Composition with Essay and two other examinations, each designed to correspond to full-year courses (6 semester hours each) or four other examinations, each designed to correspond to semester courses (3 semester hours each) that can be selected from any of the following subjects: composition and litereature (Humanities examination only), foreign language, history and social sciences, science and mathematics, or business.
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. SJCL maintains a written record of a Transfer Student’s previous education which indicates the credit that has been granted and what work the Transfer Student must complete at SJCL to attain the degree.
Application Procedures
All applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and register with Credential Assembly Council (CAS). LSAT registration is available at www.lsac.org. GRE registration is available at www.ets.org. Other application procedures are completed through SJCL or online at www.sjcl.edu.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The LSAT is a standardized test of reading comprehension, writing ability, and analytical skills. It is given six times annually at testing centers throughout the United States.
The LSAT may be taken more than once. LSAT scores are valid for five (5) years.
A sample LSAT test is available at lsac.org. Additional sample tests are available for a fee on-line at www.lsac.org. There are preparation books available at most large bookstores. There are also preparation courses that the applicant may wish to explore.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The GRE may be taken more than once. GRE scores are valid for five (5) years.
Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
All applicants must register with CAS. The Law School Admission Council provides a uniform analysis of applicant biographical and academic information to law schools.
CAS requires official transcripts sent directly from each college or university attended. Official transcripts must also be sent to CAS directly from all colleges and universities attended whether or not a degree was received. It is advisable to register with CAS as early as possible to allow time for mailing and processing of transcripts.
Once SJCL receives your application we will contact CAS to order your report. When your CAS file is complete and without financial holds, your report will be sent to SJCL. If you reapply to SJCL in a subsequent admission year, you will need to purchase a new report.
For more information about CAS, visit their website at www.lsac.org or call 215/968-1001.
Transcripts
Official transcripts must be sent directly from each institution attended to LSAC for the CAS report. Additionally, an official transcript must be submitted to SJCL from your degree granting institution.
Your Personal Statement
A personal statement is required from all applicants. The statement serves as an example of your ability to express yourself clearly and concisely – skills essential to the practice of law. Your statement should focus on: why you have chosen to study law, why you believe you will be successful in your studies and in the legal profession. Your statement is your opportunity to call attention to particular areas of your background, such as work experience or community activities.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants to SJCL are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. Letters should come from individuals who know you well, excluding family members. These individuals should be able to describe your academic qualifications, analytical ability, communication skills, character and/or accomplishments. Special emphasis is given to letters from persons who have taught or worked with the applicant.