Application Checklist & Deadlines
U.S. Applicants
Deadlines
Priority deadlines are as follows:
- Fall Admission: File complete by June 1
- Spring Admission: File complete by November 1
- Summer Admission: File complete by April 1
Applications for admission will be considered on a space-available basis after the priority deadlines
Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year, and many applicants will receive an admission decision within three weeks from the date their application becomes complete
Application Checklist
- Application
- Non-refundable application fee (US $50.00)
- Official law school transcript(s)
- Official law school class rank
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Letter of good standing (for those applying as visiting or transfer students only)
Detailed Application Material Information
Application Options
- Apply online through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)
- To use this option, applicants must pay LSAC a separate registration fee
- The LLM application fee is waived for applicants who apply online via LSAC
- U.S. applicants may only submit an application, resume, and personal statement online through LSAC - other required application materials must be submitted by mail to the address below
- Complete our PDF application and submit the application with your supporting documents by mail:
University of San Diego School of Law
Graduate Programs – Warren Hall 207
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, California 92110-2492
Application Fee
- The non-refundable application fee of US $50.00 may be paid by check drawn on a U.S. bank or by international money order
- Application fee must be payable to: University of San Diego School of Law
- Credit cards are not accepted
- The LLM application fee is waived for applicants who apply online via LSAC
- The LLM application fee is also waived for all USD School of Law alumni
Official Law School Transcript(s)
- U.S. applicants must submit an official transcript from each law school attended
- Transcripts should be sent directly from the law school, or may be submitted in a sealed envelope along with other application materials from the applicant
Official Law School Class Rank
- U.S. applicants must submit their official law school class rank, or written notice from the school indicating that it does not issue class rank
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Please submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae
Personal Statement
- Please submit a brief personal statement (2-4 pages) which addresses:
- the nature and extent of your legal background,
- other related professional experience,
- why you will be a successful candidate for this degree,
- how you plan to make use of your graduate degree, and
- any additional information you deem important.
Letter(s) of Recommendation
- Applicants are required to submit at least one original, signed letter of recommendation, but may submit more if desired
- Letter(s) should be from a law professor, attorney, or other legal professional who is familiar with the applicant’s work
- Letter(s) may be sent directly to Graduate and International Programs by the recommender, or may be submitted in a sealed envelope along with other application materials from the applicant
Letter of Good Standing
- Applicants applying to enroll as visiting students in the LLM program must also submit a letter from the applicant's current law school dean, dated after issuance of the above-mentioned transcript, indicating that the applicant is in good academic standing and has approval to study at the School of Law as a visiting student
- Applicants applying to enroll as transfer students in the LLM program must also submit a letter from the applicant's current law school dean, dated after issuance of the above-mentioned transcript, indicating that the applicant is in good academic standing
Notice Regarding Submission of Application Materials
Applicants should keep a copy of all materials submitted to Graduate and International Programs. Once original transcripts and documents are submitted as part of an applicant’s admission materials, they cannot be returned or photocopied by Graduate and International Programs for any reason.
Questions may be directed to (619) 260-4596 or llminfo@sandiego.edu.
