​JD Application Checklist and Deadlines

In order to apply and gain admission to the Juris Doctor program the following is required:

  • A Bachelor's degree from a college or university of approved standing prior to law school matriculation (no required discipline of study)
  • A valid Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or GRE General Test score less than five years old 
  • A completed application of admission and CAS Report provided by LSAC

All applicants, including those reapplying, must register with LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). CAS requires that official transcripts from all schools attended be sent directly to the LSAC. To expedite file consideration, applicants should make sure the School of Law receives the below information. It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that the School of Law receives all application materials.

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The University of San Diego offers both early decision admission and regular admission for first-year entering students. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration. Admission is for the fall semester only for first-year students.

  1. Completed application
    • Regular admission is on a rolling basis beginning early to mid October (exact date TBD)
    • Regular admission priority filing deadline - February 1
    • Regular admission deadline - June 1
    • Early admission deadline - December 1. (All materials must be received by this date to be considered for early admission.)
  2. Personal statement
  3. Official transcript(s) sent directly through CAS
  4. Letters of recommendation sent directly through CAS
  5. Current resume or list of employers 
  1. Completed application
    • Fall admission application opens - March 1
    • Fall admission deadline - July 15
    • Spring admission application opens - September 1
    • Spring admission deadline - December 15
  2. Personal statement
  3. Official law school transcript(s) forwarded by current school's Office of the Registrar after current semester
  4. Official CAS report
  5. One letter of recommendation from a law school writing professor sent directly through CAS is required; one additional letter from an academic source may be included
  6. Current resume or list of employers
  7. Letter of good standing and class rank forwarded by current school's Office of the Dean

 

  1. Completed application
    • Fall admission application opens - March 1
    • Fall admission deadline - July 15
    • Spring admission application opens - September 1
    • Spring admission deadline - December 15
    • Summer admission application opens - March 1
    • Summer admission deadline - May 1
  2. Personal statement (Fall & Spring applicants only)
  3. Official law school transcript(s) forwarded by current school's Office of the Registrar after current semester
  4. One letter of recommendation from a law school faculty member is required; one additional letter from an academic source may be included
  5. Letter of good standing and permission to visit forwarded by current school's Office of the Dean