Applicants enrolled at another ABA-accredited law school may apply for admission as a visiting student on a full-time or part-time basis. Visiting students are permitted to enroll for courses but are not degree candidates at the School of Law. Credits earned by visiting students may be applied toward the degree requirements at their home school. Applicants must have successfully completed at least the first year of law studies.
Applicants who intend to practice law should also be aware that admission to the bar in all states involves character, fitness and other qualifications. Applicants are encouraged to determine what those requirements are in the state(s) in which they intend to practice by consulting the National Conference of Bar Examiners website.
Visiting Applicants Checklist
- Fall and Spring
- Summer
- International
Application Deadline:
Fall Semester – July 15
Spring Semester – December 15
To be considered for admission as a visiting student, an applicant must provide the Admissions Office with the following:
- A completed admission application with a personal statement and resume
- Official CAS Law School Report (from LSAC)
- An official law school transcript from the applicant's home school
- A letter from the applicant's current law school dean or registrar clearly stating:
- Whether the applicant is a full time or part time student
- That the applicant is a student in good standing
- That credit for classes undertaken at USD Law will be applied to the applicant's degree at their home school
- Address any class or term limitations of which USD Law should be aware (if any)
- That provides the applicant's class rank (if applicable)
It will be the applicant's responsibility to ensure that they meet any conditions that are established for them by their home school. In some cases, visiting students experience difficulty in obtaining preferred classes or schedules, as priority is given to current USD law students.
Visiting Applicants Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. However, if you plan to attend your current school during the fall semester, it is unlikely that we will have your fall semester grades and class ranking in time for a decision since we usually start the spring semester in early January.
Yes, the University of San Diego School of Law seeks to enroll a highly qualified and diverse student body. We consistently strive to ensure academic excellence and enrichment through the participation of students with different perspectives and backgrounds.
Due to the large number of applications, it is not possible to grant personal interviews. You should highlight pertinent information about your experiences in your personal statement.
Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Our friendly and knowledgeable team of admission advisors can answer any questions you have about our programs and the admission process at the USD School of Law. Sign up to attend an info session, request a JD Bulletin, or contact us at (619) 260-4528 or jdinfo@sandiego.edu.