LLM Application Checklist and Deadlines

Priority Deadlines

In order to maximize Merit Scholarship consideration, please note the following priority deadlines:

  • Fall Admission: Submit complete application by June 1
  • Spring Admission: Submit complete application by November 1
  • Summer Admission: Submit complete application by April 1 (Summer admission is not available for the LLM in Comparative Law program, nor for full-time applicants in any other LLM program. Also note that Summer course offerings are limited).

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

* Note: USD JD/LLM in Taxation Applicants
USD JD students applying to the LLM in Taxation program have reduced application requirements. USD JD students and USD law school graduates are required to submit an application, a resume and a personal statement. A letter of recommendation is optional.

Application

Apply online through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC)

  • To use this option, applicants must pay LSAC a separate registration fee
  • All supporting application materials should be submitted through LSAC.

    In the rare case that a document cannot be submitted through LSAC, it must be submitted by mail to the following address:
    University of San Diego School of Law
    Graduate and International Programs
    Warren Hall 207
    5998 Alcalá Park
    San Diego, California 92110-2492

Application Fee

  • There is no application fee.

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 school 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. International applicants do not need to submit a class rank document.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

  • Please submit a current résumé or curriculum vitae.

Personal Statement

  • Please submit a brief personal statement (1-3 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 signed, original 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

English Proficiency for International Applicants

  • International applicants are required to establish English competency through successful completion of an English language test (TOEFL iBT or Academic IELTS) in the event that: [1] the applicant's native language is not English, or [2] the applicant graduated from an international law school. The minimum suggested TOEFL iBT score is 93 (583 paper-based), and the minimum suggested Academic IELTS score is 7.0.
  • Comparative Law candidates whose native language is not English, and who submit a TOEFL/IELTS score as part of their application materials, are eligible to receive extra time on examinations and the use of a translating dictionary.
  • The minimum grade point average required for the LLM in Comparative Law is a 2.0, while the minimum grade point average required for all other LLM programs is a 2.5. This distinction serves as an accommodation for non-native English speakers and for those who have limited experience with the common law system.

Letter of Good Standing (Visiting and Transfer Students Only)

  • Applicants who are still law students in another country who wish to enroll as "visiting" students in the LLM program must 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 LSAC and/or the Graduate and International Programs office. Once original transcripts and documents are submitted as part of an applicant's admission materials, they cannot be returned or photocopied.