Academic Success and Bar Programs

A Student-Centered Approach

The University of San Diego School of Law is committed to helping you reach your academic and professional goals. We connect students with the resources to succeed while in law school and become practice-ready professionals. To equip you with the knowledge and resources required for licensure, our Academic Success and Bar Programs team offers personalized Bar Exam Prep strategy meetings. Students also receive guidance on exam timelines, moral character applications, the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE) and exam study strategies.

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Academic Success Resources

Academic Success Fellows

First-year law students have the opportunity to connect with distinguished upper-division mentors through the USD School of Law Fellows Program. First-year students are paired with a second- or third-year student who demonstrated success in their 1L doctrinal classes to offer guidance, advice and tutoring. Academic Success Fellows also lead the 1L study groups.

Academic Success Fellows Program

1L Study Groups

Adopting a collaborative approach to student learning, accomplished upper-division Academic Success Fellows lead study groups for first-year students. 1L study groups are a space where you can seek advice and receive tutoring and mentorship from your peers. Upon completing the fall semester, study groups for the spring semester are assembled based on academic performance, ensuring continuous support and personalized guidance throughout students’ academic endeavors.

Indicators that a student may particularly benefit from the fall study groups include

Study Skills Workshops

Throughout the semester, the USD Law faculty and upper-level students present study skills workshops on topics useful to first-year law students, including outlining and final exam preparation. The Academic Success Fellows lead course-specific midterm and final study sessions available to all students each semester. Second- and third-year students can take advantage of professional workshops on topics such as licensing requirements and getting ready for the bar exam throughout the semester.

Academic Roadmap

Academic Improvement Plan

We recognize that our students have limitless potential. To unlock that potential, USD Law is privileged to provide our students with an Academic Improvement Plan. Our esteemed faculty works individually with qualifying students to address the challenges faced and develop a plan to achieve academic and professional success.

Acing the Bar Exam

Bar Exam Information

By equipping law students with essential bar exam study resources, we help pave the path toward becoming licensed attorneys. Whether you’re taking the California Bar Exam, the Uniform Bar Examination or the exam of another state, we provide valuable study tips, proven techniques and personalized materials to help you land a passing score.

Bar Exam Support
ASBP Bar Classes
California Bar Exam
Uniform Bar Exam (UBE)

The Academic Success and Bar Programs team offers Bar Exam prep strategy meetings, where you'll receive valuable guidance not only on exam preparation but also on exam timelines, moral character applications, the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), and effective study strategies. Additionally, the Law School Registrar is here to assist you with bar certifications in various jurisdictions. Our Bar Exam & Licensure Checklist outlines the essential steps for a successful bar exam application, guiding students through requirements such as state bar registration, accessing our Academic Success and Bar Programs TWEN page, financing bar preparation, and participating in tailored events, workshops, and courses. This checklist provides a year-by-year and step-by-step guide to help you navigate the path to the Bar Exam.

While studying for the bar, access additional resources and discounts through ASBP, supplement your commercial course with the USD School of Law's specialized materials, and benefit from workshops, simulations and faculty office hours for personalized support.

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Guidance and Support