FAQs
Q. What are the requirements for admissions?
A. Applicants must hold or expect to receive a bachelor's degree from a college or university of approved standing prior to enrollment to the University of San Diego School of Law. Applicants must also take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). Information on the LSAT and LSDAS can be found at www.LSAC.org or by calling (215) 968-1001.
Q. If I take the LSAT more than once, how does USD view my multiple scores?
A. Effective September 1st, 2006, the highest LSAT score will generally be used
to evaluate applications for admission and scholarship consideration.
Q. How long is my LSAT score good for?
A. LSDAS considers the LSAT score current for five years; however, USD usually considers it valid for only three years.
Q. What is rolling admissions? Is there a deadline?
A. USD uses a "rolling admissions" process. The Admissions Committee reads completed files and makes decisions on a continual basis. We begin accepting applications on September 1. Applications received before February 1 will be given priority consideration.
Q. Do you have spring admission?
A. No. We admit first year students once a year for the fall semester only.
Q. How do I obtain an application fee waiver?
A. A fee-waiver request must be in writing. Your request must accompany your completed paper application and you must include a copy of your financial aid award letter (if you are still in school) or a copy of your most recent federal income tax return. You may request an application by calling (619) 260-4528 or by e-mail at jdinfo@sandiego.edu.
Q. What criteria do you consider in making admissions decisions?
A. The Admissions Committee considers a number of important factors including the LSAT score, undergraduate grade point average (G.P.A.), difficulty of undergraduate major, course of study, progression in grades, personal statement, community involvement, work experience and extracurricular activities.
Q. Does USD encourage minority and other non-traditional applicants?
A. The University of San Diego School of Law seeks to enroll a highly qualified and diverse student body to ensure academic excellence and enrichment of the legal education as well as legal profession through the participation of students with different perspectives and backgrounds. While LSAT and undergraduate GPA are important elements, other factors are significant in the admissions decision process.
Q. Do you grant personal interviews?
A. 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.
Q. Does USD require letters of recommendation?
A. Letters of recommendation are not required. However, applicants who wish to have them included in their admissions file should send them to LSDAS who will forward up to two letters to USD.
Q. Does USD School of Law offer a part-time program? What is the schedule?
A. USD offers a four year part-time evening program. Classes are generally held Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. A part-time evening student can transfer to the full-time program after successfully completing their first year.
Q. Can I apply to both the Full Time and Part Time Program?
A. You must initially apply to the Full Time or Part Time program. However, you have the option of stating that you are willing take the Part Time program if not admitted to the Full Time program. Decisions are subject to space availability and academic considerations.
Q. Once I submit my application, when will a decision be made?
A. The first admitted applicants are usually notified in the early part of December. However, since decisions are made continuously, applicants may receive a decision letter any time throughout the spring, or even as late as June or July.
Q. Can I choose my first-year schedule?
A. No, first year schedules are predetermined. First year full time students are divided into three sections. Students are assigned to a section the week before classes start. Full time classes are held between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Usually students have two classes each day Monday through Thursday and one class on Friday. The times will vary based on the section.
Q. Do you offer any dual degree programs?
A. USD offers dual degree programs for JD/MBA (Master of Business Administration), JD/IMBA (International Master of Business Administration) and JD/MA (Master of Arts in International Relations). The master's degree programs require a separate entrance exam and a separate graduate admissions application. Many students decide to apply for these programs in their second year of law school.
Q. What if I need help in my first year?
A. The University has an excellent academic support program. In addition, students may request the assistance of the university counseling department or health services.
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