How to Get Into UCLA Law (2024-2025)

How Hard Is It to Get Into UCLA Law School?

UCLA School of Law is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, it holds the #13 position nationally. The school maintains a competitive acceptance rate, which has ranged from 15.5% to 16.8% in recent years. UCLA Law stands out among other law schools due to its emphasis on academic excellence, experiential learning, and community engagement.

UCLA Law’s Acceptance Rate Over Time

Programs Offered by UCLA Law

UCLA School of Law offers a comprehensive range of academic programs and clinical legal education opportunities that prepare UCLA law students for diverse legal careers:

• Juris Doctor (JD) - A rigorous program providing a strong foundation in constitutional law, criminal law, and more, with opportunities for specialization.
• LL.M. (Master of Laws) - A one-year program for international and domestic graduates seeking expertise in areas like tax law and corporate law.
• S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science) - For those pursuing advanced research or academic careers.
• Specializations - Focus areas include Environmental Law, Public Interest Law, Entertainment Law, and Critical Race Studies.
• Clinical Legal Education - Hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as trial advocacy, immigration, and environmental law.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program - UCLA Law supports graduates entering public interest law careers through its Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP). This program alleviates the burden of student loans for those pursuing roles in nonprofit organizations, government, and other public service fields.

Admissions Requirements — Who Gets Into UCLA Law?

UCLA Law seeks a diverse and talented student body with exceptional academic, professional, and personal achievements. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to excel in legal education and contribute to the vibrant UCLA Law community.

UCLA Law Admissions Stats: LSAT, GPA, & Class Profile

• Women: 51%
• Students of Color: 44%
• International Students: 6%
• Average Age: 24 (ranging from 22 to 35)

What LSAT Score Do You Need for UCLA Law?

To be competitive for admission to UCLA Law, applicants should aim for an LSAT score within the following range:

• 25th Percentile: 165
• 50th Percentile (Median): 170
• 75th Percentile: 171

While a score below 165 is possible with a strong overall application, aiming for a score of 170 or higher enhances your chances.

Bonus: How to Get Into UCLA Law With a Low LSAT Score

• Highlight your work experience or unique accomplishments.
• Write a compelling personal statement that offsets lower test scores.
• Obtain strong letters of recommendation.

Read: Top 30+ Free Resources for the LSAT

What GPA Do You Need for UCLA Law?

A strong undergraduate GPA is crucial for admission:

• 25th Percentile: 3.69
• 50th Percentile (Median): 3.95
• 75th Percentile: 4.00

Applicants with a GPA below 3.69 should compensate with exceptional achievements in other areas of their application.

Bonus: How to Get Into UCLA Law With a Low GPA

• Gain significant professional or leadership experience.
• Provide context for your GPA in an addendum.
• Showcase academic improvement over time.

How to Apply to UCLA Law

UCLA Law Application Deadlines (2024 - 2025)

• Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
• Decision Notifications: Rolling basis, early application strongly encouraged

UCLA Law — Application Overview

To apply to UCLA School of Law, applicants must submit the following materials:

• Application Fee: $75 (non-refundable)
• Standardized Test Score: LSAT required; GRE accepted as an alternative
• Transcripts: All undergraduate and graduate transcripts (submitted through LSAC)
• Letters of Recommendation: Minimum of 2 required, up to 4 accepted
• Resume: Highlighting academic, professional, and extracurricular activities
• Personal Statement: Discussing background, goals, and reasons for choosing UCLA Law
• Optional Essays: Diversity statement and addenda may be submitted

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to enrollment. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS unless their undergraduate degree was earned in an English-speaking country. Additionally, international students are required to meet U.S. visa requirements.

UCLA Law employs a holistic admissions process, evaluating academic records, test scores, leadership experiences, and contributions to diversity and public service. Applicants must also address character and fitness questions to meet the ethical standards required for admission to the bar.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is a critical component of the UCLA Law application. It offers applicants the opportunity to explain their motivations for pursuing a legal career and why UCLA Law is their top choice.

Personal Statement Prompt: What motivates you to pursue a career in law? How will UCLA School of Law support your goals and aspirations?

Read: How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for University of California--Los Angeles School of Law

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are essential to UCLA Law applications, offering valuable insights into an applicant’s academic and professional abilities, character, and potential as a law student. Applicants must submit at least two letters of recommendation, though up to four are allowed. These letters should ideally come from professors, advisors, or professional supervisors who are well-acquainted with the applicant's achievements and potential to succeed in a rigorous academic environment. All letters must be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service, ensuring a streamlined and secure process.

Expert Tip: Provide your recommenders with a comprehensive outline of your achievements, career goals, and specific points they should highlight.

Read: How Many Letters of Recommendation for Law School: A Comprehensive Guide

Law School Resume

A well-structured resume showcasing your academic achievements, leadership roles, professional experience, and extracurricular involvement is crucial for UCLA Law applications. To create an effective resume, keep these key guidelines in mind:

• Limit the resume to 1–2 pages
• Use bullet points for clarity
• Focus on accomplishments that align with UCLA Law's values and programs
• Highlight quantifiable achievements (e.g., “Led a team of 20 to increase efficiency by 30%”)

Expert Tip: Work with a top law school admissions coach to refine your resume and ensure it meets UCLA Law's expectations.

Different Types of Applicants — Requirements for UCLA Law

UCLA Law values diversity and accepts applications from various groups, including reapplicants, transfer students, military veterans, and international students.

Reapplicants

Individuals reapplying to UCLA Law should emphasize the ways they have grown and improved since their previous application. Highlight any new academic achievements, professional experiences, or personal milestones that strengthen your candidacy. This demonstrates resilience, a commitment to self-improvement, and a renewed dedication to pursuing legal education at UCLA.

Transfer Students

UCLA Law accepts transfer students who have completed their first year at an ABA-accredited law school. To be considered, transfer applicants must have a strong academic record, often ranking in the top third of their class. The transfer application process includes submitting a letter of good standing, first-year transcripts, and, in some cases, class rank. Transfer students have access to the full range of resources at UCLA Law, including clinics, journals, and on-campus interviews.

Military Veterans

UCLA Law actively supports military veterans through dedicated resources and initiatives. Veterans are encouraged to leverage their unique leadership experiences, discipline, and problem-solving skills in their applications. The university also offers guidance on accessing veterans’ education benefits and provides a supportive environment for transitioning to academic life.

International Students

International applicants bring valuable global perspectives to UCLA Law’s community. They must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree and demonstrate proficiency in English through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS unless their undergraduate education was completed in an English-speaking country. International students must also navigate U.S. visa requirements, and UCLA Law provides assistance with this process.

5 Expert Tips on How to Get Into UCLA Law

1. Craft a compelling narrative - Your personal statement and supplemental essays are your opportunity to stand out. Use them to tell a story that connects your unique experiences, achievements, and goals to UCLA Law's mission and programs. Highlight how specific aspects of UCLA Law, such as its emphasis on clinical legal education, environmental law, or public interest law, align with your career aspirations. Share meaningful experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making an impact in the legal field.
2. Build strong relationships with recommenders - Letters of recommendation are a critical part of your application, providing an external perspective on your abilities and character. Select recommenders who know you well, such as professors, advisors, or supervisors, and can provide detailed and personalized endorsements. Ensure they highlight your intellectual capabilities, leadership qualities, and potential for success at UCLA Law. Provide them with a clear outline of your goals and achievements to make their letters as targeted and impactful as possible.
3. Optimize your LSAT/GRE prep - A competitive LSAT or GRE score is essential for admission to UCLA Law. Focus on identifying and improving your weaker areas through targeted practice and preparation. Take full-length practice tests under realistic conditions to track your progress and build stamina. Consider investing in a reputable test prep course or working with a tutor to maximize your performance. Scoring at or above UCLA Law’s median LSAT range (170) can significantly strengthen your application.
4. Showcase unique experiences - UCLA Law values diverse perspectives and experiences, so use your application to highlight what makes you unique. Whether it’s a professional achievement, volunteer work, or an unconventional career path, demonstrate how your background adds value to the UCLA Law community. For example, emphasize your contributions to underrepresented communities, involvement in public interest initiatives, or specialized knowledge in areas like STEM, arts, or business.
5. Demonstrate genuine interest in UCLA law - Admissions committees value applicants who show a clear and genuine interest in the school. Research UCLA Law’s programs, clinics, and faculty, and mention specific opportunities that resonate with your career goals. For example, if you're interested in corporate law, reference UCLA’s Business Law and Policy program. If your passion lies in public service, highlight the school’s robust public interest law opportunities. Tailoring your application to UCLA Law demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and are enthusiastic about becoming part of its community.

The Bottom Line

• UCLA Law is a top-ranked law school with a competitive admissions process.
• Strong LSAT/GPA scores are critical, but a compelling application can offset weaker metrics.
• Take advantage of UCLA Law’s diverse academic programs and clinics.
• Tailor your application to reflect your alignment with UCLA Law’s mission.

Connect with top law school admissions coaches to enhance your UCLA Law application and maximize your chances of success.

Read these next:

• Acceptance Rates & Class Profiles of the T14 Law Schools
• Everything You Need to Know About LSAC and the CAS Report for Law School
• LSAT vs GRE for Law School - Which to Take and How to Ace Both
• Law School Application Deadlines (T20 Programs)

FAQs

How much is UCLA LLM 2024 2025?

• Official fees for attendance in the 2024-2025 LL. M. Program are as follows: Tuition Fee: $73,117.00.

Can I get into UCLA Law with a 163 LSAT?

• Among first-year UCLA students, an LSAT score of 171 is considered to be high. A 170 is considered average, and a 165 is low. Remember, neither of your scores – GPA or LSAT – need to be as high as these to get accepted into UCLA School of Law.

Is UCLA law school hard to get into?

• Based on UCLA Law's 16.1% acceptance rate, the school is relatively hard to get into. Although it's not as competitive as law schools such as Harvard or Yale, you'll need to submit a perfect application for your best chance of acceptance.

UCLA expensive for international students?

• Tuition and fees for most doctoral and master's programs are about $16,847 per year for California residents, and about $31,949 annually for non-California residents. Tuition and fees vary from these amounts for professional degrees and self-supporting degrees.

Is UCLA in the Ivy League?

• Is UCLA an Ivy League school? No, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) is not an Ivy League school, but it is a leading public university with a strong academic reputation. Is Johns Hopkins an Ivy League school? No, Johns Hopkins University is not part of the Ivy League.