How to Get Into UC Irvine Law (2024-2025)

How Hard is It to Get Into UC Irvine School of Law?

University of California Irvine School of Law (commonly known as UCI Law) is one of the best law schools in the United States, recognized for its innovative curriculum and strong commitment to public service. According to recent rankings, UCI Law is ranked #42 among the top law schools in the US. The school has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 17.38% for the Class of 2025.

UCI Law also boasts a strong record of placing graduates in prestigious roles, including federal clerkships, which underscores its reputation for academic excellence and career preparation.

Acceptance Rate Over Time

Programs Offered by UCI Law

UCI Law provides a robust legal education with an emphasis on public service, academic excellence, and practical training. Programs include:

• Juris Doctor (JD) - A three-year program focusing on hands-on experience and foundational areas such as constitutional law, legal writing, and clinical training.
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) - A program tailored for international or domestic graduates, offering specialization in fields like international law and environmental law.
• Joint Degrees - Students can pursue joint degree programs, such as a JD/MBA, combining legal education with business training.
• Specializations - UCI Law focuses on areas like environmental law, tax law, and public service to prepare students for specialized careers.
• Clinical Training - The Irvine School of Law is renowned for its experiential learning, offering clinics in fields such as immigration, public interest law, and criminal justice.

UC Irvine Law Cost

Tuition and fees for UCI Law vary based on residency status. For California residents, the annual tuition is approximately $47,000, while non-residents pay closer to $53,000. When factoring in living expenses, the total cost of attendance can range between $80,000 and $85,000 annually.

Admissions Requirements — Who Gets Into UCI Law?

UCI Law School seeks students with strong academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a demonstrated commitment to public service. The admissions process is holistic, considering GPA, LSAT scores, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

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

The diverse student body at UCI Law reflects the school’s focus on inclusion and academic rigor:

• Women: 55%
• Students of Color: 42%
• International Students: 7%
• Average Age: 25

What LSAT Score Do You Need for UCI Law?

Competitive applicants should aim for an LSAT score within the following range:

• 25th Percentile: 158
• 50th Percentile (Median): 162
• 75th Percentile: 164

While applicants with scores below 158 may still be considered, demonstrating strength in other parts of the application is crucial.

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

• Highlight professional achievements in your application.
• Emphasize your commitment to public service and relevant experiences.
• Secure strong letters of recommendation from faculty or employers.

Read: Top 30+ Free Resources for the LSAT

What GPA Do You Need for UC Irvine Law?

A strong undergraduate GPA is a critical component of a competitive application:

• 25th Percentile: 3.34
• 50th Percentile (Median): 3.67
• 75th Percentile: 3.83

Applicants with a GPA below 3.34 can still be competitive if they demonstrate exceptional qualities in other parts of their application.

Bonus: How to Get Into UC Irvine Law With a Low GPA

• Gain significant work experience or leadership roles in public service.
• Address low grades in an addendum, explaining any extenuating circumstances.
• Highlight an upward grade trend and strong performance in challenging courses.

How to Apply to UCI Law

UCI Law Application Deadlines (2024 - 2025)

• Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
• Decision Notifications: Rolling basis

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to the University of California, Irvine School of Law, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution prior to enrollment. All applicants are required to submit standardized test scores, either the LSAT or GRE, with scores valid for up to five years; if both tests are taken, the LSAT will be prioritized. International applicants must have their academic credentials evaluated for U.S. equivalency but are not required to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Academic records, letters of recommendation (minimum of two, with up to three accepted), and standardized test scores must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Applicants must also submit a personal statement and a "Why UC Irvine Law" essay, each with a 750-word limit. Notably, UC Irvine Law does not charge an application fee, making the application process more accessible.

For complete application instructions and deadlines, prospective students must consult the official UC Irvine Law admissions page.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is a critical component of the UC Irvine School of Law application, allowing applicants to share their motivations for pursuing a legal career and their reasons for choosing UCI Law. Applicants are required to submit both a personal statement and a "Why UC Irvine Law" essay, each with a word limit of 750 words. These documents must be formatted in Microsoft Word, double-spaced, with 12-point font and one-inch margins. Applicants should include their name, LSAC number, and the type of statement at the top of each page.

While UCI Law does not provide specific prompts for the personal statement, applicants are encouraged to use this essay to discuss their personal journey, career aspirations, and how UCI Law’s unique programs align with their goals. The "Why UC Irvine Law" essay should articulate clear and specific reasons for choosing UCI Law, demonstrating an understanding of the school’s innovative curriculum, commitment to public service, and areas of specialization.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are an essential component of the UC Irvine Law application process, offering insight into an applicant’s academic capabilities, character, and potential for success in legal education. Applicants must submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation, though up to four are accepted.

These letters should ideally come from professors, advisors, or employers who are familiar with the applicant's academic performance, work ethic, or leadership qualities. Strong letters provide specific examples of the applicant's accomplishments, intellectual abilities, and readiness for the rigor of law school. To streamline the process, all letters must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service.

Expert tip: Provide recommenders with relevant materials, such as a resume or personal statement, to help them craft detailed and personalized endorsements.

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

Law School Resume

Your law school resume is an essential part of your application, providing a concise snapshot of your academic achievements, leadership roles, and professional experiences. It should be well-structured, easy to read, and tailored to showcase how your background aligns with the values and expectations of the UC Irvine School of Law.

Highlight specific accomplishments that demonstrate your impact, such as successfully leading a team, managing a significant project, or achieving measurable results. Include sections for education, work experience, community involvement, and relevant skills, ensuring that each entry reflects your readiness for the rigor of legal studies.

Pro Tip: Working with a top law school admissions coach can help refine your resume, ensuring it effectively highlights your strengths and aligns with the expectations of competitive law schools like UCI Law.

Different Types of Applicants — Requirements for UC Irvine Law

UC Irvine School of Law welcomes a diverse range of applicants, including reapplicants, transfer students, military veterans, and international candidates.

Reapplicants

Individuals reapplying to UC Irvine Law should emphasize how they have grown since their last application. This may include improved LSAT or GPA, significant professional achievements, or new experiences that showcase leadership and commitment to public service.

Transfer Students

UC Irvine Law accepts a select number of transfer students from ABA-accredited law schools. Transfer applicants typically need a strong academic record, often ranking in the top third of their class. They must submit first-year law school transcripts, a letter of good standing, and a personal statement tailored to their desire to transfer.

Military Veterans

The law school supports veterans through dedicated resources designed to help them transition into academic life. Veterans are encouraged to highlight leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills gained during their service in their applications.

International Students

International candidates bring valuable global perspectives that enrich UC Irvine Law's community and student diversity. Applicants must meet additional requirements, including proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS unless their undergraduate degree was completed in English. UC Irvine Law values the unique contributions international students bring to the classroom and legal field.

5 Expert Tips on How to Get Into UC Irvine Law

1. Craft a Compelling Narrative -Use your personal statement to connect your experiences to UC Irvine Law's mission. Highlight specific programs, such as clinical training or environmental law, that align with your goals.
2. Strengthen Your LSAT/GRE Score - A competitive LSAT score or equivalent GRE results can make your application stand out. Focus on improving weaker areas through targeted preparation.
3. Showcase Unique Experiences - Highlight how your background, such as work in public service or international law, can enrich the UC Irvine Law community.
4. Leverage Recommendation Letters - Choose recommenders who can speak in detail about your abilities, resilience, and potential as a future lawyer. Provide them with specific points to address.
5. Demonstrate Interest in UC Irvine Law - Mention specific features, such as the school’s innovative curriculum or commitment to public service, to show your genuine interest and alignment with its values.

The Bottom Line

• UCI Law is a top-ranked public law school known for its innovative curriculum and commitment to public service.
• Strong LSAT and GPA scores are critical for admission, but a holistic review allows applicants to showcase other strengths.
• UCI Law’s programs, including clinical training and joint degrees, provide extensive opportunities for practical learning.
• Carefully tailor your application to highlight your alignment with UCI Law’s values and programs.

Work with a top law school admissions coach to enhance your application and maximize your chances.

Read these next:

• The Top 10 Accelerated JD Programs
• How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement for Your Law School Applications
• How to Get Into Law School: Advice from an Expert
• Top 30+ Free Resources for the LSAT
• How to Answer the Most Common Law School Interview Questions

FAQs

Is UC Irvine a good school for law?

• Yes, UC Irvine School of Law is highly regarded for its innovative approach to legal education. It is ranked #38 nationally by U.S. News & World Report and is particularly noted for its strong clinical programs and commitment to public service.

What LSAT score do I need for UC Irvine?

• The median LSAT score for admitted students is 167, with the 25th–75th percentile range between 164 and 169. A competitive LSAT score would be 167 or higher.

How hard is it to get into UC Irvine Law?

• Admission to UC Irvine Law is competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 17.4%. Successful applicants typically have strong academic records, compelling personal statements, and relevant extracurricular experiences.

Does UC Irvine have a law program?

• Yes, UC Irvine offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program through its School of Law. Established in 2007, it is the newest law school in the University of California system and provides a comprehensive legal education with various specializations and joint degree options.