Applying for JD Degree
Applying to law school can be a challenging process, but it is your opportunity to begin planning for a new future. Our advice is to read all of the instructions carefully, to pay close attention to detail, to ask questions, and to be yourself.
Application Process Overview
Timeline
Applications for admission to the first year of the J.D. program are accepted during the fall and winter before classes begin. New students may enter in the fall only; we do not offer spring admission.
The application process begins when you visit the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website where you can register for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and complete and submit an electronic application to Berkeley. LSAC is also the clearing house for your personal statement, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Applications become available online each year on September 1 and the application deadline is February 1. You should apply as early as possible, ideally in October or November, because there are more admission offers available early in the cycle. You may submit your application before you receive your LSAT score.
You may complete your undergraduate course work while applying, but you must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before you enroll. It is not necessary to wait until after your fall, senior year grades are posted before you apply.
You are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and to provide official transcripts to LSAC's Credentials Assembly Service (CAS). Transcripts should be submitted from all post-high schools attended, including graduate school if applicable.
Your LSAT score and undergraduate grade point average (GPA) are the most important criteria in evaluating your academic potential to study law. You can use the median LSAT percentile and undergraduate GPA of the previous year's admitted applicant pool to understand the competitive nature of our admissions process. However, because we take several factors into account in making admission decisions, higher or lower scores and grades neither ensure nor preclude admission.
Parts of the Application
- Application form to be submitted via Law Services
- Supplemental questionnaires (optional but recommended)
- $75 application fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (two to four pages)
- Resume (recommended)
- Addenda (optional)
- LSAT score, taken between December 2007 and December 2012. Scores from the February 2013 test are not accepted.
- CAS report (transcript summary and CAS score report)
Please see Preparing to Apply and Application Forms and Deadlines for more information about how to prepare and submit your application.
If you have questions, you may contact the Admissions Office by phone at (510) 642-2274, or by email to admissions@law.berkeley.edu.
Application Fee
A nonrefundable $75.00 application fee must be submitted in order to process your application. You will be able to use a credit card when you apply through LSAC. The fee cannot be used for processing applications to other law schools within the University of California System.
Application Fee Waivers
We offer a need-based application fee waiver program that is administered by LSAC. We will waive your application fee if you are approved for an LSAC fee waiver. You may visit their website for information about obtaining one. If you apply electronically your application fee will be waived automatically.
Berkeley Law fee waivers are available to applicants who are current participants in public service programs like the Peace Corps, Teach for America and other similar programs. Information and the application form are found here. Submit the fee waiver request form with proof of participation to the admissions office. The deadline for fee waiver requests is January 11, 2013.
We do not provide application fee waivers to transfer applicants.
