Application FAQs

What are the enrollment statistics for the entering class?

Applications Received: 5,167
Applications Admitted: 1,491
Entering Class Size: 414
Gender: 51% Female; 49% Male
Students of Color: 45%
Age: Median: 24; Range: 20-58
Undergraduate Institutions: 124
Advanced Degrees: 33 (MA, MBA, MPP, MS, MFA, MD, PHD)       

How do I apply to UC Hastings?
First, you must have, or be in the process of receiving, a Bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent. You must take the LSAT and register with the Law School Admissions Council Credential Assembly Service (CAS). CAS compiles your transcripts, LSAT scores, and the two required letters of recommendation into a report that is then submitted to each school to which you apply. (For information on the LSAT and CAS, please go to the Law Services website.) You must also submit the application and application fee prior to the deadline. There is also a required personal statement and resume. If you are applying for the Legal Education Opportunity Program (LEOP), please pay close attention to the LEOP application instructions. Read more detailed information about applying, including application and financial aid forms.

Do you have an Early Decision program?
Yes. UC Hastings does provide an Early Commitment Option to applicants for whom Hastings is their first choice. To be eligible for Early Commitment you must have taken the LSAT on or before the October test administration and submitted your application by November 15; your application must be complete by December 1. This is a binding admissions process: if you are accepted by December 15, you will have until January 15 to make your admission deposit; doing so requires you to withdraw applications from all other law schools. If you do not receive an early offer, your file will be considered with all other applications. 

What is the application deadline?
UC Hastings accepts applications on a rolling basis from October 1 through March 1. Early Decision Option applications must be received by November 15; regular admissions applications and LEOP applications must be received by March 1st. Please keep in mind that it is to your advantage to apply earlier in the process as we make decisions on a rolling basis.

Do you offer application fee waivers?
Yes. UC Hastings accepts fee waivers that have been granted by the LSAC. You must apply for the fee waiver through LSAC directly before you submit your application for admission. Please contact www.lsac.org. If you should apply online and use your credit card, we are unable to grant refunds.

Do you have a part-time or evening program?
No. The UC Hastings JD program is a full-time day program beginning once a year in the fall.

How does UC Hastings view multiple LSAT scores?
The Admissions Committee will see each test score and date taken and will consider the highest score in its evaluation. Please note, however, that for fall  admission, you must have taken the LSAT since the June 2006 administration. You will have to re-take the test if you have not taken the LSAT since June 2006.

How do I submit letters of recommendation?
UC Hastings requires two (and only two) letters submitted through CAS. We prefer that your letters of recommendation be from individuals familiar with your academic work and who can attest to your academic potential and preparedness. However, if you have been out of school for more than a year, you may substitute employer letters of recommendation. While letters from professors are ideal, we understand that for students who come from particularly large undergraduate institutions, it can be difficult to form close relationships with professors. Thus, letters from teaching assistants or others who know you as a scholar can be submitted. 

What should I include in my personal statement?
UC Hastings does not require that your personal statement be about a specific topic, nor do we specify a page limit. We ask that you write about information and views that are important to you, and that you believe should be weighed in considering your application for admission. Remember that we are not asking you to reiterate your resume or explain test scores or grades that would be more appropriate in an addendum. Your personal statement will be evaluated for clarity, content and skill of presentation.

Is California residency important for admissions?
No, California residency has no impact on the application process. Do note, however, that the tuition for out-of-state students is higher than that for California residents. Students can often attain California residency for tuition purposes by their second or third year of law school. Read about residency requirements.

What about my graduate degree?
UC Hastings requires that all admitted students have an undergraduate Bachelor's degree upon matriculation. In cases where applicants have received a graduate degree before deciding to apply for the JD program, the Admissions Office uses the undergraduate GPA. However, additional work and degrees are considered when included as part of the admissions package.

Is an interview required?
No. In fact, UC Hastings makes all admissions decisions by committee and therefore does not offer interviews. 

Do you admit students for the spring term?
No. UC Hastings admits first-year students to begin in the fall only. We do, however, accept Visiting Students from other law schools for the spring semester. For more information on the visiting application process, please take a look at Admissions and Transfers & Visiting.

Can I defer admission?
No. UC Hastings does not have a deferred admission program. We ask that you apply for admission when you are ready to attend. Admitted students who decide not to attend may reapply in subsequent years.

I have a law degree from a foreign institution, now what?
You may want to consider applying to the LL.M. program. This is a one-year degree in United States Legal Studies. Read more information about the LL.M. program. You are also welcome to apply for our JD program by carefully following the instructions for international applicants.

Do I need to take the TOEFL?
The TOEFL is not required for the JD, but it is required for the LL.M.

If your question was not answered, please email us at admiss@uchastings.edu.