How to Get Into UC Irvine Law (2024-2025)
Discover the University of California, Irvine School of Law, and learn about their comprehensive program and application process.
Posted January 23, 2025
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Table of Contents
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
| Class of 2027 | Class of 2026 | Class of 2025 | Class of 2024 | Class of 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 2,629 | 2,802 | 3,096 | 3,600 | 3,093 |
| Offers of Admission | 478 | 545 | 538 | 606 | 628 |
| Enrolled 1Ls | 151 | 169 | 173 | 170 | 147 |
| Acceptance Rate | 18.18% | 19.45% | 17.38% | 16.83% | 20.30% |
| Yield | 31.60% | 31.01% | 32.16% | 27.39% | 23.41% |
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
| 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile (Median) | 75th Percentile | Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | 3.34 | 3.67 | 3.83 | 3.10–4.00 |
| LSAT | 158 | 162 | 164 | 155–168 |
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.
Read: How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for University of California, Irvine School of Law
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.
Read: Crafting Your Law School Resume: Template and Tips
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Showcase Unique Experiences - Highlight how your background, such as work in public service or international law, can enrich the UC Irvine Law community.
- 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.
- 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.
FAQs
Does UC Irvine School of Law offer part-time or evening programs?
- No, UCI Law's Juris Doctor (J.D.) program is a full-time day program.
Are there different admission requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants must complete their bachelor's degree, submit their transcripts to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), and have a valid standardized test score (LSAT or GRE). UCI Law does not require TOEFL or other language proficiency tests.
Does UCI Law accept transfer or visiting students?
- Yes, UCI Law accepts a select number of transfer and visiting students from ABA-accredited law schools. Specific application processes and timelines apply.
Is there a preference for the LSAT or GRE in the evaluation process?
- Applicants submitting a GRE score in lieu of an LSAT score are evaluated in the same manner as those applying with an LSAT score. However, if an applicant has a valid LSAT score, the LSAT score will govern consideration of the application.
What role does diversity play in the application process?
- UCI Law strives to admit a diverse group of students to enrich the exchange of ideas and viewpoints in the classroom. The admission policy gives equal consideration to various factors, including life experiences, work experience, and significant achievements in nonacademic activities or public service.
