Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 

All applicants are required to take the LSAT or GRE General Test, and have a reportable score. If more than one test score is reported, we take the highest score. We will, however, see all scores reported. For admission to the spring (January) entering class, the applicant must take the LSAT or GRE by October and for the fall (August) entering class, the applicant must take the LSAT or GRE by June.

You can learn more about the GRE by visiting the Educational Testing Service (ETS) webpage. 

The LSAT is administered multiple times every year. Check lsac.org for test dates and deadlines.

We encourage the applicant to prepare adequately for each applicable test. Studies show that applicants who use several sources for preparation, and practice by working through the entire test on a timed basis, score better than those who do not.

The good news is that LSAC, in partnership with Khan Academy, now offers an Official LSAT Preparation Program.  These free online test preparation resources are available now.  Click the image below to learn more about this program.

Video: Frequently Asked Questions about the LSAT 

Personal Statement

A brief two page personal essay is required. While the academic record and performance on the LSAT are the most important aspects of the review process, a well-written essay can be a significant factor. If you have something extra you would like to highlight, be sure to discuss it in your personal statement. PLEASE NOTE: The Admissions Committee does not conduct personal interviews.

Diversity Statement

You may wish to include an optional diversity statement. California Western recognizes that a diverse student body enhances the educational process for all students. To ensure the benefits of diversity, we consider, in addition to academic credentials, a variety of factors such as background, experience and personal characteristics when reviewing applications to ensure the benefits of diversity. Examples of factors which may be considered for diversity purposes include but are not limited to the following:

• ethnic minority applicants;
• bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender applicants;
• older applicants;
• applicants from geographically diverse areas;
• applicants with disabilities;
• applicants who have overcome economic, religious or cultural disadvantage, personal adversity or other social hardships;
• applicants who have lived in a foreign country or who spoke a language other than English at home;
• applicants with unusual career goals, employment history, volunteer or community service, or military or law enforcement experience.

An applicant who believes that his/her background or experience can contribute to the law school's goal of diversity and educational enrichment, and who wishes to have this considered in the admissions process, should provide written detailed information about his or her background or experience as part of the personal statement or in a separate diversity statement.

Addenda or other Statements

You are encouraged to include a separate statement explaining any perceived weaknesses in your application you feel may need to be explained to the Admissions Committee. This could include, but is not limited to, unique situations that may have affected your LSAT score or an illness in college that may have impacted your grades. It is important to note that this written statement should not be used as a means for making excuses for substandard academic performance or test scores, but as a means of communicating weaknesses and inconsistencies.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all of the colleges or universities you have attended must be submitted to LSAC for processing. In order to enroll, you must send an official final transcript, documenting undergraduate degree completion and date received, directly to LSAC. If you are still finishing classes to complete your undergraduate degree and will not receive your final transcript until after you enroll, you must send an official final transcript to California Western by the following deadlines: October 15th for fall enrollees and February 15th for spring enrollees. If your official final transcript is not on file with California Western by your applicable deadline, you will be administratively withdrawn from all classes.

"An official transcript showing the receipt of a degree(s) and all academic work undertaken prior to the date of registration of the applicant shall be on file at the time the student registers in the law school or within a reasonable time thereafter." (ABA Standard 502)

Resume

Resume should include a summary of your volunteer and/or work history, including activities where you assumed leadership.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required as part of our application process.  While we don't require that your letters come from a specific source (academic letters versus professional or personal letters), we do suggest that you choose letter writers who know your skills from personal interactions.  They should be able to write your letter based on the work they've done with you either in the classroom, at a job or internship, in a mentorship capacity or other fields.

Fees

There is no application fee.