Admission Requirements

Each applicant to Western State is assigned to one of our Admission Advisors, who are available to answer questions and assist in the application process. An interview with the advisor – in person, by phone or email – is highly encouraged, to discuss in detail the student's background, expectations, needs, values and to assess whether Western State College of Law is the right school for you.

Application Requirements and Documents

Application & $60 application fee
Applicants must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and register with the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS); for more information regarding LSAT test dates and registration, visit www.LSAC.org
Must have completed a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution prior to matriculation at the law school; no particular undergraduate major is required
LSAT score(s) – in the case of multiple scores, Western State generally considers the highest score
Transcripts from all colleges attended must be submitted to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
Personal statement (2-3 pages)
2 letters of recommendation – at least 1 academic (previous professor) preferred
Resume – optional but recommended

Part Time Students

Admission requirements are the same for the part time or the full time program. Admitted students may move from the part time to the full time program or vice versa prior to registering for classes.

International Students

Contact the Admission Office for information regarding student visas and foreign credential evaluation.

Transcripts

All applicants should register for the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) in order for us to access undergraduate and/or prior graduate degree transcripts. For more information about the CAS, please call 215.968.1001 or visit www.LSAC.org.

Personal Statement

Although academic history and the LSAT score are very important in the application review process, the personal statement is a vital factor as well. The personal statement should be no more than three pages, typed and double-spaced. In the personal statement, you should focus on your accomplishments, skills, experiences and motivation that indicate potential for success in law school. Include any information such as extracurricular activities, career plans, leadership ability, or anything else that will help the Admission Committee gain a clear and accurate picture of you as an individual.

Letters of Recommendation

Western State prefers that letters of recommendation be sent through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. LSAC forwards letters of recommendation to Western State once a week. Please do not send duplicate letters directly to Western State. If necessary, letters of recommendation may also be sent directly to Western State from the recommender.

Review for Admissions

Once the applicant's file is complete, the Faculty Admission Committee makes each admission decision based on its estimation of the applicant's potential for academic success, upon a full and careful review of all information provided at the time of review. The members of the Committee consider the required elements including the LSAT score(s), undergraduate record, personal statement and letters of recommendation, as well as optional items such as a current résumé or other addenda. No single item in an applicant's file defines the outcome of an admission decision. Please allow 4-5 weeks for a decision to be rendered once your file is complete.

Rolling Admissions

Western State continues to review applications on a rolling basis until the class is full. Those who apply on or before the priority deadline will receive first consideration for scholarship awards. Admission to the law school becomes more competitive after the priority deadline has passed.

Application Deadlines

Priority deadline to apply for Fall: April 1
Final day to start an application with LSAC: June 1

Admission Office Contact Information

1111 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831

(714) 459-1101
(800) WSU-4LAW
(714) 441-1748 (fax)

adm@wsulaw.edu

See WSUprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

Prospective Students

RSVP required for all events!
Please send RSVP to wsursvp@wsulaw.edu with the name and date of the event in the subject line. More details will be emailed to you once your RSVP is received!

BE A LAW STUDENT FOR A DAY

Sit in on a class, take a tour with our friendly advisers, and have lunch with current Western State students!

Wednesday, January 30
Tuesday, February 26
Thursday, March 28
Wednesday, April 17

PREPARING FOR THE PRACTICE OF LAW

Where your academic preparation meets practical experience!

Western State College of Law
Saturday, February 23
from 9:00am - 2:00pm

Law is an exciting and challenging field—do you have what it takes to succeed in today’s legal market? Are you up to the rigorous academics of law school and the demands of a career in law?

Join us for this dynamic workshop to:

• Hear how our students acquire skills, hands-on experience, and make contacts to prepare for practice after law school
• Learn about exciting externship opportunities in various fields of law
• Hear from a panel of current law students and recent grads
• Meet and network with faculty members, current students and alumni

Lunch will be provided! An optional school tour will be given after lunch.

RSVP requiredby February 15, 2013 for this event. Please RSVP to 714.459.1101 or email wsursvp@wsulaw.edu.

WEBINARS

The Admissions Process | Thursday, February 28
Financial Aid Planning & Scholarships | Wednesday, March 13
Career Development: Western’s Programs | Thursday, April 25
Getting Ready for Law School | Wednesday, May 22
*All webinars take place from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Western State College of Law