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.