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UC Irvine Law School: Acceptance Rate & Requirements

September 4, 2024
7 min read

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Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 7/4/24

Read on to learn more about how to get into UC Irvine Law School!

If you consider yourself a visionary, you’ll fit right in at UC Irvine Law. This law school is the culmination of several generations of revolutionary dreamers who were not satisfied with the status quo and wanted to redefine, reimagine, and reinvent legal education. At UCI, no ambition is too big! 

UC Irvine Law School Acceptance Rate: 18.2%

Year Acceptance Rate
2019 20.8%
2020 20.3%
2021 16.8%
2022 19.5%
2023 18.2%

UC Irvine Law has an acceptance rate of 18.2%. This makes it one of the most selective law schools. This low rate indicates a competitive admissions process, where applicants must have strong academic credentials, compelling personal statements, and robust extracurricular involvement to be considered.

The low acceptance rate also means that the institution is dedicated to training future leaders in the legal profession. Aspiring applicants should speak with law admissions consultant from Juris to prepare thoroughly, ensuring their application stands out in a competitive pool.

How Hard Is It to Get Into UC Irvine Law?

Getting into UC Irvine Law is a bit hard. The 18.2% acceptance rate means that the majority of applicants will have to try again next time. The school is strict on what it wants in students and so, it is highly selective.

With the strong selection process, only those with leadership skills, resilience, and a passion for the legal profession have a good chance of being admitted. So, for students without these qualities, getting into this school is hard.

UC Irvine Law Programs Offered & Rankings

This school of Law offers a variety of programs designed to prepare students for successful legal careers. Programs offered in UC Irvine Law are:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) Program
  • LL.M. (Master of Laws) Program
  • Graduate Tax Program

According to USNews, University of California--Irvine Law School ranking include

  • #54 in Business/Corporate Law 
  • #12 in Clinical Training 
  • #25 in Constitutional Law 
  • #29 in Contracts/Commercial Law 
  • #24 in Criminal Law 
  • #29 in Dispute Resolution 
  • #23 in Environmental Law 
  • #80 in Health Care Law 
  • #36 in Intellectual Property Law
  • #18 in International Law
  • #7 in Legal Writing
  • #8 in Tax Law
  • #103 in Trial Advocacy 

UC Irvine Law Admissions Statistics

To ensure you meet UCI’s standards and can join its diverse and accomplished student body, it’s essential you focus on your LSAT and GPA scores. Strong academic performance will demonstrate your ability to handle the rigor of law school coursework, which UCI searches for in its applicants. 

UC Irvine Law Average GPA: 3.72

The average GPA for admitted students at UC Irvine Law School is 3.72. This high GPA further reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process. This means that successful applicants must have done well in their undergraduate studies. So, maintaining a strong academic record is essential for those aiming to join this prestigious law school. 

UC Irvine Law Average LSAT Score: 164-169

This score range depicts the high academic standards of the admissions process. Prospective applicants should score within or above this range to enhance their chances of admission. A high LSAT score means that the student has strong analytical and logical reasoning skills, which are critical for success in law school. 

Preparing thoroughly for the LSAT and using available study resources can help applicants reach or exceed this score range. Acing the LSAT is one hurdle you’ll need to overcome to begin your law school journey, so, students who had high scores in LSAT usually spend more time preparing to maximize their target.

UC Irvine Law Requirements

Here’s the complete list of application materials required to apply to UC Irvine Law. the list include

  • An undergraduate degree
  • Standardized test scores
  • A personal statement
  • An essay
  • A resume
  • Letter of recommendations 

UC Irvine Law Letters of Recommendation 

UC Irvine Law requires a minimum of two and a maximum of three letters of recommendation. Students are urged to submit letters from academic sources, but professional ones will also be accepted.

UC Irvine Law Essay 

Applicants must write a 750-word personal statement sharing meaningful experiences, skills, motivations, and aspirations with the admissions committee. Your personal statement should be polished and provide the committee with deeper insight into who you are and who you hope to become. 

The second mandatory essay is a 750-word “Why UCI Law” statement. This essay should showcase your genuine interest and alignment with UCI and explain why you chose it among all of the other law schools. 

Research the school extensively to understand its mission, values, programs, faculty, and unique opportunities, and highlight the aspects that resonate with you.

The final essay you have the option to write is a 500-word “inclusive excellence” statement that should focus on your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. You should discuss any engagements you’ve participated in to support or advance diversity and how you plan on contributing to UCI’s diversity.

A Resume

To share the extracurriculars, work experiences, and volunteer pursuits you dedicated so much time and effort to during your undergrad, you’re required to submit a resume. This resume should also include any awards, honors, certificates, or publications you earned. 

UC Irvine Law Tuition

The school fees consist of tuition, Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST), Student Services Fee, mandatory UCI campus-based fees (e.g., recreation center, associated students fee etc.) and graduate student health insurance.  Nonresident students are also assessed for Nonresident Supplemental Tuition.

2023-24 Zot Bill Expenses CA Resident Non-Resident
Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST) $41,670.00 $41,670.00
Nonresident Supplemental Tuition n/a $12,245.00
Tuition $12,264.00 $12,264.00
Student Services Fee $1,206.00 $1,206.00
UCI Campus Based Fees $805.11 $805.11
Document Fee (one time upon matriculation) $80.00 $80.00
TOTAL ANNUAL COST $55,945.11 $68,190.11
Graduate Student Health Insurance (GSHIP)* $5,518.86 $5,518.86
TOTAL ANNUAL COST w/ GSHIP* $61,463.97 $61,463.97
UC Graduate and Professional Council Fee** $3.50 $3.50

*First year Law students and any returning students not enrolled in the previous spring semester will also pay a prorated GSHIP premium in addition to the fall premium for a total 2024 fall semester GSHIP premium.

**The UC Graduate and Professional Council fee is a non-mandatory fee that graduate students are assessed during the fall, winter and spring terms to support the systemwide UC Student Association. Students may elect to opt-out and once the opt-out is elected students will not be charged the fee unless they change their election for a later term.

What Is UC Irvine Law Looking for In Applicants?

UC Irvine Law is looking for applicants with academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to public service. Although a strong GPA and competitive LSAT scores are essential, the admissions committee also wants personal qualities like leadership and a passion for justice.

UCI Law Application Deadlines

Do you know that application deadlines are important when dealing with the admission process? Here are UCI Law application deadlines. Keep them in mind to ensure you apply to UCI on time!

Application Milestone Deadline
Applications Open September 1
Binding Early Decision Applications Due November 15
Binding Early Decision Notification Period By the end of December
Regular Decision Priority Deadline March 31
Regular Decision Notification Period By May 15

Source: UCI Law School

It’s important to note that these notification periods are only estimates. While the admission committee aims to make decisions by these dates, you may receive one after.

UCI Bar Passage Rate: #87%

The school boasts a bar passage rate of 87%. This impressive rate can only mean that the school curriculum provides a solid foundation in core legal principles and specialized knowledge. 

UCI Law provides extensive bar preparation resources, including review courses, workshops, and personalized counseling. The supportive community allows collaboration and motivation among students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the bar exam. 

7 Tips To Improve Your Admission Chances

Improving your chances of getting into UC Irvine Law involves a strategic approach to enhancing various aspects of your application. Here are key tips to get into UCI Law:

Have a Competitive LSAT Score

Dedicate ample time to LSAT preparation. Use prep courses, practice exams, and study groups to achieve a score within or above UC Irvine Law's average range (164-169). Without a doubt, a high LSAT score makes one standout in the crowd. So, dedicate ample time. So dedicate ample time to the preparation to achieve a score within or above UC Irvine Law's average range (164-169).

However, if you find it hard doing this on your own, do not hesitate to seek an expert LSAT tutoring service. Many applicants like you have used their services and they had a stroll into their preferred school.  

Write a Compelling Personal Statement

Write a personal statement that says why you are drawn to UC Irvine Law School. Also, highlight particular programs, faculty members, or research opportunities at UCI that align with your interests and career goals. Show genuine enthusiasm and a deep understanding of what makes UCI unique.

Linnea applied to 15 law schools and was accepted into 13 of them. Here’s her tips for crafting an excellent personal statement.

Gain Relevant Experience

Demonstrate your commitment to law through relevant work experience, internships, or volunteer work. Experience in fields that UCI Law emphasizes, such as public interest law or environmental law, can make your application stand out.

Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation

Get recommendations from professors, employers, or mentors who can speak to your abilities, character, and potential as a law student. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide detailed, positive endorsements.

Emphasize Academic Excellence

Ensure that your academic record reflects strong performance, particularly in challenging courses. Highlight any academic achievements, awards, or honors. If possible, include coursework or projects that relate to UCI Law's strengths.

Engage with the UCI Community

Attend UCI Law events, webinars, or information sessions to demonstrate your proactive interest. Mentioning your participation in these activities in your application can show your commitment to becoming part of the UCI community.

Tailor Your Application

Customize your application materials to reflect your interest in UC Irvine Law specifically. Mention any faculty members, programs, or initiatives at the school that align with your career goals and interests.

With these areas, you can strengthen your application and enhance your chances of gaining admission to UC Irvine Law.

FAQs: UC Irvine Law

For any remaining questions about UC Irvine Law, read on to find your answers.

1.  What LSAT Score Do You Need for UCI Law School?

An LSAT score of 167 or higher will be considered the most competitive at UCI Law.

2. What GPA Do You Need to Get Into UCI Law School?

Students are encouraged to maintain a GPA of 3.72 to get into UCI Law.

3. Is UCI a Good Law School?

Yes, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Law is widely regarded as a good law school. It was ranked number 8 overall in an analysis of Princeton Review's Best Law Schools of 2023. It has also received recognition for its innovative curriculum, clinical training, exceptional faculty, and commitment to service.

Final Thoughts

At UC Irvine, John Lennon’s famous lyrics, “You say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one,” ring true! At this law school, you’ll be surrounded by ambitious students and faculty who are ready to redefine law for the better! 

Ensure you submit a competitive applicant so you can study and work with these dreamers and become a revolutionary leader!

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Plan Smart. Execute Strong. Get Into Your Dream School.

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