
UCLA is one of the most competitive universities in the United States, with a rigorous admissions process. Due to the high volume of applicants each term, the chances of a successful appeal are very low. However, if you believe there are grounds for an appeal, you may submit one between April 1 and April 15. Appeals are considered on a case-by-case basis, and you must present new and compelling academic and personal information, as well as information pertaining to extenuating circumstances, that was not included in your original application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appeal submission deadline for freshman applicants | 5 PM Pacific Daylight Time on April 15 |
| Appeal submission deadline for transfer applicants | May 15 |
| Appeal character limit | 7,000 characters |
| Appeal word limit | 1,000 words |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Appeal decision | Rarely overturned |
| Grounds for appeal | Personal hardship, emergency or sudden-need situation, new academic and personal information, extenuating circumstances |
| Waitlist option | No |
| Transfer applications for Fall 2024 | 27,000+ |
| UCLA Law admissions criteria | Grades, LSAT scores, socioeconomic disadvantage, work experience, career achievement, community or public service, career goals, ability to contribute to law school programs, evidence of and potential for leadership, language ability, unusual life experiences |
| UCLA Law's J.D. program | Three-year, full-time course of study |
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What You'll Learn

UCLA Law Admission Requirements
UCLA School of Law seeks to admit students with outstanding intellectual abilities who will bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the classroom and the legal profession. The school's J.D. program offers a three-year, full-time course of study, with no evening, summer, or part-time programs available. The acceptance rate for UCLA Law is 16.1%, with around 6000-7000 applications received and just over 1000 students accepted.
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Submission of a completed application, including a personal statement and a separate essay not exceeding two double-spaced typed pages in 11-point font or larger. The essay should discuss any relevant matters pertaining to the applicant's ability to succeed in law school and their unique contributions to UCLA Law or the legal profession.
- Registration with LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and submission of official transcripts directly to LSAC.
- Submission of two letters of recommendation through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service.
- A non-refundable application fee of $75, payable electronically or by check, money order, or international money order.
- For regular decision applicants, completion of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) no later than January 31, 2025. Early decision applicants must take the LSAT or GRE by October 31, 2024.
- Submission of a current résumé.
Additionally, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their fit with UCLA Law and showcase their writing skills through thoughtful and well-constructed writing.
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Grounds for Appeal
UCLA does not set aside space for students who appeal admission decisions. Therefore, although all appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, the number of decisions reversed is typically very low.
To have merit, an appeal must bring to light new academic and personal information, as well as information pertaining to extenuating circumstances, that had not been present in the original application. This could include, for example, classes that were not listed as Advanced Placement (AP) or Honors that should have been, or additional coursework.
If you are an ELC (Eligibility in the Local Context) student and your application was not accepted, you are guaranteed a spot at one of the nine UC undergraduate campuses, though not necessarily at the campus or program of your choice.
In rare cases, students may find it necessary to be in Los Angeles due to personal hardship. In itself, this is not grounds for the reversal of an admission decision since there are several other colleges in the Los Angeles area. However, academic qualifications combined with the particular hardship listed would allow for an additional review of an applicant. If you base your appeal on an emergency or sudden-need situation, be prepared to document your circumstances.
Appeal letters must powerfully and authentically fix deficiencies in your UC application. Your letter should demonstrate that you are a stronger candidate for UCLA than your original application conveyed.
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Appeal Deadlines
While UCLA does not set aside space for students appealing admission decisions, the university does consider appeals on a case-by-case basis. However, the number of decisions reversed on appeal is typically very low. UCLA advises applicants to carefully consider the following before deciding to draft an appeal:
- All applicants are evaluated thoroughly in multiple extensive reviews, so admission decisions are rarely overturned.
- For an appeal to be considered, it must bring to light new academic and personal information, as well as information pertaining to extenuating circumstances, that was not included in the original application.
- "New" information refers to details not already presented in the original application, such as classes that were not listed as Advanced Placement (AP) or Honors but should have been, or additional coursework.
UCLA does not offer a waitlist option for applicants whose applications were denied. The university identifies applicants for the waitlist before releasing decisions, as part of the overall first-year admission selection process.
Freshman applicants must submit their UCLA Appeal Letter online through the UCLA portal by 5:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time on April 15. For transfer students, the deadline is May 15. Appeals submitted after these deadlines may not receive a response before the date by which many institutions require their applicants to make a commitment (May 1 for first-year applicants and June 1 for transfer applicants).
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Appeal Letter Tips
UCLA does not set aside space for students who appeal admission decisions, and admission decisions are rarely overturned. However, if you feel there is a strong reason for UCLA to reconsider their decision, you can submit an appeal letter. Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing an appeal letter for college admission:
Research the Appeals Process
Different colleges and universities may have varying appeals processes, so it's important to research and understand the specific process and requirements of the school you are appealing to. Check the college's website or contact their admissions office to gather the necessary information.
Act Quickly
Appealing promptly demonstrates your eagerness to attend the university and shows that it is your top choice. It also allows you to receive a response sooner, which can be helpful in making alternative plans if needed.
Follow a Formal Letter Format
Address your appeal letter to the appropriate admissions officer or committee. Use professional language, proper grammar, and maintain a respectful tone throughout the letter.
Be Concise and Clear
Clearly state your intention to appeal the admission decision and briefly summarize the initial decision. Present your case for reconsideration in a concise and focused manner.
Provide New Information
Include any relevant new information, academic or personal circumstances, or achievements that were not previously addressed in your application. Clearly explain how this new information strengthens your candidacy and why it should be considered.
Attach Supporting Documents
If applicable, submit supporting documents along with your appeal letter. This can include updated transcripts, additional recommendation letters, or relevant certificates that provide evidence for the claims made in your letter.
Remain Respectful and Positive
Avoid using any negative or accusatory language in your appeal letter. Express your continued interest in the university and your appreciation for their time and consideration.
Seek Guidance
If needed, don't hesitate to seek guidance from trusted advisors or college counseling services to review your appeal letter and provide feedback. They can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your letter is well-crafted and compelling.
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UCLA's Response Time
UCLA Law School seeks to admit students with outstanding intellectual ability, from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives to the classroom and the legal profession. The school has a rigorous admissions process, and admission decisions are rarely overturned.
If you wish to appeal an admission decision, you must submit an appeal letter by 5 pm PDT on April 15 if you are a freshman applicant, or May 15 if you are a transfer student. Your appeal letter must be submitted online through your UCLA portal and should not exceed 7,000 characters (approximately 1,000 words or two pages).
Your appeal letter should bring to light new academic and personal information, as well as information pertaining to extenuating circumstances, that was not included in your original application. It should demonstrate that you are a stronger candidate than your original application conveyed and powerfully address any deficiencies in your original application. You may also include any documentation of personal hardships, although this alone is not grounds for the reversal of an admission decision.
While UCLA reviews all appeals on a case-by-case basis, it is important to note that the number of decisions reversed on appeal is typically very low. UCLA does not set aside spaces in the class for students who appeal admission decisions, and the school advises applicants to carefully consider their options before drafting an appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can appeal a UCLA Law admission decision. UCLA Law reviews deferral requests on a case-by-case basis.
UCLA Law has a central purpose of training attorneys who will attain high levels of professional excellence and integrity, and who will exercise civic responsibility. They place substantial weight on traditional measures of academic ability, namely grades and standardised test scores, specifically the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). They also place special emphasis on socioeconomic disadvantage in their evaluation.
UCLA Appeal Letters must be submitted online through the UCLA portal. There is a character limit of 7,000 characters, which is approximately 2 pages or 1,000 words.
The deadline for submitting an appeal is April 15th for freshman applicants and May 15th for transfer applicants.
Your appeal letter should powerfully and authentically fix deficiencies in your original application. It should demonstrate that you are a stronger candidate than your original application conveyed.











































