What full-time and part-time options are available for JD students at McGeorge?
McGeorge offers both a full-time and a part-time JD program. The full-time program will take three years to complete. Students accepted into the Accelerated Honors JD Program (AHP) can complete the JD degree in two-and-a-half years.
The part-time program may generally be completed in four years. Summer classes may be required to complete the part-time program in four years. Students may also be able to accelerate the part-time program to three and one-half years by increasing their course load after the first year of study.
Is it easier to be admitted to the Part-time Division than the Full-time Division?
The admissions standards for the full-time and part-time programs are the same. In some cases, the undergraduate record is given different weight in relation to more recent employment or graduate work experiences since undergraduate work may have been completed many years ago. In addition, the admissions committee may offer full-time program applicants a seat in the part-time program if it is determined that the student may have better success in that program.
Does McGeorge have an early decision or early admission deadline?
No. However, we do have a priority deadline of Feb. 1. Applications received and completed by Feb. 1 will receive a decision by the first week of March.
How long are LSAT scores valid?
LSAT scores are valid for five years from the date of administration. If you are applying for fall 2024, your score may not be older than 2019.
Does McGeorge accept GRE scores instead of LSAT scores?
Yes. Your score must be no older than 5 years. However, if you have a valid LSAT score on file, we will not consider your GRE score.
What is required for admission?
Applicants must obtain a bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited institution before enrolling in any ABA accredited law school. University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law will consider an application complete for review when an applicant has submitted the following:
- A completed application
- A valid LSAT score (within five years) or GRE score
- At least two letters of recommendation (we require two, and will accept up to three)
- Personal Statement (follow instructions, and place personal statement topic at the top)
- Resume
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Must I have my letters of recommendation submitted through the Law School Credential Assembly Service (CAS)?
Yes. In support of the application, applicants must submit two letters of recommendation directly to LSAC. We will accept a maximum of three letters. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to college professors and administrators who have had the opportunity to assess their academic aptitude to write letters on their behalf. Applicants who have been out of school for a considerable amount of time (five or more years) may submit letters of recommendation from employers, business colleagues, and mentors who can speak to the skills necessary to be a successful law student including, but not limited to, superior writing skills and critical thinking and analysis.
What was the median LSAT and GPA for 2023's entering JD class?
| LSAT | GPA | |
|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | 158 | 3.65 |
| Median | 155 | 3.44 |
| 25th Percentile | 152 | 3.07 |
If I apply now and take the LSAT on a future date, when can I expect to receive a decision?
Applying with a future LSAT will delay a decision. Applications are only reviewed when they are complete and pending LSAT registrations render them incomplete. Once the score has been received, we can begin the review process. Decisions may be rendered anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks from the date an application is complete.
Visit our Entering Class Profile to learn more about our 2023 entering JD class.
How does McGeorge evaluate multiple LSAT scores?
All scores are reported by LSAC. McGeorge will consider all scores in the admissions review process. However, the high score is used for merit scholarships and ABA required reporting. We recommend you prepare for the LSAT and plan on taking it just once. If you are not satisfied with your score and think you can improve, you may want to consider retaking the LSAT. If you have multiple LSAT scores, with a five-point difference or greater, an LSAT disparity addendum is required with your application.
Can I schedule an admissions interview at McGeorge?
McGeorge does not offer interviews as part of the admissions process. However, we do offer prospective students and wait-listed students the opportunity to speak with an admissions counselor. To schedule a phone or in-person counseling appointment contact the admissions office at 916.739.7105 or mcgeorge@pacific.edu. Prospective applicants are also encouraged to attend one of our virtual or on-campus information sessions and/or an open house.
Visit our Come Meet Us page to schedule a counseling appointment and/or register for an upcoming event.
Can I visit the campus?
Absolutely! The best way to determine whether a law school is the right fit for you is to engage in the community. We encourage every prospective student to visit our beautiful 13-acre campus. More information on visiting campus. Individual tours and class visits may also be arranged by calling the admissions office at 916.739.7105 or emailing mcgeorge@pacific.edu.
I don't live in the Sacramento area and can't make the trip. Can I meet an admissions representative in my city?
Yes. Admissions representatives travel to several LSAC regional law school forums and colleges and universities nationwide. Check out our recruitment calendar to see when McGeorge will be in a city near you.
Can I speak with a currently enrolled student?
Yes, there are currently enrolled student assistants that work in the JD Admissions Office. If you would like to speak to them, call the JD Admissions Office at 916.739.7105. If you have specific areas of interest, we can connect you with one of our Student Ambassadors via email or phone.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes. McGeorge offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Scholarships and grants are awarded each year to members of the first-year class based upon criteria including outstanding academic performance, LSAT score and a variety of other factors.
Continuing students may be eligible for additional scholarships available through institutional funds, endowments, and outside scholarship sources. For more information on scholarships please visit our financial aid and scholarship web pages.
Although I have a strong G.P.A. for the last 60 units of my undergrad, I did poorly during my freshman year. Does this mean I won't get admitted?
Grade trends such as this are evaluated often. Many students have uneven year-by-year undergraduate records. Evidence of overall academic strength is more important and, in general, superior performance in recent rigorous academic work is of significance, even if earlier grades were at a lower performance level. A short explanatory addendum to your personal statement is a good place to address such deficiencies.
What factors does McGeorge consider when evaluating applications, and how are those factors weighed in the review process?
The two largest components that are considered in predicting an applicant's relative success in law school are the grade point average and the LSAT score. Though these are useful predictors, they are not the only factors the admissions committee will consider when reviewing your application. McGeorge reviews each application in its entirety, considering every component. The admissions committee will take into consideration grade trends, leadership, volunteer and work experience, the personal statement, any addenda the applicant submits, and any information included in letters of recommendation. All components assist the admissions committee in determining an applicant’s academic potential and propensity for success in law school.
How much is JD tuition?
Tuition (subject to Board of Regents approval) for the 2023-2024 academic year is $59,080 for the full-time program and $39,283 for the part-time program. We expect a 3% increase in tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please note that there are additional required fees and summer school is charged on a per unit basis; visit our tuition page for more information.
How do I find out more about financial aid?
For complete information on deadlines, options and the financial aid process, please visit the financial aid web page. You may also consult the McGeorge Financial Aid Handbook (pdf).
The Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) is available on Oct. 1. Please feel free to contact our Financial Aid Office at 916.739.7158 or via email for more information. Our school code for the FAFSA is 001329.
Is there a preferred undergraduate major?
To be eligible for admission, applicants must obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year undergraduate institution. There is no preferred major for admission to McGeorge. Students enrolled at McGeorge have majored in a variety of areas everything from biology to music.
Do you accept transfer students or visiting students?
Yes. Students are eligible to apply for transfer into McGeorge after one full year of study at an ABA-accredited law school. Transfer students may be able to transfer up to 32 or more units of coursework upon review of their law school transcript and approval by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Career Services. Applications for transfer to McGeorge must be submitted through LSAC.
Students may apply to visit at McGeorge for one or two semesters after one full year of study at their home law school. Applications to be a visiting student at McGeorge must be submitted through LSAC.
Do I have to practice in California?
No. McGeorge is accredited by the American Bar Association, which allows graduates from McGeorge to sit for any bar exam in the United States. Our alumni network spans all 50 states in the U.S. and 43 countries across the globe.
Is there any on-campus housing?
Yes. On-campus housing options include furnished and unfurnished studios and one- and two-bedroom units. Married couples are eligible to live on campus. There is no on-campus housing for families with children. Pets are not allowed unless they are service or emotional support animals. Contact the housing office to have your name placed on the housing list. Visit our housing web page for additional information on campus housing costs, eligibility and options.
Can I specialize in a specific area of law at McGeorge?
Yes. A JD can open many doors but specializing in a particular area of law can make you even more competitive in the job market after law school. Students can choose to specialize in an area of law by pursuing one or more of our eight certificates of concentration.
What career services are available to students?
The Student Affairs and Career Services Office (SACS), located in Northwest Hall, is well-equipped to help students and alumni plan for a successful and fulfilling career. The SACS’ dedicated career counselors provide one-on-one career advising, workshops, panels, videos and handouts, mock interviews, and many other opportunities to develop leadership and professional skills.
What professional opportunities are available near McGeorge?
McGeorge is located in Sacramento, the capital of California. The state legislature and numerous state agencies are located downtown, which is only a ten-minute drive from campus. Sacramento is also the location of the Sacramento Superior Court, the California Third District Court of Appeal, and the US District Court for the Eastern District of California.
In addition, there are many private law firms and public service organizations with offices in Sacramento. Within several hours drive, students and alumni often find employment in other California cities such as San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Additional Questions?
McGeorge JD Admissions Office
Email | 916.739.7105
