Applying for the J.D. Degree

The Application Process to Become a First-Year Student

The application process begins when you visit the Law School Admission Council website, where you must establish an account, register for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and submit an application, a personal statement, a resume, transcripts from all of your college or university-level schools, and 2-4 recommendation letters.

Navigate through this section of the website to learn about the steps for applying, required components, what to do after you’ve submitted an application, and to get answers to any outstanding questions.

Important J.D. Admission Dates for the 2024-2025 Application Cycle

September 1 – The J.D. application becomes available online at LSAC.org

October 2 – Review period begins

October 2024 – Latest GRE accepted for Binding Early Decision 

November 2024 – Latest LSAT accepted for Binding Early Decision 

November 15 – Binding Early Decision application deadline

December 2 – Waitlist and Deny Decisions Begin

December 15 – Application Deadline for the Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship and Public Interest Scholars Program

December 18 – Gift Aid Decisions Begin

January 2025 – Latest LSAT and GRE accepted for Fall 2025 admissions

February 10 – Regular Decision Application Deadline

April 15-June 15 – Transfer application filing period