Navigating the Path to UC Davis School of Law: What You Need to Know About LSAT Scores and Admissions

For those aspiring to pursue a well-rounded legal education, understanding the admissions requirements for UC Davis School of Law is crucial. Known as King Hall, UC Davis School of Law is one of the leading law schools in California, consistently ranking among the top law schools in the United States. The university prioritizes supporting its students’ academic and career goals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the LSAT score requirements, admission statistics, and other essential factors to help you navigate your application successfully.

Understanding UC Davis Law School's Selectivity

Getting into UC Davis Law School is competitive. With an acceptance rate typically ranging from 25-35%, it is moderately selective. According to a recent admissions cycle, UC Davis Law School has an acceptance rate of 33.16%. The school's highly selective process underscores its reputation for academic excellence and commitment to producing skilled legal professionals.

Key Admission Statistics: LSAT and GPA

The admissions committee places significant emphasis on two primary scores: your undergraduate GPA and your LSAT score.

LSAT Requirements

The median LSAT score of recent matriculants is 165. The 25th percentile is 160, while the 75th percentile is 167. Aiming for a score of 165 or higher will significantly enhance your chances of acceptance. To be competitive for admission, applicants should aim for an LSAT score within the following range:

25th Percentile: 160
Median (50th): 165
75th Percentile: 167

While scores below the 25th percentile are possible with a strong overall application, achieving a score of 165 or higher significantly enhances your chances.

Read also: Davis v. Monroe: Key Takeaways

GPA Requirements

The median GPA of recent matriculants is 3.70. The 25th percentile is 3.49, and the 75th percentile is 3.87. You should aim for a GPA of 3.70 or higher to improve your chances of getting accepted. A strong undergraduate GPA is critical for admission:

25th Percentile: 3.49
Median (50th): 3.70
75th Percentile: 3.87

Applicants with a GPA below 3.49 should emphasize their work experience or other unique qualifications.

Holistic Review: Beyond Scores

While LSAT and GPA scores are critical, the admissions committee employs a holistic method that considers more than just academic performance. Law schools aim to review applicants using a holistic method that considers more than just their academic performance.

Undergraduate Degree

Your GPA is an essential part of your application. There is no perfect major that can prepare you for law school. Pick a major you feel most passionate about so you’re interested enough to maintain your grades. Don’t choose a major simply because you believe it will make you appear smarter. Explore other disciplines and take electives outside of your major to pick up new skills.

LSAT or GRE

UC Davis offers students the option to write either the LSAT or GRE. Depending on your skills, you should choose whichever exam you believe will best reflect your academic qualities and skills. UC Davis will have access to any LSAT scores that are submitted to LSAC and will favor these over your GRE.

Personal Statement

You’re also required to submit a personal statement with your application. This statement should be two to four pages long and share information that you believe will help the admissions committee get to know you better. UC Davis lists the following topics as valid subjects to discuss in your personal statement:

Academic promise
Discrepancies in GPA, LSAT or GRE scores
Growth
Maturity
Commitment to law
Notable extracurriculars, community service, employment service, or advanced study
Severe economic disadvantage or physical disability
Other factors relating to diversity
Bilingual skills
Unusual accomplishments
Skills and abilities relevant to law

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what you can write about in your personal statement, but it should help you in the brainstorming process! The personal statement is one of the most critical components of the UC Davis Law application. This essay should not only highlight your academic and professional accomplishments but also provide a narrative of your motivations, personal values, and how they align with UC Davis Law's mission to foster justice and equality. Authenticity is key-admissions officers seek a personal and unique perspective that distinguishes them from other candidates. Include specific examples of experiences that shaped your decision to pursue a legal career and explain why UC Davis Law is the ideal place for you to achieve your goals.

Letters of Recommendation

To confirm the academic potential indicated by your scores and transcripts, another admission requirement is letters of recommendation. You’re required to submit at least two letters of recommendation and up to three. These letters should be written by recommenders who know you well and can vouch for your eligibility for law school. As such, it is best if these letters come from academic mentors or professors who worked closely with you and observed your academic performance. Ensure each letter shares new information to further prove your candidacy and demonstrate how well-rounded you are. Letters of recommendation offer critical insight into your intellectual capabilities, work ethic, leadership skills, and overall readiness for the challenges of law school. UC Davis recommends that applicants secure at least one letter from a professor or academic mentor who can attest to their academic abilities. The second letter should ideally come from a professional contact, such as a supervisor or mentor, who can speak to your work experience, character, and potential for success in legal studies. These letters should be detailed, and personalized, and provide specific examples of your contributions and strengths.

Resume

The final application material you’ll have to prepare is a resume. This resume should be one to two pages long and list all relevant extracurricular, work, and volunteer experience you’ve gained. It should also mention any awards, honors, or publications you participated in. A law school resume serves as a professional snapshot of your academic achievements, leadership experiences, and extracurricular activities. UC Davis recommends limiting your resume to one page, focusing on accomplishments that directly relate to your legal aspirations. Highlight leadership roles, community service, internships, and any legal-related experiences. Use concise bullet points with strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, and include measurable results where applicable. A polished, well-organized resume not only reflects your readiness for law school but also your ability to communicate effectively.

Optional Supplemental Essays

You may also submit an addendum and/or diversity statement with your application if you feel it will help the admissions committee understand your application better. Your addendum should address any weak parts of your application, like a low GPA, LSAT or GRE score. The diversity statement should share circumstances or experiences involving, but not limited to, your race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, or socioeconomic status that provide you with a unique view on law.

Programs Offered

The University of California Davis School of Law offers a variety of programs tailored to meet the diverse interests and career goals of its law students and graduate students:

Juris Doctor (JD) - A comprehensive three-year program providing a strong foundation in legal theory and practical skills. legal system. The program offers concentrations in areas such as Business Law, Environmental Law, and Immigration Law.
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) - A research-oriented doctoral program for those pursuing academic or policy careers. This program is ideal for graduate students who wish to focus on significant legal scholarship.
Certificate Programs - Specialized certificates are available in areas such as Business Law, Public Service Law, and Environmental Law, providing law students with the opportunity to develop expertise in niche legal fields.
Clinical Programs - Students gain hands-on experience through clinics addressing civil rights, social justice, and immigration law. These programs honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by focusing on equality and justice.
Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) - UC Davis Law offers a Loan Repayment Assistance Program to help graduates working in public service careers manage their student loan debt, demonstrating the school’s commitment to supporting its alumni.

How to Apply

Students must create an LSAC account to apply to UC Davis Law School, regardless of if they’re writing the LSAT or GRE.

Application Deadlines

UC Davis Law Application Deadlines:

Early Decision Deadline: November 1
Priority Deadline: March 15
Final Deadline: June 1

Application Overview

Application Fee: There is no application fee.
Standardized Test Score: LSAT or GRE required; scores must be from within the past five years.
Transcripts: All undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of two letters are required; up to three are accepted.
Resume: A detailed resume outlining academic achievements, professional experience, and extracurricular activities is required.
Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a personal statement discussing their motivations and goals for pursuing law at UC Davis.
Optional Essays: Applicants are encouraged to submit a diversity statement or other addenda to provide additional context to their application.

Eligibility

To apply to the UC Davis School of Law, candidates must hold or expect to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before enrolling. For international applicants, demonstrating proficiency in English is mandatory unless they have completed their undergraduate studies in English-speaking institutions. English proficiency is typically proven through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS, with competitive scores enhancing an applicant's overall profile. UC Davis evaluates applications holistically, so exceptional achievements or experiences can offset less competitive academic metrics.

Advice for Different Types of Applicants

UC Davis welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including reapplicants, transfer students, veterans, and international candidates. Each category has unique requirements that should be addressed thoughtfully:

Reapplicants

Individuals who have previously applied to UC Davis Law and wish to reapply are encouraged to do so, provided they can demonstrate significant growth or new achievements since their last application. It's essential to highlight any additional academic accomplishments, professional experiences, or personal developments that strengthen your candidacy. Reapplicants should thoroughly review their prior application to identify areas of improvement and ensure that their new application reflects their enhanced qualifications and readiness for law school.

Transfer Students

UC Davis Law welcomes applications from students who have completed at least one full-time year of study at another American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law school. The application window for transfer students typically opens on January 1 and closes on June 30 for admission in the fall semester. Applicants are evaluated primarily on their first-year law school performance, with those ranking in the top 30% of their class being the most competitive. However, the Admissions Committee also considers factors such as the rigor of the previous law school, LSAT or GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, and professional experience. Transfer students may receive up to 31 semester units of credit from their prior institution, aligning with the first-year curriculum at UC Davis Law. It's important to note that only courses from ABA-accredited law schools are eligible for transfer credit.

Veterans

UC Davis Law is committed to supporting veterans in their pursuit of legal education. Veteran applicants are encouraged to highlight their military service, leadership roles, and unique experiences that have prepared them for the study of law. The Admissions Committee values the discipline, resilience, and diverse perspectives that veterans bring to the classroom.

International Students

International applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless they have completed their undergraduate studies in English-speaking institutions. The application should include a detailed account of the candidate's legal education and any professional experience. International students enrich the UC Davis Law community with global perspectives and are encouraged to share how their unique backgrounds will contribute to the diversity and richness of the academic environment.

Strategies for Admission

Craft a compelling personal statement - Your personal statement is an opportunity to share your story, motivations, and aspirations. Highlight unique experiences that have shaped your path to law school and explain how UC Davis Law aligns with your goals. Use this essay to demonstrate your passion for justice, diversity, and public service.
Build strong relationships with recommenders - Secure letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well and can provide specific examples of your academic and professional abilities. Academic mentors and supervisors who can attest to your intellectual rigor, leadership, and potential for success in law school are ideal.
Optimize your LSAT or GRE score - Prepare thoroughly for your standardized test, focusing on improving weaker areas. A competitive LSAT or GRE score strengthens your application and reflects your readiness for the academic challenges of law school. Consistent practice and targeted study are key.
Emphasize unique experiences - Highlight non-traditional experiences or diverse perspectives that set you apart from other applicants. Whether it's a career in another field, volunteer work, or life experiences that have shaped your perspective, show how these contribute to your future in law.
Prepare thoroughly for the interview - If invited for an interview, demonstrate your knowledge of UC Davis Law and how its programs align with your career aspirations. Be ready to articulate your motivations and experiences confidently, showing your enthusiasm for joining the UC Davis Law community.

Additional Factors to Consider

UC Davis Law School Ranking

UC Davis School of Law is ranked 55th in the Best Law Schools rankings, indicating its strong position and reputation in legal education. When we look at specific areas of law, UC Davis shines in several. For instance, it's tied for 35th place in Business/Corporate Law and 19th in Constitutional Law. It's also highly regarded in Criminal Law, where it's again tied at the 18th spot. Moreover, the school performs well in fields like Dispute Resolution, Environmental Law, Health Care Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Law, Tax Law, and Trial Advocacy. The position of UC Davis Law in the rankings indicates that it offers strong programs in various legal domains.

Tuition and Fees

California residents can expect to pay around $57,409 a year for tuition and fees, and non-residents can expect to pay around $69,654. Law school tuition at UC Davis Law School is $69,705 annually.

Bar Passage Rate

The UC Davis Law School achieved an impressive bar passage rate. The UC Davis bar passage rate for first-time examinees on the July 2025 California Bar Examination was 93%. UC Davis Law ranks #48 in terms of bar passage rate among first-time test takers (88.9%), and it outperforms by +11.2% the state of California's overall bar passage rate of 77.8%.

Student Body Profile

The following statistics reflect the caliber of students admitted to UC Davis Law:

Women: ~57%
Students of Color: ~59%
Average Age: ~24 (range roughly 20‑41)

Overcoming Challenges

Getting Into UC Davis Law School With a Low LSAT Score

Highlight significant professional accomplishments or leadership roles.
Write a compelling personal statement addressing your unique qualifications.
Obtain strong letters of recommendation from credible sources.

Getting Into UC Davis Law School With a Low GPA

Provide context for your GPA in an addendum.
Showcase consistent academic improvement over time.
Highlight relevant professional achievements.

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