University of California, Davis School of Law
Application requirements
Each applicant is required to submit a personal statement with the admission application. The Personal Statement should not exceed four pages, double-spaced, using a 12-point standard font. A Community Contribution Statement (see below) may be included in addition to the Personal Statement, but the combined length of the Personal Statement, Community Contribution Statement, and optional addenda must not exceed four pages, double-spaced. The Community Contribution Statement should be included and appropriately labeled within the Personal Statement you upload. Each page should include the applicant's full name and LSAC account number.
Because it promotes learning, one important goal of the admissions process is a student body with a considerable variety of backgrounds, interests, and skills. Experience or background that enables an applicant to bring a unique perspective to the study of law or contribute to serving all populations of California may be taken into account. We also invite applicants to review the School of Law's Mission Statement at https://law.ucdavis.edu/about/law-school-mission. Applicants are welcome to submit a Community Contribution Statement, in addition to the Personal Statement, but it is not required.
We encourage all applicants to consider the below factors in crafting their Personal Statement and any optional addenda (including a Community Contribution Statement). We believe these factors can bear on the applicant's suitability for the study and practice of law.
- Demonstrated history of character and determination sufficient to overcome obstacles despite economic disadvantage, challenging social environment, and/or specific experience(s) of hardship.
- Unusual accomplishments, abilities, or skills (including skills in languages other than English) relevant to the study of law and not falling under other listed criteria.
- Extra-curricular activities during undergraduate studies.
- Community activities and employment experience during and after undergraduate studies.
- Advanced degrees or other advanced studies.
- Other objective evidence of growth, maturity and commitment to law study.
A résumé is required. Applicants are encouraged to limit the résumé to two (2) pages and use a standard 12-point font. Please note, we do not accept updated resumes after application submission. If you have an important resume update, such as a new job or promotion, you may email us a PDF attachment with a few lines/bullet points.
- Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor offense (or the equivalent in juvenile court)? NOTE: Conviction includes a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), or a verdict or finding of guilt, regardless of the sentence imposed by the court.
You MUST report all offenses, including those for which the record has been expunged, and any traffic violations that resulted in a misdemeanor or felony conviction, including Failure to Appear, Driving without a License, Driving with a Suspend License, and Reckless Driving (or their equivalent). https://fap.lsac.org/standards/fap.aspx?section_id=4631856#_msocom_2
You do NOT need to include parking or traffic violations that do not involve the use of intoxicants, or any arrest not resulting in a conviction, unless the charge is still pending.
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Are you awaiting final adjudication of any investigation or arrest?
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Have you ever been granted immunity in lieu of criminal prosecution?
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Have you ever been subjected to dismissal, suspension, probation, or other disciplinary or academic sanctions by any college, university, or professional school?
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Have you ever been involuntarily dismissed or terminated from employment? You are not required to indicate "yes" if your position was eliminated as part of a no fault layoff, merger, or other company reorganization.