university of san diego law personal statement

University of San Diego School of Law

The information on this page was provided by the law school.

Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs

The jd program.

School of Law Mission Statement

We are proud to be an integral part of the University of San Diego -- an engaged contemporary Catholic university community that is “committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal and professional knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community and preparing leaders who are dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.”1 The central mission of the USD’s  School of Law  (“Law School”) is to cultivate and sustain a stimulating, entrepreneurial, and compassionate intellectual environment that nurtures and supports both our students’ education and training and our faculty’s scholarship. In the service of this central mission, we have educational and scholarly missions that sustain and reinforce each other. Our educational mission is to prepare our students to become outstanding attorneys and leaders who excel in the practice of law. Our scholarly mission is to make an enduring mark on our fields of study and to illuminate and enliven how we educate our students.2

We strive through our teaching, scholarship, and service activities to instill in our students the capacity for critical judgment and practical skills that they will need to thrive in their professional lives. We are committed to providing our students with a deep understanding of the legal and social theory and research skills that will inform their choices and arguments. We are dedicated to endowing our students with a full appreciation of the ethical duties and responsibilities that come with being a member of the legal profession, which will allow them to become leaders in their public lives.

The University of San Diego School of Law has a long and rich tradition of offering outstanding training to law students while providing service to low-income residents in the San Diego communities. Beginning in 1971 as a volunteer project, our law students provide free legal services to San Diego residents in need.

USD's Clinical Education Program is recognized as one of the most extensive and successful in the nation. Clinical program options include simulation classes, placements in the judiciary and agencies, extracurricular programs (such as the Trial Team) and 14 legal clinics (most provide direct client representation).

Our Clinical Education Program has become a national leader in bridging the gap between courses in legal theory and the practical skills and experience individuals need to become effective lawyers. These programs—particularly those directly serving clients—are a public service that instills in student participants a deep sense of social responsibility and a commitment to pro bono service. Clinical programs offer students the opportunity to train under experienced professors and attorneys, learn professional responsibility in the real world and acquire interpersonal skills.

Study Abroad Semester Programs

USD School of Law encourages students to take advantage of legal education opportunities abroad to increase their global fluency. International study prepares graduates to enter increasingly globalized legal markets, address international issues that impact the full spectrum of practice areas, and compete for clients, cases, and transactions on a global scale.

Through these partnerships, USD JD students and exchange students who study in San Diego have the opportunity to explore new cultures in an academic setting through a comparative perspective. Students are introduced to international legal principles and the law of the respective countries through specialized courses taught by leading legal experts. Through the programs, students have a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience living and learning in another culture alongside future world leaders in law, business and public service.

Study Abroad Summer Programs

USD's summer study abroad programs are open to USD law students and, circumstances permitting, students enrolled in ABA-accredited and foreign law schools who are in good academic standing and have completed at least one year of full-time or part-time study. These programs provide intensive training in international, comparative and foreign law, while introducing American students to the legal institutions of another country. At the same time, students from Commonwealth and civil law traditions experience American legal viewpoints and problem-solving methods. Programs bring together students and expert faculty for a rich experience of academic and cultural interchange.

Concurrent Degrees

The School of Law offers select dual degree programs in conjunction with the university's graduate schools. These dual degrees offer the concurrent pursuit of a JD degree along with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR), Master of Arts in Peace and Justice (MAPJ), or Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE). Since these programs allow the concurrent pursuit of two degrees, with some courses credited toward both a JD degree and a master's degree, students can generally save one semester of time and expense. With proper planning, each dual degree program takes approximately four years to complete.

Students interested in dual degree programs must apply to and be accepted by both schools. Students generally begin at the School of Law, and start their master's program in their second year. Regardless which program a student enrolls in first, graduate school credits may not be transferred to the law school until after completion of the entire first year of law study.

Student Life

Student Organizations

USD School of Law offers many resources both on and off campus to ensure that your law school experience is the best it can be.

There is a strong emphasis at USD Law on building important relationships and community. While you are a student here, be sure to take advantage of the many opportunities that are offered. Become a member in one of our student organizations, journals, or advocacy teams. Read our weekly Sidebar email for information about events taking place at the School of Law and the larger university. Take a study break and walk around the beautiful campus. Stay active and join the Grad/Law intramural softball team. Whatever your interest or professional goal might be, USD has an outlet for it.

First-Year Opportunities

Being a first-year law student is a rigorous full-time job. You may want to dive right into hands-on practice, but most of your 1L time and attention will focus on doctrinal coursework and learning how to effectively study law. While you can begin hands-on externships and clinical experience as soon as the summer after your first year, right now you are probably wondering: "What can I do as a 1L?"

At USD Law we believe it is important for our 1Ls to remember what brought you to law school--we want you to  Be You at USD . Student involvement, even as a 1L, can help cultivate your legal interests, build a supportive community around you, and allow you to discover more about the legal profession.

Diversity Initiatives

University of San Diego partners with local and national organizations to host both in-person and remote diversity pipeline-to-law events. Through this programming, law students volunteer as guest speakers, mock law class instructors, and panelists for high school, community college, and undergraduate institutions serving communities underrepresented in the legal profession. 

Career Placement and Bar Passage

USD Law Employment Data

USD Law graduates begin their legal careers in law firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, judicial chambers and business organizations in San Diego, other parts of California, and throughout the country. The Office of Career and Professional Development provides comprehensive reports of graduate employment outcomes to the American Bar Association, the National Association for Law Placement, and U.S. News & World Report. To ensure public transparency, we publish that employment data here. Please contact us at  [email protected]  with any questions related to post-graduate employment.

From the Class of 2020, two graduates began prestigious judicial clerkships, one in federal court, the other in an international court, while four graduates are serving in the U.S. Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. Other graduates launched public service careers in District Attorney, Public Defender, and City Attorney offices, in locations such as San Diego, Orange County, Fresno, Riverside, and one in Alaska. Our 2020 graduates secured associate attorney positions in large, multi-national and national law firms such as Cooley, Jones Day, Wilson Sonsini, Foley & Lardner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Sheppard Mullin, and Fisher Phillips. Several graduates secured in-house counsel positions with U.S. companies, while other graduates joined well-established small to mid-size firms and businesses throughout California. Jobs secured by 2020 graduates where a JD degree was considered an advantage include positions in business management, contract management, entertainment management, and accounting/tax.

While the majority of our graduates are employed in California, the reach of USD Law is wide with Class of 2020 graduates also working in the states of Oregon, Nevada, Virginia, New Jersey, Missouri, Minnesota, and Alaska, as well as the cities of Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C. and as far as Guam and South Korea.

Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers

The educational mission of the University of San Diego embraces a commitment to academic excellence, individual dignity and the development of the knowledge, values and skills that will prepare students for service to their professional, global, civic, and faith communities. As a Roman Catholic institution, USD has a moral and theological commitment to educating a diverse student body. Accordingly, USD welcomes and respects those whose lives are formed by different traditions, recognizing that diversity of viewpoint, background and experience (including race; ethnicity; cultural diversity; gender, both in identity and expression; religion; age; socioeconomic status; disability and sexual orientation) among the student body is essential to the full and informed exchange of ideas and to the quality of legal education USD seeks to provide.

While LSAT scores, GRE scores and undergraduate GPAs are important elements, other factors can also be significant in the admissions decision. These factors include: other graduate study; work experience and community or professional service; awards and distinctions; personal recommendations; maturity and character; geographical background; undergraduate and graduate institutions and major; length of time elapsed since completion of undergraduate work; demonstrated motivation, discipline, and leadership ability; demonstrated success in completing a demanding educational program or activity; demonstrated success in overcoming hardship, discrimination, a social or economic disadvantage, or physical disability; and demonstrated evidence of future promise, including the capacity to contribute to the legal profession and society.

The goal of the admissions committee, which serves in an advisory capacity to the dean of the School of Law, is to consider all of the qualitative factors of each applicant that are demonstrative of the applicant's ability to successfully study law and serve as a member of the legal profession. In choosing from among the pool of qualified candidates, the admissions committee—cognizant of the educational mission of the university, the critical role students play in educating one another and the diverse needs of the legal profession—considers the diversity of the class as a whole. The admissions process is highly selective—the School of Law receives over 3,000 applications for 230 available spaces in its entering class.

Admitted Applicant Profile

25-75% ugpa range at san diego:.

3.52 to 3.90

25-75% LSAT Score Range at San Diego:

Contact Information

Home » Law Schools » Rankings and Profiles »

University of San Diego School of Law

The University of San Diego School of Law is a highly respected institution, noted for the excellence of its faculty and the strength of its clinical programs. Each year, USD educates approximately 800 students from all over the United States and worldwide. The law school is especially respected for its business and corporate law offerings constitutional law , intellectual property , international and comparative law, public interest law, and taxation. Additionally, the law school has been elected to the Order of the Coif, a national honor society for law school graduates. The school's faculty is also highly respected, with many scholars and teachers having national and international reputations.

• 2.1 Statistics
• 2.2 Notification of Decision
• 2.3 Application Process
• 2.4 Character and Fitness
• 2.5 Official Transcript Requirement
• 2.6 Personal Statement
• 2.7 Standardized Test Requirements
• 2.8 Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Registration and Transcript Requirements
• 2.9 Letters of Recommendation
• 3.1 Cost of Attendance
• 3.2 Financial Aid
• 3.3 Scholarship Programs
• 3.4 USD School of Law Grants
• 4 Law School Culture
• 5.1 ​JD Program
• 5.2 Full-Time Program
• 5.3 Part-Time Program
• 5.4 Summer Program
• 5.5 Concentrations
• 5.6 ​Clinical Education
• 5.7 Field Placement Program
• 6 Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
• 7 Quality of Life
• 9 Contact Information
• 11 Forum and Discussion
• 12 Reference

Founded in 1954, the law school is part of the University of San Diego, a private, independent, Roman Catholic university chartered in 1949. The USD School of Law is among the most prestigious law schools in the United States. The law school has a strong faculty with national and international reputations. The American Bar Association accredits the school and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

The School of Law's mission is to provide students with the education and training necessary to become successful attorneys and leaders. Their faculty's scholarship helps us educate their students in a stimulating, entrepreneurial, and compassionate environment. Additionally, their academic mission helps them better understand the law and how to educate their students.

The University of San Diego School of Law admissions committee looks at many factors when considering candidates for admission, including LSAT scores, GRE scores, and undergraduate GPAs. However, other factors such as work experience, community service, and personal recommendations are also important considerations. The committee seeks to admit a class that is diverse in viewpoints and experiences and considers the applicant's ability to succeed in law school and contribute to the legal profession. The admissions process is highly selective, and the School of Law receives many applications yearly.

The University of San Diego admitted 1,124 out of 3,627 applicants in the 2022 cycle. The LSAT median was 161, and the GPA median was 3.7. The yield, or percentage of those offered admission who attended, was 22.15%. 249 out of 1,124 applicants who were offered admission were accepted.

Notification of Decision

• Regular Admission:

The admissions committee begins reviewing completed applications in late fall. A completed application may take several weeks or months to be reviewed. Once the admissions committee has made a decision, applicants are advised of the decision as an offer of admission, an offer of a place on the waitlist, or a denial of admission. Admission decisions are typically finalized once most applications have been reviewed. Applicants who are waitlisted may not receive a final decision until late summer. If an offer of admission is extended, the admitted student must send a deposit to the admissions office by the specified date to secure a position in the entering class. The offer of admission will be withdrawn unless the required deposit is received when due.

• Early Decision Program:

The admissions office will begin to review early decision applications in late fall. Applicants will be advised of the decision by December 22. The criteria used to evaluate applicants under this program will be the same as the criteria and selection process employed for regular admissions. Early decision is a binding admission process; you will have until January 15 to confirm your place in the entering class by submitting the required seat deposit.

Application Process

The University of San Diego offers both early decision admission and regular admission for first-year entering students. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Admission is for the fall semester only and is on a rolling basis. The priority filing deadline for regular admission is February 1, and the deadline is June 1. The early admission deadline is December 1. Applicants must pass a personal statement, an official transcript, letters of recommendation, and a current resume or list of employers.

Character and Fitness

Applicants who want to become lawyers should be aware that to be admitted to the bar in any state, character and fitness are among the qualifications that must be met. Visiting the National Conference of Bar Examiners website encourages applicants to determine these requirements in the states they want to practice law.

Official Transcript Requirement

If you are an admitted student, you must have your official transcripts on file with the Office of Admissions as soon as possible. Only transcripts that include a degree conferral date meet the official transcripts standard. Unless "extraordinary circumstances" apply, a law school must have official transcripts on file for fall matriculating students by October 15th. For students matriculating at any other time, official transcripts must be on file within four weeks of the date classes begin. Suppose the Office of Admissions determines extraordinary circumstances have delayed the receipt of an enrolled student's official transcripts by stated ABA deadlines. The Office of Admissions will add a written explanation detailing these circumstances to the student's file. If you're an enrolled student whose final transcripts don't arrive on time, you'll be automatically withdrawn from law school. You'll still be responsible for all associated fees and costs.

Personal Statement

The personal statement should be around two to three pages long, and the admissions committee looks at it as an opportunity to see your writing, thinking ability, interests, and background. In your statement, you should discuss the aspects of your background and experience most relevant to the criteria for admission. You may also want to discuss why you want to study law and what you plan on doing with your legal education. Finally, you can include any other information you think is essential for the committee.

Standardized Test Requirements

All students who want to attend law school must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the GRE General Test. Both the LSAT and the GRE are offered throughout the year. Students can find more information on the LSAC website or the ETS website. To be accepted to law school, students whose native language is not English must first pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). LSAC administers the TOEFL, which can be taken at various locations worldwide.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Registration and Transcript Requirements

Applicants who have completed any college-level coursework or degrees outside the United States must apply to the Credential Assembly Service for JD Credential Assembly Service for Foreign-Educated Applicants. They must also send all foreign transcripts to CAS. Transcripts for work completed before registering with CAS should be sent to CAS, not to the USD School of Law. Applicants should designate the USD School of Law (code 4849) as a recipient of the CAS report. Applicants should allow approximately six weeks for the CAS process.

Letters of Recommendation

The School of Law requires letters of recommendation . Letters need to be submitted through the CAS service. The directions and forms are in the LSAT/CAS registration and information book. Letters will be forwarded to USD with an applicant's CAS report. Letters of recommendation should be from professors or individuals who can evaluate some significant aspect of the applicant's academic background and work experience. For first-year applicants, they require you to submit at least two letters, but up to three are accepted. If the candidate has been out of undergraduate school for less than five years, they prefer letters from academic sources.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition at San Diego University for full-time students (12-16 units) is $60,380, while the tuition for part-time students (8-11 units) is $44,630.

Cost of Attendance

The tuition and fees for Summer 2022, Fall 2022, and Spring 2023 terms are listed below. Living expenses are based on a nine-month academic year. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Student Accounts Office.

Financial Aid

The USD School of Law provides various financial assistance options to ensure that all students have access to education, regardless of their personal or family resources. Financial aid can include scholarships, low-interest loans, private loans, and work-study jobs. Students are expected to contribute a portion of their income and assets toward their expenses, but various financial aid options are available to help. It is essential to apply early for the best chance of receiving the most financial assistance.

Scholarship Programs

The University of San Diego School of Law offers a comprehensive financial aid program that helps eligible students pursue and plan a legal education. Entering students are automatically considered for merit-based as well as need-based scholarships. The Admissions Committee focuses on awarding scholarships to students with academic merit or promise and financial need. Financial aid awarded to School of Law students includes more than 350 scholarships and grants. All scholarships and grants are coordinated with any other financial aid a student receives.

USD School of Law Grants

The Law School offers several need-based partial tuition grants to students. These grants are based on the student's financial need, academic promise, potential for service to the community, and diversity of the USD community. The award totals between $21,000 and $26,000. The scholarship may be granted as a 1-year scholarship or renewable award for subsequent years. To be considered, applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually and continue to establish financial need. Students will be notified in writing when the award is made, whether they are receiving a 1-year or renewable award.

Law School Culture

The University of San Diego believes in academic excellence, individual dignity, and the development of knowledge, values, and skills that will prepare their students for service to their professional, global, civic, and faith communities. They also recognize the importance of diversity among their student body and embrace all individuals, regardless of their traditions. School of Law is an active participant and supporter of the DiscoverLaw campaign, which seeks to promote legal education opportunities for all students. For more information on the LSAC's Discover Law campaign, please visit DiscoverLaw.org.

Academics and Curriculum

The University of San Diego School of Law offers a range of academic courses and programs to provide students with a comprehensive and rigorous legal education. The course offerings are extensive and draw on the expertise of some of the most influential legal minds in the field. They have degree programs for those entering or already established in the legal profession, making them a world-renowned institution for legal education.

​JD Program

The JD Program at USD School of Law is designed to meet its students' diverse career goals and interests. Students who wish to focus on a particular area of law can choose from various electives, and the law school also offers clinical and internship programs to provide practical experience. The JD degree can be completed in either three years of full-time study or four years of evening study. Upon recommendation of the dean and faculty, the JD degree is conferred upon law students who have completed all academic, graduation, and residency requirements.

Full-Time Program

The School of Law recommends that students not engage in employment during their first year of law school. Full-time upper-division law students are discouraged from working more than 20 hours per week. This program generally takes three years to complete, with classes scheduled Monday through Friday.

Part-Time Program

The program is designed for law students who work and cannot attend day classes. Four years of evening study are generally required to complete the degree. Classes are generally scheduled Monday through Thursday evenings, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Additional classes may be scheduled as needed. After completing the first year of the part-time program, students may take day classes or request to transfer to full-time status.

Summer Program

The University of San Diego offers a seven-week summer program for continuing students. This summer session is open to students attending USD and other law schools. Completing summer sessions can help students have a lighter class load during a subsequent semester.

Concentrations

The University of San Diego offers concentrated programs in ten key practice areas. These concentrations highlight curricular strengths, offering a rich selection of courses taught by leading scholars and expert practitioners. This allows students to focus their studies after the first year and develop a deeper understanding of a particular area of law.

• Business and Corporate Law
• Children's Rights
• Civil Litigation
• Criminal Litigation
• Employment and Labor Law
• Environmental and Energy Law
• Intellectual Property and Technology Law
• International Law
• Public Interest Law

The concentration curriculum is an informal guide that students can use to shape their education. However, if they want to focus on career preparation, they can meet the specific requirements for earning a Certificate of Concentration and transcript notation. Concentrations are available to students who began their law studies in the fall of 2008 or later. However, note that electing or pursuing a concentration area does not give students any registration or enrollment priority.

​Clinical Education

The University of San Diego School of Law has a long and rich tradition of providing high-quality legal education while offering free legal services to low-income residents in the San Diego community. Clinical education programs at USD are considered some of the most extensive and thriving in the nation. These programs provide students with practical skills and experience while instilling a sense of social responsibility and commitment to pro bono service. Clinical education programs offer students many opportunities, including training under experienced professors and attorneys, learning professional responsibility in the real world, and acquiring interpersonal skills. These are the list of the clinics.

• Appellate Clinic
• Child Advocacy Clinic
• Civil Clinic
• Education and Disability Clinic
• Energy Law and Policy Clinic
• Entrepreneurship Clinic
• Federal Tax Clinic
• Housing Rights Clinic
• Immigration Clinic
• Public Interest Law Clinic
• State Income Tax Clinic – California
• State Sales and Use Tax – California
• Veterans Clinic
• Workers' Rights
• Women's Legal Clinic

Note: The University of San Diego School of Law provides legal services to clients through its Legal Clinics. These clinics are staffed by law students who are supervised by practicing attorneys. If you are interested in meeting with a law student for an intake, they cannot accommodate walk-in clients. For more information, please call 619-260-7470.

Field Placement Program

Students can receive academic credit for legal work performed at government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and business companies. In addition to hands-on work, students enroll in a pass/fail course consisting of written and academic components. Students earn one academic credit for 50 hours of legal work. List of the program below.

• Washington DC Externship

The D.C. government offers a program that allows students to earn academic credits while working for a government agency, public interest organization, nonprofit trade association, or think tank during the fall semester. The summer semester offers the opportunity to earn 1-6 academic credits through the Agency Externship program.

• Agency Externship

Students can earn academic credit for working with a local government agency or nonprofit organization during the school semester or summer. The number of units they can earn depends on how many hours they work, and they can only count work done during the academic semester or summer. Students who have already done Agency Externship I can do Agency Externship II.

• Corporate Counsel Externship

The Corporate Counsel Externship program is a way for students to earn academic credit for working in a legal department of a local business. Students can earn 1-6 units of credit, depending on the amount of work they do. The program runs from the start of classes to the last day of final exams, and students cannot count work done outside of this period towards their academic credit requirements. Students who have already taken Corporate Counsel Externship I may take Counsel Externship II.

• Judicial Externship

The Judicial Externship Program allows students to earn academic credit for working with judges in state or federal trial or appellate courts. The primary purpose of these placements is to help students understand how the courts work and how attorneys, judges, and litigants succeed and fail in the process. By doing various work in their placements, judicial externs improve their research, writing, observation, and oral communication skills. Students earn academic credit between the start of classes and the last day of final exams. Students may count any externship work outside this period as pro bono hours, provided the student is not receiving compensation for those hours.

• Corporate Tech Externship

The Corporate Tech Externship program places students at local law firms and companies to provide legal assistance to technology companies. Students are supervised by a law firm, company attorneys, and the professor. The course begins with six class sessions covering the core types of transactions encountered in technology startups. Students typically perform 5-15 hours at the law firm or company weekly, earning 1 unit of pass/fails credit for every 50 hours worked.

• IP Externship

The IP Externship places students at local law firms and companies to provide legal assistance to individuals (inventors, artists, musicians, and others) and tech and media companies in intellectual property law (patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and related fields). Students are supervised by the law firm, company attorneys, and the professor. The course will begin with six class sessions covering patent and trademark searching, prosecution, litigation; copyrights registrations; IP licensing; and related topics. Students typically perform 5-15 hours at the law firm or company weekly, earning 1 unit of pass/fail credit for every 50 hours worked.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

The average salary for a JD graduate from the University of San Diego who works in the private sector is $90,000. If they go into the private sector, they can expect to make an average of $68,000. Almost 70% of law graduates from the University of San Diego go directly to work for law firms, while only 1% clerk for a judge. Only 6.9% of graduates go into public interest. 86% of University of San Diego graduates pass the bar on their first try.

How do San Diego grads do after taking the bar? It is hard to say. The school does not report the percentage of students employed at graduation. One might suspect that this number must not reflect well on the school and it is for that reason that it is not reported. San Diego does report its percentage of graduates employed nine months after graduation, however: 91%. This is a mediocre number and speaks to the competition created by the plethora of law schools turning out graduates in California.

San Diego is a regional school, meaning that the majority of its graduates find work in and around the region the school is located in. While some students may choose to stay local and enjoy the warm weather of Southern California, the reality is that most San Diego grads would struggle to find jobs outside of California if they tried. Over 80% of students stayed in the state after graduation; and the remaining graduates did not go very far. In fact, less than 5% of graduates found work east of the Mississippi River.

Quality of Life

At USD School of Law, many resources are available to students to ensure their experience is the best. The school strongly emphasizes building relationships and community, and there are many opportunities for students to get involved. There are student organizations, journals, advocacy teams to join, and plenty of other activities and events on campus. The school is also active, with an intramural softball team open to all law students. Whatever your interest or professional goal, USD has an outlet for it. The Office for Law Student Affairs is a great place to start if you are looking for ways to get involved in the USD law community.

The San Diego Law School student body is generally conservative and focused on pursuing law careers that will make them a lot of money. There may be better environments for students interested in public interest law. However, San Diego is a great city with many nightlife options. The city also has a lot of outdoor activities to offer, although law students may only have a little free time to take advantage of them.

In the end, it seems that San Diego Law would be a perfect fit for any student interested in staying in the San Diego area and working in private practice (especially tax law). Tuition is high, however, and prospective students should keep the school's poor employment rates in mind before sending in that seat deposit.

Contact Information

University of San Diego Admissions Office 5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 260-4600

https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/

Forum and Discussion

University of San Diego School of Law Discussions Law School Admissions Forums Law Student Forums Law School Class Forums

https://www.sandiego.edu/ University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego, CA Rank 64 LSD Law LSAC Guide How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective The Guide to Law School Loans Guide to Fee Waivers

• Law school profiles

Navigation menu

Personal tools.

• View source
• View history
• TLS wiki index
• TLS wiki faq
• Recent changes
• Random page
• What links here
• Related changes
• Special pages
• Printable version
• Permanent link
• Page information
• This page was last edited on 24 April 2023, at 07:11.
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Policy

• Explore Careers
• Gain Experience
• Prepare Resumes & Cover Letters

Consider Grad School

• Explore Your Options
• Advising for Graduate Students
• Careers In Academia
• Careers Beyond Academia
• Seminars & Events
• Reference File Service for Academic Careers
• Employer Log-In for Posting Jobs
• Job Fairs & Targeted Employer Events
• Opportunity Alliance Corporate Partner Program
• Professional & Graduate School Events
• Graduate School Fair Schedules
• Shipping Your Recruiting Materials
• Parking & Material Drop-Off
• Employer Usage Policies
• Lodging/Visitor Info
• Get Career Help
• Recruit Tritons
• Share Your Expertise
• Survey of Recent Graduates
• UCSD Alumni Association
• UC San Diego Parent & Family Programs
• Campus Login for Posting Jobs
• Employing Students On Campus
• Writing Letters of Reference
• How to Collaborate with Career Services Center
• Survey of Recent UCSD Graduates
• Staff Affiliations and Contributions
• Annual Report (PDF)
• Contact Information, Directions, and Office Hours
• Eligibility
• Advance Access for Incoming Students
• HOME  
• Undergraduates  
• Consider Grad School  

Explore the Profession

Discover whether a law career matches your interests, skills and abilities and meets your lifestyle expectations:

Get Experience & Prepare

Confirm your interest in law, prepare academically and develop the necessary skills and experience:

• Talk To , shadow or volunteer with a lawyer.  Find lawyers through your network of family and friends and Professional Associations
•   UCDC Program , or the Peace Corps

Apply to Schools

You typically apply to law school in the fall one year before you want to start the program.  You will need to identify programs that match your interests and complete an application.  Some steps take time so plan ahead!

• Compare your stats to average GPA and LSAT scores for UCSD Law School Admits
• Check our Rankings page for general or field-specific rankings of programs
• Workshops – Watch our Calendar for preparation and application how-to sessions
• Applications – Carefully prepare and submit applications to individual schools before the deadline
• School-specific applications through LSAC (includes essays, resume, etc.)
• Financial Aid & Fellowships – Learn how to Pay For School

For additional help with your professional & graduate school preparation and application come into the Career Services Center or contact your Professional & Graduate School Advisors .

• Interviewing
• Application Essays
• Letters of Recommendation
• Application Basics
• Graduate School Fairs and Recruiter Visits
• Architecture
• Health Professions
• Arts, Communication & Humanities
• Physical Occupational Therapy
• Business, Management and Administration
• Physician Assistant
• Reference File Service
• Education and Counseling
• Financial Aid and Fellowships
• Public Health
• International Affairs and Public Policy
• Veterinary Medicine
• Mental Health Professions
• Social Sciences
• Professional Psychology
• Therapy and Counseling
• Social Work
• Science Tech English and Math
• Terms & Conditions

• Search This Site All UCSD Sites Faculty/Staff Search Term
• Meet the Dean
• Meet the Team
• Funding Opportunities
• Alumni & Friends
• Prospective Students
• Degree Programs

Requirements

• Admitted Students
• Admission FAQ
• Compliance/Health and Safety Information
• Tuition & Fees
• Fellowships
• Third-Party Payments
• Non-UC Visiting Grads
• Financial Support FAQ
• News & Updates
• Progress to Degree
• Enrolling at UC San Diego
• Preparing to Graduate
• Policies & Procedures
• Student Academic FAQ
• Merkin Graduate Fellows Program
• Student Updates
• Health & Wellbeing
• Professional Development
• Student Spotlights
• Programs and Resources
• Postdoctoral Affairs
• Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose is an important part of the online application and is given careful consideration in the selection process. Be concise and specific in preparing your statement: give information that will aid the selection committee in evaluating your potential for completing a graduate program of study at UC San Diego. Check the  department directory listing  for specific content requirements.

Focus your Statement of Purpose on the reasons you are interested in attending a specific graduate program at UCSD. Check the department requirements for the Statement of Purpose. The statement should be well organized, concise, and completely free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Before submitting the statement, seek constructive comments and criticism from friends and advisors.

Five primary topics to cover in your statement of purpose:

• How did you become interested in this field? Establish that you have had a long-term interest in the field and that you have taken positive steps in pursuing your interest. Give the committee members a sense of your particular talents and abilities and their relevance to your academic interests.
• What experiences have contributed toward your preparation for further study in this field? Demonstrate your interest by providing examples of research experiences, internships, work experience, community service, publications, or life experiences. Briefly describe what you did in each experience. Also, make sure to articulate what you have learned about the field and how those lessons stimulated you to pursue an advanced degree.
• What are your future goals? Specifically state your degree objective (Master's or Ph.D.) and specify what subdisciplines you are interested in pursuing. For example, if you are applying in political science, the committee needs to know whether you are pursuing American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Political Theory. Let the reader know that you are planning a future career as a university professor, researcher, or consultant, or in public service or private practice (or whatever your goal happens to be).
• What are your research interests? Within your subdiscipline, you should be able to identify one or two topics that are of interest to you. When possible, be specific about your research agenda. Remember that you will be working with professors in research; therefore, your research interests should parallel those of the faculty. (You will usually not be expected to know exactly what you want to research; faculty know that initial interests often change.)
• How are you a "match" for the program to which you are applying? Explain what attracts you most to the institution/program to which you are applying. Align your research interests with those of one or more of the affiliated professors. The better the "match" with the program/professors, the better the chance that you will be admitted.

Other factors to weave in (remember these are secondary factors):

• Give examples of personal attributes or qualities that would help you complete graduate study successfully.
• Describe your determination to achieve your goals, your initiative and ability to develop ideas, and your ability to work independently.
• Describe background characteristics that may have placed you at an educational disadvantage (English language learner, family economic history, lack of educational opportunity, disability, etc.).
• Leave the reader believing that you are prepared for advanced academic work and will be successful in graduate school.
• Application Fee and Fee Waiver
• Examination Requirements
• Records & Transcripts
• International Students
• Admissions Policies

How to write a great personal statement

Crafting a personal statement that stands out is an important part of the UCAS process. However, it can be hard to know exactly what to include, how to write it, and how to stand out. With this in mind, we caught up with Student Recruitment Manager Richard Palmer for his tips on writing a great personal statement.

By Cara Fielder . Published 13 October 2021. Last updated 12 January 2024.

Why is a personal statement important?

Your personal statement is about much more than just meeting the grade requirements and needs to tick a few boxes to stand out. These statements are a top factor when it comes to consideration for admissions experts – but don’t see it as a chore, your personal statement provides an opportunity to communicate your unique skills and strengths to secure your place at university.

What are admissions looking for?

Students must have the appropriate qualifications and grade predictions to meet entry requirements, but this will need to be elaborated on in your personal statement. As you think of your different qualifications, accomplishments, and qualities remember to link them all together to show how this makes you suitable for your chosen course.

• Excellent spelling, grammar and attention to detail.
• Illustrate your suitability for the course by linking it to different areas of life. For example, earlier studies, extra-curricular activities, personal hobbies/experiences and work experience (if applicable).
• Your personality – not in terms of humour or sarcasm but show that you are a responsible and hardworking student.
• A strong reference that supports your application.

Our nine tips for writing your personal statement

Map out the structure.

A great way to approach this is visually: create a diagram splitting the personal statement into sections. Firstly, you want a strong opening introducing yourself. The middle section can then be split into three sub-sections: your course choice, education experience and your wider experiences (e.g. extracurricular activities and work). Then conclude with a concise summary of the points you’ve made.

Whilst the whole statement needs a good deal of work, a robust opening can hook the reader and make all the difference to an application. It’s an opportunity to briefly cover everything you’ll discuss in greater detail throughout your statement. Consider why you want to study the course, your passion for the subject, where you hope it leads and why it’s right for you.

Similarly, a strong closing paragraph can leave a positive and lasting impression. Try and consolidate what you’ve covered in your statement and reinforce why you would make a great candidate for the course.

Transferrable skills

When discussing your suitability, share how the content and skills learned from your current or previous study relate to your chosen course, and how they will help you succeed. For instance, if you studied A Level Business and apply to study accounting and finance try and highlight how your current learning will influence your degree choice.

Of course, there are many degrees where it might not be possible to study the subject before university, so you’ll need to be a little more creative and think outside of the box. For those subjects which aren’t directly related to your chosen course consider any crossover and highlight those links. For example, if you’ve chosen to study criminology and studied A Level Geography you could discuss globalisation, green crimes, or illegal pollution.

You should also discuss the wider skills you’ve developed. Consider how a variety of teaching environments, coursework, and creative projects have provided you with relevant skills to succeed in a degree such as organisation skills, time management, communication, and multi-tasking.

If you are applying for slightly different courses, remember that all your university choices will see the same personal statement. Make sure to prioritise talking about your main subject for consistency.

Be original

While it might be tempting to copy your friends or take inspiration from example personal statements online, avoid it at all costs. Plagiarism is often unintentional but the best thing you can do to avoid it is steering away from using templates or writing similar personal statements to your peers.

UCAS (for example) puts every statement through plagiarism software. If your statement has 30% similarities to others, a report is sent to all your university choices. They decide the outcome, which could be to revoke your offer. Don’t let this worry – if you honestly write an original statement and the software still picks it up by fluke the university will know what to do.

Consider your strengths

Follow this simple framework:

• What are you good at?
• How can you demonstrate that skill?
• Keep it positive

For example - “I was a debate team captain and lead in making arguments” is good, but it could have something added to it to make it pop. A great way to do this is to add positive adjectives and adverbs to build up the sentence. “I was a successful debate team captain and lead in making winning arguments”.

Everybody has weaknesses, and it’s important to recognise these too. However, be sure to frame it as a positive. Be honest and recognise areas you haven’t experienced or aren’t as confident at – and consider positive ways that you can develop in that area. 

Highlight any previous work experience

Even if it was short-term or voluntary, any experience is good and helps to emphasise your skills. Demonstrating that you have actively sought out work experience presents you as someone with initiative and independence.

Start writing it as early as possible and be aware of all the important deadlines. Draw out a timeline detailing when you aim to have your first draft done, your second draft, any reviews and submission deadlines. This will help to get you in the right mindset from the outset, because nobody likes last-minute stress.

Triple check your work

Sometimes when you have been working on something for a long time, it’s easy to overlook mistakes so it’s also helpful to ask someone else to proofread it for you. Double and triple check your work, keeping an eye out for typos. Getting family or friends to proofread your personal statement will also help to ensure that it sounds authentically you.

Stand out from the crowd

Try to think outside of the box and communicate what makes you unique. For example, if you have any creative ideas on how to improve a certain area within your chosen industry/subject, put this forward. This might tie in with your hobbies and work experience and be a good way to build on it.

Make evidence-based points

Highlighting your experiences is a crucial part of the personal statement but must be backed up with solid evidence. For example, if you have experience as a sports captain or society member, rather than just listing what you did, explain how you got there and what you achieved. Mention actions and outcomes, this shows how you strive for self-improvement and highlights an ability to clearly define goals.

If you’re still considering which degree to apply for, check out our range of undergraduate courses in law , business , criminology , policing , psychology and computer science . 

resources Our Recent Blogs

Staff stories: Embracing neurodiversity

How much can lawyers make in the UK?

Community insight: how to navigate a neurodivergent lifestyle.

Student Success Center

MS in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership

• New Student Checklist
• Academic Calendars
• Course Registration
• Textbook Information
• Tuition and Payment Methods
• Degree Progress and Commencement

Student Resources

Canvas @ usd.

• USD Campus Partners
• Career Resources
• Back to Top

Now Offering MS-LEPSL Merchandise at the USD Torero Store

As an online student, most of your interactions with the university will be done through various websites. For example:

• You’ll use your  USD Email Address  for all university-related communications.
• You’ll use  Canvas  for all of your coursework and assignments. See  Canvas Tips and Tricks page .
• You’ll use  My.SanDiego.edu   for tuition payments and to access most campus resources.
• You’ll use this site, your  Student Success Center , to get specific information about textbook information, deadlines, and more!

Stay Connected with your Program

Your Program Coordinator

Alex Constant

Schedule a meeting with me

Your academic director

Erik Fritsvold, PhD

COMPLETE YOUR MANDATORY NEW STUDENT CHECKLIST

Our number one priority is you! Our team has prepared a checklist of items that will set you up for success and clarify all action items as a new student. After you have enrolled for your first term, please complete and review  all of the following before classes start.

1. View Your Mandatory New Student Welcome Webinar

This webinar will go over a comprehensive look at your program and what to expect as an online learner including resources and tips for success. Each webinar should last around 30-40 minutes. Please RSVP for your Welcome Webinar as soon as possible.

2. Schedule Your New Student Check-in Call

In this call, you’ll “meet” a member of your Student Success Team for your program. Once you attend the welcome webinar, you will be given the link to schedule your new student check-in call. This will be a chance for us to answer any additional questions you have before you start your first term. Please be sure to have any Canvas-related, program-related, or finance-related questions prepared.

3. Complete Your Canvas Orientation Course – Due May 3, 2024

Once you have been registered in your classes, you will be able to access your New Student Orientation Course on  Canvas within 4 hours. When accessing Canvas, please make sure to use Firefox or Chrome as your browser.

The New Student Orientation course is designed to help you navigate your way around your course’s layout prior to beginning your first class. You will learn where to find the syllabus, course schedule, assignments, and discussion boards.

Your Orientation is  mandatory , and must be completed before the first day of class—so we encourage you to get started! Please plan to spend about 8 hours completing the Orientation course. You can move through the Orientation at your own pace, so schedule your time accordingly.

Looking for assistance?

• Visit the Canvas Tips and Tricks Page
• View the guide for navigating your Canvas Orientation course .

4. Finalize Your Tuition Payment Plan

We recommend that students start this planning early as some funding sources can take some time to process. Tuition payments should be completed in full by the first day of the semester. Visit the “Tuition and Payment Methods” section for more information.

5. (If Applicable) Start the Transfer Credit Process

Students in the MS-LEPSL program may be eligible to transfer in previous coursework to satisfy some degree requirements and graduate on an accelerated timeline. See the “Student Resources” section for a list of eligible programs and more information.

6. Review your Student Handbook

Please make sure to review your student handbook prior to the first day of class, and reference it as needed throughout your program. The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.

Download a pdf version of your student handbook.

Graduate Student Success Program

2024 Dates : July 22-24, 2024 2025 Dates: TBD

The Graduate Student Success Program is an optional opportunity for students to unpack the hidden curriculum of graduate school, connect with other graduate students across the university, and feel empowered to step into the new identity of being a graduate student and scholar. Through workshops and presentations, our virtual program will address questions such as:

• How do I make the most of my experience as a graduate student?
• What if I feel like I don’t belong here?
• How do I interact with faculty as a graduate student?
• How do I tend to my financial wellness while in graduate school?
• What are some strategies to access support?

IMPORTANT DATES

Below is a list of significant dates regarding the registration process, payment deadlines, and other important academic and program deadlines.

Fall 2024 Dates and Deadlines

Spring 2024 Dates and Deadlines

Summer 2024 Dates and Deadlines

Download a pdf of your academic calendar

Class registration directions.

You have most likely already filled out an Enrollment Agreement, which enables our team to register you for classes each term. No further action is required on your part.

If you are not able to register for both of your courses in a given term, please contact your program coordinator immediately. This often happens for students who have transfer credit or need to take a leave of absence.

Textbook information

Students are required to have their textbooks on hand by the first day of class. Unless otherwise specified, students may select any vendor they prefer (such as Amazon.com, Half.com, Alibris.com, etc.) to purchase their course materials. In the event a specific vendor is required, it will be specified in the course materials list. The best way to ensure that you have the correct book is to search by the ISBN number(s) listed on the book list.

Physical copies of books are not on hand at the USD Torero Store. The USD Torero online store does offer price comparisons for different online vendors for some books.

Although all textbooks for all courses are listed, students only need to purchase the items for the classes they are  taking for the semester.

Digital Inclusive Access (IA) – Integrated VitalSource Textbooks

If your course is indicated to have a “Digital Inclusive Access” textbook, you do have the option to use the integrated Vitalsource e-textbook without needing to purchase a textbook through an outside vendor. For more information, view the “Digital Inclusive Access” FAQs document .

• Students are able to access the e-textbook directly in the course without worrying about purchasing the wrong version or textbook!
• If your course is indicated as using “Digital Inclusive Access” on the textbook list, please note that you must opt-out within the first 4 days of each course to avoid being charged for the guaranteed-lowest price textbook.
• If you do intend to use “Digital Inclusive Access”, no further action is required after you create a Vitalsource account.
• No refunds can be issued once the textbook charge has been assessed.

By using Vitalsource e-Textbooks, students are able to use study tools in Bookshelf such as highlighting, printing limited pages/chapters, sharing notes, and using the Bookshelf CoachMe tool to test their learning while they read.

PAYing for your program

Tuition at USD is billed per semester, not per course. Payment (or enrollment in an official USD payment plan) is always due by the first day of the semester. Students may not carry balances from one semester to the next.

Accounts with outstanding balances after the official payment due date may be subject to course cancellations/removal or a student account hold during the semester; related holds can prevent upcoming registration, graduation, or obtaining transcripts.

Remember:  tuition is always due by the first day of each semester.

Program Tuition

Once you have been registered for your courses, your student account will reflect the appropriate tuition costs according to your program. Your program’s tuition* is the following:

• Per Unit (classes are typically 3-units) = $729 ($50/unit discount is applied to those who request it – please see below)
• Per Semester (assuming 6-units per semester) = $4,374
• Total Program Cost* (including 5 semesters) = $22,599

Students who need to re-take or withdraw from a course may need to pay additional fees according to the Refund/Drop Deadline policies listed in your Student Handbook.

If you have any questions about your Student Account, please reach out to the One Stop Center via email at [email protected] or phone at 619-260-2700. All costs and fees are subject to change and are based on the academic year of enrollment.

Requested Discounted Tuition

USD is proud to offer a public safety/military discount to LEPSL students in any one of these categories:

• Active member in a professional law enforcement association or union (examples: NTOA, IACP, FBINAA, FOP, PORAC, or your local DSA or POA)
• Military: Active duty or veteran

View the list of accepted documents that qualify for a tuition discount of $50 off per academic unit and submit your request for discounted tuition. You will be notified by a member of our team if your request was approved or if further documentation is needed.

Refund Policy

Students will be registered for their prescribed courses each semester. All courses must be dropped prior to the first day of the semester to receive a 100% tuition refund and within the first three days of the start date of the semester to receive a 95% tuition refund. No refund (reversal of tuition) will be provided after the third day of the semester for any class.

DEGREE PROGRESS and COMMENCEMENT

Degreeworks.

You can track your progress toward earning your degree using the Degree Works feature in your MySanDiego student portal. Degree Works shows you which courses you have completed, grades, cumulative GPA, any outstanding graduation requirements, and more!

To access Degree Works:

• Log in to your  MySanDiego student portal .
• Under the “Torero Hub” tab, click on “My Academics.”
• On the right-hand side under “My Academic Resources”, click on “Degree Works.”

Petition to Graduate

Submitting your petition to graduate is a requirement for every student. About a semester before your final term, you will be reminded by your Program Coordinator to submit your petition to graduate. Once completed, your Academic Coordinator will review your academic record and contact you if there are any outstanding requirements or issues.

Commencement and Diploma Details

If you are planning on participating in the commencement ceremony (which means walking in your cap and gown here on campus), you will be invited to come to the University of San Diego in the month of May to participate in the ceremony. Commencement details and information will be sent from your Student Success Team around the month of February. Please note, there is only one commencement ceremony each academic year. Fall graduates will be invited to the commencement ceremony the May after they graduate, while Summer graduates will be invited to the commencement ceremony the May before they graduate.

The registrar will process their final audit of the degrees 6-8 weeks after grades are posted for your final semester. Once the degree is conferred in the system, the Registrar will order your diploma from the vendor and the vendor will send it to you directly to the address that was listed on your petition to graduate. Mailing time is an additional 6-8 weeks from the date of order, and you will likely receive your diploma in the mail in 3-4 months after you have completed your degree requirements. *Please note, if your mailing address changes after you submit your Petition to Graduate, please notify the Graduate Records office at (619) 260-2217 or  [email protected] .

Course Requirements

Completion of all the courses in the prescribed curriculum of ten 3-unit courses and the 1-unit Integrative Capstone course, for a total of 11 courses and 31 units, is required to successfully complete this program.

Course Titles and Descriptions

Contemporary issues in law enforcement and public safety (leps 500).

This course examines cutting-edge issues facing law enforcement and public safety including: evolving technology, legal standards regarding the use of force, officer health and wellness, UAVs, facial recognition, correctional realignment, drug policy changes, bail reform, records disclosure, and more. These issues are changing the landscape of law enforcement faster than ever before; this course will help law enforcement leaders proactively prepare for their agencies to thrive in this dynamic landscape.

Communication Skills for Law Enforcement Leaders (LEPS 510)

From interpersonal communication with colleagues and citizens to formal written reports to working with the media, this course studies all of the different ways law enforcement leaders need to communicate to be successful. The course introduces and develops a series of communication skills essential for someone leading a modern law enforcement department.

Best Practices In Community Engagement (LEPS 520)

This course looks at best practices regarding how individuals in law enforcement engage both broadly with the community and with key stakeholders. This course specifically zeros in on these aspects of communication in the modern climate of increased transparency and collaboration. Building from real case studies, students will complete this course with an understanding of how to appropriately position their agencies in the national dialogue about policing in the contemporary climate, being leaders in a progressing industry, and what it means to be a changemaker in the field of policing.

Public Safety Law In a Dynamic World (LEPS 530)

In an era where evolving technology is outpacing the law, this cutting-edge course helps provide direction and answer questions around the legal complexities of using law enforcement technologies and other contemporary legal issues. The course looks at right-to-privacy and 4th amendment cases that are guiding legal precedents regarding smartphones, UAVs, BWCs,  Brady  issues, DNA evidence, cyber crime, terrorism, peace officer records release, and transparency legislation. The course features hypothetical scenarios in which students make leadership and mission decisions broaching legal questions where there is no clear correct legal answer.

Organizational Leadership for Law Enforcement (LEPS 540)

How do law enforcement and public safety professionals lead under stress, in environments of change, and in the modern social and political climate? Strong leadership is crucial in law enforcement organizations; from officer safety, to thriving teams, to organizational success or failure, the stakes are high day in and day out. Leadership is a broad and diverse toolkit that can, and should, be understood and applied differently by individuals and organizations. Throughout this course, students will be exposed to practical and application-based examinations of organizational models and leadership theories. Designed to create immediate payoff with real-time and actionable lessons, the course uses a variety of case studies from law enforcement, corporate America and the military to present a holistic look at leadership, ethics, and best practices in modern law enforcement and public safety organizations.

Data Fluency and Analysis for Law Enforcement Leaders (LEPS 550)

In today’s law enforcement and public safety field, leaders need to be able to justify resource allocation decisions, present data-driven initiatives and demonstrate success and failure with sound data and evidence. This course nurtures a contemporary and critical understanding of the importance of crime data and related evidence to maximizing both ethics and efficacy within agencies. Honing in on intelligence-led, evidence-based, data-driven policing, students will learn how to effectively present accurate, detailed crime data and related evidence for key stakeholders.

Effective Leadership in Modern Public Safety: Theory, Concepts, and Application (LEPS 560)

This course examines best practices for effective and impactful leadership in the dynamic, contemporary world of public safety. Relevant leadership theories will be coupled with real-world case studies from law enforcement, the military, academia, and the private sector to present a well-rounded analysis of the dynamic concept of leadership. The course emphasizes self-reflection, tangible strategies, and practical skill building to nurture immediately applicable leadership proficiencies that will support today’s law enforcement and public safety personnel to thrive in a dynamic and demanding environment.

Public Policy Innovation (LEPS 570)

How do agencies carry out reliable public policy research? Which resources do they invest in and why? Are the programs in place working? How can any given law enforcement leader be an effective, critical consumer of research, evidence, and best practices? This course looks at how to make good policy decisions, how to involve key stakeholders, and how to create and communicate policy. Nurturing practical research skills for law enforcement leaders, students will complete a project in which they are placed in groups to collectively write an MOU for a gang or human trafficking multiagency task force. Working each week to contribute to the document, they produce a real MOU by the end of the course; something typically high-ranking individuals and/or those in specialized assignments have the opportunity to do.

Law Enforcement Management and Conflict Resolution (LEPS 580)

A deep and applicable understanding of emotional intelligence, human resources, and essential skills for managing workplace conflict is key to leading successfully. In this course, students will develop skills that are essential to effective dispute resolution. These skills will be introduced, developed, and applied to conflicts between individuals, within small groups, and throughout organizations. At its core, this is an ethics-centric leadership and management course that addresses the unique dynamics of criminal justice agencies. Navigating contentious issues and developing and executing effective, positive resolutions requires an approach that emphasizes human dignity and both personal and professional integrity throughout the process.

Budget and Finance for Law Enforcement Leaders (LEPS 590)

Would you know how to create and present a budget if asked to do so? Budget and finance is an area in which many new to a command staff position feel they need additional training. And with the increased emphasis on evidence-driven rationales for budgetary decisions, all law enforcement leaders need to have a robust understanding of budgeting, contract negotiation, finance, and staffing/resource allocation. This course will expose students to different types of budget models and how they function in a public safety environment. Key learning concepts include performance-based, line-item and zero-based budget models, along with best practices for finding, writing and securing grants that are often key to organizational goals.

Integrative Capstone* (LEPS 599)

In the final course of the program sequence, students create an online portfolio to showcase what they’ve learned throughout the program. In what could be described as a ‘resume on steroids’, this portfolio contains a compilation of exemplary projects, term papers, presentations, and skill-based exercises that were completed throughout the program. The creation of the capstone project requires students to identify and critically reflect on the major program themes and what they’ve learned in the program. The reflection and the portfolio itself are both invaluable assets for career advancement.

*Note: all electronic portfolios have password protection and other security options to keep information secure.

Previous alumni and current LEPSL faculty have prepared a “Capstone Tips and Tricks” document to better prepare you all to succeed in the course.

This list is helpful resources that will set you up for success. Haven’t written in APA formatting since your undergraduate program? We’ve got you covered! Want to know what type of computer you will need? No problem. We have listed helpful resources below.

Transfer Credit / Validation of Credit For Professional Training

If you have completed any of the programs listed below, you may be eligible for transfer credit. Please use the links provided below to start the process.

Important notes :

• Students need to have transfer credit submitted, evaluated, and approved before the end of the first course offered in their first semester. Any requests for transfer credit after the first course will not be permitted. We recommend working with your Program Coordinator to have your transfer credit processed before the start of classes to ensure a smooth scheduling experience.
• Using transfer credits may affect your financial aid or military/veteran benefits package. FAFSA requires at least 4.5 units of enrollment in a term, and taking one course (3 units) puts students below the part-time 4.5 unit FAFSA threshold.
• Concurrent enrollment in Command College or FBINA in the LEPSL program is not permitted. Concurrent enrollment in SLI, FBILEEDA, SMIP, or SDRLI is permissible if you have the bandwidth to do so, however, you will NOT be able to use that training as transfer credit since all transfer credit must be submitted, evaluated, and approved before the end of the first course offered in their first semester.
• To be eligible for transfer, the equivalent course must 1) not have been counted towards another degree and 2) the credits must have been earned within the last five years from an accredited university. No guarantee of transfer is made until all signatures are secured and the credit is verified through an official transcript.

Programs Available for Transfer Credit (No Credit Validation Required)

• FBI National Academy ( graduate classes only  completed at University of Virginia in the last 5 years)
• 8901 Theory and Nature of War + 8902 National and International Security Studies = LEPS 560 Organizational Change and Theory for Law Enforcement (3 units)
• 8903 Operational Art + 8906 MAGTF Expeditionary Operations = LEPS 540 Organizational Leadership for Law Enforcement (3 units)
• Other graduate-level college coursework completed in the last 5 years from a regionally accredited university. Note that if the course credit has already been applied to another graduate degree or certificate, it is not eligible for transfer into the LEPSL program (No “double-dipping” of units).

Make sure to work with your Enrollment Advisor to order your official transcript, which is required in order for us to process the transfer credit request with the USD registrar. Once received, you should receive a DocuSign request from our office to complete the necessary paperwork.

Programs Available for Credit Validation

The MS-LEPSL program has approved a number of law enforcement professional training programs for a process called credit validation, which allows us to assign graduate academic credit that can then be transferred into the program. There is a fee for this service, which is performed by  USD’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education .

The credit validation process will ask for you to create a  new account/application  on the Continuing Education website. This step creates an account  separate from your USDOne Graduate profile . If you experience any difficulties with the application or website, please contact the Enrollment and Student Services team at 619-260-4585.

The following programs are eligible for credit validation.

• FBI-LEEDA Trilogy
• CA POST Command College
• San Diego County Regional Leadership Institute (SDRLI)
• CA POST Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI)
• Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP)

Technical Requirements

You must own or have unrestricted access to a computer for this program.  A fast Internet connection is also mandatory.

Courses will utilize a variety of technologies and multimedia. To complete course activities and to access course content, please verify that you have the following technologies and plug-ins available:

• Browser Plug-ins – Windows Media Player, QuickTime, Flash, Shockwave, Adobe Reader, and Java.
• Mozilla Firefox is the recommended browser.
• Microsoft Office is required. If you are using Office 2003 or earlier, download and install the Microsoft Office Compatibility pack.
• Speakers or headset – to listen to multimedia.
• Webcam – for recording video.
• Email – To contact your faculty.
• High-speed internet connection strongly encouraged (DSL or better)

Graduate Writing Expectations and Tips

All writing assignments must be formatted according to APA standards. Discussion posts must contain the appropriate APA citations.  If you want additional writing support, we recommend  Purdue Online Writing Lab  (OWL@Purdue). In addition to general writing support, the website includes a special section dedicated to  APA formatting guidelines .

Another helpful writing resource is the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Graduate Student Writing Center . Enrolled students can submit assignments for review by a writing professional.

Download Microsoft Office 365 (Free for USD Students)

Students at the University of San Diego are able to download Microsoft Office 365 for free ! If you don’t have it already, you can download the Microsoft Office 365 suite using your USD student email.

TimelyCare – Telehealth for USD Students

TimelyCare  is a provider of 24/7, no-cost telehealth services for USD students to address common conditions that can be safely diagnosed and treated remotely. TimelyCare services are available at no cost to the student. Services include:

• Live and on-demand self-care sessions (yoga, breathing, stretching)
• Access to on-demand counselors for emotional health support
• Access to schedule a session with a licensed counselor (up to 12 times per year)
• View the  Nurturing Balance Webinar  Recording to learn about more resources

MS-LEPSL Student Handbook

The handbook is where you can find information on academic expectations, drop and refund policy, technology requirements, curriculum, frequently asked questions, and more.

External Tutoring Resource

USD does not offer subject-specific tutoring resources, so students who are looking for tutoring support are encouraged to identify a tutor using Wyzant.com . Please note that Wyzant is not a USD-managed resource, so use them at your own discretion.

Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities for Graduate Students

It is the policy of the University of San Diego to adhere to the rules and regulations as announced in this brochure or other University Publications. The University nevertheless hereby gives notice that it reserves the right to expand or delete or otherwise modify this online publication whenever such changes are adjudged by it to be desirable or necessary. Changes will be made periodically as needed.

• https://www.sandiego.edu/conduct/the-code/
• View the Graduate/Law Rights and Responsibilities in PDF/brochure format

USD Economic Resources List

USD’s Case Management team has compiled a list of on-campus (local to San Diego) and national economic resources to help students find assistance with a variety of life aspects such as housing, food, mental health, parenting, etc. If you have a need or concern that isn’t addressed by the resources included in this list, please reach out to your Program Coordinator for further assistance. Based on the support, we may refer you to schedule an appointment with a case manager .

• USD Econo mic Resources List

First-Generation Student Resources

USD welcomes first-generation college and first-generation graduate students. Please view the resources below to connect with your first-gen peers!

• Visit the  USD First-Generation website . 
• Free & Virtual First-Generation Graduate Student Symposium .
• Instagram accounts:  @usd_fgsa  and  @usdfirstgen .
• Contact the First-Gen Action Team at  [email protected]

Need Something?

• Request an Itemized Statement
• Request a Degree Plan
• Request a Grade Verification Letter
• Request an Enrollment Verification Letter
• Order Official / View Unofficial Transcripts
• Request a Student ID Card

In your program, you can think of Canvas as your virtual tool to share information with professors and peers. You will use Canvas to access your course content, find course syllabi, review your assignments, and more. Be sure to use your USD credentials to log in. If you have any difficulty logging into your course, be sure to contact ITS at (619) 260-7900 or [email protected] .

Netiquette Guidelines

The concept of netiquette covers proper communication online. Read our guidelines to help cultivate a supportive and productive online environment.

your partners toward success

At USD, you join a community of individuals who are all committed to one common goal: your success. As you familiarize yourself with your team, take the opportunity to virtually meet and connect with the resources available to you as a student. Click on the profiles below to learn more about each office or staff member and watch a brief video about their role in supporting you through graduation.

USD Quick Links

• USD Directory (For Faculty or Staff Contact Information)
• One Stop Student Center
• Health and Wellness
• SOLES Graduate Writing Center
• Military and Veterans Program Center
• Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center
• Copley Library
• Career Development Center
• Campus Recreation (Remote and On-Campus Classes Offered)

Career and professional resources

Whether you’re hoping to find a new job or earn a promotion, USD has a wealth of resources available to prepare you for your dream role.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my tuition.

Tuition for the MS-LEPSL program is $729 per unit.

With a total of 31 units, the full cost of tuition for the program is $22,599.

Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time to correct errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.

How many units is my program?

The MS-LEPSL program is a total of 31 units.

Students will enroll in two prescribed courses each semester for a total of 6 semester units. Students must register for the additional 1-unit capstone course during their final semester in the program.

Is this a full-time or part-time program?

The University of San Diego considers 9 or more units as full-time student status. Your program is designed to be part-time, and students enroll in just 6 units per semester. There is no full-time option for this program.

How do I register or drop classes?

All students are manually enrolled each semester by the USD Student Success team. If you are not able to enroll for a term or if you need to drop your courses, it is your responsibility to notify your Program Coordinator. All students will be held to the respective drop deadlines and refund schedule detailed in your Student Handbook.

Where do I find my bill and how do I pay it?

Login to your  my.sandiego.edu student portal. Under the “My Student Account” tab, review the tutorials for directions on how to view and pay your bill, set up a payment plan, and enroll in eRefund (Direct Deposit). View the “Tuition and Payment Methods” on your Student Success Center for further details.

Where can I view my final grades?

Log into your my.sandiego.edu student portal and navigate to the “Torero Hub” section on the sidebar. Click on the “My Academics” tab and locate the “View My Grades” link in the top-middle section. Alternatively, you can view your program progress at a glance using the “Degree Works” link.

If you notice a grade inconsistency between Canvas and your MySanDiego portal, please email your instructor to verify what the final grade should be. Your instructor has the ability to update the posted grade.

How do I see my degree plan and track my progress?

Log into your my.sandiego.edu student portal and then use the “Degree Works” link to view your degree audit.

You can find the “Degree Works” link in the Torero Hub under the “My Academics” page. If you are interested in requesting a tailored degree plan, please email [email protected] .

What if I need to take a break from courses?

If you need to take time off from your program, please email your Program Coordinator or the Student Success team at [email protected] . Since you have submitted your enrollment commitment, our team will automatically register you in courses each term unless you have previously notified the team about taking a break.

How do I order transcripts?

To order your official, unofficial, or e-transcript(s), view the transcript ordering options page . Otherwise, you can view unofficial/order official transcripts through your MySanDiego porta l. Under the “Torero Hub” sidebar option, click on the “My Academics” page, then click on “Request Official Transcript” under the “My Classes” section.

When will I get my diploma?

Congratulations on finishing your program! Diplomas are mailed about 6-8 weeks after the degree requirements have been met and processed. Diplomas are mailed to the current address on file at the time degree requirements are completed. (To check your address information, login to your my.sandiego.edu student portal and view your personal information under My Torero Services.)

You will first be emailed a copy of your e-diploma from Parchment prior to receiving your mailed physical diploma.

Who do I talk to if I have additional questions or concerns about my program?

Throughout your program and after graduation, your Student Success team is here to help! We recommend contacting your Program Coordinator directly, but you can also email our team address at [email protected] .

In addition to our team, your Academic Director is a great resource!

Where can I find some writing resources?

All writing assignments must be formatted according to APA standards. Discussion posts must contain the appropriate APA citations. If you are unfamiliar with APA formatting, or simply require additional writing support, we recommend referencing the Purdue Online Writing Lab (also called OWL@Purdue). In addition to general writing support, the website includes a special section dedicated to  APA formatting guidelines.

To further support your writing, we highly recommend using the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) Graduate Student Writing Center. Students are encouraged to submit written course assignments via the digital submission form for online feedback from a professional writing coach. See site for details.

What should I do if I miss a week of class?

This course moves very quickly, and it is important that you turn in all assignments on or before their due dates. If, because of an emergency, you have missed a week or more of course work, please contact your professor immediately to inform them. While there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to make up your work, informing your professor early is the best way to get back on track and finish your course successfully.

Please do not wait more than a week without informing your professor. If your instructor’s email is not already visible on the Canvas course, please use the USD directory to find their contact information.

What can I expect for deadlines in my course?

The 7-week courses traditionally follow a weekly pattern with three important days:

• Tuesdays – When the class/modules start. It’s recommended to read the Module Overview, review readings/media, and begin to think about ideas for the discussion board.
• Fridays – When the initial discussion board posts are due. Remember that posts are due before 11:59 PM PST.
• Mondays – When discussion board replies and assignments are due. Most discussion boards expect 2 replies per week.

Please note that there may be some exceptions to this structure. Always refer to the syllabus for deadline details. Please contact the course instructor with any questions.

What are the course surveys? Do I have to complete them every course?

The course surveys are an opportunity to give your feedback on the course assignments, instructors, pacing, workload, learning management system, accessibility, etc. The feedback is reviewed by school leadership and used to determine how courses should be improved for future iterations. All surveys are completely anonymous – which is why your instructors have to make public announcements asking for everyone to submit their surveys. Feedback in the survey will not affect your final grade.

Course surveys traditionally open during the final weeks of the course and close before final grades are posted. The instructors and USD Student Success Team will remind you to complete these surveys for each class. Your program appreciates the time you take to improve the student experience!

• Faculty Advancement and Student Success
• Advisor Directory
• Seeing an Advisor
• SDSU Navigate
• Academic Community Engagement
• California Promise
• Reenrollment
• First-Gen Student Success
• Honors Council and University Honors Societies
• Math Placement
• National Scholarships & Fellowships
• Student Organizations
• Supplemental Instruction
• Transfer Student Success
• Undeclared Students
• Undergraduate Studies Home
• Weber Honors College
• Our Mission
• Meet the FASS Staff

National Scholarships and Fellowships

Navigate this Section

Creating Your Personal Statement

If you are applying for nationally competitive scholarships, for graduate school, or for a number of post-graduate service or employment opportunities, you have seen the vaguely phrased request; in one form or another, it comes down to “tell us something about yourself.”

The Rhodes and Marshall competitions require a 1000-word personal essay: the Fulbright, a “curriculum vita.” You are asked to share your “academic and other interests.” A clearer charge might be: compose an essay that reveals who you are, what you care about, and what you intend to do in this life. Tell this story in a compelling manner, and do so in less than a thousand words. What’s so hard about that? Simply make sense of your life. (right.) But what does that mean? What will it look like?

Because personal statements are personal, there is no one type or style of writing that is set out as a model. That can be liberating; it can also be maddening. But while every personal statement is unique in style, it’s purpose is the same.

A personal statement is your introduction to a selection committee. It determines whether you are invited to interview; and if selected as a finalist, interview questions will be based on this material.  It is the heart of your application.

A personal statement is:

• A picture.  Your personal essay should produce a picture of you as a person, a student, a potential scholarship winner, and (looking into the future) a former scholarship recipient. 
• An invitation.  The reader must be invited to get to know you, personally. Bridge the assumed distance of strangers. Make your reader welcome.
• An indication of your priorities and judgment.  What you choose to say in your statement tells the committee what your priorities are. What you say, and how you say it, is crucial.
• A story, or more precisely, your story.  Everyone has a story to tell, but we are not all natural storytellers. If you are like most people, your life lacks inherent drama. This is when serious self-reflection, conversation with friends, family, and mentors, and permission to be creative come in handy. 

A personal statement is not:

• An academic paper with you as the subject.  The papers you write for class are typically designed to interpret data, reflect research, analyze events or reading—all at some distance. We are taught to eliminate the “I” from our academic writing. In a personal statement your goal is to close the distance between you and the reader. You must engage on a different, more personal level that you have been trained to in college. 
• A resume in narrative form.  An essay that reads like a resume of accomplishments and goals tells the reader nothing that they could not glean from the rest of the application. It reveals little about the candidate, and is a wasted opportunity. 
• A journal entry.  While you may draw on experiences or observations captured in your personal journal, your essay should not read like a diary. Share what is relevant, using these experiences to give a helpful context for your story. And include only what you are comfortable sharing—be prepared to discuss at an interview what you include. 
• A plea of justification for the scholarship.  This is not an invitation to “make your case.” Defending an assertion that you are more deserving of the scholarship than other candidates is a wasted effort—you’ve likely just accomplished the opposite.
• Most importantly, a personal statement is authentic.  Don’t make the mistake of trying to guess what the committee is looking for, and don’t write what you think they want to hear. They want to know you. 

So, what must you include in the personal statement? An effective personal statement will answer the following questions:

• Who am I? 
• Who do I want to be? 
• What kind of contribution do I want to make, and how? 
• Why does it make sense for me to study at Oxford (or York, LSE, Cambridge, Sussex)? 

For the Rhodes, you will want to include a proposal of study, one or two paragraphs devoted to why Oxford makes sense to you. For the Marshall and Fulbright, your “proposed academic programme” is presented separately. Your proposal should be as detailed and specific as possible, including degree plans, course titles, and professors with whom you hope to study (especially if you have contacted them by email or letter). Why is this the right place and program? Is it consistent with your studies and activities to date? Draw connections. 

Remember the goal: grab the readers’ interest, and make them want to meet you for an interview. Get a sense of the experiences and dreams you wish to share, then examine them for a helpful means of making sense of it all. You will find your story; and if you share it honestly, you will have written a personal statement.

Finally, know that writing a personal essay is hard and will take many drafts and much reflection. Don’t wait until you have it right to share it with others; their input will likely make it stronger, clearer, and tighter. Don’t put it off until you have it right … just write!

Written by Mary Hale Tolar, Associate Director for Educational Leadership at Kansas State University. Mary Tolar is a 1988 Truman Scholar and 1990 Rhodes Scholar; served as scholarships advisor at four institutions, and has served on a State Rhodes Committee of Selection. She has helped over sixty students win nationally competitive scholarships.  

The University of Chicago The Law School

Program info, faqs: personal statement, what is the admissions committee looking for in the personal statement.

The Admissions Committee is primarily looking for two things in the personal statement:

• Who are you: Will this applicant be a likeable and interesting addition to our community? Are you thoughtful and reflective? Will our professors and your classmates enjoy working with you and learning from your perspective?
• Writing and communication ability: Can you communicate your thoughts effectively? Are you able to present information in a clear, organized, and concise manner (much like you will be required to do in law school and as an attorney)?

What should I write about in my personal statement?

Our application does not provide a specific topic or question for the personal statement because you are the best judge of what you should write. Write about something personal, relevant, and completely individual to you. This may include writing about a significant aspect of your background, a quality or trait you believe defines you, a transformative experience, or the things that interest and motivate you. Don’t worry so much about selecting a unique or novel topic. Just be yourself. Your personal statement will be unique if you are honest and authentic. See these examples of personal statements .

How does the personal statement fit into the rest of my application?

Think about the personal statement as the fun and interesting part of your application. This is where we get to learn more about who are you as a person and go beyond the transcripts, test scores, and resume. Let each part of your application speak for itself and do what it is intended to do - you don't need to worry about selling us on your credentials in the personal statement.  

Do I need to tell the Admissions Committee why I want to go to law school?

Not necessarily. We request a personal statement; it is not a statement of purpose. You are welcome to discuss your reasons for applying to law school, but please make sure we will still get to know you as an individual. Law schools have different views on this topic, so please consult each school to which you are applying. 

What are some tips for a successful personal statement?

There are few rules that apply to every applicant because of the individual nature of the personal statement, but here are some tips based on our experiences that all applicants should follow:

• Be straightforward. Do not make it more complex than it is. We simply want a candid, well-written essay that helps us learn about you, your story, and your background.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread. Your personal statement should not have errors - this is a sample of your writing and it should be a strong reflection of your written communication skills. Edit extensively and make sure to remove tracked changes.
• Be concise and organize your thoughts. Remember basic writing skills and essay structure. You want to present your ideas in a logical, clear manner.
• Make sure your personal statement is about you . Keep the focus on you with any topic you choose. Focusing too much on a family member or family history, a social or legal issue, or stories about others is a very common mistake. Even if you tell a moving and interesting story, it will not be a successful personal statement if it does not allow us to get to know you.
• Be yourself. We are confident every one of our applicants is unique. Be honest. Do not write about something you think you are supposed to write about or rely too heavily on sample topics or model statements. A topic will not be effective unless it is appropriate for your specific application and background. Don’t try to fit your personal statement into a defined category or box.
• Write in your own voice. This makes your personal statement believable and authentic. Don’t use phrases and vocabulary that you wouldn’t normally use in writing and conversation. It is usually not a good idea to lead with a quote. We are looking for clarity and honesty.
• Make it personal. If someone else could write your personal statement, it probably is not personal enough. We often see this happen when applicants discuss a social issue or area of the law. Remember you are not trying to educate the Admissions Committee about the law or any particular issue.  Your goal should be to educate the Admissions Committee about you.

What are some of the common mistakes I should avoid?

While what works for one individual will not work for another because the personal statement is so individualized, here are some common mistakes we see from applicants: 

• Restating your resume. Resume restatements are one of the most common errors. We will read your resume in detail. We want the personal statement to tell us something new about you.
• Listing your qualifications.  Don't try to overtly sell yourself to the Admissions Committee. This isn't the place to convince us how qualified you are. Your qualifications will shine through in other parts of your application. Remember, this is the part where we get to know you as an individual.
• Typos and “tracked changes”. Make sure to upload the correct version of your personal statement into CAS. If you plan to reference law schools by name, please reference the correct school for each application. 
• Legalese or Latin phrases.   Avoid using legal terms or Latin phrases if you can. The risk you are incorrectly using them is just too high.
• Extensive discussions of the law and attorneys. It is not necessary to discuss the law, tell us what type of law you want to practice, or convey the extent of your legal experience. Legal experience is not a factor in admission.  It is not the place to demonstrate your knowledge of the law or the role of attorneys. These personal statements do not tell us much about the applicant as an individual.
• Telling us you'll be a good lawyer because you like to argue.
• Name-dropping. It is not necessary to cite the names of our faculty and programs from our website in your personal statement unless you are placing the reference in a meaningful context. It detracts from your authenticity. However, if one of our faculty members or something about our community has genuinely inspired you, you are more than welcome to tell us about it.
• Covering too much information. You don't have to cover your entire life story. Use your discretion - we know you have to make a choice and have limited space. Attempting to cover too much material can result in an unfocused and scattered personal statement. 

Is there a page limit on my personal statement? 

There is no page limit, but we generally find 2-4 pages to be sufficient. If it is longer, make sure it is absolutely necessary and really interesting. We do not have any formatting rules with respect to spacing, font type, font size, or margins. 

May I submit additional essays?

You may submit additional essays to highlight particular topics you wish to bring to our attention. Please remember you want to be concise and genuine.

Examples of types of additional essays include Diversity Statements and explanations of undergraduate and/or standardized test performance. 

• UChicago aims to train well-rounded, critical, and socially conscious thinkers and doers. Describe how your background or experiences will contribute to the UChicago Law and Chicago Booth communities. Example topics include: lessons you have learned; skillsets you have developed; obstacles you have overcome based on your background or upbringing; or topics you have become passionate about studying in law school based on your lived or educational experiences.
• Undergraduate and/or Standardized Test Performance: If you do not think that your academic record or standardized test scores accurately reflect your ability to succeed in law school, please tell us why.

The Admissions Committee typically finds one page or less is a sufficient length for most additional essays. 

Personal statement

Most uc campuses require a personal statement in addition to a statement of purpose. make yours count..

While the statement of purpose highlights the goals and experiences related to the research area you plan to pursue, your personal statement (also called a history or diversity statement) is an opportunity for the review committee to learn about the unique qualities and perspectives you’ll bring to the program.

Crafting a strong Personal Statement

Simply put, the statement of purpose is about your work, while your personal statement is about you – and how you’ll contribute to the diversity of ideas. Draw on your unique background to present yourself as an ideal candidate for the graduate program to which you are applying.

Tell your story This is your opportunity to expand on your background, highlight unique experiences, challenges and triumphs and give the committee a more compelling reason to accept you. If a personal statement is not requested, consider incorporating this content into your statement of purpose. It is in your best interest to offer supplemental information when given an opportunity.

Describe goals, achievements and challenges

• Describe your academic and career goals and highlight how graduate school will advance them.
• Tell how personal experiences shaped your aspirations, and don’t shy away from discussing poor grades or large time gaps in your resume.
• Address any particular challenges you’ve faced, and how you worked to overcome them.
• Focus on issues that have had an impact on your education, such as being raised in a single parent household, working to help support family, thriving in unsafe environments, persevering with physical or other challenges or coming from an underrepresented minority group.

Showcase experiences related to diversity 

• Mention your engagement in programs that increase diversity in your chosen field, such as participation in undergraduate academic preparation, diversity and equity programs, higher education pathways and summer research opportunities, and mentoring underrepresented students.
• Explain how your experiences have deepened your understanding of the barriers facing ethnic minorities, women, and others underrepresented in higher education or how your experiences have helped advance efforts to improve inclusion of these groups.
• Highlight research you have conducted that addresses underserved populations, such as issues of race, gender, equity and inclusion, disparities in health or educational access, and human rights. Mention artistic and cultural works you have produced that reflect diverse communities and voices not well represented

Remember, write a statement specifically tailored for the program to which you are applying. This allows the admission’s committee an opportunity to see exactly who you are.