FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.      What is the minimum pre-law education to be eligible to apply for admission?
An applicant must have either a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or an associate degree (AA/AS) or 60 units of completed college course credits transferable towards a four year degree at a regionally accredited university. 

2.      What is the minimum undergraduate GPA requirement for admission? 
Applicants should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C) or the grade average at least equal to that required for graduation from the institution last attended. 

3.      Is the LSAT required for admission?
While the LSAT is a reasonably accurate predictor for law school performance, prospective students have the option of either taking it or not.   

4.      Could I be admitted if I do not have a bachelor’s degree or associate degree or 60 college course credits?
There are persons who display maturity and work experience which may indicate reasonable probability for successful law study. Such persons are considered if they pass the College Level Equivalency Program (CLEP) and score at or about the 50^th percentile on the LSAT.   

5.      When are college transcripts required?
Official copies of transcripts showing pre-law education are required no later than 45 days after registration.  

6.      When can I apply?
IUCOL has a rolling admissions policy for prospective law students. Applications are accepted for evaluation year round. First year courses open up as at least 5 students register for a particular first year course. Newly admitted students start with either Contracts I, Torts I, or Criminal Law.  

7.      Is academic counseling required prior to admission?
All prospective students have a one-on-one meeting with the Dean or Academic Counselor to fully review the intended legal academic program with the student. 

8.      Are letters of recommendation needed?
Two letters of recommendation are requested.  The recommendations may be obtained from a variety of persons who know the applicant and can attest to the applicant’s good character, aptitude for legal studies or other attributes which distinguish the student. 

9.      What is the average class size?
Classes range from 5 to 15 students. There is considerable individualized attention and interaction between the instructor and student as a result of the seminar size classes. 

10. How long is the law program?
It is a four year program. Classes meet in the evenings on week days and during the week-ends.  Each academic year the student may earn approximately 21 – 24 course units.  Successful completion of 84 units earns the student the JD degree.  

11. What is the tuition?
Each unit costs $360. Most courses are three units. A full degree program of 84 units at today’s tuition level is $30,000 approximately.  Students self-finance their educational costs or secure VA educational benefits if eligible or participate in a tuition payment plan.  There are a number of private lenders that provide educational loans to law school students. 

12. Will I qualify to practice law in California?
Yes. Successful completion of the JD licensure program at IUCOL qualifies the student to take the State Bar Examination. Upon successful passage of this examination, the student becomes a member of the California State Bar and may practice law in California.  If a student wishes to practice law in another state, the student should contact that state’s  admitting authorities for information whether or not completion of the licensure JD program at IUCOL will satisfy their requirements for admission to practice law. 

13. Are transfer students accepted?
A review is made regarding appropriate course transfer credit. Additionally, admittance may be conditioned on taking of the LSAT or auditing of courses which may require grade remediation or other conditions unique to the applicant. An academically disqualified student from another law school must demonstrate potential to continue law studies and to show reasonable probability for success; such students are generally provisionally admitted subject to conditions that must be met prior to full admission and continuation of their law studies.

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