When is the law school application available?
The application becomes available every September through LSAC. The priority deadline
for all JD programs is February 15. The final deadline for the Traditional Three-Year
Program is April 15 and the final deadline for the Accelerated Two-Year program is
April 1.
When do I take the LSAT?
Applicants are urged to take the LSAT no later than March of the year in which admission
is sought.
How is my LSAT score evaluated?
The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants based on their highest LSAT score and
does not average multiple scores, though all scores are seen when reviewing the application.
How long are LSAT scores valid?
LSAT scores are valid for up to five years.
If I plan to take a future LSAT, can I apply without a reportable score?
Yes, an applicant can apply to the law school without a reportable score; however,
the application will remain incomplete until the LSAT score has been reported to the
law school from the LSAC. We encourage applicants to apply once they have a reportable
score in order to avoid delays.
Does Pepperdine accept a GRE instead of the LSAT?
Yes. Pepperdine will accept a GRE score for admission. Please see a full list of GRE
questions here.
How will Pepperdine Law evaluate GRE scores?
Pepperdine Law will average your "Percent Below" values from both your Verbal Reasoning
and Quantitative Reasoning sections, and compare that average to our median LSAT score
percentile. For example, the current Pepperdine Law LSAT median is a 161, which is
about the 82nd percentile of all LSAT takers. Therefore, a comparable score on the
GRE would be one that scored in the 82nd percentile of that test.
What is your median GRE score?
Fall 2019 is the first application cycle in which we are accepting GRE scores. Therefore,
we have not yet determined what our median GRE scores are. Pepperdine Law's LSAT median
is a 161, which is about the 82nd percentile of all LSAT takers. Therefore, a comparable
score on the GRE would be one that scored in the 82nd percentile of that test.
How will Pepperdine Law evaluate applications that include both a GRE score and an
LSAT score?
If you submit a GRE and an LSAT score, we will evaluate both scores.
If I submit a GRE score only, will my application be evaluated the same way as someone
who submitted an LSAT score only?
Yes. The Admissions Committee will accept either test score. We consider all applications
holistically and will evaluate applications similarly regardless of test type.
Is there a required undergraduate cumulative GPA and LSAT score I must have to apply?
There is no minimum or maximum GPA or LSAT score an applicant must have, all eligible
applicants are encouraged to apply.
What is your median GPA and LSAT?
The current median GPA is 3.66 and the current median LSAT is 161. Median numbers
are calculated from the current first-year class.
How is my undergraduate GPA evaluated?
The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants based on their cumulative undergraduate
GPA as calculated by the LSAC.
If I have earned a graduate degree, will my graduate GPA be taken into consideration?
Although the graduate GPA is not reflected in the cumulative GPA, a graduate degree
can be an indicator of the applicant's increased focus and ability.
Are there specific majors or minors that the Admissions Committee looks at from applicants?
A specific major is not required for admissions, but the Admissions Committee will
focus on college grades, major, and selection of courses. The Committee looks favorably
on students who have selected intellectually challenging courses of study. Whatever
the discipline, it is urged you to concentrate on developing strong writing and analytical
skills. Courses that require active participation in a classroom dialogue will be
helpful in preparing for law school.
Does Pepperdine Law conduct interviews as part of the application process?
No, interviews are not part of the application process. Those who serve on the Admissions
Committee remain anonymous. We encourage applicants to visit campus during the admissions
process if they can. The people you will meet and the community you will experience
are truly unparalleled.
When will my application be reviewed?
We admit students on a rolling basis, with decisions made between December and May.
You will be notified of your decision via email. Applicants may be admitted, denied
or placed on the waiting list. If you are placed on the waiting list, we encourage
you to periodically submit letters of continued interest. You may also update your
file with new information that may support an offer of admission. All correspondence
once you have been placed on the waiting list should be directed to waitlistlaw@pepperdine.edu.
How long should the personal statement be?
It is recommended that this response not exceed four, double-spaced pages with no
less than 12 point font. The best personal statements are clear, concise, and compelling
and free from spelling and grammatical errors.
How long should the optional statement be?
The optional statement should be one to two, double-spaced pages with no less than
12 point font or a one to two-minute video response. If you respond via video, please
upload it to an easily accessible website and provide the URL with your application.
You are in no way disadvantaged should you choose not to submit an optional statement.
How many letters of recommendation should I submit?
You are required to submit two letters of recommendation to LSAC, though you can submit
up to four. The Admissions Committee recommends that at least one letter be an academic
recommendation and one is a professional recommendation.
Can I submit an addendum?
Yes, if an applicant feels that there is information they wish to share with the Admissions
Committee that is not included in the required documents, an addendum will be accepted.
Addendums can be emailed to lawadmis@pepperdine.edu and will be uploaded to your application
for the admissions committee to review.
Do you have an appeals process?
We have no appeals process. If you are denied admission, we welcome you to re-apply
in a subsequent year or consider transfer options.
