Eligibility and Requirements

Who is eligible for this program? What are the requirements?

This program is open to UC San Diego students from all majors, including sophomores and transfer students, who meet the requirements below.

To be eligible for the first cohort, you must:

Be at least a sophomore standing by Winter 2027 or be admitted as a transfer student beginning in Fall 2026 and in the second quarter at UC San Diego in Winter 2027
Have a minimum 3.7 overall GPA
Successfully complete at least three Public Law courses in the Department of Political Science
(POLI 104A–104Z) with a “B+” letter grade or better in all classes
Be on track to graduate from UC San Diego within:
- Three years for students who entered as first-year students or
- Two years for transfer students

These requirements will be reviewed after the end of Winter Quarter 2027. Eligibility is assessed based on your academic progress and readiness to complete your undergraduate degree within the required timeline. Students who are eligible participants will be encouraged to apply to the Accelerated Pathway Program to USD Law. Admission to the Accelerated Pathway Program does not guarantee admission to USD law school.

I am eligible for the program. When do I need to graduate?

Students who started their first year in Fall 2025 must graduate by Spring 2028. Transfer students who start in Fall 2026 must graduate by Spring 2028.

I am not eligible for the program. What should I do now?

Our program is still in its early stages, so all of our events are open to students at all levels through Fall 2026!

I am a transfer student, am I eligible for the program?

Eligible transfer students will receive an invitation to apply in early Spring 2027.

What happens if I am not identified or invited to participate and I meet all the requirements?

While we aim to identify all eligible students, circumstances may sometimes prevent us from reaching everyone, and we appreciate students partnering with us to ensure no one is missed. We welcome students to reach out directly after Winter 2027 grades have been posted.

Is Political Science a required major to apply to the Accelerated Pathway to USD Law Program?

No. Our program welcomes students from all academic backgrounds, including STEM, engineering, and the humanities. Law school admissions committees generally do not prefer one specific major over another; instead, they prioritize your LSAT score, cumulative GPA, and the combination of other relevant holistic review factors.

Can I declare a double major? Or, declare a minor?

Yes. Students who have 2 majors or have one or more minors are eligible to participate as long as they are on track to graduate from their undergraduate degree programs within three years for students who entered as first-year students or two years for transfer admits.

What if I want to take a gap year?

Gap years are not permitted in this program. The Accelerated Pathway is designed for students who plan to enroll in USD School of Law immediately after completing their undergraduate degree, with a total timeline of three years for first-year student admits or two years for transfer student admits. Students planning to take time off before law school are not eligible for this pathway and should pursue the traditional application process.

Program Structure and Academic Experience

Is this an official program at UC San Diego or USD Law?

This program is a collaboration between UC San Diego and USD School of Law. Students earn their bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego and, if admitted, their JD from USD School of Law.

Will I receive funding to pay for LSAT or LSAT courses?

No. Students will receive general guidance on the LSAT and available resources, but the program does not offer an LSAT course. It is up to each individual student to decide how they will best prepare for this exam. While we do not endorse any specific LSAT preparation company, enrolling in a reputable specialized LSAT course and devoting sufficient time for preparation and score improvement is highly encouraged.

Will this affect my undergraduate coursework?

No. Students complete their UC San Diego degree with the same course requirements. This program adds specific advising, targeted support, and preparation to help students successfully complete their bachelor’s degree ahead of time and apply to the USD School of Law.

Will I need to take summer classes?

Summer coursework is not required for all students, but may be recommended depending on individual academic plans. Students who enter as first-years especially should plan to take some courses over the summer. Additionally, students are encouraged to work with their major department academic advisor to develop an academic schedule that provides ample time for LSAT preparation for the summer preceding their final year at UCSD.

Can I still work, intern, and be involved on campus?

Yes. Students are encouraged to pursue internships, jobs, research, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities alongside the Accelerated Pathway program.

How do I get more involved with the Accelerated Pathway to USD law program when I am not a Political Science major?

We encourage you to join the interest list to receive important information and contact our program coordinator and advisor, Kemi Ott, kemiott@ucsd.edu.

USD Law Admission Outcomes, Support and Benefits

Does this program guarantee admission to USD Law?

No. The program provides highly customized preparation and support for UCSD students, but admission is competitive and not guaranteed. Students who meet the GPA and LSAT standards established by USD School of Law will receive presumptive admission to the J.D. program. Each year, up to 25 students will be admitted through the Accelerated Pathway.

When will the USD School of Law GPA and LSAT standards required for presumptive admission be made available to Accelerated Pathway students?

USD School of Law will provide Accelerated Pathway students with the GPA and LSAT standards required for presumptive admission no later than September 1 of each application cycle, the regularly scheduled release date for the fall JD application. For example, students applying for Fall 2028 admission will receive the presumptive admission standards by September 1, 2027.