UCI Law to Accept GRE for J.D. Admissions

05-13-2019

The three-year pilot program beginning fall 2019-2020 application cycle will enhance access to legal education

IRVINE, Calif. (May 13, 2019) — The University of California, Irvine School of Law (UCI Law) is pleased to announce that it will accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to satisfy the standardized test requirement for J.D. admissions purposes, in addition to the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The UCI Law faculty approved this innovative admissions policy change as part of a three-year pilot program, starting with the fall 2019-2020 application cycle.

Permitting the GRE for applicants will expand access to legal education for a wide range of prospective students, from multiple disciplines, especially STEM majors attracted to UCI Law’s highly-ranked intellectual property program (No. 19) and artificial intelligence focus. Additionally, the move will better facilitate students pursuing multiple degrees as part of UCI Law’s broad interdisciplinary concurrent degree program.  Accepting the GRE will alleviate the financial burden on applicants who have already taken the GRE, and further diversify the law school’s student body, including international students.

UCI Law’s holistic approach to admissions will not change. Test scores are one factor considered among myriad other evaluations. There is no fee to apply.

“We are committed to expanding the pathway to law school for talented students from a variety of diverse backgrounds with a wide array of career goals,” said Song Richardson, Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law. “Adding the GRE to our admissions process furthers our innovative approach to legal education.”

“UCI Law has created a community of law students from a broad spectrum of society, with strong qualifications and the greatest potential to contribute to the diversity and intellectual vibrancy of the law school,” said Jessica Wimer, Research Professor of Law and Chair, Admissions Committee. “Permitting the GRE will help contribute in a tremendously meaningful way to the diversity and intellectual rigor of UCI Law.” 

About UCI Law

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the University of California, Irvine School of Law begins its second decade a larger, stronger, more dynamic academic institution than its founders could have ever imagined. UCI Law provides an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, and prioritizes public service and a commitment to diversity within the legal profession. UCI Law students have completed more than 90,000 hours of pro bono work in the past decade. Forty-five percent of UCI Law’s graduates are students of color. The collaborative and interdisciplinary community at UCI Law includes extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, engaged alumni, and enthusiastic supporters. More information on UCI Law is available here. Please follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ucilaw and SnapChat: ucilaw.

Media Contact:

Colleen Taricani
Assistant Dean for Communications
949-824-3063
ctaricani@law.uci.edu