University of California, Berkeley School of Law
early decision Nov 16, 2026 · regular Feb 15, 2027
0 of 7 required items complete· next deadline in 30 days
Your numbers against the class of 2025
This is a comparison against published numbers, not a prediction. Admissions committees weigh essays, letters, and experience that no percentile captures.
6,562 applications, 974 offers, 374 enrolled · Verified 2026-08-14 · view source
What it costs, how graduates fare
- Tuition2025-26
$62,532–$76,149 full-time · resident to non-resident · plus $3,842 annual fees
Living expenses $40,858 on campus · $45,866 off
Tuition and the fees the school certifies alongside it — not a full cost of attendance.
Verified 2026-08-27 · ABA Standard 509 report
- Bar passageclass of 2025
94.8%first-time+11.2
83.6% is the average for all ABA-accredited schools’ graduates in the same jurisdictions this school’s graduates sat in · 273 of 288 first-time takers passed
96.6% of the class of 2023 were admitted within two years of graduating
A pass rate on its own says as much about which states a school feeds as about the school, so the ABA’s own like-for-like average is shown with it.
Verified 2026-08-27 · ABA bar passage report
- Employmentclass of 2025
274 of 283 (96.8%) in full-time, long-term jobs requiring bar admission
Ten months after graduation · 0 more in JD-advantage jobs · 2 still seeking · 16 of the bar-admission jobs are funded by the school
The ABA collects employment status and job type only. It collects no salary, so no salary figure comes from this filing.
Verified 2026-08-27 · ABA employment summary
- First-year attrition2024-25
0.0% of the first-year class · 0 students
No law school publishes a graduation rate, so this is not one. It is the students who left in their first year, academic and other, as filed. Transfers out are reported separately and are not counted here.
Verified 2026-08-27 · ABA Standard 509 report
- EarningsCollege Scorecard
Not a starting salary.
$196,724 median one year after finishing · $226,996 after four
$107,773 is the national median at four years for the same credential
A College Scorecard median for 2017-18 and 2018-19 completers who received federal aid, measured a fixed number of years after they finished — not what this year’s graduates are being paid, and not a figure the school or the ABA publishes. The ABA collects no salary data at all.
Verified 2026-08-27 · College Scorecard
Essays
- Personal statementRequired · 4 pgstart by Oct 26, 2026
The subject matter of the personal statement is up to you, but keep in mind that the reviewer will be focused on determining your potential to be a successful law student and graduate of Berkeley Law. Specifically, we are interested in how your personal background/lived experience shapes, informs, and enhances that potential.
Notes & source
Limited to four double-spaced pages, 11-point font, 1-inch margins; three pages recommended. Berkeley suggests (but does not require) addressing several of: perspectives and experiences you would contribute, interest in the legal profession, and interest in Berkeley Law specifically. Do not repeat experiences already described in the resume, and save optional-statement topics for those separate spaces.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Why this schoolOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 6, 2026
Setting aside our academics and curriculum, how does Berkeley Law's location and broader environment align with your personal values, ambitions, or goals for your future?
Notes & source
Question 1 of ten optional Short Answer Questions; applicants may answer up to two of the ten in total. Tracked as a why-Berkeley prompt because it asks specifically about fit with Berkeley Law's location and environment. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Optional essayOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 9, 2026
If law school was not an option, what would you do instead, and why?
Notes & source
One of ten optional Short Answer Questions; answer up to two of the ten in total. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Optional essayOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 9, 2026
Aside from being capable and smart, what else will you contribute to the classroom or community?
Notes & source
One of ten optional Short Answer Questions; answer up to two of the ten in total. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Optional essayOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 9, 2026
Fast forward several years - it is your law school graduation. Who are you scanning the audience to find first, and why?
Notes & source
One of ten optional Short Answer Questions; answer up to two of the ten in total. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Optional essayOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 9, 2026
Describe a recent time when you defied or exceeded the expectations someone else had of you?
Notes & source
One of ten optional Short Answer Questions; answer up to two of the ten in total. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Optional essayOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 9, 2026
What's the last new thing that you tried? How did it go?
Notes & source
One of ten optional Short Answer Questions; answer up to two of the ten in total. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Optional essayOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 9, 2026
Describe a time when you made a difference or a place where you had an impact that does NOT appear on your resume.
Notes & source
One of ten optional Short Answer Questions; answer up to two of the ten in total. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Optional essayOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 9, 2026
We all make mistakes. When was the last time you made a mistake, and what was the outcome of that realization?
Notes & source
One of ten optional Short Answer Questions; answer up to two of the ten in total. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Optional essayOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 9, 2026
Tell us about a moment where laughter helped build a bridge with someone.
Notes & source
One of ten optional Short Answer Questions; answer up to two of the ten in total. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Optional essayOptional · 1 pgschool-specificstart by Nov 9, 2026
Describe a time when you had to put aside personal beliefs to stand up for fairness or justice.
Notes & source
One of ten optional Short Answer Questions; answer up to two of the ten in total. Each response no more than one double-spaced page, 11-point font, 1-inch margins.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- AddendumOptional · 350 wstart by Nov 13, 2026
If you do not believe that your standardized test score(s) or academic record accurately reflect your ability to succeed in law school, then you may tell us why and share what you believe indicates your potential.
Notes & source
Academic Potential Addendum (optional). 350-word maximum, 11-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins. You may attach a copy of your SAT or ACT score report (a screenshot or unofficial copy suffices); Berkeley reserves the right to request score reports to verify statements.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- AddendumOptionalstart by Nov 13, 2026
Notes & source
Character & Fitness Explanation: required only if you answer 'Yes' to any character and fitness question on the application; attach an addendum explaining the circumstances (11-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, no word or page limit). If an answer becomes affirmative after submission you must notify the Admissions Office in writing; failure to disclose results in revocation of an offer.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
Letters & documents
- Letter of recommendation (1 of 2)Requiredstart by Oct 19, 2026
Notes & source
The application checklist lists 2-4 letters of recommendation. Berkeley's letters section phrases them as 'recommended,' but states that in general applications are not completed with fewer than two letters on file (applicants may request completion with fewer in writing). Two letters from recommenders familiar with your academic performance (professors or TAs) are recommended; nonacademic letters welcome in addition. Letters must come through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service — maximum four; letters sent outside LSAC are not considered.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Letter of recommendation (2 of 2)Requiredstart by Oct 19, 2026
Notes & source
The application checklist lists 2-4 letters of recommendation. Berkeley's letters section phrases them as 'recommended,' but states that in general applications are not completed with fewer than two letters on file (applicants may request completion with fewer in writing). Two letters from recommenders familiar with your academic performance (professors or TAs) are recommended; nonacademic letters welcome in addition. Letters must come through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service — maximum four; letters sent outside LSAC are not considered.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- RésuméRequiredstart by Nov 9, 2026
Notes & source
No page limit, but generally two pages is adequate. Chronological work experience, extracurriculars, honors, volunteer experience, travels, and accomplishments; college and beyond only (no high school). Do not include a photograph, images, an objective, a 'Key Qualities' list, motto, or quote; keep fonts legible and no smaller than 10-11 points.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Transcripts via LSAC CASRequiredstart by Oct 26, 2026
Notes & source
A Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report from LSAC is required and cannot be waived, regardless of which admissions test you take. Send transcripts to CAS from all schools attended after high school, including community colleges and graduate programs; transcripts, scores, letters, and the LSAT Writing Sample all reach Berkeley only through the CAS report.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- LSAT or GRERequiredstart by Sep 17, 2026
Notes & source
LSAT or GRE score taken within the last five years and no later than the cycle's January test; the GMAT is accepted only for a limited group (mainly dual-degree applicants) per Berkeley's GMAT policy. The LSAT Writing Sample is required. For the GRE, Berkeley primarily considers the superscore and requires official ETS score reports for every GRE taken in the last five years (school code 4818). If you hold valid scores on multiple test types, all are seen and considered — you cannot apply with 'only' one. GRE/GMAT applicants must still send a CAS report. No GPA cut-off; no minimum scores published.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- Dean's certificationOptionalstart by Nov 2, 2026
Notes & source
Site wording: 'A dean's certification letter is not required.'
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
Administrative
- Application feeRequiredat submission
Notes & source
'$75 non-refundable application fee. The fee cannot be used for processing applications to other law schools within the University of California System.' There is no fee at all for the binding early decision application. TWO WAIVER ROUTES, ONE AUTOMATIC: an LSAC tier 1 or tier 2 need-based waiver is treated as 'a de facto finding of financial need' and Berkeley 'will automatically waive your Berkeley Law application fee' — no separate request needed. Otherwise a Berkeley Law Fee Waiver Request Form opens September 1 and waivers may also be sent directly to candidates identified by the school. Scope is narrow: 'Berkeley Law fee waivers only apply to the $75.00 application fee. We do not offer CAS fee waivers, LSAT fee waivers, or any other financial support related to the application process,' and the CAS fee 'will not be waived by Berkeley Law'. Berkeley will not extend an application deadline to wait on LSAC's waiver review. THE PUBLISHED WAIVER DEADLINE IS SELF-CONTRADICTORY FOR THIS CYCLE: 'The deadline to submit either fee waiver application is 5pm PT on January 1, 2026', which precedes the cycle's own September 1, 2026 opening; recorded as published, almost certainly meant to be January 1, 2027. 'Applicants who do not receive a waiver or who miss the deadline must pay the fee.'
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
- InterviewOptionalat submission
Notes & source
Optional video interview by invitation only — applicants may not request one. Invitations may arrive at any time in the process; the interview runs on the Kira platform with two questions (one on your interest in Berkeley Law, one randomized situational question), four minutes of recording time each. Berkeley strongly encourages invitees to complete it within 3-5 business days of receiving the link.
Verified 2026-08-31 · source page
Every item above was verified against www.law.berkeley.edu on 2026-08-31. Expand any item for its own source. Always confirm against the school before you submit — and if we have something wrong, report an error.