Santa Clara University

CA · Private · Pacific

Acceptance rate: 53% (2,575 applicants)
Median LSAT: 159 (middle 50%: 157–162)
Median GPA: 3.50 (middle 50%: 3.21–3.74)
Tuition: $64,787 (per year)
Bar passage: 82.0% (-0.6 pts vs. state average)

Deadlines

Early review non binding: Nov. 30, 2026
Priority deadline: Feb. 15, 2027

Essays

Personal statement (3 pages max, 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced)

The personal statement is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, what motivates you, why you wish to undertake the study of law, and how the program at Santa Clara Law will help you in your future professional and/or academic pursuits. Your statement should be no more than three pages double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman font.

Cura Personalis statement (optional) (See application)

Tech Edge J.D. statement (Two statements; see application)

Public Interest J.D. statement (Two essays; see application)

Flex J.D. statement (See application)

Editor's notes

Apply by Nov. 30 if your file is ready. Santa Clara is rolling, the early review is non-binding, and the school says both seats and scholarship money shrink as the cycle goes on.
Your score is your scholarship. Awards are formula-based on your highest LSAT or GRE and your GPA and aren't negotiated, so if a retake could move you up a band, take it before you submit. After the committee has your file, new scores aren't considered.
Decide on Tech Edge or Public Interest before you apply. You can only join those cohorts through the admissions application, each needs its own statement, and Feb. 15 is the date to beat.
Letters are optional here, but a strong one costs you nothing. Send one if a professor or supervisor can speak to your work in detail.