FAQ

A: Yes, both campuses have been accredited for more than 30 years by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. We are now accredited by the Bar Examiners as one law school with two campuses.

A: Tuition for Academic Year 2011-2012 is $475 per unit. Students take an average of 21 units per year, for a total of 84 units over four years. Fees and expenses for books are additional and depend on the student's class year and courses taken.

Q: Must I pay in advance?

A: Students pay semester by semester as they advance through the program. Tuition for each semester may be paid in advance or on a monthly basis under the Colleges' Deferred Tuition payment plan.

Q: Is financial aid available?

A: Yes, private educational loans are available. Contact the Administration Office at either campus for specific information.

A: Students with sufficiently high undergraduate grade point averages are admitted without LSAT scores; however the LSAT is strongly recommended and a preference for admission is given to applicants who have a score in the 50th percentile or above. If an applicant has taken the LSAT, the score will be considered by the Admissions Committee. Prospective students who plan to take the LSAT are encouraged to do so only with adequate preparation which, for most, would include participating in an LSAT preparation program.

Q: Can I be admitted without a bachelor's degree?

A: While most students at the Colleges have a bachelor's degree, applicants are also admitted who have an A.A. or A.S. degree or at least 60 acceptable academic semester units, so long as the applicants have a sufficiently high GPA or LSAT score.

Q: What if I don't have 60 undergraduate units?

A: Special students (those with fewer than 60 acceptable academic semester undergraduate units) may be admitted. Consult our catalog or the Admissions section of our website for details.

Q: From whom should I obtain the required letter of recommendation?

A: We suggest you seek a recommendation from a supervisor in paid or volunteer work, a former instructor, an attorney or other legal professional, or another unrelated individual who knows you well.

Q: What should I include in my personal statement?

A: In making admissions decisions, traditional criteria such as grade point average and LSAT score are important. However, other factors may also be considered, such as an applicant's life experience, maturity, moral character, employment or volunteer history, and ability to communicate. Your personal statement is your opportunity to convey this information to the Admissions Committee.

A: Students are admitted to begin the program in the fall semester only.

A: The Colleges exclusively offer a part-time evening program in which classes meet from 6:30 until 9:30 p.m. Required classes generally are held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings at the Santa Barbara Campus and on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings in Ventura. Occasionally, elective courses and special seminars are held on other weekday evenings or on Saturdays.

A: The Colleges' faculty are all attorneys or judges who are able to bring their practical experience to the classroom. Many have taught at our school for as long as 10 to 30 years; each is an integral part of the legal community our graduates will be joining.

A: Men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences attend the Colleges. Our students range in age from their 20's to their 60's, with an average age of about 35. The ratio of men/women students is about 50/50. While some students have worked in law- related fields, most have not. Our student body reflects widely diverse undergraduate majors and current employment fields.

Q: What is the average class size?

A: Classes are small enough so that each student receives personal attention while being part of a class large enough to encourage discussion of a wide range of viewpoints. Classes in the first year of the curriculum may have 30-65 members, while advanced courses and seminars usually have 10-45 students. The average class size is approximately 25 students.

A: Graduates of the College of Law are academically qualified to sit for the California Bar Examination.

A: To succeed in law school, you do not need to pursue a particular undergraduate major. However, the ability to write well is important. Some students find it helpful to brush up on their English composition skills by taking a college-level course or reviewing self-study texts. Among our recommended titles:

The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White

Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams