I was recently told by a future applicant that they were advised not to complete their bachelor’s degree because they were advised that they only needed three years of undergraduate work to be admitted to UVic Law. I assured them that, while this three-year requirement is technically true, it’s the exception. They would be better off finishing their bachelor’s degree before applying to UVic Law. Let’s dig in to that a little bit.
Our website says that all applicants must:
- present proof of having received, with standing satisfactory to the Faculty of Law, a degree from the University of Victoria or an equivalent degree from a recognized college or university; or
- present proof of having completed, with standing satisfactory to the Faculty of Law, at least the first three years (45 units) of a program leading to a degree at the University of Victoria, or the equivalent at a recognized institution; and
- allow UVic admissions staff to access your Law School Admission Test (LSAT) score obtained in the last five years; and
- satisfy such other requirements as may be prescribed from time to time.
Upon first glace, it appears that the first two bullet points are an either-or situation. However, we don’t want to encourage students to rely on that for a variety of reasons.
- Getting a complete undergraduate degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) shows commitment and lends itself to your likelihood of success in law school.
- Finishing your degree creates more life experience and a more well-rounded applicant.
- Completion also shows that you have thought through the possibility of not getting accepted into law school. Back up plans are smart and show good judgment.
Over the years, a handful of students have been admitted without completing their undergraduate degree. But it’s really been just that – a handful. It’s sort of like the number of high school basketball players that will go on to get drafted by the NBA in their third year of university play. It’s rare. And of those who haven’t completed their degree, there is typically a very good reason that it’s impractical or impossible for them to finish their degree. There are a few who have been students who boast near-perfect scores in everything, as well.
Thus, while the advice was technically correct, at UVic Law, we would like to encourage you to complete your undergraduate degree. A lot of learning and life happens in that fourth year that is valuable. A JD or a JD/JID is intended to be a second degree (or third or sixth). It is not intended to be the culmination of your undergraduate degree.