Law Pathway Program FAQ's
When will the application open? How often does the program admit new students?
- The application will open in May 2026 and will close early September 2026. The Law Pathway Program has 1 application cycle per academic year.
I have submitted my Law Pathway application, when will I hear back?
- The program receives many applications, and our team reviews each application. Applicants can expect to hear back in October 2026.
Will being part of the Law Pathway Program help me transfer?
- The program offers opportunities for exposure to the legal field and networking. It is up to each student to take advantage of their time in the program to be able to discuss their involvement in meaningful ways on their transfer applications. Students are also able to list the Law Pathway Program under academic programs or extracurricular activities.
If I don’t meet any or all the admissions priorities, can I still apply and be considered?
- Students who do not meet all the admissions priorities may still apply to be considered. However, students who are not designated as CA residents by SMC Admissions & Records, and those who have an associate degree or higher, are not eligible to be considered for the program.
What does priority admissions review and the fee waiver mean with regards to the partner law schools?
- Our partner law schools understand that those who attend community college may have other circumstances that impact their academic journey towards law school. Traditionally, law schools weigh an applicant's LSAT score and cumulative undergraduate GPA considerably for admissions. With priority admissions review, an applicant’s application will be considered holistically. Law Pathway students who complete all program requirements and are designated as Cal LAW Scholars will receive fee waivers to apply to all partner law schools at the time of application.
How will partner law schools know I was part of the SMC Law Pathway Program to receive priority admissions review?
- Students who complete all the Law Pathway Program requirements prior to transferring will receive "Cal LAW Scholar" designated on their official SMC transcript that will help law schools know they were part of the program. Some partner law schools will also include a question on their application asking if the applicant is a Cal LAW Scholar.
If I am a member of the SMC Pre-Law Society, will that help me get accepted into the Law Pathway Program?
- Membership in the SMC Pre-Law Society is not a factor considered in the application process to the Law Pathway Program.
Do the Law Pathway course requirements have to be completed prior to applying?
- No, applicants are not expected to have the 7 course requirements at the time of application. However, admitted students to the program need to complete them before transferring.
Will completion of the Law Pathway course requirements help me get into the program?
- No, this is not a factor considered in the application process.
Does the Law Pathway Program help students obtain internships in the legal field?
- The program will share volunteer and internship opportunities as well as coordinate exposures to the legal field and networking opportunities through speaker events and field trips with current students. However, we do not have the capacity to help students obtain internships in the legal field.