Summary of Admissions
Taft Law School (TLS) evaluates each applicant through a comprehensive admissions process designed to assess potential for success in our online Juris Doctor program. Below is an overview of policies, requirements, and important considerations. Consistent with Taft Law School’s stated mission of providing unique and innovative distance learning educational program to qualified applicants at a reasonable cost allowing for positive career outcomes in the law, business, and education sectors, the school has instituted four categories of applicants: regular, special, international, and transfer.
State Authorization – For Online Students from States Other Than California the U.S. Department of Education requires that any U.S. university offering online or distance education programs to citizens in a state where it is not physically located to meet those other states’ requirements to legally offer postsecondary, online education to their residents. The regulations for authorization vary from state to state. Due to this regulation, Taft Law School is not accepting for admission, applicants who reside in the following states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
For those applying for the program If you are a U.S. citizen, and do not reside in California, and are applying to enroll in an TLS online program, we urge you to review the regulations regarding authorization of your specific state. If you become a TLS student and subsequently move to a new state, to avoid any interruptions in your enrollment status, you are responsible for ensuring TLS’s program is approved in the new state. Rules and regulations vary by state and could change throughout time. All students must update TLS records regarding a change of address.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, or foreign equivalent degree, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States require a credential evaluation report provided by one of the credential evaluation services approved by the State Bar of California. Individuals may apply as Special Students. To qualify, they must meet the State Bar of California’s pre-legal education standards, which include achieving acceptable scores on specific College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams as required by the Committee of Bar Examiners.
Special Applicant
Individuals who do not qualify as a regular applicant may apply as a special applicant. Special applicants must satisfy the standards established by the CBE with respect to prelegal education. An applicant may not be admitted as a special student unless he or she has satisfied the examination requirements, currently the College Level Equivalency Program (CLEP examination) of § 6060(c)(2) of the California Business and Professions Code and Rule VII, Section 1 of the Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California. Other than the minimum threshold mandated by the CBE, Taft Law School has not developed any pre- established criteria for special admissions. In the admission of special applicants, the major consideration is whether the applicant can succeed in the program and if the applicant will benefit from the program, and will be subject to a comprehensive review.
Juris Doctor Transfer Students
Applicants with prior law school coursework may be eligible to transfer credits toward the Juris Doctor at Taft Law School, subject to School and California Bar requirements.
Important to know:
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Applicants must submit official transcripts, course descriptions, and a $55 evaluation fee.
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A minimum of two academic years must be completed at Taft Law School
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Credits are only granted for courses with a grade of 2.0+ that match Taft Law School offerings.
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Most courses must be completed within the past 27 months (exceptions for those who passed the First-Year Law Students’ Exam).
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Transfer credits cannot exceed Taft Law School unit equivalents.
See the Program Catalog for full policies, timelines, and Bar requirements.
International Students
Taft Law School invites applications from international students. However, no English language services are offered. As an online program, no I-20 services are provided.
Degree from Non-U.S. Schools
English Language Proficiency
Rescinding Admission
Taft Law School expects all students to uphold its intellectual, ethical, and professional standards. By accepting admission, students agree to follow Taft Law School policies, code of conduct, and Program Catalog guidelines. Admission may be rescinded—or enrollment terminated—for issues such as submitting misleading or fraudulent information, violating academic integrity, or other misconduct. Students affected remain responsible for all financial obligations.
Prior Law Students
Starting Law School Studies Over
Students wishing to restart their first year of law study must submit a “Start First-Year Law Studies Over Request” via the State Bar of California’s portal. Once approved, they must forward the email notification to Taft Law School’s registrar at baldwin@tafu.edu.
Academic Performance Support Program (APSP)
Students re-enrolled or starting over must participate in the APSP, which includes:
- Meetings with the Associate Dean.
- Completion of assignments and course engagement.
- Ongoing communication with faculty.
Failure to participate may lead to academic dismissal.
Learn more about APSP and academic policies in the Program Catalog.
How to Apply
Applicants must:
1. Complete the application and pay a $50 non-refundable fee (3% added for credit/debit cards).
2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities (unofficial transcripts accepted for initial review). International degrees require a credential evaluation.
3. Provide a 1–2 page personal statement outlining motivations, goals, and relevant experiences (also serves as a writing sample).
4. Submit a professional resume.
5. Provide two letters of recommendation.
6. Present a current government-issued ID.
7. Complete the Pre-Assessment Test.
8. Submit LSAT scores, if available.
9. Complete the Crimes Questionnaire (when applicable.)
Applicants must answer all questions truthfully, including prior education, law school attendance, and any criminal convictions. Additional documentation may be requested.
For complete application requirements and instructions, see the Program Catalog.
Non Discrimination Policy
All admission decisions are made without regards to sex, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, disability, medical condition, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
California Business and Professions Code Section 6061.7 (a)
Law schools that are registered or accredited in the State of California but are not approved by the American Bar Association must provide a report disclosing Admissions, Enrollment, and Faculty Data, Tuition/Fees and Financial Aid Details, Employment Outcome, and Bar Passage Rates.
View the Disclosure HERE.
Taft’s faculty believe evidence of computer literacy is required to earn a credible graduate degree in any discipline. Technology also plays an important part in a student’s ability to communicate with administration, faculty, and fellow students. Accordingly, all students (including students enrolled in independent study courses) must have access to a computer with the minimum specifications set forth in the current Taft Law School Program Catalog.
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Any modern internet connected desktop or laptop computer capable of meeting the below software requirements will be sufficient. While course materials are accessible to mobile devices, access to a desktop or laptop computer is required for completion of assignments and examinations. Some supplemental materials and activities will require a functioning audio device and speakers. Reliable and consistent access to the internet is required.
Software Requirements
