Inclusive admission stream

The Inclusive admission stream considers applicants who have faced obstacles or inequities that have impacted their ability to obtain competitive LSAT or GPA scores.

It supports those with unique experiences and skills who can help build a more diverse and inclusive legal profession.

Eligibility

Inclusive applicants will be considered only for the program they apply to but may submit applications to both the JD and the JD/JID programs. The JD and JD/JID programs are two separate programs, each requiring a separate application.

Each application is reviewed holistically, with emphasis on personal statements and life experiences, not just academic metrics. The admissions committee—trained in anti-racism, decolonization and equity—reviews all applications. Applicants must show strong potential through academics, LSAT scores or life experience. There are no quotas, and all applications are assessed using the same process.

If you haven’t met the usual academic unit requirement for first-year admission, include a brief (max. 500 words) explanation of why that’s not feasible.

Admission decisions in this stream are holistic and consider equity, anti-racism, decolonization and inclusion.

How to apply

For more info on the Inclusive admission stream, visit the UVic Academic Calendar.

Application deadline

First-year application deadline: December 1 at 4 p.m. PST.

Applications must be complete with all required documents by the deadline. Incomplete applications won’t be considered.

Inclusive admission statement

Inclusive stream applicants must submit an Inclusive admission statement along with their personal statement. It should clearly explain how challenges affected your GPA or LSAT and why you're applying through this stream.

Applicants are asked to provide evidence of barriers that may have negatively affected their GPA and/or LSAT performance. This is to ensure equitable access for candidates who have faced systemic or personal challenges. Those with a competitive GPA and a high LSAT score should apply through the first-year admission stream.

The statement should highlight:

how you've responded to these experiences
how it has shaped your skills and growth
how it has prepared you to succeed in law school

You should show how your experiences will enrich the UVic Law community and contribute to the legal profession. The statement should be clear, well-organized and convincing, showing strong writing, reasoning and readiness for law school.

Supporting documentation

We understand that applying through the Inclusive admission stream may involve sharing personal or traumatic experiences, which can be difficult. While supporting documents are helpful, we recognize some may be sensitive, hard to obtain or potentially retraumatizing. Use your judgment when deciding what to include, and let us know if certain documents are inappropriate or unavailable.

Avoid submitting graphic or highly confidential materials unless necessary. If you haven’t met the usual academic unit requirement, include a brief (max. 500 words) explanation of why that’s not feasible. Please remove sensitive personal details (e.g., SIN, banking info).

Letters of reference

JD applicants must submit 1 academic and 1 character/employment reference (not from family or friends). JD/JID applicants must submit 1 academic reference and 1 that speaks to their fit for the program.

Choose referees who know you well and can sincerely speak to your academic ability and character. Reference letters carry significant weight in the admissions process.

Referees must email letters directly to lclerk2@uvic.ca by December 1 at 4 p.m. PST.

Need help?

Email the manager of admissions & recruitment with questions about privacy or sensitive information.