FAQs and Myths
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SCALE?
SCALE, officially known as Southwestern’s Conceptual Approach to Legal Education, is the nation’s first ABA-accredited, two-year accelerated J.D. program, with its first class graduating in 1977.
What is the typical SCALE class size?
The SCALE first-year class has consisted of 50-60 students in recent years.
When does the first year of SCALE start?
SCALE Orientation and classes will begin in mid- to late-June. Our annual key dates are posted on the Academic Calendars website.
Do SCALE students complete the same units and curriculum as the other J.D. programs?
The J.D. graduation requirements are substantially the same across all programs, including 87 units of coursework, an upper-division writing requirement, and six units of experiential credit. However, the SCALE required curriculum includes Bar-readiness courses, a mandatory summer session, and a mandatory externship in Quarter 8.
Can SCALE students participate in Southwestern’s extracurricular activities?
SCALE students in good standing can take advantage of the same opportunities available in the three-year program, including electives, Honors Programs, externships, Clinics, and study-abroad experiences.
Can SCALE students live on campus?
Despite our earlier start date, SCALE students are still able to lease from the Residences at 7th. SCALE-specific lease dates are available to ensure students are situated in the Residences before the start of the program. Students interested in on-campus housing may contact the Housing Leasing Office (housing@swlaw.edu or 213-738-5500) or visit The Residences at 7th website for more information.
What is the cost of the SCALE Program?
The cost of the SCALE Program is comparable to all other programs at Southwestern. A detailed breakdown of the program’s cost can be found on our Tuition & Fees website.
Click on each SCALE myth below to debunk and demystify the top five misconceptions regarding our innovative and unique program!
TOP FIVE SCALE MYTHS (Yes, they're all false!)
- The Two-Year J.D. Doesn’t Cover All the Core Legal Concepts
This one comes up a lot. On the surface, a two-year J.D. program sounds like it must be cutting something out. But that’s not how SCALE works.
Let’s clarify: SCALE students cover the same material, complete the same number of units, and meet the exact graduation requirements like every other J.D. student at Southwestern.
No shortcuts. No missing classes. Just a different timeline. The magic number here is 87, as in 87 units. That’s what every Southwestern J.D. student needs to graduate, regardless of their track.
How do we do it? SCALE students begin in June, giving them an early start and allowing them to complete a full academic quarter before traditional students even begin in August. The program then runs year-round on a quarter system, with shorter, focused terms and a flexible summer session between the first and second year that helps students complete all 87 units without overload. Same content, same depth, same rigor, just packed into a well-structured, immersive format that lets you earn your degree in two years instead of three.
Extra bonus: From early on, students are immersed in hands-on, practical experiences that mirror real legal work. Thus, SCALE students do not just know the law – they know how to use it.
Bottom line? SCALE doesn’t cut corners. It rethinks the path.
- A Two-Year J.D. Doesn’t Prepare You for the Bar Exam
We hear this one a lot. Two years sounds fast, and it’s fair to wonder whether it’s enough time to really prepare for the Bar Exam. The short answer? Yes—and in many ways, it’s an advantage.
When it comes to the Bar Exam, SCALE outcomes are consistently strong, with students performing on par with or higher than the traditional program. Many students say they feel especially prepared because the core 1L bar subjects are still fresh in their minds, not years behind them. The 10-week academic pace also closely resembles the focus and intensity of bar exam preparation.
As Professor Sarah Schimmel puts it: “Because SCALE students covered early material more recently than traditional students, it’s fresher in their minds. Plus, they’re used to fast-paced, focused study, which mirrors the intensity of bar prep.”
Spoiler alert: finishing faster doesn’t mean studying less—it means studying smarter. SCALE doesn’t cut corners when it comes to the bar exam. It trains students for it.
- It is Harder to Get Accepted Into the 2-Year Accelerated J.D. Program
We’ve heard it before: “I was going to rank SCALE as my first choice, but I was worried I wouldn’t get in.” Here’s the truth—yes, SCALE is selective, but not in the way you might think. You don’t need a perfect GPA or sky-high LSAT score to be admitted. What we are looking for is fit.
Like all Southwestern programs, SCALE admission decisions are based on a holistic review of applications. We look beyond just numbers to assess whether SCALE is the right environment for you. The difference? Applicants being considered for SCALE admission must complete an interview before an admission decision is made. It’s not a test— its a chance for both sides to see if it’s a match.
Bottom line? If SCALE fits your goals, don’t hesitate to rank it first. It’s a bold path, but is the
right path for many students.One more thing: Not admitted to SCALE? That doesn’t mean your Southwestern journey is over. If it’s not the right fit, you can still be considered for your second-choice program—no need to reapply.
- SCALE Students Miss Out on Campus Life, Externships, and Honors Opportunities
We often hear, "If I finish law school in two years, do I have to give up all the extras?” You know, student clubs, competitions, externships, honor programs, networking, fun?
Not. Even. Close.
SCALE students don’t just participate—they lead! From Moot Court and Trial Advocacy to the Negotiation Honors Program and student orgs across campus, SCALE students are fully involved and often at the top of their game. And when it comes to gaining real-world experience, every SCALE student completes a guaranteed full-time externship, built directly into the program.
“Trial Advocacy helped me find my courtroom voice and learn how to simplify complex legal ideas. Journal sharpened my writing and attention to detail.” – Julianna Montano, SCALE II student and member of the Trial Honors Advocacy Program and the Southwestern Journal of International Law
The real story? SCALE students don’t sit on the sidelines. They’re involved, from the courtroom to the negotiation table to the field.
- SCALE is Cutthroat and Harder to Succeed
Let’s clear something up: just because SCALE is rigorous doesn’t mean it’s ruthless.
One of the biggest myths about the SCALE program is that it’s a cutthroat, every-person-for-themselves environment. The truth? SCALE is one of the most collaborative, close-knit law school communities you’ll find anywhere.
With a small cohort of about 50–60 students moving together through the same schedule, something special happens. You don’t just know your classmates’ names. You know their stories, their strengths, and the inside jokes that only come from sharing every step of the journey. You study together, stumble through cold calls together, and celebrate wins together. That kind of shared experience builds real trust and real friendships.
Many students show up to law school wondering if they belong. In SCALE, those feelings fade fast. The community is so welcoming that it is easier to ask questions, admit when you're confused, or speak up in class. When you're surrounded by people who are rooting for you, not judging you, confidence grows quickly.
And that’s what makes SCALE so special. It isn’t just a program. It’s a family.
“Coming into SCALE, I expected nonstop competition, but this past year completely debunked that myth. From day one, I’ve felt comfortable turning to anyone in my cohort for help, support, or even just a good laugh. That openness and collaboration helped me let go of self-doubt and grow in a truly encouraging learning environment.” - Derrian Annan