a JD for JSD: another Northwestern California University School of Law journey thread

[jsd]

But can you clarify that admission to this law school only requires passing scores on 5 cleps?

For these California-only schools, you can apply for "special student" status if you do not have a degree. Here are the CLEP admissions criteria:

5. Passing score on the College Composition CLEP exam, plus passing scores on:

• (a) two additional CLEP exams each of which is recommended for at least 6 credits; or
  
• (b) four additional CLEP exams each of which is recommended for at least 3 units; or
  
• (c) three additional CLEP exams, one of which is of which is recommended for at least 6 units and two of which are recommended for at least 3 units.
  

So it's 3 to 5 CLEPs depending on the mix you use.

However, I would definitely not recommend this path -- the California Baby Bar (FYLSE) is required for Special Student status, and pass rates are abysmal, not matter what school you're in. Also, in general one should know what they're capable of as far as academics before diving into a commitment like law school. I don't think a handful of CLEPs is a fair indicator of your readiness for an advanced degree if that's the only metric you have. Situations like this presumably explain a lot of the first year retention problems for the school.