Cecily Zamora
The University of Southern California's Gould School of Law is a highly selective law school located in Los Angeles, California. With a rich history dating back to 1896, it is the oldest law school in the Southwestern United States. The school has a low acceptance rate of 12.5% and a small class size, fostering a collaborative and collegial learning environment. The median LSAT score for the incoming class of 2025 is 169, with the 25th percentile scoring a 165. While a high LSAT score is important, USC Gould's admissions committee also seeks candidates with strong personal statements, academic records, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the law school community.
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What You'll Learn
Acceptance rate
The University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law is a highly selective law school with a low acceptance rate. USC Law School received 4,850 applications for the 2025 application cycle, and only 607 applicants were offered admission, resulting in an acceptance rate of 12.41%. This competitive admission rate highlights the need for strong applications, including impressive academic credentials, high LSAT scores, well-crafted personal statements, recommendation letters, and relevant extracurricular activities.
The median LSAT score for admitted students is reported as 168 or 169, with the 25th percentile LSAT score being 165. The 75th percentile LSAT score is 169 or 170. USC Law School prioritizes LSAT scores and expects applicants to have strong academic credentials. The recommended study time for the LSAT is at least two to three months, and applicants should be aware that USC reviews all LSAT scores, not just the highest one.
In addition to LSAT scores, USC Law School has strict GPA requirements. The median GPA for admitted students is 3.91, with the 25th percentile GPA being 3.82 and the 75th percentile GPA being 3.97. A high GPA boosts the competitiveness of an application, and applicants are advised to aim for a median GPA of around 3.87.
USC Law School is committed to excellence and seeks to enrol students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional promise, as well as contributing to the community's diversity. The school was founded in 1900 and has a long history of enrolling diverse students, including women and students of colour. It continues to value diversity and actively supports its international students.
Overall, the acceptance rate at USC Law School is low, and the admissions process is highly competitive. Prospective students should focus on achieving strong LSAT scores and GPAs while also demonstrating their academic potential through well-crafted applications and relevant extracurricular activities.
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LSAT scores
The USC Gould School of Law is a highly selective law school located in Los Angeles, California. It is the oldest law school in the Southwestern United States, with a rich history dating back to 1896. The school has a small and intimate learning environment, with a 1L class size of 189 students and a yield of 29.32%.
During the 2025 application cycle, 4,850 people applied, 607 were offered admission, and 178 accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of 12.5%. The USC Gould School of Law is highly competitive, with a median LSAT score of 169 and a median GPA of 3.91. The 25th percentile LSAT score is 165, indicating that a score of 165 is within the range of competitive scores for the school.
To increase their chances of admission, applicants with an LSAT score of 165 should focus on other aspects of their application, such as a strong personal statement, a compelling narrative, and a demonstrated ability to contribute meaningfully to the law school community. The personal statement provides an opportunity to showcase unique experiences, motivations, and goals, as well as connect one's background and ambitions to the specific offerings of the law school.
Additionally, applicants can highlight any honours, advanced coursework, or strong performance in fields related to law, such as political science, philosophy, or economics. It is also beneficial to showcase a commitment to excellence and a diverse range of experiences that extend beyond academic achievements.
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Application process
The University of Southern California Gould School of Law is one of the most prominent and highly selective law schools in the United States. The school is committed to excellence in every area, from its esteemed faculty and diverse student body to its challenging curriculum.
The application fee for USC Gould School of Law is $80. However, if you are facing financial hardship or have participated in specific programs like the California Pathways to Law Program, Teach for America, the Peace Corps, or the US military, you may request a fee waiver by emailing [email protected].
Academic Credentials:
USC Gould School of Law seeks students with strong academic credentials. While there is no preference for a specific undergraduate major, applicants are expected to have pursued challenging courses from a range of disciplines. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for enrolling in the JD program.
LSAT or GRE Scores:
USC Gould accepts both the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for admission to the JD program. The median LSAT score for the incoming class is 169, with a 25th percentile of 165 and a 75th percentile of 170. If you have multiple LSAT scores, submit an addendum to explain any significant discrepancy (four points or more) in your scores.
Personal Statement:
Craft a compelling personal statement that showcases your strengths, leadership potential, and unique experiences. Share narratives about challenges you've overcome, leadership roles you've undertaken, and how your experiences have shaped your commitment to law. Connect your story to USC Gould's experiential learning programs or focus on public interest law.
Letters of Recommendation:
Secure strong letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors, or mentors. These letters should highlight your abilities, work ethic, and growth potential. If you have spent time in the workforce before applying, your professional background and transferable skills, such as leadership, analytical thinking, or problem-solving, can enhance your application.
Disclosure of Material Changes:
All candidates have an ongoing duty to disclose any material changes to their application, especially those related to conduct matters (criminal or disciplinary). This information must be provided to the Dean of Admissions prior to enrollment. Providing inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information can lead to serious consequences, including rescission of admission or discipline during your time at USC Gould.
Additional Components:
The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report, provided by LSAC, will include your official transcripts, LSAT scores, LSAT Writing samples, and letters of recommendation. Ensure that all written components of your application are original work, as the use of AI platforms is not permitted.
USC Gould School of Law values a holistic admissions process and encourages students from diverse backgrounds to apply. The school seeks students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional promise and can contribute to the community's diversity.
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Class size
The University of Southern California Law School (USC Gould School of Law) in Los Angeles, California, currently has about 630 J.D. students, or 210 per year. The 1L class size is 189, which is 18% smaller than other law schools in California and 15% smaller than all private law schools. This means that students receive more individualized attention.
USC Gould School of Law is one of the most prominent and highly selective law schools in the United States. It is considered moderately competitive, accepting only 30% of its applicants. The school is committed to excellence in every area, from its esteemed faculty and diverse and outstanding student body to its challenging curriculum.
The median GPA is 3.91, and the median LSAT is also 3.91. 83.4% of graduates go directly to work for law firms, while 2.9% clerk for a judge, and 5.7% go into public interest. 82.4% of graduates pass the bar on their first try.
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Location
The University of Southern California's Gould School of Law is located in Los Angeles, California. It is the oldest law school in the Southwestern United States, with a rich history dating back to 1896. The school's address is 699 Exposition Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90089-0071.
The school is part of the University of Southern California (USC) and is also known as USC Law. It is one of the most prominent and highly selective law schools in the country, with an acceptance rate of just 12.5%. The median LSAT score is 169, with the 25th percentile LSAT score being 165 and the 75th percentile score being 170.
The USC Gould School of Law is committed to excellence in every area, from its esteemed faculty and diverse student body to its challenging curriculum. The school offers a foundational understanding of core legal doctrines and practical skills, preparing students for their career goals.
The school's location in Los Angeles provides easy access to various legal landmarks and institutions. The school is situated within a two-block radius of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the California Court of Appeal, and the US District Court for the Central District of California. Additionally, the California Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal of California are also located in the city.
USC Gould's location in Southern California also offers proximity to a vibrant legal community and numerous opportunities for experiential learning. The school's entertainment law program, for example, navigates legal issues specific to the entertainment industry, which is a significant sector in Los Angeles. Overall, the school's location enhances its reputation as a top-ranked, innovative, and impactful law school.
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Frequently asked questions
The acceptance rate is 12.5%, making it one of the most selective law schools in the country.
The median LSAT score is 165. The 25th percentile LSAT score is 161, and the 75th percentile score is 169.
The median GPA is 3.91. The 25th percentile GPA is 3.82, and the 75th percentile GPA is 3.97.
Your personal statement should articulate why you want to pursue a career in law and why you are motivated to join USC Gould School of Law. It should showcase your unique experiences, motivations, and goals.
You must submit your application online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and pay an $80 application fee. You should also submit your undergraduate transcripts and highlight any honours, advanced coursework, or strong performance in fields related to law.
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