Usc Law School Applications: Competitive Numbers, Competitive Applicants

The University of Southern California Gould School of Law is a highly selective law school located in Los Angeles, California. During the 2024 application cycle, 4,850 people applied and 607 were offered admission. The school ranks 20th in the nation and has an acceptance rate of 12.5%. USC Law School is committed to enrolling students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional promise and can contribute to the community's diversity. The median LSAT score for admitted applicants is 168, and the median GPA is 3.87.

Application requirements: LSAT/GRE, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and résumé

LSAT/GRE

To be considered for admission to the USC Gould School of Law, applicants may take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Records Exam (GRE). The LSAT is offered on specific dates in the United States, with information available on the LSAC website. The GRE is offered year-round, and more information can be found on the ETS website.

All applicants, regardless of the test they take, must register for LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). The CAS Report, provided by LSAC, contains official transcripts, LSAT scores, LSAT Writing samples, and letters of recommendation.

If you are applying with the LSAT, your file will not be complete until at least one LSAT Writing Sample is processed and sent via your CAS report. USC Gould considers all LSAT scores from the past five years and reports only the highest score to the American Bar Association (ABA) and other organizations.

If you are applying with the GRE, you must take the exam by March 1, 2025, and your application will not be completed until USC Gould receives your score report from ETS. All applicants applying with the GRE must also subscribe to and utilize the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

Letters of Recommendation

USC Gould requires two letters of recommendation and accepts a maximum of three. The most influential recommendations focus on your academic potential and are written by people who know you well and can evaluate your academic performance. Academic recommendations carry the most weight with the Admissions Committee. If you have been out of college for several years, a letter from an employer is also appropriate.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is your primary opportunity to discuss who you are beyond the application basics. USC Gould is particularly interested in how your background (academic or otherwise) has led to your decision to study law. This should be a writing sample of two to three pages, double-spaced and in at least 12-point font. The statement must be attached electronically.

Résumé

You are required to submit a résumé that illustrates your work history, volunteer commitments, extracurricular activities, and any awards and/or honors. Your résumé should be no more than two pages, and all sections should be listed chronologically with the most recent items first.

Application process and deadlines: Submit online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

The application process for the Juris Doctor (JD) program at USC Gould School of Law is guided by the school's commitment to enrolling students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional promise and whose diverse backgrounds and experiences will enrich the communities they seek to serve in their legal careers.

Create an LSAC Account:

Start by creating an account on the LSAC website. This account will be your central hub for registering for the LSAT, submitting your application, and accessing important resources and information throughout the admissions process.

Register for the LSAT:

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a crucial component of your application. USC Gould accepts either the LSAT or the Graduate Records Exam (GRE), but the majority of applicants submit LSAT scores. You can find upcoming LSAT test dates and register for the exam through your LSAC account. The testing deadline for the LSAT varies, so make sure to check the USC Law School website for the specific date.

Prepare Your Application Materials:

Along with your LSAT or GRE score, you will need to submit various application materials. These typically include:

• Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report: This includes transcripts, LSAT scores, LSAT Writing, and letters of recommendation.
• Personal Statement: This is your opportunity to discuss your background and why you want to pursue law. It should be two to three pages, double-spaced, and in at least 12-point font.
• Resume: Your resume should highlight your work history, volunteer commitments, extracurricular activities, and any awards or honors you have received. Keep it concise and well-organized, with a maximum length of two pages.
• Letters of Recommendation: USC Law School requires two letters but will accept up to three. Academic recommendations from professors carry the most weight, but letters from employers are also accepted, especially if you have been out of college for some time.

Additionally, there are optional application components, such as a Diversity Statement and a Statement of Interest, which can enhance your application.

Submit Your Application:

Once you have prepared all your application materials, it's time to submit them online through the LSAC website. The application fee is $80, but fee waivers are available for those experiencing financial hardship or those who have participated in certain programs (e.g., California Pathways to Law Program, Teach for America). The priority application deadline for USC Gould is February 1, and applications received after this date may be at a disadvantage.

Stay Informed:

Make sure to stay informed about important deadlines and requirements by regularly checking the LSAC website and the USC Gould School of Law website. Additionally, you can attend in-person and online events organized by LSAC to connect with admission representatives and learn more about the admissions process.

Remember, the admissions process is highly competitive, and USC Gould seeks students with strong academic credentials, well-crafted personal statements, and relevant extracurricular activities. Good luck with your application!

Tuition fees: $76,438 per year, excluding books, extra fees, and health insurance

The tuition fees for the USC Gould School of Law are $76,438 per year, or $38,219 per semester. This fee does not include books, extra fees, and health insurance. The annual cost of attendance, which includes tuition plus living expenses, was $107,230 in 2024.

Tuition fees are a significant expense, but there is financial aid available for those who need it. Over 95% of incoming USC Law School students receive scholarships, ranging from $10,000 per year to full-tuition scholarships. Since 2011, financial aid for USC Law School students has increased by 172% to enhance affordability and value.

USC Law School also provides unique scholarship opportunities, such as full-tuition scholarships with guaranteed summer employment. These include the Rothman Scholars, Public Interest Scholars, and Honors Scholars programs.

The USC Gould School of Law is located in Los Angeles, California, and 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 to its diverse and outstanding student body, and its challenging curriculum. The school offers a foundational understanding of core legal doctrines and practical skills and tools to prepare students for their future careers.

The Graduate and International Programs office provides international students with dedicated support throughout their time at USC and beyond. USC hosts 12,000 international students on its campus each year, and all students become lifetime members of the Trojan Network, the university's strong and vibrant alumni community.

Scholarships: 95%+ of students receive scholarships, ranging from $10,000 per year to full tuition

Scholarships for USC Gould School of Law

The University of Southern California's Gould School of Law is one of the most prominent and highly selective law schools in the United States. It is located in Los Angeles, California, and has been known as one of the most diverse schools in the nation. The school was ranked 20th in 2024 by USNWR.

The tuition cost for USC Gould School of Law is approximately $76,438 a year, or $38,219 per semester. This fee does not include books, extra fees, and health insurance. To help with these high costs, over 95% of incoming USC Law School students receive scholarships, ranging from $10,000 per year to full tuition. Since 2011, financial aid for USC Law School students has increased by 172% to enhance affordability and value.

USC Law School also provides unique scholarship opportunities, such as full-tuition scholarships with guaranteed summer employment. These include the Rothman Scholars, Public Interest Scholars, and Honors Scholars programs.

Non-resident applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships but are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Application Requirements

To be eligible to apply, you must plan to receive a bachelor's degree before enrolling at USC Gould School of Law. If you are admitted, you must submit final transcripts confirming the conferral of your undergraduate degree before the beginning of classes in the fall. You must also be able to attend law school full-time and in person, as the school does not offer online or part-time classes for the Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

The application fee is $80, but if you are experiencing hardship, have participated in certain programs, or have attended USC, you may request a fee waiver.

Application Components

The following components are required for a complete application:

• JD Electronic Application
• Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report (includes transcripts, LSAT scores, LSAT Writing, and letters of recommendation)
• LSAT score or Graduate Records Exam (GRE) score
• Letters of Recommendation
• Qualifications for Admission to the Bar

Optional components include:

• Diversity of Background and/or Experience Statement
• Foreign-Educated Applicants

Deadlines

USC Gould School of Law admits students on a rolling basis. The priority application deadline is February 1, and applications not completed by this date are at a significant disadvantage. The school will not consider any LSAT scores taken after the February 2025 administration for admission in Fall 2025.

Tips for a Competitive Application

USC Law School has a relatively low admission rate of 12.5%, so a strong application is key. Here are some tips to make your application more competitive:

• Strong academic credentials: Maintain a GPA as close to 4.0 as possible. The median GPA of previous students was 3.87.
• Competitive LSAT or GRE scores: The USC Law School LSAT score of past admitted applicants was 168, on average.
• Well-crafted personal statements: Discuss how your background (academic or otherwise) has led to your decision to study law.
• Recommendation letters: Two letters are required, and a maximum of three will be accepted. The most influential recommendations focus on your academic potential and are written by people who know you well.
• Relevant extracurricular activities: Demonstrate your leadership abilities, potential for the study of law, and commitment to serving your community.

Acceptance rate: 12.5%

The acceptance rate for the University of Southern California's Gould School of Law is 12.5%. This is a relatively low admission rate, so applicants must ensure their applications are strong. In the 2024 application cycle, 4,850 people applied, and 607 were offered admission. The University of Southern California has a 1L class size of 189, and a yield of 29.32%. 178 out of 607 applicants who were offered admission accepted, meaning that 29.32% of the people who were offered admission ended up attending the school.

The median LSAT score for admitted applicants was 168, and the median GPA was 3.87. USC Law School is ranked #16 in Best Law Schools, #17 in Business/Corporate Law, #19 in Contracts/Commercial Law, #19 in Environmental Law, and #42 in Intellectual Property Law.

Frequently asked questions