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Application InstructionsApplication InstructionsApplication InstructionsApplication Instructions
ADMISSION TO USC LAW SCHOOLADMISSION TO USC LAW SCHOOLADMISSION TO USC LAW SCHOOLADMISSION TO USC LAW SCHOOL
What sets USC Law students apart from their peers at other institutions? Extraordinary academic credentials and a rich
diversity of background and experience in a law school with a small student body.
Each year, USC Law receives approximately 6,000 applications. With 200 seats to fill in the entering class, admission is
highly selective. Our application deadline is February 1, 2012, but early applications receive priority review (not necessarily a
final decision). We strongly encourage you to submit your application prior to the deadline.
EligibilityEligibilityEligibilityEligibility
To be eligible to apply, you must plan to receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before enrolling
at USC Law. We base our admission decisions on academic record, LSAT score, personal statement, résumé, letters of
recommendation, and other information in your application file.
USC Law has a long tradition of striving to provide equal opportunity, and is firmly committed to a policy against
discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, disability, race, religion, political beliefs, gender, sexual orientation or
gender identity, or age.
Our Admissions CommitteeOur Admissions CommitteeOur Admissions CommitteeOur Admissions Committee
The Admissions and Financial Aid Committee is comprised of members of the faculty, the associate dean, the director of
admissions, a member of the student services office and an elected student representative. The Committee reads a portion of
the applicant pool thoroughly and considers each application on an individual basis. Committee members pay close attention
to the "soft" factors, factors other than LSAT score(s) and undergraduate grade point average.
Academic RequirementsAcademic RequirementsAcademic RequirementsAcademic Requirements
In reviewing application files, the committee focuses on college grades, academic major, selection of courses, and significant
scholarly achievements. Although USC Law does not require specific college courses for admission, we look favorably on
students who have selected intellectually challenging courses of study.
Whatever your discipline, we urge you to concentrate on developing strong writing and analytic skills. Courses that require
intensively researched written projects and active participation in classroom dialogue also will be helpful in preparing you to
study law.
Your Personal StatementYour Personal StatementYour Personal StatementYour Personal Statement
The Admissions Committee gives careful attention to your personal statement. We are particularly interested in your
motivation for studying law, your academic background, and qualities you possess that may enhance the diversity of our
student body. If you are a college senior or recent graduate, you may wish to mention your work history and extracurricular
activities. If you have spent a year or more in the workforce after college, tell us about your employment experience; enclose
a résumé to illustrate your chronological work history. The statement must be electronically attached.
There is no specific word or page requirement or limit for your personal statement. However, typical page lengths have been
2-4 pages. The Admissions Committee values carefully crafted essays that are clear, concise, and compelling.
Letters of RecommendationLetters of RecommendationLetters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation
We require two letters of recommendation to complete your application. The most influential letters of recommendation focus
on your academic potential. They are written by people who know you well and can evaluate your academic performance.
Although recommendations not pertaining to academic abilities are helpful, academic recommendations carry the most
weight with the Admissions Committee. If you have been out of college for a while, then a letter from an employer would be
appropriate. As this is an academic environment, we encourage employers to discuss the candidate's written and oral
communication skills, leadership skills and potential for the study of law.
Credential Assembly Service (CAS) EvaluationsCredential Assembly Service (CAS) EvaluationsCredential Assembly Service (CAS) EvaluationsCredential Assembly Service (CAS) Evaluations
The CAS evaluation is another tool our Admissions Committee will consider when evaluating your candidacy. CAS
evaluations are optional and we will accept two. CAS evaluations may not be substituted for any of the two required letters of
recommendation.
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Contribution to DiversityContribution to DiversityContribution to DiversityContribution to Diversity
USC Law's admissions process is guided by the view that a student body that reflects the broad and rich diversity of our
society provides a superior educational environment for all law students. The primary goal of our admissions process is to
enroll students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional promise and whose background and experience will
enrich USC Law's educational environment or enhance the diversity of our student body or the legal profession.
You may be regarded as potentially contributing to student diversity if your background or experience would not ordinarily be
well represented in the student body or the legal profession. Examples include (but are not limited to) students who:
• have struggled against prejudice, economic disadvantage, family or personal adversity or other social hardships (perhaps
as a result of disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation).
• have lived in a foreign country or who spoke a language other than English at home.
• have unusual career goals, employment history (perhaps military or law enforcement experience), or educational
background (including graduate study).
• demonstrate unusual extracurricular achievement (including school or community service).
If you believe your background or experience can contribute to USC Law's goal of diversity and educational enrichment--and
if you would like this factor considered in the admissions process--please include detailed written information about your
background or experience in your application (providing such information is voluntary).
InterviewsInterviewsInterviewsInterviews
The Admissions Committee does not grant interviews to candidates as part of the admissions process.
Admission Decisions and TimelinesAdmission Decisions and TimelinesAdmission Decisions and TimelinesAdmission Decisions and Timelines
Applications that are completed by February 1 receive priority review. All applicant files are reviewed administratively by the
Dean of Admissions or a member of the admissions staff once they are complete. A portion of the applicant pool is admitted
and denied by the Dean of Admissions based on admissions criteria set forth by the Admissions and Financial Aid
Committee. A small number of files are reviewed by the Admissions and Financial Committee who make advisory admission
decisions. Candidates who are placed on a waiting list are encouraged to submit letters of continued interest periodically. In
addition, they may update their file with new information, which they believe may support an offer of admission. Decisions
typically are mailed beginning in mid-December and concluding around May 15. All decisions are final and no appeals
process exists.
Requirements for EnrollmentRequirements for EnrollmentRequirements for EnrollmentRequirements for Enrollment
If you are admitted to USC Law, you are required to pay two tuition deposits by the specified deadlines (typically May 1 and
July 1). The enrollment instructions included with your admission packet will specify the amount of these deposits.
Prior to enrollment, you must submit an official transcript, verifying your receipt of a bachelor's degree from an accredited
college or university, to the USC Law Registrar.
Acceptance Deferral PolicyAcceptance Deferral PolicyAcceptance Deferral PolicyAcceptance Deferral Policy
USC Law grants deferrals for up to one year (except for applicants who are participating in Teach for America who may
receive up to two years). Candidates must agree to submit the required tuition seat deposit(s), withdraw all applications from
other law schools (including waiting lists), and agree not to submit new applications during the next admission cycle.
Bar Admission Character ConsiderationsBar Admission Character ConsiderationsBar Admission Character ConsiderationsBar Admission Character Considerations
Each jurisdiction establishes bar registration and admission standards for individuals who wish to practice law within the
jurisdiction. One important aspect of admission to practice law is an evaluation relating to character and fitness. USC Law
requires applicants for admission to fully disclose responses to the following questions:
• Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, disciplined, expelled, or
requested or advised to resign from any post-secondary school, college, university, professional school, or law school?
• Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation)?
• Are any charges pending against you?
If the answer to any of the questions is in the affirmative, then a full written explanation must accompany the application via
the Attachment section. If the conduct in question is related to discipline taken by a post-secondary school, college,
university, professional school, or law school, then in addition to your explanatory statement, we must received a separate
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explanatory statement from the institution's dean or authorized school official, providing information about the incident.
Candor is extremely important and appreciated by the Admissions Committee.
We recommend you familiarize yourself with the rules governing admission to the bar in the states where you intend to
practice. You can obtain information about bar requirements by writing to the appropriate state board of bar examiners.
Application Fee WaiversApplication Fee WaiversApplication Fee WaiversApplication Fee Waivers
USC Gould School of Law offers several application fee waivers to assist students who are interested in applying to the JD
program. We offer merit-based fee waivers, hardship/need-based fee waivers, Teach for America fee waivers, and waivers to
USC undergraduates. USC fee waiver questions may be submitted to [email protected].
USC Trojan Fee WaiverUSC Trojan Fee WaiverUSC Trojan Fee WaiverUSC Trojan Fee Waiver
As part of the Trojan family, any student or graduate of the University of Southern California qualifies for a USC Trojan Fee
Waiver. In order to receive the fee waiver, you must opt-in to the LSAC Candidate Referral Service (CRS). Throughout the
application cycle, we will send periodic e-mails confirming the award of a USC Law Trojan fee waiver. All USC fee waivers
granted through the CRS program will reflect automatically on the candidate's electronic USC JD application at the final
payment window. No fee waiver code is required if a USC fee waiver is awarded.
Candidate Referral Service (CRS) Merit Fee WaiverCandidate Referral Service (CRS) Merit Fee WaiverCandidate Referral Service (CRS) Merit Fee WaiverCandidate Referral Service (CRS) Merit Fee Waiver
USC Law offers merit-based fee waivers by invitation only to applicants whose profiles typically meet or exceed both the
median LSAT score and the median GPA for our entering class. Candidates who wish to be considered for a fee waiver
based upon a CRS profile must register for LSAC's Candidate Referral Service (CRS) before applying to our law school.
Invitations will be e-mailed/mailed to those candidates who meet our profile criteria and are registered for CRS. All CRS fee
waivers will reflect automatically on the electronic USC JD application at the payment window as the fee is connected to your
LSAC account number. No fee waiver code is required if a CRS fee waiver is awarded.
Hardship/Need-Based Fee WaiverHardship/Need-Based Fee WaiverHardship/Need-Based Fee WaiverHardship/Need-Based Fee Waiver
USC Law offers hardship/need-based fee waivers. We review requests for hardship/need-based fee waivers on a weekly
basis. There are several options under which someone can qualify for a hardship/need-based fee waiver. Candidates who
wish to be considered for an economic hardship fee waiver will need to do the following:
• Complete the 2011-12 Fee Waiver Form at http://law.usc.edu/assets/downloads/USCLawSchoolFeewaiverform.pdf
• If you are currently in school and are a financial aid recipient, submit a PDF copy of your financial aid award letter from
your undergraduate/graduate institution.
• If you are experiencing other economic hardship, then submit a copy of your 2011 Federal Income Tax return (or parent's
income tax return if they claim you as a dependent on their tax forms).
• Send an e-mail with all your documents attached to [email protected].
Teach for America Fellow: Candidates who are currently participating in a Teach for America program will need to do the
following:
• Complete the 2011-12 Fee Waiver Form at http://law.usc.edu/assets/downloads/USCLawSchoolFeewaiverform.pdf
• Provide an official letter of employment from your Teach for America program coordinator
• Please send an e-mail with all your documents attached to [email protected].
Once we have received and reviewed your completed documents, we will e-mail a response to you (typically on Friday after
receiving your documents). If you are approved, the fee waiver will reflect automatically on the USC JD application at the
payment window as the fee is connected to your LSAC account number.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have submitted a fee waiver request, do not submit the online application fee payment ($75)
before hearing from us. We will not be able to offer you a refund if you are later approved for a fee waiver.
Our Nondiscrimination PolicyOur Nondiscrimination PolicyOur Nondiscrimination PolicyOur Nondiscrimination Policy
USC Law is firmly committed to a policy against discrimination based upon ethnicity, national origin, disability, race, religion,
political beliefs, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, or age.
Questions?Questions?Questions?Questions?
If you have questions about the admissions process, please call the Office of Admissions at
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213.740.2523 or send an e-mail message to [email protected].
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Application TypeApplication TypeApplication TypeApplication Type
Are you a first time applicant to USC Law?
____ Yes
____ No
Are you a Reapplicant to USC Law?
____ Yes
____ No
If a Reapplicant, for what year did you apply for the fall semester?
BiographicalBiographicalBiographicalBiographical
Prefix:
First name:
Middle name:
Last name:
Suffix:
Previous (other) name
Preferred first name:
Date of birth
Place of birth: City:
Place of birth: Country
Place of birth: State/Province:
Gender:
LSAC account number:
Contact InformationContact InformationContact InformationContact Information
Current AddressCurrent AddressCurrent AddressCurrent Address
Country
Street address--line 1
Street address--line 2
Street address--line 3
City
State/province
Zip/postal code
Current address good until date
Day phone
Evening phone
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Contact Information continuedContact Information continuedContact Information continuedContact Information continued
Permanent AddressPermanent AddressPermanent AddressPermanent Address
Country
Street address--line 1
Street address--line 2
Street address--line 3
City
State/province
Zip/postal code
Permanent address good until date
Day phone
Evening phone
Other Contact InformationOther Contact InformationOther Contact InformationOther Contact Information
Primary e-mail
Secondary e-mail
Mobile phone
University of Southern California, Gould School of Law can send text messages to my mobile phone
____ Yes
____ No
Biographic/Contact InfoBiographic/Contact InfoBiographic/Contact InfoBiographic/Contact Info
Please answer the following questions even though they may have been asked elsewhere in the application.
Prefix:
Gender: Male, Female
Primary telephone number. This may be cell or a landline. (enter numbers only)
Primary e-mail address you would like correspondence sent to.
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DemographicsDemographicsDemographicsDemographics
1. Citizenship1. Citizenship1. Citizenship1. Citizenship
Citizenship
____ Non-Resident Alien
____ US Citizen
____ US Permanent Resident
Country of citizenship
Visa number
Permanent resident number
Permanent city
Permanent state/province
Permanent country
Country of citizenship
2. Ethnicity2. Ethnicity2. Ethnicity2. Ethnicity
Are you Hispanic or Latino
____ Yes
____ No
What is your race? Select one or more races to indicate what you consider yourself to be.
Abriginal or Torres Strait Islander AustralianAbriginal or Torres Strait Islander AustralianAbriginal or Torres Strait Islander AustralianAbriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian
____Aboriginal/Torres Strait Isl. Australian
American Indian or Alaska NativeAmerican Indian or Alaska NativeAmerican Indian or Alaska NativeAmerican Indian or Alaska Native
____Alaskan Native ____American Indian ____American Indian/Alaskan
Native
AsianAsianAsianAsian
____Asian ____Chinese ____Chinese American
____Filipino ____Filipino American ____Japanese
____Japanese American ____Korean ____Korean American
____Other Asian ____Pakistani ____Thai
____Vietnamese ____Vietnamese American
Black or African AmericanBlack or African AmericanBlack or African AmericanBlack or African American
____Black/African American
Canadian AboriginalCanadian AboriginalCanadian AboriginalCanadian Aboriginal
____Canadian Aboriginal
Caucasian/WhiteCaucasian/WhiteCaucasian/WhiteCaucasian/White
____White/Caucasian
Hispanic/LatinoHispanic/LatinoHispanic/LatinoHispanic/Latino
____Central American ____Cuban ____Hispanic/Latino
____Mexican ____Mexican American ____Other Hispanic
____Other Hispanic/Latino ____South American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific IslanderNative Hawaiian or Other Pacific IslanderNative Hawaiian or Other Pacific IslanderNative Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
____Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
____Puerto Rican
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Demographics continuedDemographics continuedDemographics continuedDemographics continued
ConsentConsentConsentConsent
____ Decline to respond
Standardized TestingStandardized TestingStandardized TestingStandardized Testing
LSATLSATLSATLSAT
Test Date Test Score
Conduct InformationConduct InformationConduct InformationConduct Information
Conduct InformationConduct InformationConduct InformationConduct Information
If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you are required to submit a separate explanatory statement via the
Attachments section of the electronic application.
Have you ever been dropped, suspended, warned, placed on academic or disciplinary probation, disciplined, expelled, or
requested or advised to resign from any post-secondary school, college, university, professional school, or law school? (If
yes, you are required to submit a separate explanatory statement from the institution's dean or an authorized school official,
providing information about the incident.)
____ Yes
____ No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, other than a minor traffic violation? (If yes, then you are required
to submit an addendum, via the Attachments section, summarizing the facts and the conclusions of the court and the final
resolution.)
____ Yes
____ No
Are any charges pending against you?
____ Yes
____ No
Have you ever been or are you currently registered at another law school?
____ Yes
____ No
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EducationEducationEducationEducation
List ALL educational institutions attended.
Institution name
Major Country
Start date State/Province
End date City
Degree GPA
Date degree granted Rank
Institution name
Major Country
Start date State/Province
End date City
Degree GPA
Date degree granted Rank
Institution name
Major Country
Start date State/Province
End date City
Degree GPA
Date degree granted Rank
Institution name
Major Country
Start date State/Province
End date City
Degree GPA
Date degree granted Rank
Have you ever attended any law school?
____ Yes
____ No
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Education continuedEducation continuedEducation continuedEducation continued
Did you leave the law school in good standing?
____ Yes
____ No
Has your education in college, university, or professional school been interrupted for one term or more for any reason?
____ Yes
____ No
List the academic honors, awards, or other recognitions you have received and explain the reason(s) upon which awards
were made.
EmploymentEmploymentEmploymentEmployment
List all employment including internships..
Employer
Position Country
Hours per week State/Province
Start date City
End date Employment type (ex. Full time)
Reason for leaving
Employer
Position Country
Hours per week State/Province
Start date City
End date Employment type (ex. Full time)
Reason for leaving
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Employment continuedEmployment continuedEmployment continuedEmployment continued
Employer
Position Country
Hours per week State/Province
Start date City
End date Employment type (ex. Full time)
Reason for leaving
Employer
Position Country
Hours per week State/Province
Start date City
End date Employment type (ex. Full time)
Reason for leaving
Total number of months full time work experience.
List your extracurricular, community, or other activities in the order of their importance to you. Give a brief description of your
involvement, including any special responsibilities or leadership positions held.
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Additional InformationAdditional InformationAdditional InformationAdditional Information
Personal Statement (required)Personal Statement (required)Personal Statement (required)Personal Statement (required)
You are required to submit a personal statement.
Letters of Recommendation (required)Letters of Recommendation (required)Letters of Recommendation (required)Letters of Recommendation (required)
Two letters of recommendation are required to complete your application. We recommend that at least one letter be written
by a professor who knows you well and can evaluate your academic performance. Candidates may include in their
application up to one LSAC evaluation in addition to the two required letters of recommendation.
Résumé (required)Résumé (required)Résumé (required)Résumé (required)
You are required to submit a résumé. It should be no more than 2 pages, but preferably 1 page.
Do you believe you were raised in an economically disadvantaged household? If yes, please explain in a separate addendum
via the Attachments section.
____ Yes
____ No
Do you believe your LSAT score accurately represents your past performance or future promise? If not, please provide an
explanation in a separate addendum via the Attachments section.
____ Yes
____ No
Do you believe your college transcript accurately represents your past performance or future promise? If not, please provide
an explanation in a separate addendum via the Attachment section.
____ Yes
____ No
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Additional Information continuedAdditional Information continuedAdditional Information continuedAdditional Information continued
An applicant who believes that his or her background or experience can contribute to USC Law's goal of diversity and
educational enrichment—and who wishes to have this considered in the admissions process—should provide written detailed
information about his or her background or experience as part of the application. Providing such information is voluntary.
USC Law is firmly committed to a policy against discrimination based upon ethnicity, national origin, disability, race, religion,
political beliefs, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, or age. The primary goal of the admissions process is to enroll
students who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional promise and whose background and experience will
enhance the diversity of the student body or the profession, or will enrich USC Law's educational environment. USC Law's
admissions process is guided by the view that a student body that reflects the broad and rich diversity of our society provides
a superior educational environment for all law students.
An applicant will be regarded as potentially contributing to student diversity if his or her background or experience would not
ordinarily be well-represented in the student body or the profession. Examples of applicants' backgrounds or experiences,
which may be considered for diversity purposes, include (but are not limited to) the following: an applicant who has struggled
against prejudice, economic disadvantage, family or personal adversity, or other social hardships (perhaps as a result of
disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation); an applicant who has lived in
a foreign country or who spoke a language other than English at home; an applicant who possesses unusual career goals,
employment history (perhaps military or law enforcement experience), or educational background (including graduate study);
or an applicant who demonstrates unusual extracurricular achievement (including school or community service).
If you believe the above applies to your situation, please indicate whether you submitted a diversity statement (via the
Additional Information attachments section) along with your application.
____ Yes
____ No
CertificationCertificationCertificationCertification
CertificationCertificationCertificationCertification
By submitting this application electronically, I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct, and that
all information on this form and submitted as part of this application is authentic, true and complete to the best of my
knowledge. If any of this information changes, particularly with regard to Section 3 - Conduct Information, prior to my fall 2012
enrollment during the 2012-13 academic year, I will inform USC Law immediately, and will update my application accordingly.
I understand and agree that any inaccurate or misleading information, or omission will be cause for an investigation of
misconduct in the admissions process; rescission of any offer of admission; or for discipline, dismissal, or revocation of
degree if discovered at a later date. I acknowledge that, prior to enrollment, I will be required to provide official documentation
that verifies my receipt of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Signature:
Date:
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