Admissions

The admissions goal of the School of Law is to enroll qualified students who will make a positive contribution to the school’s educational environment and to South Carolina, the region, and the nation after graduation. In making admissions decisions, the Faculty Committee on Admissions takes a holistic approach and considers myriad factors with emphasis on the cumulative undergraduate GPA and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Other factors that may influence the committee’s decision include, but are not limited to, employment experience, military or public service, residency, diversity, course of study, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

In order to be considered for admission, a candidate must have or expect to have an academic bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited college or university by the date of the anticipated enrollment in the School of Law or must be a participant in the Honors College six-year B.A./B.S.-J.D. degree program. All applicants are required to take the LSAT and to register with the Law School Data Assembly Service.

The decision-making process begins in December of each year with the Faculty Committee on Admission reviewing completed files.

Applications to the School of Law must be received in the Office of Admissions by March 1. To receive priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, an applicant’s completed admissions file (including all supporting material) must be received in the Office of Admissions by February 1. Accepted applicants may request a one-year deferment. Requests must be in writing and should set forth in detail the reason(s) for deferment. Deferment is granted in the discretion of the Office of Admissions.

For further information about the School of Law, interested applicants should contact the Office of Admissions, USC School of Law, 701 Main St., Columbia, SC 29208. Information about the School of Law may also be obtained by visiting our Web site at www.law.sc.edu.