usc law school personal statement

How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for University of Southern California Gould School of Law

Learn how to craft a powerful personal statement that will make your application stand out to the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

Posted May 12, 2023

Featuring Cian S.

Law School: Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement

Friday, april 19.

8:00 PM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

If you're applying to the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, you're probably well aware of the importance of a strong personal statement. This document offers you the opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences, as well as demonstrate your passion for law and legal studies. In this guide, we'll take a comprehensive look at how to craft a compelling personal statement that will capture the attention of USC Gould School of Law's admissions team.

Understanding the Importance of a Personal Statement for USC Gould School of Law Admissions

The personal statement is one of the most crucial parts of your application to USC Gould School of Law. It's your chance to tell your story, explain why you're interested in law, and demonstrate why you would be an excellent fit for the program. It's the only part of your application where you can really show off your personality and make a unique impression on the admissions team, so it's vital that you take the time to craft a statement that truly represents who you are.

One important aspect to keep in mind when writing your personal statement is to avoid cliches and generic statements. Admissions officers read hundreds of personal statements, so it's important to make yours stand out. Instead of simply stating that you're passionate about law, provide specific examples or experiences that have led you to this passion. Additionally, make sure to tailor your statement to USC Gould School of Law specifically, highlighting why this program is the best fit for you and your goals.

Another key factor to consider is the tone of your personal statement. While it's important to showcase your personality, it's also important to maintain a professional tone. Avoid using slang or overly casual language, and make sure to proofread your statement for any errors or typos. Remember, your personal statement is a reflection of your writing skills and attention to detail, so take the time to make it as polished as possible.

Researching USC Gould School of Law and Its Admissions Process

Before you start writing your personal statement, it's essential that you do some research into USC Gould School of Law and its admissions process. This will help you understand the school's values, priorities, and expectations, and tailor your statement accordingly. Make sure to explore the school's website, read about its faculty and programs, and familiarize yourself with the application requirements and timeline.

Additionally, it may be helpful to reach out to current students or alumni of USC Gould School of Law to gain insight into their experiences and perspectives. You can also attend virtual information sessions or events hosted by the school to learn more about its community and culture. By conducting thorough research, you can demonstrate your genuine interest in USC Gould School of Law and showcase how you would be a valuable addition to its student body.

Brainstorming Ideas for Your Personal Statement

Once you have a good understanding of USC Gould School of Law and its admissions process, it's time to start brainstorming ideas for your personal statement. Consider your unique experiences, personal qualities, and achievements, as well as your motivations for pursuing legal studies. You might also want to think about any challenges or obstacles you've overcome, any passions or interests you have outside of law, or any other experiences that have shaped your perspective on life.

Another important aspect to consider when brainstorming ideas for your personal statement is your future career goals. Think about how attending USC Gould School of Law will help you achieve those goals and how your personal statement can showcase your passion and dedication towards your chosen career path.

Additionally, you can also reflect on any experiences or interactions you've had with the legal system or legal professionals. This can include volunteering at a legal clinic, participating in a mock trial, or even observing a court proceeding. These experiences can provide unique insights and perspectives that can make your personal statement stand out.

Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Introduction

The introduction of your personal statement is crucial – it's the first thing the admissions team will read, and it sets the tone for the rest of your statement. You want to make sure that your introduction is attention-grabbing, engaging, and clearly establishes the direction you'll be taking throughout the rest of your statement.

One effective way to grab the reader's attention in your introduction is to start with a personal anecdote or story that relates to your chosen field of study. This can help to humanize your statement and make it more relatable to the reader.

Another important aspect of a strong introduction is to clearly state your goals and objectives. This can include discussing your motivations for pursuing your chosen field, as well as outlining your long-term career aspirations. By doing so, you'll be able to demonstrate your passion and commitment to your chosen field, which can help to make a strong impression on the admissions team.

Highlighting Your Unique Qualities and Experiences

One of the most important things your personal statement should do is showcase your unique qualities and experiences. This is your chance to explain what makes you stand out from other applicants, and demonstrate how your experiences have prepared you for a career in law. You might want to highlight specific achievements or skills you've developed, or talk about how your experiences have shaped your perspectives and values.

When highlighting your unique qualities and experiences, it's important to be authentic and genuine. Admissions committees can often tell when an applicant is trying too hard to impress them, and this can actually work against you. Instead, focus on sharing your true passions and interests, and how they relate to your desire to pursue a career in law.

Another important aspect to consider when writing your personal statement is the specific law school you are applying to. Take the time to research the school's mission, values, and programs, and tailor your personal statement to show how you would be a good fit for that particular institution. This can help demonstrate your dedication and interest in attending that school, and make you stand out as a strong candidate.

Demonstrating Your Interest in Law and Legal Studies

Your personal statement should also demonstrate your passion for law and legal studies. Admissions officers want to admit students who are truly excited about the field and are committed to making a difference. Make sure to explain why you're interested in law, what you hope to achieve with your degree, and how your past experiences have confirmed your passion for the subject.

One way to demonstrate your interest in law and legal studies is by discussing any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work you have participated in. For example, if you have volunteered at a legal aid clinic or participated in a mock trial competition, be sure to highlight these experiences and explain how they have furthered your interest in pursuing a career in law. Additionally, you can discuss any relevant coursework or research you have conducted in the field, and how these experiences have shaped your understanding of the legal system and your desire to make a positive impact within it.

Addressing Any Weaknesses in Your Application

Your personal statement is also a good opportunity to address any weaknesses in your application. If you have a low GPA, a gap in your education, or anything else that might raise questions in the minds of admissions officers, make sure to address it in your statement. Be honest and direct, and explain how you've learned from your challenges and how you're working to overcome them.

One way to address weaknesses in your application is to provide additional context. For example, if you had a low GPA during your first year of college due to personal circumstances, you can explain this in your personal statement. You can also highlight any improvements in your academic performance since then, such as higher grades in recent semesters.

Another approach is to showcase your strengths in other areas. If you have relevant work experience or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and dedication, make sure to highlight them in your statement. This can help balance out any weaknesses in your academic record and show that you have the potential to succeed in the program.

Using Specific Examples to Support Your Claims

As you write your personal statement, it's important to use specific examples to illustrate your claims. Avoid making generalizations or talking in vague terms – instead, provide concrete evidence of your achievements and experiences. Use anecdotes, quotes, and other details to make your statement more memorable and compelling.

Writing Clearly and Concisely

As with any piece of writing, clarity and concision are key to a successful personal statement. Make sure that your sentences are clear and easy to understand, and use simple language instead of big words or technical jargon. Keep your statement concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary repetition or filler.

Editing and Revising Your Personal Statement

Once you've written a draft of your personal statement, it's essential to spend time editing and revising it. Read over your statement carefully, looking for any grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or unclear ideas. Make sure that your statement flows well and makes logical sense, and that your tone is appropriate for the context.

Seeking Feedback from Others

Before you submit your personal statement, it's a good idea to seek feedback from others. Ask a trusted teacher, mentor, or friend to review your statement and give you honest feedback. Take their suggestions and criticisms into account, but ultimately make sure that your statement represents your own voice and perspectives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Personal Statement

There are a few common mistakes that applicants often make in their personal statements. These include being too generic or clichéd, being overly negative or self-pitying, or relying too heavily on quotes or outside sources. Make sure to avoid these pitfalls in your own statement.

Tips for Making Your Personal Statement Stand Out

To make your personal statement stand out, it's important to be original, creative, and confident. Use your own voice and perspectives, and don't be afraid to take risks or show your personality. Make sure that you're not simply rehashing your resume or other application materials, but instead offering new insights and perspectives.

Finalizing and Submitting Your Personal Statement

Once you're happy with your final draft, it's time to submit your personal statement as part of your USC Gould School of Law application. Make sure that you follow all the application instructions carefully, and that you submit your statement before the deadline. With a compelling personal statement in hand, you'll be well on your way to becoming a USC Gould law student.

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February 8, 2022

How to Get into USC Gould School of Law [Episode 456]

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Hear what it takes to get accepted to USC Gould School of Law [Show Summary]

USC Gould’s Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, David Kirschner, shares how students can get accepted to this top-ranked law school.

Interview with David Kirschner, Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at USC Gould [Show Notes]

Thanks for joining me for the 456th episode of Admissions Straight Talk . Are you applying to law school this cycle? Are you planning ahead to apply to law school next year or later? Are you competitive at your target program? Accepted’s Law School Admissions Quiz can give you a quick reality check. Just go to accepted.com/law-quiz and complete the quiz. You’ll not only get an assessment, but also tips on how to improve your chances of acceptance. Plus it’s all free.

For today’s interview, I’m delighted to have on Admissions Straight Talk , David Kirschner , Associate Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at USC Gould School of Law. Dean Kirschner earned his undergrad degree at USC in Political Science and Film-Production. He then earned his JD at California Western School of Law. He has been in law school admissions since 2006 when he joined Loyola Law as Associate Dean of Admissions. In 2011, he became Director of Admissions at USC Gould, and in 2016, he became USC Gould’s Associate Dean and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. 

Can you give us an overview of the more distinctive elements of the USC Gould JD program? [2:06]

Certainly. I think one of the elements that certainly differentiates us a little bit from some of our peer schools is our small size. At beneath 200 students, at least that’s our goal each year to bring in a first-year class of no more than 200 students, it lends itself to a very collegial and collaborative learning environment where students, not only get to know their faculty members well, but they also get to know one another very well and support one another. I think that small size is a great facet of a Gould education. I like to say small size does not mean small opportunity. As a relatively small law school, we’re set in the heart of a major top-tier research university that sits at the heart of kind of the de facto and default capital of the Pacific Rim, which is Los Angeles.

There’s no shortage of opportunity. There’s no shortage of individuals to learn from. Not only do we have a great full-time tenured faculty, but we’re also able to draw from a pool of incredibly talented practitioners in Los Angeles who serve as adjunct faculty, and teach some of the more niche style upper-division courses. Students not only have the ability to learn from experts in their fields who publish in research and present, but then also learn particular areas from practitioners who are doing things every day. I really think it’s that combination of small class size, a collegial and collaborative environment with all of the resources that a university like USC offers, as well as a world-class city like Los Angeles.

In preparing for the call, I saw that the first year is a very much standard curriculum and the second two years are entirely elective. Is that right? [3:53]

That’s quite accurate. In the second and third years, there are a few requirements. There’s an upper-division writing requirement and there are certain classes where the material is tested frequently on the bar that students choose to take but those bar classes are not required. 

There’s tremendous, tremendous flexibility in the upper-division.

How has COVID affected the curriculum and experience at USC Law, and what do you think is going to stick? [4:29]

It has impacted things in so many ways. I think one of the lasting impacts will be flexibility. I don’t necessarily see any significant short-term impacts on the curriculum. As you probably know, and as some listeners may know, legal education has looked remarkably similar for quite a long time. Of course, there’s been the advent of clinical learning and hands-on learning in recent decades. But by and large, black letter law courses are always going to be taught in the first year. Black letter law, contracts, torts, criminal law, and civil procedure. There will be a wide variety of electives in the upper-division years. 

I don’t necessarily think COVID, in the short term, is going to change what the curriculum looks like, but I do think law schools have been forced to be nimble and flexible in how they deliver education as well as both co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities to students. It’s not easy to say that COVID will have some lasting positive impacts, but certainly, it has forced law schools to be much more nimble than we’re accustomed to.

In talking to other professional programs, one of the silver linings, if you will, of COVID has been that schools discovered they could bring in speakers without bringing in speakers. They could just Zoom them in. [6:13]

We certainly have. It has given the opportunity to bring together a series of speakers who may be in Miami, New York, Washington, DC. You’re absolutely right. On the admissions front, I think we’ve also learned that we can reach prospective students in much greater ways than we could prior to the pandemic. It’s not easy for someone to jump on an airplane and travel from New York or Chicago. We’ve become quite adept at creating engaging virtual opportunities. They’re not only one-time deals, but we’re also able to put them on our website and individuals can view them on-demand. I think you’re absolutely right about that and it has allowed for more flexibility in offering events.

I will also say Grubhub has become a great friend of our administration and student body. One of the jokes that law schools always make, and it’s certainly true, is that a student can get a free lunch almost any day of the week by attending a meeting. Well, we didn’t want those free lunches to go by the wayside.

Last year saw a surge in applications to all law schools. USC’s median LSAT rose to 168 from 166 for the 2019 entering class, and its average GPA is now 3.82 from a 3.8 in 2019. What do you see in your crystal ball for this cycle? What are you experiencing at this point? [7:48]

I’ve been doing a lot of polishing and looking into that crystal ball lately. I think we’re at a point in this cycle right now where if history is a guide, we’re pretty close nationally to about 60% of the pool, if not slightly more being in. At Gould, based on our timeline, I’m pretty comfortable knowing we probably have about two-thirds of our applicant pool in at this point. I think it’s safe to make some educated, maybe slightly more than educated guesses at this point about what the cycle’s going to look like.

2021 was a unicorn. I think that’s the best way that I can describe that cycle. There were so many factors that came together to create a year-to-year increase in applications, both in quantity and quality that we had never seen, frankly, and that we may not see again anytime soon. So, short answer, 2022, I believe, will look more like 2020. Off of the highs of 2021, as you established, but stronger than 2019. I think, nationally, the trends are that overall there will be a decline in applicants this cycle. I would suspect probably somewhere between 6% to 10%, if I had to guess today, that’s the kind of decline we’re going to be looking at.

I think it’s important for people to keep in mind that, that is off of a record-setting pool last year. We’ve also seen marginal declines in LSAT scores, but again, off of a year last year where there were numbers of test-takers scoring above 170, a volume there that we had never seen. Again, a unicorn is the best word for what we experienced last year. Now, interestingly, at Gould, our pool is down roughly in what the national pool’s looking like. We’ve been consistently down about 8% this cycle, but the quality of our pool is stronger at all quartiles on both grade point average and LSAT. We’re looking at a stronger applicant pool than we had last year.

<< Compare average GPAs, test scores, and acceptance rates at top law schools >>

Let’s turn to the application. USC Gould accepts both the LSAT and the GRE. Do you have any preference for one over the other? Are you finding that both tools are equally predictive of future success in law school? Do you have enough data to even make that statement? [10:49]

That’s a good question, and I’ll try to keep the answer brief because there’s some nuance to the answer that’s only recently become apparent. On the data piece, at this point, we don’t quite have enough data to assess how strong the correlation is between GRE scores and law school performance. We’re getting there. Our current 3L class will give us our first real opportunity when they graduate to dig into that correlation. 

As far as, do we prefer one over the other, if you had asked me this prior to November, I would’ve said that we prefer the LSAT. This is for the simple reason that when we report to our accrediting body, the American Bar Association, there are specific rules about what we have to report. They had told us if an incoming student has taken both the LSAT and the GRE, we only report the LSAT score. That effectively required that we used the LSAT for anyone who had taken both. In November, at one of the ABA meetings, they revised Standard 501 and Standard 503, which address standardized tests. Those standards previously specifically called out the LSAT as the only test the ABA granted reliable. That now includes the GRE. So, a lot of us are speculating that we will no longer have to treat the LSAT as the only test of record for a candidate who has taken both the LSAT and GRE. That may give more flexibility. My personal belief and I know a lot of my colleagues will agree, is that the LSAT remains the gold standard in admission testing and will be the predominant test, at least in the short term.

There are years and years of studies that correlate LSAT performance to first-year law school performance. LSAC has devoted a lot of resources to partnerships with groups like the Khan Academy, to enable free LSAT prep. As a candidate, I would say to figure out what test works best for you , and also note the GRE has math and the LSAT doesn’t. For me, math was never my strong suit, so that would drive my decision.

Roughly, what percentage of your students got admitted with the GRE? [13:50]

The numbers with a GRE on a percent basis have been in the neighborhood of 2% to 3%. As far as enrolled students, it’s single digits in each of our last few classes with the GRE.

Is full-time work experience a nice-to-have or closer to an unofficial requirement? Where on the continuum does USC Gould fall? [14:20]

Certainly much more towards the nice-to-have side of the continuum. Amongst our peer group of schools, we tend to have one of the younger average ages in our incoming class. For a while, it had been 24. The last two years it’s been 25. 

Work experience is certainly nice to have because I think for most people it just gives them more to talk about and adds more substance to the story. An application is an opportunity for an individual to tell their story and work experience gives more story to tell. For individuals, if there are things they want to do that aren’t necessarily work, but travel, volunteering, maybe other commitments they need to attend to, once one starts law school, that kind of sets in motion a pretty fixed path of what the next 20 or 30 years of their life may look like. So I always say, there’s no better time to do and experience things than potentially once you finish your undergraduate studies and before you start law school.

We certainly like to see it, but then again, there are a good number of individuals in our first-year class who are what we call K to JD, right? So, basically kindergarten through law school without taking a break.

Do law firms like to see full-time work experience in the people they hire on the other end? [16:00]

That is a good question, and I would defer most to the great people in the Career Services Office. Anecdotally, from what I know, some areas like STEM backgrounds or experience in an engineering or science-based field can be incredibly attractive for law firms looking to add to their patent-trained attorneys.

I think beyond that, the good news, especially for those without work experience, at least on the big law side of things is it’s first-year grades that really are going to carry the most weight at the end of the day.

Do you like to see applicants with law-related work experience like working in a legal office, or legal clinic? [17:01]

No, not necessarily. At law school, we will teach you the law and we will teach you how to be a lawyer. It’s really hard to learn those skills before coming to law school. I think the one scenario where law-related experience could be really helpful is for someone who maybe isn’t quite sure if law school is for them. Not so much to learn how to be a lawyer, but to ensure that being a lawyer is something that a prospective student can see in their future.

From what I’ve seen at Gould, we have very few students who struggle academically to the point where academic disqualification becomes a reality. Of the handful that I’ve seen that happen to, in my 10+ years at Gould, it’s predominantly students who don’t really know why they’re in law school and can’t articulate where the passion is to become a lawyer. 

What factors, other than the LSAT and GPA, are you weighing and considering as you admit students? [19:46]

I would not sit here and pretend to say that the numeric factors aren’t important. As you mentioned, film was one of my majors, so I like to use the film analogy. How I think of it is the LSAT and the GPA, they frame the review of the application. If I were looking for a viewfinder, that tells me where do I need to zoom in? Where do I need to zoom out? Where do I need to focus? What’s going to fill the frame? Those numbers are incredibly useful in framing the review of an application. The LSAT and GPA may lead me to ask certain questions that I will expect to be answered throughout the pages of the application.

If there’s a GPA that starts out really poorly, and there’s a dramatically increased trajectory, I’m going to want to know why . If there’s a particular semester, where a historically straight-A student has Cs, and maybe a D, I want to know why. As an applicant, I think self-reflexivity is so incredibly important because you can’t anticipate those questions unless you take an honest look at your materials. Again, that’s one of the reasons those numeric factors are important. As an applicant, if you can anticipate those questions that the admissions committee may raise, then you use all of the other pieces of the application to paint the full picture of that story of who you are as an individual.

At the end of the day, I’m primarily asking two questions when I’m looking at an application. Number one, we are a professional school, we’re an academic program. Is this an applicant who appears to have the capability to be successful in a highly challenging program? That question is, in many ways, predicated on the LSAT and GPA. But that one question’s not enough because we receive applications from far more applicants where we could say yes to that question, than we can admit. 

The second question becomes, is this someone who would add value to our community? That’s where the more subjective factors – the personal statement , the letters of recommendation , the resume, any addenda – are so incredibly important as part of the holistic review process.

We do not encourage our clients to do this, but I have seen applicants who had a dip in grades, or they started off poorly and it’s like their whole application is geared to justifying or explaining away that weakness. Would you recommend more that context be provided in an addendum and the rest of the application be more focused on their strengths? [22:22]

You hit the nail on the head. I think the personal statement should be a positive reflection, not the opportunity to make explanations, and the addenda are absolutely the appropriate area of the application to do that.

USC’s personal statement reads, “We are particularly interested in how your background, academic or otherwise, has led you to your decision to study law. This is not the place to repeat items on your resume.” So you’re looking for “Why law?” and the sub-question might be, “Why you?” [24:05]

I think if you’re going to sum it up in two words it would definitely be “Why law?” Here’s the key though, Linda, here’s why. That’s what we want to know. What someone thinks they want to do as a lawyer may change. In all honesty, I can’t tell you how many incoming students come to us at USC where we’re adjacent to Hollywood and they have stars in their eyes wanting to practice entertainment law. And then they end up doing something else, which is totally okay.

The “what” may change, but hopefully the “why” doesn’t. If you can articulate the why in a personal statement, number one, that tells me that this is a well-thought-out decision. And number two, it tells me that, when the going gets tough, and it does get tough for everyone at some point in law school, if you can remind yourself of the why, the why that hopefully won’t change, you’ll be able to persevere through the tough times.

Can you give some tips on how to include experiences in the personal statement without merely repeating the resume? [25:58]

That can certainly be a tough skill and a delicate line to walk. I think, at the end of the day, it comes down to if the experiences that an applicant talks about in their personal statement are supportive of the overall theme rather than the overall theme itself. For example, if someone talks about this tremendous desire to use the law to advocate for social justice and in the public good, we hear a lot of that. I always think it’s much more effective if an applicant can give me an example of why. Why do you want to fight for social justice? Why do you want to fight for the public good? 

It’s much harder to believe that if I see nothing on your resume that you’ve ever done any kind of community service or volunteer work. It’s much more believable, say if you’ve been a court-appointed special advocate. Maybe you’ve worked in the CASA program, or you have volunteered for JusticeCorps, or been a fellow with the Peace Corps. If you can point to those things, and certainly if it’s integral to who you are, then it should be in your personal statement. Rather than you just going paragraph by paragraph and expounding upon what’s listed on the resume. If anything, I hope what I’ve just said makes the point effectively that the application, in its entirety, is all pieces to a story. We’re not looking at one piece in a vacuum from the rest of it. If you’re going to talk about wanting a career in public service, then I do expect to see somewhere else in your application that you’ve dedicated at least a few hours of your time to that.

What makes for effective and ineffective addenda for addressing, let’s say an academic weakness or diversity elements? [28:18]

As far as addenda addressing weaknesses goes, I actually think that can be pretty formulaic in order for it to be effective. Number one, it needs to be explanatory, not excusatory. If I’m hosting an information session on the application process I will say for an effective addendum to talk about weaknesses, whether it be academic or standardized test score, or even conduct related, tell us what happened, why did it happen, and what have you done to ensure it’s not going to happen again. One, two, three. Get in, get out, leave us reassured that this will not be a problem that’s going to repeat again in the future. That’s it.

How about applications from students who have an academic infraction or perhaps a criminal record, a misdemeanor of some kind, is it basically the same formula? [29:19]

It is a very similar formula, right? One of my biggest pet peeves on conduct issues, especially if it’s criminal conduct is someone citing the penal code. I am going to look it up and you just made my life a little bit harder, so I’m not going to be too thrilled. If I see someone just cite a penal code and not tell me what it is immediately, I think, “Oh boy, this must be something really bad.” Be transparent. If there’s a conduct issue, be transparent and show genuine remorse for it.

That’s really key. We all make mistakes. I think we’d rather be judged by how we respond to those mistakes than by making those mistakes in the first place. I’ve been doing this long enough to know when remorse is genuine and when someone is just sorry because they were caught. That’s pretty easy to figure out. More serious conduct issues are certainly not a bar to gaining entry to law school, but with more serious conduct issues, more time between the conduct and the present day certainly helps and seeing that that individual has either been gainfully employed or involved in the community or has done something so that it gets to that recency effect in an application. You want your most recent current foot forward to be strongest.

Does Gould School of Law consider update letters from applicants who have something significant to tell you after they submit their applications and before hearing back from you? [31:13]

If an applicant has not heard back, we do specify that it needs to be significant, but we will accept an update if it is something significant. We don’t allow updated personal statements. If you’ve proofread it for the 10th time and find an error that you didn’t catch, you can’t resubmit a written statement because you caught a mistake. Mostly where we see that is with resumes, awards, achievements, and jobs. If there’s a significant new award, achievement, or job, then we certainly would like to know.

What is a common mistake that you see applicants make during the application process? [32:01]

It’s something I’ve touched on a little bit before. It’s an applicant who hasn’t taken the time to assess their strengths and weaknesses for each law school that they’re applying to. Our incoming class profile is what it is. We are an incredibly competitive law school to gain entry to. We certainly admit applicants with numbers below our medians but I think the common theme with those is they’ve shown the self-reflexivity to understand what the weaknesses are and how they can use their strengths to compensate for those weaknesses.

We certainly admit applicants with a 3.4 or a 3.5 GPA, but if an applicant applies to us with a 3.4 or a 3.5 and says they had a spectacular undergraduate career and finished at the top of their class, that’s not somebody we’re likely to admit. 

On a more specific level, it’s not following directions. Then it’s arguing. So, it’s asking us a question and then arguing with us when we respond. I’m always like, “Okay, well, if you’re arguing with me about your application, what are the faculty going to think about you in the classroom?”

Do you have any advice for wait-listed applicants? [33:49]

For waitlisted applicants, follow instructions. I know for us, when an applicant is put on the waiting list, we send an electronic confirmation form asking if they’d like to remain. If you’d like to remain on it, respond to that immediately, because those who don’t respond aren’t considered. Then to the extent one can remain flexible on the waiting list, remain flexible. When it comes time to admit off the waiting list, I don’t control when we do that. Generally speaking, what the law schools ahead of me in the pecking order do dictates when I go to my waiting list.

Flexibility, patience, following instructions, staying in touch with us periodically. We do tell applicants, you’re welcome to periodically follow up with us, but that certainly does not mean daily or even weekly. It means when an update is merited.

What about reapplicants? [35:06]

Reapplicants are not all that uncommon for us. I think the key for a reapplicant is to show growth. Again, it gets towards that understanding, that self-reflexivity, if the outcome wasn’t positive in a prior year, take that as a sign that you can bolster something on your application. The easiest way for a negative outcome, if you’re a reapplicant, is to submit the same exact application again. That’s a mistake. The reapplication should show growth. If someone can successfully show growth, then certainly the outcome may be different.

Do you give feedback to rejected applicants who want to reapply? [35:54]

We make it a policy not to give specific reasons for why a decision may have been a denial. What we will do, at the end of a cycle, and we tell applicants this, if you want to talk about the process, generally, we’re happy to do so once we’ve gotten through the busy season of review. May 1st, June 1st rolls around, and again, with everyone being comfortable using Zoom these days, you don’t even have to come into our office to talk.

What advice do you have for applicants planning to apply this cycle, presumably by the April 1st deadline, and then for those planning ahead to apply next year or later? Does it make sense to apply after the priority deadline? Do you still accept applicants? [36:54]

We certainly will accept people after the priority deadline. I wouldn’t have a final April 1st deadline if I wasn’t holding out a small number of spots for students. That said, statistically speaking, the odds of being admitted, if your application comes in after February 1st, are very slim. I think slim to none is a fair assessment, but they’re slim. They’re slim because I just don’t think it’s ethical to accept an application if there’s zero chance that a seat will be offered. Part of the reason that we offer April 1st was kind of an advent when the LSAT started being offered more than four times a year. We wanted to give a little more flexibility given the fact that the LSAT is basically offered every other month at this point. 

For those thinking about the next cycle, certainly try to meet our February 1st priority deadline , if not sooner. One piece of advice that I was given when I was applying to law schools, I still think is true today: while there’s no cutoff or no magic date, I do think that the Thanksgiving holiday remains a really good touchstone if you want to be comfortable that you’re going to be in the earlier part of the application pile. So Thanksgiving is a good touchstone to keep in mind.

What would you have liked me to ask you? [38:38]

That’s a good question. Maybe why I still do this after 15 years?

I think law school remains fundamental to the foundations of the society that we live in. Decision-makers in most rooms have law degrees, and as a society there’s a long way to go before the room of decision-makers is reflective of what society as a whole looks like. The only way to get there is for law schools (and law school isn’t even the start of the pipeline) to ensure that there’s a critical mass of individuals reflective of society at large. At Gould, we’re very cognizant of that responsibility that we have and we’re trying to help create a profession of lawyers that are more reflective of what society looks like.

It’s also the fact that getting into law school can have a life-changing impact on so many people. People who may come from less privileged backgrounds, parents who may not have graduate or professional degrees, a legal education from any law school, not just a top tier law school, but in particular, a legal education from Gould can certainly change the trajectory of one’s life. Some of these stories that really keep me doing this are those alums of ours, who I’ve stayed in touch with over the years. They’ve told me just how it’s not only changed their life, but it’s changed the lives of their families and they’re able to offer things that they didn’t have as a child. That’s why I still do this.

Where can listeners learn more about the USC Gould? [40:47]

We have a lot of information available on our website. The pandemic has forced us to be even more informative on our website, so that can be reached at gould.usc.edu . We have a lot of great information there. Then for more fun, interactive content, we have a very active Instagram account. That is @uscgouldadmissions. We have student takeovers on our Instagram account. We also do quizzes, trivia, a lot of fun content on our Instagram account.

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Related Shows:

• UCLA Law School: How to Get Accepted
• How to Eliminate Test Anxiety
• 4 Reasons for Rejection and How to Respond
• What Happened to the LSAT-Flex?

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How to Write a Stand-Out Personal Statement for Your Graduate School Application

While deciding to embark on the path to graduate school is an exciting first step toward advancing your career, the application process can sometimes feel daunting and confusing.

One major part of the application that most schools require is a personal statement. Writing a personal statement can be an arduous task: After all, most people don’t necessarily enjoy writing about themselves, let alone at length.

A compelling personal statement, however, can help bring your application to the top of the admissions pile. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about crafting a personal statement to make your application shine.

What Is a Personal Statement?

The point of a personal statement is for the admissions board to gain a deeper understanding of who you are apart from your education and work experience. It explains why you’re the right fit for the program and a worthwhile applicant. It’s also an opportunity to highlight important factors that may not be readily available in the rest of your application.

A personal statement is different from a statement of purpose (if you’re asked for that as well). A statement of purpose will touch on your academic and career goals, as well as your past credentials. While those should also be discussed in your personal statement, it’s more about your life experiences and how they’ve shaped you and your journey to graduate school.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Writing a Personal Statement

Before you start crafting your essay, there are a few prompts you can ask yourself to help clarify what you want to accomplish.

• What are the key points you want to communicate about yourself?
• What personal characteristics or skills do you have that make you a strong candidate for this field?
• What exactly are your career goals, and how does graduate school play into them?
• What have you learned about this field already? When did you first choose to follow this path, and what do you enjoy about it?
• What do you think is important for the admissions board to know specifically about you?
• Are there any discrepancies or causes for concern in your application you need to address? For example, is there a career and schooling gap, or a low GPA at one point? This is the time to discuss whether a personal hardship may have affected your academics or career.
• Have you dealt with any unusual obstacles or difficulties in your life? How have they affected and shaped you?
• What sets you apart and makes you unique from other graduate school applicants?
• What factors in your life have brought you to where you are today?

Top Tips for Writing a Graduate School Personal Statement

Pick a few points to emphasize about yourself . Introduce yourself to the admissions board. Select key factors about your background that you want the university to know — elements that reveal what kind of person you are and demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate for the school and field of study.

Be very specific . Again, a personal statement is all about communicating what distinguishes you from other applicants. To accomplish that, you need to share specific anecdotes that underscore your statements. If you say you’re a strong leader, present an example of a time you’ve proven that skill through work, school or your personal life. These specific, personal stories provide a deeper understanding of who you are and prove your intentions.

Do your research . Demonstrate what attracted you to the program. If there is a specific faculty member or class that caught your attention, or another aspect of the program that greatly interests you, convey it. This shows you’ve truly researched the school and have a passion for the program.

“Whatever the topic may be, I would recommend writing in a manner that reflects or parallels the institution’s and/or department’s missions, goals and values,” said Moises Cortés, a graduate/international credentials analyst for the Office of Graduate Admission at USC .

Address any gaps or discrepancies . Explain any factors that may have impacted your academic career. If you had an illness or any other personal hardships that affected your grades or work, discuss them. If there is a discrepancy between your grades and your test scores, you can also take the time to go over any extenuating circumstances.

Strike the right tone . While it’s important to give readers a glimpse of your personality, avoid oversharing or revealing intimate details of your life experiences. You should also avoid making jokes or using humorous cliches. Maintain a professional tone throughout your writing.

Start strong and finish strong . As with any piece of writing, you want to draw in your readers immediately. Make sure to start off with an interesting and captivating introduction. Similarly, your conclusion should be a well-written, engaging finish to the essay that highlights any important points.

“ For a personal statement, I think the first and last paragraphs are most important and should always relate the program they are applying to their own experiences and ideas,” Hoon H. Kang, a graduate/international credential analyst with the Office of Graduate Admission, told USC Online.

Proofread, proofread and proofread again . We can’t emphasize enough the importance of rereading your work. Your personal statement is also an analysis of your writing skills, so ensure you have proper grammar and spelling throughout. In addition, we recommend having multiple people look over your statement before submission. They can help with the proofreading (a second person always catches a mistake the writer may miss), give advice about the statement’s structure and content, and confirm it’s the proper recommended length.

Once you’ve considered all of the above and reviewed and edited your personal statement to perfection, it’s time to submit and check off any remaining application requirements, including your resume and letters of recommendation .

Personal statements are arguably one of the most challenging aspects of applying to graduate school, so make sure to revel in this accomplishment and acknowledge your successes.

For more information, visit the  Office of Graduate Admission at USC  and explore  USC Online ’s master’s degrees, doctoral programs and graduate certificates.

What are you looking for?

Suggested search, academic advising and support, we've got your back.

Navigating the incredible range of programs and learning experiences at USC Dornsife can be equal parts exhilarating and overwhelming. But rest assured, you’re not in it alone.

Our advising programs do more than help you craft the academic pathway that’s right for you. Our dedicated advisors assist in the process of selecting and registering for classes, identifying experiential learning options that give you the competitive edge, and connect you to resources that support you in overcoming a variety of challenges that college students face.

It’s your education. We’re here to make sure you get the very most out of all that USC Dornsife has to offer.

Academic Advising

Need to switch your major or add a minor? Add or drop a course? Clarify a foreign language requirement? Academic advisors help with these issues and many more. Drop-in to work through practical details, or schedule a longer meeting with your advisor to chart your USC Dornsife path.

Learn more about Dornsife Advising

Top 5 Ways Your Academic Advisor Can Help

• Get registration ready. Advisors help you select and register for the right mix of courses that will be most applicable to your interests and career goals.
• Create a plan. Be sure that you are on track with the courses you need to graduate! This includes helping you find curricular and non-curricular experiences to participate in.
• Set your goals. Academic advisors are here to help you develop and define your academic, personal, and professional goals.
• Uncover opportunities. Namely internships, study abroad programs, job opportunities, resources, and more.
• Talk it out. Advisors provide comprehensive guidance and support from orientation to graduation.

Explore Majors and Minors

Some students arrive at USC Dornsife knowing exactly what they want to do. Others sample areas of interest before declaring a major. With more than 180 majors and minors to choose from — and the flexibility to create your own mix — you can shape your education to align with your personal interests.

Discover USC Dornsife Majors

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Meet Your First-Year Advisor

I have had great experiences with my academic advisor. I appreciate how she tells me about possible options and allows me to choose the direction that best fits my goals. Besides academic advising — because I have a pre-professional emphasis — I interact with the Pre-Health program advisors, too. The workshops, events, and counseling make me feel super supported and make me feel like they genuinely want to see me succeed.

Pre-Professional Advising

Planning to pursue graduate school? Whether you’re thinking about studying law, health, or another graduate program, a team of advisors at USC Dornsife are here to help you prepare for taking the next big leap.

Get expert assistance with everything from grad school application logistics to crafting and refining your personal statement. Your advisors will also help you identify programs, prepare for entrance exams, and look for funding.

If you’re planning a career in medicine, dentistry, or another healthcare-related profession, you can work with a pre-health advisor to map out your academic plan.

What kind of undergraduate experience are law schools looking for? You might be surprised! USC Dornsife pre-law advisors offer one-on-one guidance in all aspects of the law school application process, including school selection, writing an effective personal statement, and requesting letters of recommendation.

Support When You Need It

No matter how prepared and confident you are, college life has its ups and downs. But you won’t drown here. Academic help is easy to access and a wide range of resources are available to help you all along the way.

Supplemental Instruction

If you need help with a challenging class, you can join a study group led by your peers. Together, you explore important concepts, review class notes, and work through practice problems. Your group leader — who meets regularly with your professor — is a fellow undergrad who has completed the class.

The Language Center

Ace the USC Dornsife foreign language requirement with expert help from the Language Center, which offers tutoring, language exchange groups, and other options.

The Writing Center

The ability to write well is essential. Take advantage of one-on-one feedback at the Writing Center. Work on essays, cover letters, scholarship applications — whatever you’re struggling with. The center also offers workshops and instructional videos to help you refine your writing and critical thinking skills.

The Math Center

Drop in to meet with this informal group of study partners taking courses in mathematics. A teaching assistant supports you as you make progress on your problem sets.

Help for International Students

As an international student, you might need help with anything from maintaining your visa status to navigating life in Los Angeles. The Office of International Student Services offers drop-in advising hours and convenient virtual support.

University Resources

USC offers robust support that ranges from counseling to cultural resources and accessibility services. Find academic help in the Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity , which offers drop-in academic coaching, specialized study skills seminars, and other crucial resources.

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Applications for the online Law, Social Justice and Diversity Certificate will be accepted on a rolling basis as space is available until our  final application deadline . The Admissions Committee will not review an application until all transcripts and supporting documents are received. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all of their documents are submitted by the final application deadline and before a decision will be made on the application.

Since you have earned (or are currently earning) a degree from outside of the United States, please apply for admission by completing an online application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and submitting your supplemental application materials through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service.  Creating a LSAC account  requires a one-time fee of $85 for utilizing LSAC's Document Assembly Service (DAS). DAS is effective for a period of five years. As a courtesy and to help applicants offset this cost, we have waived the USC Gould School of Law's separate application fee for applicants who submit their applications prior to our priority deadline.

Among the required information and documents that you will submit through LSAC are:

1. Online LSAC Application

2. Official Transcripts and Degree Verification:

Applicants must have earned their bachelor's degree by the time they enroll at USC Gould School of Law. No law degree is required. See a  country-by-country breakdown of our requirements .

You are required to submit your official transcripts through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service. Transcripts must be evaluated through LSAC's International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service (ITAES). You will need to subscribe to the following LSAC services:

• Document Assembly Service: $85
• International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service (ITAES): $135
• Law School Report: $30

Transcripts must be submitted directly to LSAC by the university and should not be mailed to USC Gould School of Law. LSAC provides  detailed instructions on submitting your transcripts .

3. Personal Statement:

Provide a two or three-page document that includes your personal, academic, and professional background and your reasons for pursuing a certificate at USC Gould School of Law. If you have prior education or experience in Law, Social Justice and Diversity, please take a paragraph or two to tell us about it.

4. Resume/Curriculum Vitae:

Provide a record of your employment history and list any distinctions, publications, and licenses/credentials.

5. English Proficiency:

• International applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• USC Gould School of Law does not have a minimum TOEFL or IELTS score; however, we recommend a 90 TOEFL iBT and a 7.0 IELTS.
• Please have your official scores sent to LSAC. Their institutional code is 8395. The institutional code for USC is 4852 and our department code is 03.
• Test scores are valid for two years from the date taken.

To apply for admission, submit the following application materials:

1. Online Application:

Complete this online application. As you work on your application, please note that your work will not be saved automatically.

2. Personal Statement:

Provide a two or three-page document that includes your personal, academic, and professional background, as well as your reasons for pursuing a certificate at USC Gould School of Law. If you have prior education or experience in Law, Social Justice and Diversity, please take a paragraph or two to tell us about it. Email your personal statement to  [email protected] .

3. Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV):

Provide a record of your employment history and list of any distinctions, publications, and licenses/credentials by emailing your resume/CV to  [email protected] .

4. Official Transcripts and Degree Verification:

Official transcripts are required to be submitted from all institutions attended even if a degree was never received or credit was transferred from an institution and it appears on another institution's transcripts. If you are currently a student enrolled in a program, we will need your current transcripts to date. Please have transcripts sent by postal mail to USC Gould School of Law at the address below or by email to  [email protected] . Official transcripts must be received directly from the university/college.

Standalone Online Law, Social Justice and Diversity Certificate USC Gould School of Law 699 Exposition Boulevard, Room 105 Los Angeles, California 90089-0071

While the university does not require a GPA minimum, our Admissions Committee will strongly consider those applicants who have earned an overall 3.0/B average or higher. Our Admissions Committee will certainly consider GPAs below our recommendation, provided that you meet our other admissions criteria.

The LSAT or GRE exam is not required for admission. In addition, letters of recommendation are not required.

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USC cancels valedictorian’s commencement speech, citing safety concerns

Amid complaints about alleged antisemitic views posted online, USC’s valedictorian will not be permitted to deliver a speech at the university’s commencement ceremony due to concerns about security, the school’s provost announced on Monday.

“While this is disappointing, tradition must give way to safety,” Provost Andrew Guzman wrote in a message to the university community. “This decision is not only necessary to maintain the safety of our campus and students, but is consistent with the fundamental legal obligation ‒ including the expectations of federal regulators ‒ that universities act to protect students and keep our campus community safe.

“It applies the same values and criteria that we have used in the past to guide our actions. In no way does it diminish the remarkable academic achievements of any student considered or selected for valedictorian. To be clear: this decision has nothing to do with freedom of speech. There is no free-speech entitlement to speak at a commencement. The issue here is how best to maintain campus security and safety, period.”

Asna Tabassum had been previously announced as this year’s valedictorian. However, critics raised questions about views relating to the conflict in the Middle East she has posted online. In letters sent to USC administrators, critics accused her of posting on a social media account a link to a website that “takes a swinging bat at over 10% of the USC student body and mudslings by calling Zionists ‘racist-settlers.’”

“Ms. Tabassum unabashedly and openly endorses the link’s calls for ‘the complete abolishment of the state of israel (sic),’” according to a letter circulated for critics to submit to administrators. “As if the unqualified command for abolition of the State of Israel was unclear in any way, Ms. Tabassum’s link reinforces racism with another link, urging readers to ‘reject the hegemonic efforts to demand that Palestinians accept that Israel has a right to exist as a . . . Jewish state.’”

Immediately following Guzman’s announcement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Los Angeles issued a statement demanding that the decision be reversed and that Tabassum be permitted to speak. Tabassum released a statement through CAIR-LA, saying “anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian voices have subjected me to a campaign of racist hatred because of my uncompromising belief in human rights for all.”

“This campaign to prevent me from addressing my peers at commencement has evidently accomplished its goal: today, USC administrators informed me that the university will no longer allow me to speak at commencement due to supposed security concerns,” she said. “I am both shocked by this decision and profoundly disappointed that the university is succumbing to a campaign of hate meant to silence my voice.

“I am not surprised by those who attempt to propagate hatred. I am surprised that my own university ‒ my home for four years ‒ has abandoned me.”

CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush called the USC decision “cowardly” and the reasoning “disingenuous.”

“Asna is an incredibly accomplished student whose academic and extracurricular accomplishments made her the ideal and historic recipient of this year’s valedictorian’s honor,” Ayloush said in a statement. “The university can, should and must ensure a safe environment for graduation rather than taking the unprecedented step of cancelling a valedictorian’s speech.

“The dishonest and defamatory attacks on Asna are nothing more than thinly veiled manifestations of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism, which have been weaponized against college students across the country who speak up for human rights ‒ and for Palestinian humanity.”

Guzman, in his campus message, said the uproar over the valedictorian selection has taken on “an alarming tenor.”

“The intensity of feelings, fueled by both social media and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has grown to include many voices outside of USC and has escalated to the point of creating substantial risks relating to security and disruption at commencement,” Guzman wrote. “We cannot ignore the fact that similar risks have led to harassment and even violence at other campuses.

“As always, and particularly when tensions are running so high across the world, we must prioritize the safety of our community,” he said. “And as we do every year, we have been monitoring our commencement security needs based on all the information we have and the facts on the ground. Our (Department of Public Safety) and expert campus safety team are uniquely prepared to evaluate potential threats, and we have consulted with them about the current situation, taking into account everything we know about our reality, as well as the unprecedented risks we are seeing at other campuses and across the world. We are resolute in our commitment to maintain and prioritize the existing safety and well-being of our USC community during the coming weeks, and allowing those attending commencement to focus on the celebration our graduates deserve.”