Eligible applicants must be 18+ years of age, and hold a minimum collegiate GPA of 3.3. Applicants must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior for the 2026-2027 academic year, and must be in the process of completing their first undergraduate degree.
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Future Focused. Fully Funded.
USC Gould School of Law is the proud academic home of award-winning prospective student engagement programs that over the years have helped expand access to legal education.
In partnership with the USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative and USC TRiO, the USC Gould School is excited to launch the ASCEND Pre-Law Summer Institute, an immersive residential law school experience. Open to rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the Pre-Law Summer Institute is a three-week program that launched in July 2025, with financial support to cover room and board expenses for all admitted participants. We are excited to announce the ASCEND Summer Pre-Law Institute for the summer of 2026.
JULY 12, 2026 – AUGUST 1, 2026
One-of-a-Kind Summer Experience
USC Gould’s ASCEND Pre-Law Summer Institute is the only fully residential and fully funded pre-law program of its kind on the West Coast. Participating students will have access to personalized support and guidance during the summer institute, as well as throughout their law school application process.
Institute Details
The program is held July 12, 2026 – August 1, 2026, at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Applicants must be available to participate for the three weeks of the program.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be: 18 years and older; a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in college for the 2026-2027 academic year; and hold a minimum collegiate GPA of 3.3.
How to Apply
The ASCEND application will open on February 1, 2026. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2026.
LEARN MORE!
ASCEND Information Sessions – Spring 2026
Join us for one of our upcoming information sessions to learn more about the program and meet our admissions team.
For Prospective Applicants
- Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, 1-2 PM (PT) – Register online
- Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, 4-5 PM (PT) – Register online
- Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2026, 5-6 PM (PT) – Register online
Comprehensive Benefits
- Professional LSAT test preparation program
- $500 stipend awarded upon successful completion of the program toward LSAT registration expenses
- Opportunities to connect with mentors in the Los Angeles legal community, USC Gould alumni, and current students
- Site visits, which may include local law firms, federal, state, and local courts, and public interest law organizations
- Instructional sessions presented by USC Gould faculty and staff on topics such as: legal writing, academic success, professionalism, and the admissions process
- Team-building and social events
Educational Themes
The summer institute curriculum will focus on new themes each week, to foster a deeper understanding of the legal landscape and prepare students for future success.
Understanding Legal Practice
Students in the ASCEND program will have the opportunity to meet leading attorneys and judges
Navigating Law School
Students will benefit firsthand from current law students and accomplished alumni
Applying to Law School
Students will learn the nuts and bolts of the application process from law school administrators
Summer Institute FAQs
Have a question? See answers below to frequently asked questions about ASCEND Summer Institute at USC Gould School of Law.
What are the eligibility and academic requirements for ASCEND Pre-Law Summer Institute? 
What costs are covered by ASCEND Pre-Law Summer Institute?
USC Gould School of Law will cover the cost of the summer institute program/instruction, lodging, and meals. In addition, the school will cover up to $450.00 (RT) airfare for those traveling out-of-state. For in-state students traveling within California, cost of airfare is included.
When is the deadline to apply to ASCEND Pre-Law Summer Institute?
The deadline to apply is March 31, 2026. Undergraduate transcripts must be received by March 31, 2026. Applicants will be notified of decisions by the end of May.
Only applications with all the required application components will be reviewed so please do not delay.
When does ASCEND Pre-Law Summer Institute take place?
The three-week residential summer institute will be held from July 12, 2026 - August 1, 2026. Academic programming will take place Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00am – 5:00pm, including some evening events. There may also be some required programming on weekends, but we anticipate that you will have free time as well. The program is fully immersive, and participants are expected to participate for the duration of the program.
How long is ASCEND Pre-Law Summer Institute?
ASCEND is a three-week program. Selected participants arrive on Sunday, July 12, and depart on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Is there financial assistance for my airfare to and from Los Angeles?
If admitted to ASCEND, USC Gould will cover up to $450.00 round-trip airfare for those traveling out-of-state. For students traveling within California, cost of airfare will be covered. Please note: Travel arrangements will be managed by USC’s designated travel agency. We will not be issuing reimbursements if participants book flights outside of our designated travel agency. Detailed information will be provided to admitted students.
Will I need a car to access off-site events hosted by the program?
No. Transportation will be provided for summer institute-hosted programming and site visits.
Participants who do bring a vehicle are responsible for parking and any related costs.
For all additional questions, please reach out to the USC Gould Admissions Office at: ASCEND@law.usc.edu.
Contact Us
David Kirschner
Associate Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Innovation
ASCEND@law.usc.edu
Brenda Cortez-Martin
Senior Associate Director of Admissions and Pipeline Initiatives
bcortez@law.usc.edu
Alejandro Valdivia
ASCEND Fellow and 2L Gould Student
ASCENDFellow@law.usc.edu
USC Gould School of Law
699 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90089-0071
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