3+3 Accelerated Bachelor/JD - Juris Doctor (JD)

The 3+3 Accelerated Bachelor/JD program is designed for outstanding USC undergraduates interested in attending USC Gould School of Law. You will be able to complete your undergraduate and law school studies in six years instead of the usual seven, helping you fast-track your career. The accelerated degree pathway is open to all majors. Current USC students begin the application process for this unique program in the fall of their 3rd year.

To be considered for the 3+3 accelerated Bachelor/JD program you must:

Complete your undergraduate degree requirements by the end of your third year of college.
Maintain a 3.80 undergraduate cumulative GPA. (USC GPA only; not combined with any other colleges, universities, or community colleges if a transfer student).
Report an SAT/ACT score within the 85^th percentile. Focus will be on the critical reading section. The test score must be from when the student was in high school.

The law school application must be submitted by January of your third year in college. The LSAT is not currently required under this special program, however, this may be subject to change per the American Bar Association's yearly review of program regulations.

1. Meet with your major academic advisor to discuss your remaining degree requirements, and the likelihood of completing your bachelor's degree in three years. If graduating in three years is feasible, request a course plan that reflects your anticipated graduation date. Make sure your STARS Report is updated, including all necessary course substitutions or waivers.
2. Request a referral from your advisor to the 3 + 3 program through Advise USC. You will receive a Qualtrics survey to fill out as the first step to confirm your eligibility for the program.
3. If a student meets all 3 eligibility requirements, they will receive an invitation to meet with the Undergraduate Law Programs Coordinator. Afterwards, students will be contacted by the 3+3 Program Coordinator in the JD Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to schedule a meeting.

Application Components

After your meeting with Gould’s JD Admission Office, the following components are required to complete your application.

1. - All undergraduate transcripts should be sent to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), including Fall 2024. If admitted, you will be required to send an updated transcript to LSAC which includes your Spring 2025 grades, and reflection of your degree and degree conferral date.
  - Personal statement (2-4 pages,12-point font, double-spaced)
  - Resume
  - Two letters of recommendations (at least one must be academic)
  - STARS Report
  - A copy of your SAT/ACT score
  - An account with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) so USC Gould can receive a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report on your behalf.
  - 3+3 Agreement Form
  - Personal interview

Submitting Original Work

We expect that all written components of the application will be your original work. This means that the use of Artificial Intelligence, including ChatGPT and other similar platforms, is not permitted in the completion of your application. We value statements written by the applicant that reflect their unique voice and perspective.

Dates and Deadlines

Application opens on LSAC’s website – September 15, 2024
Application Deadline – December 20, 2024
Application Completion Deadline – January 17, 2025
Interviews with key stakeholders in the law school will be conducted in mid-January 2025
Final decision will be rendered on applications by February 2025

View Frequently Asked Questions for the 3+3 Accelerated Bachelor/JD degree.

Advising Information for Students

Applicants are encouraged to meet with the Undergraduate Law Programs Coordinator in the Fall semester of their 3rd year, preferably within August-November. The final week to meet will be the first week of December. Students are encouraged to meet with the Undergraduate Law Programs Coordinator as early in the fall semester as possible to ensure that they have ample time to meet with the JD Office and submit the required materials for the application.

If you are within your 1st or 2nd year at USC: Maintain a strong GPA, meet with your advisor to create a course plan to graduate within 3 years. Save a copy of your SAT or ACT score for your records.

If you are in the Fall of your 3rd year at USC: Meet with your advisor to confirm your anticipated graduation date is the following spring semester. Request a referral through Advise USC for the 3 + 3 program. You will be prompted to complete a Qualtrics form confirming you meet the 3 eligibility requirements: graduating within 3 years, 3.8 GPA or above, SAT or ACT score in the 85th percentile.

If you are in high school: As you prepare your application to USC, if you’re interested in the 3 + 3 program, it’s encouraged to take the SAT or ACT. The SAT or ACT requirement for 3 + 3 program must be a test score taken when the student was in high school. The undergraduate USC application is test-optional, meaning that students are not required to submit a test score for admission. Students do not need to submit an SAT or ACT score to be admitted to USC, but should take the test in high school to guarantee consideration for the 3 + 3 program. Students without an SAT or ACT are not eligible for the 3 + 3 program.