By Jill Barone
"I bleed cardinal and gold," David Kirschner, USC Gould's Associate Dean and Dean of Admissions volunteered without being asked. Kirschner earned his undergraduate degree from USC, with a major in Cinema Production and minor in Political Science. Originally from Detroit, Kirschner fell in love with USC and Southern California as soon as he arrived. He has been here ever since.
While many of Kirschner's classmates spent their summer internships with production companies, he interned for Governor Gray Davis. It was during this time that Kirschner discovered an interest in law and enrolled at California Western School of Law in San Diego. After serving as a seasonal recruiter for California Western, Kirschner decided to explore a career that would allow him to remain in the world of higher education, first as the assistant director of admissions at Loyola Law School. However, when an opening appeared in February 2011 for a Director of Admissions at USC Gould, there was no question that Kirschner had found the perfect role. Seven years later, Kirschner still bleeds cardinal and gold and is now at the helm of Gould's admissions efforts.
During his time at Gould Admissions, Kirschner observed many changes from admission rates to student career choices. He noted that during times of recession, applications to law schools typically increase which could be due to students' desire to buy more time before entering the workforce. This held true at the start of the recession, but eventually law schools saw the largest decline in applications in decades. It was an uncertain couple of years, but applications are on the increase once again, and fall 2018 should demonstrate the most significant increase since the depths of the recession.
However, Kirschner mentioned that the economy is only one factor affecting law school applications and the admissions process. "Over the past year, there has been a definite surge in applicants' interest in social justice and public interest careers. Student interest in immigration law and advocacy for victims of sexual assault has also greatly increased. This truly demonstrates how current events as well as national and global politics influence the motivation and careers of future attorneys."
Kirschner noted that the pool of applicants has been changing as well with greater student diversity. He attributed this to the success of programs such as the First Generation Professionals (FGP) program, which supports students who are the first in their families to earn a university degree, along with students from working-class or lower-income backgrounds. Kirschner believed that programs such as FGP, and the Public Interest Scholars program, which awards scholarships on the basis of merit and demonstrated commitment to public interest work, have resonated with incoming students by providing them with opportunities and a support system that they might not have otherwise had.
Although the number of applications is increasing, Kirschner explained that USC Gould remains one of the most selective law schools in the country, with only a 20-25% admission rate. The law school seeks well-rounded applicants who demonstrate both academic success and are solid members of the community. "A climate of collegiality is the hallmark of the Gould education," said Kirschner.
But perhaps one of Gould's greatest strengths is the Trojan network, although Kirschner explained that this can be hard to quantify for incoming students. He noted that the best way to demonstrate the power of this network is to introduce the admitted student population to Gould alumni. By offering insight and sharing their personal experiences, alumni can be the deciding factor in whether or not a student chooses to attend the law school.
Two ways for Gould alumni to join the admissions process is by attending the Regional Admitted Student/Alumni Receptions throughout the U.S. in March and April and/or on the USC campus at Law Day on April 13.
If you would like to volunteer with the Admissions office, please contact [email protected].
