The admissions goal of the Joseph F. Rice 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 in the broadest sense, course of study, personal statement, letters of recommendation and optional essays.

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 Joseph F. Rice 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, GRE, or GMAT and to register with the Law School Data Assembly Service.

The Admissions cycle begins September 1 of each year with the Faculty Committee on Admission reviewing completed files.

The date that applications for admissions must be completed in order to be considered is posted on the law school's website and with the Law School Admissions Council. 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 Joseph F. Rice School of Law, interested applicants should contact:

Office of Admissions
USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law
Taylor House
1501 Senate St. 
Columbia, SC 29208