Gould implements fast track to law school

The USC Gould School of Law is implementing a new program next fall that will allow select students to complete their undergraduate and law school studies over the course of six years.

The program, known as 3+3, puts select students on a fast track toward law school. USC students interested in 3+3 can apply during their junior year and, upon acceptance, enroll in Gould during their senior year.

Their senior year would then consist of graduate studies, and at the end of that year, the students would earn their bachelor’s degree.

Following graduation, after two more years of law school, they would earn their law degree.

By participating in this program, students are not required to take the LSAT for admittance.

The program is open to applicants of all majors, but is quite selective. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.8, as well as strong faculty recommendations and numerous writing samples.

Additionally, as students accepted into the program start their law school course load in their senior year, applicants must complete their major requirements by the end of their junior year.

Applications will be available starting September 1 for the fall 2015 semester.

Chloe Reid, associate dean for admissions and financial aid at Gould, told USC News that 3+3 is for the student who “know they want to pursuer a legal career from early in their education, and who are ready for graduate-level work in their senior year.”

The Dean of Gould, Robert K. Rasmussen, told USC News that the program is indicative of the law school’s continued innovation in their education methods.

“Law schools know that they need to be creative and forward thinking when it comes to legal education,” he said. “We are extremely excited to offer this program to Trojans who want to continue their academic careers here.