pre-law opportunities

the honors experience

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Pre-Law Opportunities

The Honors College and the University of South Carolina School of Law have partnered to offer two programs for law school admissions tailored to Honors students: the South Carolina Honors College and University of South Carolina School of Law Admission Partnership Program and a six year BA (BS)/JD Degree Program.

South Carolina Honors College and University of South Carolina School of Law Admission Partnership Program

  • South Carolina Honors College Scholars: Students who graduate with a 3.5 GPA with honors from SCHC, have an LSAT score of 160, and have a letter of support from the Dean of SCHC, will be offered admission to the School of Law as SCHC Scholars provided that they meet the character and fitness standards for admission to the School of Law. Residents who qualify under this paragraph will receive financial support of at least $5000/yr. Nonresidents who qualify under this paragraph will receive reduced tuition. For the 2008-09 academic year, tuition was reduced from $17,610/semester to $9556/semester. Future reductions will be comparable.
  • South Carolina Honors College Partners: Students who graduate with a 3.5 with honors from SCHC, have an LSAT score of 158, and have a letter of support from the Dean of SCHC, will be offered admission to the School of Law as SCHC Partners provided that they meet the character and fitness standards for admission to the School of Law. SCHC Partners will be eligible for scholarship review.
  • To be eligible to participate in the program, the student must have his/her application to the law school complete and ready for review by February 1.

Six-Year BA (BS)/JD Degree

  • The South Carolina Honors College and the University's School of Law partner to offer a six-year, BA (BS)/JD degree opportunity to qualified Honors College students. Students admitted to this program will enter the Law School beginning their fourth year. Up to nine credit hours of their law program may be counted toward their undergraduate degree, usually as cognate credit. Students admitted to this program will be able to apply the fourth year of their University and state (LIFE and Palmetto) scholarships toward their first year of Law School.
  • All students in good standing in the Honors College and on track for graduation with Honors are eligible to apply. To be competitive for admission, however, students need to have considerable advanced standing credits (24 hours) or be willing to attend summer school, earn a score of at least 160 on the LSAT, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5.
  • In addition, students admitted to the joint program must be able to complete their undergraduate program (with the exception of their nine hours of joint credit), including their senior thesis, by August before their fourth year (the first year of law school).
  • Application to the Law School must be submitted by February 1 (December 1, if you wish to be considered for Law School scholarships). Obviously, careful planning is required to take advantage of this opportunity; Normally, students would need to begin planning in their third semester. Please see Ed Munn Sanchez for an appointment if you wish to discuss this option.
    • Recommended Student Calendar for BA/JD
      • Third Semester: Meet with Associate Dean Ed Munn Sanchez (ed[at]schc.sc.edu,  803-576-5633) to evaluate practicality of program (Fifth semester students may meet with Dr. Munn Sanchez immediately to evaluate eligibility).
      • Fifth Semester: Take the LSAT (no later than December; June or October is preferable); register for SCHC 390Z:  Thesis/Project Planning.
      • Sixth semester: Law School application due by February 1 (December 1 for scholarship consideration). Register for SCHC 499: Senior Thesis/Project.
      • August 15 (before senior year): Senior thesis completed; all undergraduate program except nine credits completed.
      • Seventh semester: Begin Law School.
      • Eighth semester: Undergraduate degree awarded.
      • Twelfth Semester: Law Degree Awarded.