Application for admission is considered only upon receipt of the following materials:
- The completed application form:
This application can only be accessed online unless accommodation is necessary. Please read each question carefully.
- LSAC Law School Reports
This will include your CAS application, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. You can access more information about the application process at https://www.usd.edu/Admissions-and-Aid/Law-School-Admissions/How-to-Apply
- Two letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation must be submitted by instructors, employers, or supervisors. Applicants who have received their undergraduate or graduate degree within the preceding three years must include an academic letter of recommendation as one of the two letters. Otherwise, letters should be from instructors, employers, or supervisors. In evaluating the applicant's aptitude, character, and promise, the Admissions Committee will discount any perfunctory letters from persons only casually acquainted with the applicant. Letters may be submitted directly to USD Knudson School of Law OR through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service. (LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service is preferred method of submission.)
Transfer Applicants: It is recommended that one of your recommendations is from a member of the faculty at your current law school.
- A personal statement
The statement should detail evidence of qualities beyond academic abilities, such as leadership ability, service to others, maturity, organizational skills, familiarity with other languages and cultures, a history of overcoming disadvantage, extraordinary accomplishment, or success in a previous career. The statement should also explain what contributions you may bring to the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law and the legal profession while also explaining why you desire to study law.
The USD Knudson School of Law is committed to recruiting a well-rounded and diverse class of incoming students. If you would like to submit an additional diversity statement, you may email that to law@usd.edu.
- Application fee of forty dollars ($40)
The South Dakota Board of Regents charges a fee for all applications to any programs offered through a South Dakota state-supported college or university. If you should require any further information about an application fee or fee waiver, please contact the Director of Admissions at 605-658-3505.
Important Notes and Reminders
Before an application for admission can be considered, the Dean?s Office must receive the entirety of your application through LSAC.org. Please do not forget to enclose or electronically attach your personal statement. The application deadline is July 1st. We evaluate applications on a continuing basis and will consider applications leading up to the July 1st deadline as space allows. It is the applicant?s responsibility to ensure completion of the application. If you have any questions, call the Director of Admissions at 605-658-3505.
Ethnicity is collected for demographic purposes only and will not be shared with the Admissions Committee.
The Knudson School of Law may request an interview or supplemental application materials prior to a final decision being made. All requests will be sent to the primary email address listed on your application.
If you wish to be considered for scholarships a free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required. The information necessary for determining eligibility is contained in the completed application; there is not a separate application form for scholarships. Preference for scholarships will be given to individuals who complete their applications by January 1.
Out-of-state students who score 150+ on the LSAT qualify for the resident tuition rate for all three years. This only applies to candidates who take the LSAT and will not apply to applicants who apply with a GRE or JD Next score.
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Your LSAT score should be no more than five years old. LSAT scores more than five years old will not be considered in the admissions process. For questions on this matter, please contact the Director of Admissions at 605-658-3505.
Full-time law school students cannot maintain employment of twenty (20) hours or more per week during any law school semester. This rule does not apply to flex-time students. For more information about the Flex-Time program, please contact the Director of Admissions at 605-658-3505.
Financial aid is not administered through the law school. All loan applications are processed through the University Financial Aid Office. The current needs analysis being used is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The form is online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For any questions related to Financial Aid, contact Financial Aid at 605-658-6250.
All correspondence should be directed to:
The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law
Admissions
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069-2390
Please retain a copy of this application for your records.
Note: If you have served or are serving on active military duty, you may qualify for in-state residency regardless of your current state of residence. Please contact the Veteran's Services Office for more information: 605-658-3881
The University of South Dakota is committed to diversity and inclusion, as well the provision of equal opportunities in education. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status or on any other status that may become protected under law. The University affirms its commitment to the objectives of affirmative action, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination in accordance with state and federal law. Inquiries may be sent to the Director, Equal Opportunity and Chief Title IX Coordinator, Slagle Hall 205, Vermillion, SD 57069 or 605-658-3665.
If you are a prospective student with a disability and need assistance or accommodations during the admission/application process, please contact the Office of Accessibility, University of South Dakota, ID Weeks Library #103, 414 E. Clark St., Vermillion, SD 57069.
Phone: 605-658-3745 Fax: 605-658-3357 E-mail: accessibility@usd.edu
