Can I get into law school with a 2.0 GPA?

Asked by: Carolanne Koepp I  |  Last update: February 2, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (75 votes)

Yes, you can get into law school with a 2.0 GPA, but it's challenging and requires a strong LSAT score, excellent essays, strong recommendations, relevant experience, and a well-written addendum, especially targeting less competitive schools; a high LSAT can offset a low GPA, turning you into a "splitter", but you'll need to explain the low GPA to demonstrate you can succeed.

Can a 2.7 GPA get into law school?

There is so much more that admissions committees consider! I had a 2.9 and got a 160 LSAT, I got into several schools in my area with scholarships. Granted I had a 3.8 grad GPA from a masters program (most schools don't care much about that), but yes, you can get in with a 2.7 just make sure you have a strong LSAT.

What did Barack Obama get on the LSAT?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
 

Can you get into law school with a 2.5 GPA?

Yes, you can get into law school with a 2.5 GPA, but it's challenging and requires significant compensation through other factors like a very high LSAT score, exceptional personal statements, strong letters of recommendation, and compelling life experiences, often targeting regional or lower-ranked schools initially, or aiming to transfer after excelling in your first year. A high LSAT score (especially in the high 160s or 170s) is crucial to offset a low GPA, making you a "splitter" candidate that some schools consider. 

What disqualifies you from law school?

What disqualifies you from law school often involves dishonesty, serious criminal history (especially crimes of moral turpitude like fraud), significant financial irresponsibility, or academic misconduct, all falling under the "character and fitness" evaluation, though a single minor issue usually isn't a bar if disclosed honestly and explained well; failure to disclose, lying on the application, or misrepresenting facts is often a more significant reason for denial or later disbarment. 

Law School with a 2.0 GPA? | LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 1304

44 related questions found

Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?

Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.

Did Michelle Obama ever pass a bar exam?

Yes, Michelle Obama did pass the Illinois bar exam, but she failed it on her first attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School before passing it on her second try, later becoming a licensed attorney in Illinois and having a successful legal career before becoming First Lady. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989 and went on to work in intellectual property law at a firm where she met her husband, Barack Obama.
 

What LSAT did Elle Woods get?

Elle Woods scored a 179 on the LSAT, just one point shy of a perfect 180, after going from a 143 on a practice test to achieving this near-perfect score by studying intensely for Harvard Law School. Her remarkable score, combined with a 4.0 GPA, secured her admission to Harvard Law.
 

What did Ben Affleck get on his SAT?

Ben Affleck reportedly had a "near-perfect" or "almost perfect" SAT score, rumored to be 1600, on the old 1600-point scale, though the exact score isn't officially confirmed, with sources citing sources like the New York Times on his high aptitude despite poor high school attendance.
 

Is law school harder than med school?

Medical school is generally considered harder due to its intense, fact-heavy curriculum requiring massive memorization and dealing with life-or-death stakes, while law school focuses more on reading, critical thinking, and analysis, though both are rigorous and demand significant commitment. Med school involves vast scientific knowledge and clinical rotations, whereas law school builds analytical "thinking like a lawyer" through heavy reading, writing, and case application, culminating in high-stakes final exams.
 

What to do if your GPA is too low for law school?

A strong LSAT score can compensate for a low GPA, so it is well worth the investment of time and effort it takes to do well. Many competitive law schools screen applicants using a weighted index of their grades and LSAT scores, so extra points on the LSAT may effectively boost your GPA.

What is a reverse splitter law school?

A “splitter” refers to someone with a high LSAT score but a lower GPA, while a “reverse splitter” has the opposite—a high GPA but a lower LSAT score. These terms are crucial as you navigate the law school admissions process. After all, a low LSAT score or GPA doesn't automatically mean your admissions hopes are dashed.

What's the lowest LSAT score that is acceptable by law school?

There's no single minimum LSAT score for all law schools, as scores vary widely; top-tier schools often look for 170+, while scores in the mid-150s can get you into good regional schools, with some accepting scores as low as 148 or even 145, though lower scores are less competitive, making your GPA and school choice crucial. Aiming for scores above the median for your target schools gives you the best chance for admission and scholarships.
 

How to boost your GPA for law school?

Here's how you can work on improving your law school GPA.

  1. Identify the Cause. The first step to boosting your GPA after a tough midterm is understanding what led to the lower score. ...
  2. Develop Better Study Habits. ...
  3. Sharpen Your Case Briefing Skills. ...
  4. Gain Practical Experience. ...
  5. Build Strong Relationships with Professors.

What GPA do most law students have?

To be a competitive applicant, you should have at least an A- average (grade point average [GPA] of 3.7) in the top 2 years of your undergraduate degree program at a full course load and an LSAT score of at least 160.

What LSAT score did Obama get?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
 

Does Elle Woods have autism?

No, Elle Woods from Legally Blonde is not officially written as autistic, but many fans interpret her character as having autistic traits, such as intense focus on interests (fashion, law), strong memory, literal thinking, and challenges with social norms, making her a relatable figure for some within the autistic community who see themselves in her journey and focus, even if it's not an official diagnosis.
 

Is LSAT IQ?

The LSAT is not an IQ test. It does not measure intelligence the way IQ tests are designed to measure innate ability. A person who is very smart can receive a low LSAT score. A person who is very creative can receive a low LSAT score.

Did Joe Biden pass a bar exam?

Yes, Joe Biden passed the bar exam and was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969 after earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968, despite graduating in the lower portion of his class. He practiced law before entering politics, serving as a lawyer and later becoming the 27th President of the United States, and the first President with a law degree from a non-"T-14" law school in a century, notes Law.com. 

How many times did Kim Kardashian take the bar exam?

Kim Kardashian has taken the official California Bar Exam once, in July 2025, and did not pass, but she did pass the "Baby Bar" (First-Year Law Students' Exam) on her fourth attempt in late 2021 after failing it three times previously, allowing her to proceed to the main exam. She has plans to retake the main bar exam, with opportunities in February 2026 and beyond, as California law allows multiple attempts. 

Did Hillary Clinton pass the bar?

Hillary Clinton took both the Washington DC and Arkansas bar exams. While she passed the Arkansas Bar Exam, she did not pass the bar exam in Washington DC. That did not stop her, though! She went on to practice in the intellectual property field in Arkansas and has since become a leading political figure.

How many times did Michelle Obama take the bar exam?

Michelle Obama took the Illinois Bar Exam twice, failing the first time but passing on her second attempt, a common experience even for successful lawyers. She initially failed the bar, which was devastating, but she persevered and passed, later working as a lawyer before becoming the First Lady. 

Who's richer, Taylor Swift or Kim Kardashian?

As of late 2025, Kim Kardashian is generally reported to be richer than Taylor Swift, with her net worth boosted significantly by her SKIMS brand, pushing her fortune to around $1.9 billion, while Swift's wealth is estimated at $1.6 billion, though both are billionaires. Kardashian's business ventures, especially SKIMS' high valuation, have recently placed her ahead, though these figures fluctuate.
 

Is baby bar harder than bar?

The Baby Bar (FYLSE) often has a lower pass rate (around 20-25%) than the main California Bar Exam (around 40-50%), leading many to say it feels harder, though the difficulty is debated and often attributed to the different test-taker pool (non-ABA students vs. all law grads) and lack of full law school training, making it a significant hurdle for those on an alternative path like Kim Kardashian. While the main bar tests many subjects over two days, the baby bar is shorter (one day, three subjects) but incredibly challenging due to its low success rate and specific focus on first-year law topics for non-traditional students.