Can I get into NYU law with a low GPA?

Asked by: scraper  |  Last update: September 20, 2026
Score: 0/5 (0 votes)

Yes, it is possible, but it is an uphill battle. To have a realistic shot as a "splitter" (someone with a low GPA but high test scores), your LSAT must be well above NYU’s median, and you must have exceptional soft factors.

Can you get into NYU Law School with a low GPA?

In 2019, the average undergraduate GPA among accepted NYU Law School applicants was 3.78. This average is relatively low when compared with other top law schools, like Harvard (3.86) or Yale (3.93).

Can you get into NYU Law with a 3.8 GPA?

The median was 172. The school has not released any information on GRE scores. For undergraduate GPA, the 25th percentile was 3.72, and the 75th percentile was 3.94. The median was 3.88.

Can I still go to law school with a low GPA?

Yes, you can absolutely go to law school with a low GPA. Many applicants gain admission with GPAs below 3.03.03.0 by offsetting them with a high LSAT score, compelling personal statements, and professional work experience. Admissions committees look at the whole profile, and a high LSAT can prove academic potential.

Is a 3.2 GPA too low for law school?

A 3.2 GPA isn't necessarily bad, but it is considered below the median for most competitive U.S. law schools. However, it absolutely will not keep you out of law school. Because admissions rely heavily on a two-factor index (GPA and LSAT scores), a lower GPA means you need a significantly higher LSAT score to remain competitive.

What GPA Is Needed To Get Into NYU Law School? - Law School Prep Hub

24 related questions found

What was Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama’s exact LSAT score has never been officially released to the public. However, test preparation experts and admissions analysts estimate his score was in the range of 167 to 172, which corresponds roughly to the 94th to 98th percentile of test-takers.

Is a 3.4 GPA horrible?

A 3.4 GPA is not bad. It is equivalent to a strong 𝐵+ or an 89% average, making it comfortably above the national average of 3.0. However, its perception is entirely subjective and depends on your goals:

Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?

No, Kim Kardashian did not take the LSAT. She did not attend traditional law school.

What is an OK GPA for law school?

But at the 20 highest-ranked law schools, the average median GPA is much higher – 3.86. Nineteen of those 20 schools had a median GPA that was at least 3.8, and of those, seven had a median GPA that was 3.9 or above.

What did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?

Elle Woods scored a 179 on her LSAT in the film Legally Blonde.

Is it harder to get into NYU or UCLA?

Both NYU and UCLA are incredibly competitive, with acceptance rates below 10%. As of 2026, UCLA is slightly harder to get into than NYU, generally, due to its status as the most applied-to school in the US and having a lower acceptance rate. UCLA’s in-state acceptance rate is roughly 10%, while NYU has a roughly 9% rate but often has a higher average SAT score.

Is a 157 a bad LSAT score?

A 157 LSAT is not a bad score—it is a solid, above-average result that puts you in the top 65% to 66% of all test-takers. However, its competitiveness depends entirely on your target law schools.

Is 27 too late for law school?

No, 27 is not too late for law school; it is actually a common age for "non-traditional" students, often seen as an advantage due to maturity and work experience. Many law schools value students with professional experience, and you will likely find many classmates in their late 20s and early 30s.

Can I get into NYU Law with a 160?

Think about what traits and experiences you bring that can make you stand out in light of your test score. 159 and below: If you're set on attending NYU, we recommend you retake the LSAT. A score in the 150s range (even in the high 150s) will be difficult to overcome, even with a compelling application story.

Is a B+ a good grade in law school?

Yes, a B+ is a solid, respectable grade in law school. Because law schools use strict grading curves, a B+ usually places you above average (often in the top 25%–33% of your class) and represents an adequate mastery of the subject.

Can I get into NYU with a 1400 SAT?

What SAT score is required for NYU? Applicants should score between 1400 and 1500 on their SAT to be strong candidates for admission to this school. Having less than this will require compensating by using a substitute ACT score or having an above-average GPA.

What was Obama's GPA?

President Barack Obama’s exact overall undergraduate and high school GPAs are not publicly verified, as student records are private. However, it is known that he transferred from Occidental College and graduated from Columbia University in 1983 with a reported 3.7 GPA.

Is a 3.0 GPA too low for law school?

No, a 3.0 GPA is not too low for law school, but it will place you below the median at most ABA-approved schools. To be a competitive applicant, you will need to apply strategically as a "splitter" (low GPA, high LSAT score) and consider the following factors:

Is law school harder than med school?

Medical school is widely considered harder than law school due to the sheer volume of memorization, heavy reliance on science, and the high-stakes, hands-on clinical training. While law school is academically demanding with competitive grading curves, medical school requires a more exhausting and time-consuming daily schedule.

Did Obama take the LSAT?

This test played an important role in Obama's acceptance to Harvard Law School, setting the stage for his future successes. In this article, we will go into detail why LSAT scores are such a big deal in the world of law.

How many times did Michelle Obama take the bar exam?

Michelle Obama took the bar exam two times before passing.

How to make $500,000 a year as a lawyer?

Lawyers can reach $500K+ in income by focusing on high-value legal specialties and scalable business models. Strategic lead generation is essential for consistent client acquisition and revenue growth. Raising legal fees and implementing retainer agreements can significantly boost profitability.

What will an F do to a 3.5 GPA?

An F (0.0 grade points) will significantly lower a 3.5 GPA, likely dropping it by 0.2 to 0.5 points depending on total credits completed. A single 3-credit F can drag a 3.5 GPA down to approximately 3.08–3.2, acting as a "0" in your average rather than a "4" (A) or "3" (B).

What is the hardest year of college?

The hardest year of college depends on your major, but most students find junior year the most challenging. While the difficulty of the material peaks in the third year, the transition from high school makes the first year the hardest in terms of lifestyle and survival.

How rare is a 4.0 GPA?

A 4.0 GPA is exceptionally rare, representing the top 2% to 15% of students nationally depending on the institution. Earning a perfect unweighted 4.0 places you well above the national high school average (which hovers around 3.0 to 3.1).