Can I raise my GPA for law school?

Asked by: Gretchen Leannon  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (13 votes)

Additionally, once you graduate, your undergraduate GPA is set in stone. You can retake the LSAT, revise your application essays, get new recommenders, and even reapply to schools, but at that point, you cannot change your undergraduate GPA.

How can I increase my GPA for law school?

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. If you score poorly on the LSAT, you can try to address it in an addendum as well, but that can be trickier to explain than poor grades.

How do I fix my low GPA for law school?

How to Offset a Low GPA on Law School Applications
  1. 1) Ace the LSAT. See your chances of getting into top law schools. ...
  2. 2) Get Great References. ...
  3. 3) Take a Gap Year or Two. ...
  4. 4) Explain Your Circumstances. ...
  5. 5) Set Your Sights a Little Lower. ...
  6. 6) Apply to as Many Law Schools as Possible. ...
  7. A Final Word for the Fretful Applicant.

Is a 3.7 GPA too low for law school?

The average GPA for law school is between 3.91. However, like LSAT scores, it's important to understand that the specific average GPA can differ depending on the law school and its level of competitiveness. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically ranging from 3.8 to 4.0 or even higher.

Can a 2.5 GPA get you into law school?

So generally, if you're trying to get into the top schools, a GPA below 3.6 will be considered low. But to answer the question what GPA do you need to get into law school, any law school, then the answer is at least a 2.5. That is realistically the lowest GPA you can have to get into law school.

Waiting to apply to law school to increase your GPA

30 related questions found

Is 2.9 GPA too low for law school?

1. What Is the Lowest GPA For Law School? Since the majority of law schools require a GPA of 3.0 or higher, anything below a 3.0 is considered very low. Some of the absolute lowest GPA requirements for schools are 2.80.

How rare is a 176 LSAT?

Less than 1% of test takers score a 176. It's a very hard thing to do. Don't let this sub skew your perception of what's realistic.

Is LSAT or GPA more important?

In general terms, it can be said that law schools value LSAT scores more than they do undergraduate GPA, but whether or not this statement applies to a given institution and how by much depends on the school.

What are softs for law school?

Softs refer to everything in your application that isn't "hard" data.

What is the easiest law school to get into?

16 Easiest Law Schools to Get Into Based on Acceptance Rate
  • Creighton University Law School – 79%
  • University of Wyoming Law School – 78%
  • Marquette University Law School – 77%
  • Loyola New Orleans Law School – 76%
  • Drake University Law School – 75%
  • Oklahoma City University School of Law – 72%

How to boost a law school application?

Keep reading to improve your chances of your law school application landing in the “accepted” pile...
  1. Strong Academic Record and LSAT Score. ...
  2. Extracurricular Involvement. ...
  3. Excellent Writing and Reading Abilities. ...
  4. Personal Growth. ...
  5. Strong Recommendations from People Who Actually Know You. ...
  6. Something Special…

Can a high LSAT offset a low GPA?

Yes, a high LSAT score can significantly balance a low GPA by showcasing essential skills in critical thinking and logic.

Do law schools care if you retake classes?

Clear up any Incomplete grades before you apply to law schools since they may adversely affect your GPA and the quality of your transcript. Avoid repeating courses unless absolutely necessary.

What is the lowest GPA to get into Harvard Law School?

A high GPA is 3.99 and the median is 3.92. There's no lowest GPA but you probably won't get into Harvard with a 2.5 GPA. Your GPA still needs to be somewhat competitive with the median GPA. That said, you can get into Harvard Law School even if your GPA is 3.82 or lower.

Do law schools care about GPA?

Law schools care about many things: your GPA, your LSAT, the story you tell, the obstacles you've overcome.

Is a 3.75 GPA good for law school?

Among the 191 ranked law schools that submitted grade data to U.S. News in an annual survey, the average median GPA of entering law school students in 2021 was 3.55. But at the 20 highest-ranked law schools, the average median GPA is much higher – 3.86.

Is 158 a bad LSAT score?

As mentioned above, the average LSAT score nationally is a 152. Generally speaking, a score of 160 and above is necessary to guarantee admission into top-100 schools like Tulane, UC Hastings, or Case Western Reserve.

Do law schools look at your transcript?

Law schools consider a candidate's whole transcript, as well as other factors, when making admissions decisions.

Is 136 a bad LSAT score?

What a Low LSAT Score Means. If your LSAT score is in the 130s or low 140s, it's very hard to find an ABA law school anywhere in the US that will offer you unrestricted acceptance (especially in the increasingly competitive environment).

What did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?

Elle Woods, a fictional character portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the movie Legally Blonde, is known for her remarkable LSAT score—179 out of 180. Portrayed as a stereotypical "valley girl," she embarks on a journey to Harvard Law School in the movie that has since become a cult favorite.

Will a 180 LSAT get you in anywhere?

Here is a breakdown of what counts as a good enough score for law schools based on the school's rank: Top-five law schools: 170 to 180. Schools like Harvard and Yale, which are the top two, rarely accept applicants with less than 172 on the LSAT. Law schools ranked between 5 and 10: 165 to 170.

Is a 3.0 too low for law school?

Considering students are generally advised to score a GPA of 3.5 in college to get into law school, a 3.0 is typically considered low. However, it all depends on the schools you're applying to! As discussed earlier, several schools consider a 3.0 to be within their competitive range.

What is the easiest state to become a lawyer in?

Going by the 2021 bar exam passing rates, Wyoming has the easiest bar exam to pass. However, we don't really get the full picture by just looking at the passing rates. Each state's bar exam can differ in difficulty and content.

Should I retake a 165 LSAT?

Improve your Scores

Some people would say “yes”, and that is fine. But if you have an above-average score, say, between 165-170, retaking the LSAT seems like overkill at that point.