Do law schools care about recommendation letters?
Asked by: Susan McGlynn IV | Last update: October 16, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (25 votes)
Law schools place a great deal of emphasis on strong reference letters. Most law programs require two or three reference letters for admission, although they may accept more than just three.
Is 4 letters of recommendation too much for law school?
Schools vary on the number of letters of recommendation they require, so make sure to check each school's requirements in LSAC. Typically, two-four letters are required, meaning schools most commonly require two letters but will accept up to four.
Do colleges really care about letters of recommendation?
However, most selective colleges and universities — Harvard, Stanford, and USC, just to name a few — require one to three recommendation letters, usually from your guidance counselor and at least one teacher. Multiple recommendation letters allow admissions officers to learn about you from various perspectives.
Can you get into law school without letters of recommendation?
While letters of recommendation carry less weight than your GPA and LSAT score, they are still an important part of your application. Law schools may require 2-3 letters of recommendation from your professors or someone who has otherwise worked with you in an academic or professional capacity.
What does a good letter of recommendation look like for law school?
A good law school recommendation letter should include your relationship with the writer and detailed, positive judgments about your character, activities, and accomplishments. If possible, a letter that quantitatively compares you to your peers can give you a competitive edge.
Former Law School Admission Officer on letters of recommendation
Do law schools check letters of recommendation?
Most law programs require two or three reference letters for admission, although they may accept more than just three.
Can I write my own letter of recommendation for law school?
Law School Applicants: Don't Write Your Letters of Recommendation. Self-written recommendation letters are easy to spot and are seen as inauthentic.
How many letters of recommendation does Harvard law require?
Two letters of recommendation are required, but you may submit up to three. We strongly recommend that at least one letter of recommendation come from an academic source.
What is the minimum GPA for law school?
According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), students need a GPA of at least 3.59 and an LSAT of 162 or more to get into any top 10 law schools. However, that is the bare minimum, and you should aim higher if you want to increase your chances of getting into the top 3.
How long is a law school recommendation letter?
Template for Letter of Recommendation for a law school applicant. Ideally, the person writing the letter has worked or studied with the applicant. The letter should be one page and have three sections: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
Who should you not ask for a letter of recommendation?
Don't ask a family member or a friend for a recommendation as a college may not take them seriously. You should always follow the guidelines from the colleges you are applying to when choosing who to write your letter of recommendation.
Can you get a bad letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation can be a powerful tool in your academic or professional journey. It's your advocate, speaking to your strengths and qualifications. However, not all recommendation letters are created equal, and a “bad letter of recommendation” can have far-reaching consequences.
How much weight does a letter of recommendation hold?
Recommendation letters can definitely play a significant role in the college admissions process. While they may not carry as much weight as your GPA, test scores, or extracurricular activities, they can certainly tip the scales in your favor if they're well-written and highlight your strengths and potential.
How many law schools is too many to apply to?
Generally, 15 schools is the maximum number of schools you should apply to. If you apply to different types of schools, as we have suggested here, you'll have good odds of getting into at least one of these 15.
Can I submit my law school application before letters of recommendation?
Your assigned LORs will be sent as part of your CAS Report to the law schools to which you apply, so you need not delay the submission of your applications while waiting for your letters to be received. You must direct letters of recommendation to law schools based on each school's requirements or preferences.
Is it bad to submit 4 letters of recommendation?
Bottom line: there are very few instances in which you should be sending more than the required number. If a school felt strongly that more letters would be helpful, it would require or encourage more letters. Use the extras (that they permit) for very special circumstances only.
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.
Is 171 a good LSAT score?
Another commonly used grouping is the T-14, or law schools ranked in the top 14 by U.S. News when delineating top-tier law schools. A good LSAT score for T-14 law schools is 170–171 or higher.
What are softs for law school?
Softs refer to everything in your application that isn't "hard" data.
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.
Is 160 a good LSAT score?
According to U.S. News, law school admissions experts recommend striving for at least a 150; however, for a top-ranking law school, you should aim for a 160 or better. For a Top 10 law school, a 170 or more is desired.
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.
What do law schools want to see in a letter of recommendation?
The most effective letters of recommendation are written by professors or work supervisors who know you well enough to describe your academic, personal, or professional achievements and potential with candor, detail, and objectivity. Letters that compare you to your academic peers are often the most useful.
What to do if you don t have letters of recommendation for law school?
- Reach out to your academic advisor. ...
- Reach out to former professors. ...
- Ask your boss (or former boss) ...
- Take a class and build a relationship. ...
- Talk to Admissions.
Should I waive my right to see letters of recommendation?
Generally speaking, waiving your right to view your letters of recommendation is ideal. While you can retain the right to view them, many admissions officers consider waiving the right as more honest.