Do law schools look at grades or GPA?

Asked by: Dena Anderson  |  Last update: December 17, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (52 votes)

There's really no way around it—your LSAT score, GPA, and the rigor of your undergraduate course work are basically the most important things law schools are looking for. Also keep in mind that your LSAT score and GPA can make a huge difference in the scholarships and grants you'll be eligible for.

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.

What matters more, LSAT or GPA?

Those rankings unquestionably value median LSAT score more highly than they do UGPA; in fact, a peek at the full details of the rankings (only available to those willing to pony up $29.95 for inside access) shows the LSAT score placed front and center, whereas it takes several clicks and some scrolling to discover the ...

Is a 3.0 GPA okay for law school?

While having a 3.0 GPA can seem like the end of the world when you're hoping to apply to law school, many law schools consider a 3.0 GPA competitive enough for admission. There are several ways to compensate for your low GPA and submit a strong, winning application!

What is the lowest GPA a law school will accept?

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 I Got Into Law School With a LOW LSAT and Gpa || Releasing my LSAT || My Admission Story

34 related questions found

Is a 3.2 GPA bad for 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.

Can I get into law school with a 2.5 GPA Canada?

Canadian law schools with lower GPA and LSAT requirements

Generally, you would need a GPA above 3.7 or 80% to successfully enter a Canadian law school. With a high LSAT score and other requirements, it may secure your spot to your preferred law school.

Will a 3.5 get me into law school?

Law schools generally require that you have specified minimum collegiate GPA and LSAT scores to qualify for admission. Harvard, Yale, and the other top five-ranked law schools require that you have a GPA of at least 3.50 and an LSAT score of 170.

What GPA do big law firms want?

What Is a Good GPA for Big Law? It depends on what firms you're hoping to work with. Many firms require lawyers to have a GPA of 3.5 from a top school, while many others consider a 3.0 from the same institution to be acceptable.

How hard is the LSAT?

This process is not only time-consuming but can be very expensive as well. So yes, the LSAT is hard, and it is designed that way. It's not so much a test that requires a student to remember random facts, but instead, it is a test that showcases a student's thought process.

Does LSAT outweigh GPA?

Yes, many schools with holistic admissions prioritize LSAT scores and other qualities over strictly GPA. Check individual schools for their approach.

Do law schools look at GPA trends?

Trends in GPA: Demonstrating Growth

Law schools may also assess your academic trajectory. They want to see improvement or consistency in your grades over time. If you had a rocky start but showed significant improvement in later years, make sure to highlight this in your application.

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.

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.

Can I get into Columbia with a 3.7 GPA?

Columbia University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, admitted students typically have very high GPAs, ranging from 3.7 to 4.0, with an average GPA of 3.9.

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.

What is a respectable law school GPA?

A good GPA for law school generally falls between 3.5 and 4.0. However, top-tier institutions like Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, and Yale Law School often admit students with median GPAs closer to 3.9 or higher.

Do law firms care about grades?

Grades are important to many law firms when making hiring decisions. However, the weight that they carry in these decisions most often depends on the particular firm involved and whether you are (A) a junior attorney or law student, (B) a mid-level to senior associate, or (C) a partner.

What is Harvard law GPA?

As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School. If you have a GPA of 3.94 or higher and above a 175, you are pretty much a lock for admission, particularly given the class size of ~560.

Is a 174 LSAT good?

So, a great score on the LSAT is a 172, but more than 100,000 people take the LSAT every year and only 1% score 172 or higher. For the top 50 law schools, the median LSAT score is between 164 and 174. A good LSAT score for top tier(defined by T14 schools for this article) law schools is between 171 and 174.

What is the easiest law degree to get?

The easiest law degree to earn is a Master of Legal Studies degree. For more information about earning a Master of Legal Studies or for help finding a program, reach out to Learn.org today.

Do law schools care about extracurriculars?

Ultimately, extracurricular activities are a plus factor. Law schools weigh grades and LSAT scores most heavily, but keeping busy in interesting and admirable ways is a way to distinguish yourself against a sea of applicants with similar numbers.

What GPA do you need to get into Osgoode law school?

Although admission decisions are made on the basis of a holistic assessment of the application, successful applicants generally have an “A-“ (3.7) cumulative GPA and an LSAT in the 80th percentile, or better. Significantly stronger results on either the LSAT or the GPA may compensate for a less competitive LSAT or GPA.

What is the lowest LSAT score accepted?

What Is The Lowest Acceptable Score? A 144-145 is generally considered to be the lowest acceptable score to attend law school. The median LSAT score is around 151-152, so 144-145 is significantly lower than this. As such, the majority of law schools will not accept scores below this.

Do law schools look at all four years in Canada?

We consider all years of study and, as a general rule, strong cumulative averages will be preferred. However, we will place greater weight on your last 2 years of full-time (or equivalent) undergraduate study in appropriate circumstances, typically where your cumulative average falls below 3.7.