Does it matter when you submit your law school application?
Asked by: Dean Konopelski | Last update: October 28, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (39 votes)
For example, applicants wishing to start law school in fall 2025 may access and submit applications as early as September 1, 2024. Many law schools accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning your application will be reviewed as soon as it is submitted and deemed complete.
When should you submit your law school application?
You should aim to submit all of your applications, regardless of deadlines, by late November or early December, if not earlier. Ideally, give yourself about a year, starting in January, to complete all the necessary steps.
Does college matter when applying for law school?
The importance of your college's prestige varies greatly depending on your career goals. If you want to attend law school, the prestige of your undergraduate program matters very little as compared to the importance of GPA and LSAT scores.
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 it better to apply to law school early?
Does it matter when you apply to law school? Applying to law school early, especially for schools that admit students on a rolling basis, gives you better chances of acceptance. But, sending a prompt application won't help if you rush through your materials.
My Law School Journey (gpa, lsat, +getting into my dream school)
Does the month you apply to law school matter?
Unlike medical school and other programs with rolling admissions, timing matters less when applying to law school. Law schools have rolling admission. While application deadlines are typically in February or March, and sometimes months later, admissions officers review applications in roughly the order received.
Does early decision increase chances of law school?
As we discussed above, applying early decision can increase your admissions chances if you have a certain set of scores. For most law schools, your chances of admissions are greater if you are a “splitter student” — a student with a high LSAT score and a lower GPA or vice versa.
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 a 3.3 GPA bad for law school?
A low GPA for law schools will entirely depend on your goals. If your GPA is at or below a school's 25th percentile, your GPA will be considered low for that school. So generally, if you're trying to get into the top schools, a GPA below 3.6 will be considered low.
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 is the most common major before law school?
However, certain pre law majors are more common than others. Some of the most popular types of law majors include history, political science, economics, English, and criminal justice. That does not mean that these are the best pre law majors, just the most typical.
Am I smart enough to get into 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.
Is 174 a good LSAT?
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.
How fast do law schools notify you of acceptance?
In rare cases, some applicants may receive an answer within a few weeks, but the process typically takes 2–4 months. If your application is placed on hold or if you are placed on a wait list then it may take several additional months to receive a final decision.
How much does LSAT cost?
It costs $222 to take the LSAT and receive one free score report. In addition, subscription to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is required for application for most law schools. This subscription costs $200 and includes on score report for $45. Additional score reports cost $45.
What is too late to apply for law school?
Most law school application deadlines tend to be in February or March, with some even being as late as April or May. While it is not a bad thing to submit your application for the final deadline, we do recommend aiming to submit your application by your school's early submission date.
Is a 2.9 GPA too low for law school?
Law Schools With GPA Medians of 2.9 and Below
Well, admissions statistics say you can! There is quite a large range of acceptable GPAs across all of the nation's law schools and our quiz is here to help you find out which schools to apply to if you have a low GPA!
Is a 168 a good LSAT score?
“If you want to put yourself in the best position to be admitted to a school, you want to be at or above their LSAT median,” Hicks-Jaco says. For example, at Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, 2024 scores in the 25th-75th percentile ranged from 168-171, with 170 as the median score.
What is a good GPA for a 1L?
The list. 3.0 first year, 3.1 upper years. No mandatory curve; 3.1 to 3.3 mean for 1L courses, except First-Year Rhetoric. 3.25 to 3.45 mean for most upper-level courses.
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 a 136 LSAT bad?
As previously stated, the score range for any LSAT exam is 120 to 180, but the average score is about 150. However, most of the top ten law schools require a candidate to have scored at least 165 on the LSAT.
Has anyone gotten a 180 on the LSAT?
The LSAT is scored on a bell curve, ranging from 120 to 180. On recent tests, the hump of the curve has centered around 153. Percentiles vary slightly between tests, but generally around 25% of test-takers score 160 or higher, 5% score 170 or higher, and 1% score 175 or higher. Only one in 1,000 test-takers scores 180.
Do law schools prefer older applicants?
It's never too late to apply to law school. Law schools appreciate older applicants for their life experience and well-defined career goals.
Do law schools prefer pre law?
Anything! Law schools do not require any specific major nor do they prefer one major over another so you're free to major in whatever you want!
Are law school admissions declining?
25% Through The Fall 2024 Law School Admissions Season: Applicants Are Down -3.3%, With Biggest Decline (-10.2%) In The 170-180 LSAT Band (Nov. 13, 2023)