Does my undergraduate GPA matter for law school?

Asked by: Miss Asha Turner MD  |  Last update: December 26, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (2 votes)

While law schools consider applicants' letters of recommendation, personal statements, work experience and extracurricular activities, many experts say undergraduate GPA and LSAT scores are often the most heavily weighed factors in admissions decisions.

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.

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.

Do law schools care about major GPA or overall GPA?

In one word, NO. Law schools care about many things: your GPA, your LSAT, the story you tell, the obstacles you've overcome. But if there is one thing law school admissions committees care least about, it may be your major.

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.

Does my undergrad degree matter for law school? | LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 114

39 related questions found

Is a 3.0 GPA bad for law school?

Is a 3.0 GPA 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.

Do law schools look at undergraduate or graduate GPA?

When it comes to the primary GPA that law schools look at, it's your undergrad GPA. A grad GPA is nice, but it doesn't replace or get combined with the UGPA. A low UGPA will not be bolstered by a high grad GPA. On the other hand, a low grad GPA won't bring down a high UGPA.

Can high LSAT offset 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 where you got your undergrad?

Oct. 9, 2023, at 9:25 a.m. Admissions officers tend to care more about grades achieved at the institution where applicants receive their undergraduate degree. Grades are one of the two most important factors in law school admissions, along with standardized test scores on the LSAT or GRE.

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.

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 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%

Does GPA really matter for law school?

While law schools consider applicants' letters of recommendation, personal statements, work experience and extracurricular activities, many experts say undergraduate GPA and LSAT scores are often the most heavily weighed factors in admissions decisions.

Is juris education worth it?

At Juris Education, we don't just promise results—we deliver them. We're 100% legit, and our track record speaks volumes– an exceptional 94% acceptance rate into elite programs like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale, counselors with over 15 years of experience, and over 37,000 coaching hours.

Has anyone gotten into law school with a low LSAT?

You can get into law school with a low LSAT score if it is above 144-145. Scores in this range will get you into some lower-ranking schools, although the majority of law schools prefer scores above 150. For expert prep on increasing your score and chances of accetpance, speak with a counselor at Juris Education.

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.

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 is the minimum undergrad GPA for law school?

Obtain High GPA & LSAT Scores

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 law school harder than a master's?

Yes, grad school requires learning new approaches, new theories, new ways of thinking. Some of this even makes your head spin. But it simply doesn't require the same radical realignment that law school does. What you learned as an undergraduate applies to grad school — but not so much to law school.

Does your undergrad major matter for law school?

The American Bar Association (ABA) states that they do not recommend any specific major for undergraduates or coursework to prepare for law school.

Can I get into Harvard with a 2.7 GPA?

It's exceptionally challenging with a GPA below 3.0, but not impossible. Focus on other aspects of your application to compensate for a low GPA.

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.

What is the lowest GPA for Yale Law School?

Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3 and be 18 years old by the time the program begins.