How do I make a list of law schools to apply to?
Asked by: Issac Mann MD | Last update: August 5, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (37 votes)
It may make sense to start with a larger list, perhaps 20 or 30 schools. Use law school rankings and statistics to determine a realistic range of schools based on important factors like your grades and LSAT or GRE score.
How to create a list of law schools?
Break down your list into three categories: reach schools, mid-range schools, and safety schools. One or two safety schools should suffice—if you aren't admitted to those safety schools, you're better off reapplying once you've strengthened your candidacy by retaking the LSAT or rewriting your essays.
Do you have to list other law schools you are applying to?
Good lawyers know the difference between answering truthfully and showing all your cards. Unless an application specifically asks for every school to which you are applying, consider including only nearby or similarly ranked law schools.
What is a good number of law schools to apply to?
Your best bet is to apply to a minimum of two reach schools, two match schools, and three safeties. A reach is a law school whose students' average LSAT and GPA scores are higher than yours. Don't be discouraged from applying, but based on the numbers alone your chances are not outstanding.
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.
7 things you MUST know about applying to law school
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 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.
Is applying to 7 law schools enough?
Most students don't need to apply to 20 law schools. Your applications will be diluted and you'll pay more. Give priority to 8-12 schools based on a mix of safety, target, and reach options.
What major has the highest acceptance rate to law school?
Classical studies is one of the best majors for law school preparation because of its high acceptance rate, which is over 83 percent.
What are Target law schools?
Target Schools
These are schools where your GPA and LSAT scores are at or above the school's median scores, or either your GPA or LSAT is above the median score, and the other is below (this is commonly referred to as being a splitter).
Should I say I'm applying to other law schools?
Some say it's optional; others don't specify, but still allo… ... , so some schools ask you to list the other law schools that you're applying to. Some say it ... still allow it to go unanswered.
Can you be a lawyer without going to law school suits?
If you meet the study requirements, you can skip law school and go straight to take the California bar exam.
Should I give LSAC my SSN?
Although requested, your Social Security number is not required to complete the initial LSAC account set up.
How many essays do you have to write for law school?
In a typical law school application, you will be asked to write three essays: a Personal Statement, a Diversity Statement, and an Addendum/additional Information. Some schools vary, but each essay is usually a building block to the larger structure that is your application.
How to decide if law school is right for you?
- Ask yourself some questions. Am I in it for the money? ...
- Check your GPA and LSAT scores. ...
- Use your imagination. ...
- If you are not sure, take some time off. ...
- Consider your reality as a legal professional.
Who makes up a law school admissions committee?
Chapter 2: Understanding the Admissions Committee and Its Expectations for the Personal Statement. Admissions committees at top law schools usually consist of professional admissions officers, law professors, and law students.
What is the hardest law degree to get?
The hardest law school to get into is Yale Law School, with an acceptance rate of 5.5%. Followed by: Stanford Law School: 7% acceptance rate. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School: 3.8% acceptance rate.
What major does best on LSAT?
Statistics majors had the highest median LSAT at 168 out of a possible 180, followed by math majors at 167. Biophysics and computer science majors tied for No. 3 with median scores of 165 with biomedical majors not far behind.
What is the easiest law school to get into?
- 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%
Is February LSAT too late?
The LSAT should be taken no later than February of the year for which the applicant is seeking admission and enrollment; testing earlier is recommended.
What GPA do you need to get into most law schools?
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.
Do law schools care where you got undergrad?
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. Similarly, if you want to attend medical school, the prestige of your undergraduate institution is relatively unimportant, while your GPA and MCAT scores are critical.
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.
What are the T6 law schools?
T6 Law Schools are those that are consistently ranked between 1 and 6 by US News. Generally, T6 schools applies to Yale, Stanford, Harvard, UChicago, Columbia, NYU, and UPenn. BUT THAT IS 7 SCHOOLS! True, T6 is more of a loose term and the USNews Rankings are fluid.