How do I offset a low GPA for law school?

Asked by: Prof. Zackery Stokes V  |  Last update: October 15, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (62 votes)

The good news is there are a number of ways you can redeem yourself and still build an outstanding application—even with a relatively low college GPA.
  1. 1) Ace the LSAT. ...
  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.

How to compensate for low GPA law school?

Strategies for How to Get into Law School with a Low GPA
  1. Ace the LSAT to Offset a Low GPA. The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is one of the most significant factors in law school admissions. ...
  2. Write a Compelling Law School Personal Statement to Stand Out. ...
  3. Use Your Law School Optional Essays to Offset a Low GPA.

How to explain low GPA to law school?

Don't mention it unless they ask. If it does come up (doubtful), just admit that you struggled making the adjustment to law school and then explain how you improved your grades (eg, you worked harder, improved your study habits, sought help from professors, etc.).

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 do you offset a low GPA?

Highlight Other Strengths to Offset a Low GPA
  1. Strong SAT/ACT scores.
  2. Compelling personal statement or essay.
  3. Exceptional extracurricular involvement.
  4. Leadership roles in clubs or organizations.
  5. Unique talents or skills.
  6. Significant volunteer or community service experience.
  7. Work experience or internships.

Offsetting a Low GPA | LSAT Demon Daily, Ep. 449

34 related questions found

How to become a lawyer with a low GPA?

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.

Can I get into law school with a 2.3 GPA?

A 2.3 GPA is considered low for most law schools, but it's not impossible to get admitted. You can compensate with a high LSAT score, strong letters of recommendation, and a compelling application.

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.

Can a 2.7 GPA get into law school?

Can I Get Into Law School With a 2.7 GPA? Most law schools will not consider a 2.7 GPA to be competitive. However, all hope isn't lost if this is the GPA you have. 25% of Western Michigan's accepted students have GPAs of 2.64.

Can I get into law school with a 143 LSAT score?

Appalachian School of Law, Virginia

With an acceptance rate of 63 percent, this school is slightly more competitive than some of the easiest on our list, but your chances of getting in are good if you have at least an LSAT score of 143 and a GPA of 2.80.

Can a good LSAT make up for a low GPA?

A strong LSAT score can compensate for a low GPA, so it is well worth the investment of time and effort it takes to do well. Many competitive law schools screen applicants using a weighted index of their grades and LSAT scores, so extra points on the LSAT may effectively boost your GPA.

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%

How do you justify a low GPA?

The first step in addressing a low GPA is to acknowledge it directly. In your application, provide a clear and concise explanation. Were there personal challenges, health issues, or other extenuating circumstances that impacted your academic performance? Be honest but avoid making excuses.

How hard is it to get a 170 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.

How do you go to law school if you can't afford it?

Scholarships and grants are free money! A scholarship or grant is funding that does not have to be repaid. It may be given on the basis of need, or merit, or both. Most scholarships are conferred by individual law schools.

Does law school recalculate GPA?

Additionally, LSAC may also recalculate your GPA if you have taken less than 60 graded credits in a college or university in the United States, US territories and associated states, or Canada; received your bachelor's degree from an institution outside of those areas; or received your bachelor's degree from an ...

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.

Should I retake a 165 LSAT?

Improve your Scores

Some people would say “yes”, and that is fine. But if you have an above-average score, say, between 165-170, retaking the LSAT seems like overkill at that point.

What is the easiest state to become a lawyer in?

Going by the 2021 bar exam passing rates, Wyoming has the easiest bar exam to pass. However, we don't really get the full picture by just looking at the passing rates. Each state's bar exam can differ in difficulty and content.

What law schools redact GPA?

Washington University School of Law allows applicants to redact their LSAT or GPA on their applications.

What LSAT score do I need with a 2.5 GPA?

There are several in the US that will gladly take you. With a 2.5 GPA and a 160 LSAT score, you are almost guaranteed getting into four Texas law schools.

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 law schools are splitter friendly?

Here are the results: Northwestern and UVA are the only schools we could call splitter friendly (again, compared only to the other Top 14 schools), and Columbia, NYU, Penn, Michigan, Duke, and Georgetown all fall on the friendly side of average.

Can I get accepted with a 2.3 GPA?

In a by-the-textbook definition, a 2.3 GPA is considered “below-average.” Even though it's considered a passing grade, a 2.3 GPA, or a C-grade average, isn't ideal for getting accepted into college.