How hard is it to get into law school?

Asked by: Ms. Dawn Paucek  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (38 votes)

Some law schools are harder to get into than others. For example, the top 10 law schools in the US have an average acceptance rate of 15 percent, while the lowest–ranked schools have an average acceptance rate of 80 percent.

What GPA do I need to get into 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.

How hard is it really to get into law school?

Admissions to law school is typically tougher than business school, at least from a numbers perspective. For example, the middle 50% of GPAs at the top 3 law schools are 3.75-3.95. In other words, 25% of students have GPAs higher than 3.95.

What are the odds of getting into law school?

Across the country, the median law school acceptance rate is 41%. Some schools even have acceptance rates of 65% or more. But the top 15 law schools – including Stanford and Yale – are far harder to get into, with an average acceptance rate of 12.6%. Keep reading to learn more about 2023 acceptance rates.

What law school is easiest to get into?

15 Easiest Law Schools to Get Into Based on GPA
  • Whittier Law School – 2.85.
  • Touro Law School – 3.0.
  • Northern Illinois Law School – 3.09.
  • Willamette University College of Law – 3.13.
  • Loyola New Orleans Law School – 3.14.
  • Hamline University School of Law – 3.14.
  • University of North Dakota School of Law – 3.17.

The Three Things I did to get into Harvard Law School.

37 related questions found

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 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's the hardest year of law school?

Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.

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 a stipend for law school?

The purpose of the stipends is to provide financial support that will enable students to engage in such activities (e.g., conference registration fees and travel; costs of community service project) in situations where other funding is not available.

How hard is the bar exam?

The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.

Is law school harder than med school?

Each path demands extensive education and a commitment to rigorous training before becoming a qualified professional. Although both law and medical schools present their unique challenges, it's generally accepted that medical school demands a higher level of intense coursework and thorough training.

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.

How long is the LSAT?

How long is the LSAT? The LSAT is composed of four 35-minute test sections. There is a 10-minute intermission between the second and third sections. The test takes approximately 3 hours for standard test takers.

What are softs for law school?

Softs refer to everything in your application that isn't "hard" data.

Is a 135 on the LSAT bad?

Average LSAT Score

LSAT passing score of at least 165 on the LSAT. In recent years, the average LSAT score has stayed at around 151-152. Correspondingly, applicants should aim to score 151 at a minimum to get into an accredited law school because of how competitive and challenging admissions are.

Is there math on the LSAT?

No, the LSAT does not explicitly test math. You may see some questions about percentages in the logical reasoning (arguments) section, and some analytical reasoning questions (i.e., logic games) may resemble math problems, but these questions are designed to test your logical reasoning, not your mathematical knowledge.

How many times can I fail the LSAT?

Five times within the current reportable score period (i.e., since June 2019). A total of seven times over a lifetime.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

How old are most law graduates?

Although most applicants are under 25, about 1 in 5 are 30 or older and a much smaller proportion are over 40. Many older law school graduates build fulfilling second careers that draw on preexisting skills and experiences.

What is the hardest subject in a law degree?

First-year law school classes tend to be the most difficult of any that you will experience in your three years of law school, as you are getting used to new subject matter and heavier readings. Some of the hardest classes in law school, according to current and former students, are: Constitutional Law. Civil Procedure.

What is the easiest lawyer to become?

The easiest law to practice is often considered to be estate planning. This involves helping clients prepare for the distribution of their assets upon death or incapacitation, making it relatively straightforward compared to other legal fields.

Is law or doctor harder?

But in all reality, med school is harder, but the practice of law is more difficult than the practice of medicine.