How many letters of recommendation should I have for law school?

Asked by: Selena Treutel  |  Last update: November 30, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (40 votes)

Law schools place a great deal of emphasis on strong reference letters. Most law programs require two or three reference letters for admission, although they may accept more than just three.

How many letters of rec should I submit for law school?

Schools vary on the number of letters of recommendation they require, so make sure to check each school's requirements in LSAC. Typically, two-four letters are required, meaning schools most commonly require two letters but will accept up to four.

Is 4 rec letters too much?

Typically, it's best to have one professional and one academic reference letter. Some universities may ask for three or more. To get more information on how to plan, apply, and pay for college, visit CFNC's college preparation guide.

Is 2 rec letters enough?

How many letters of recommendation should your child submit to colleges? It's a common question on the minds of parents and students alike navigating the churning waters of elite college admissions. In short, the answer is typically three: one from the school counselor and two from teachers.

Which law schools require two academic letters of recommendation?

Most law schools will require two (2) letters of recommendation. Occasionally, you will be asked for one, three, or even four letters of recommendation. The LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) will process up to four letters and LSAC will send as many letters as the school accepts.

Worst Letter of Recommendation I have seen in 2024 - LOR Nightmare

44 related questions found

Can I get into law school without letters of recommendation?

Most law programs require two or three reference letters for admission, although they may accept more than just three.

How many letters of rec does Harvard law require?

Two letters of recommendation are required, but you may submit up to three. We strongly recommend that at least one letter of recommendation come from an academic source.

Is it okay if I only have one recommendation letter?

Most colleges expect a letter from your school counselor and one from a teacher. If only one letter is required, you'll want to submit the person who has the most holistic view. Some students find that their school counselor does not know them particularly well.

What makes a strong letter of rec?

Letters should be honest— and honest criticism, if generously presented, can enhance the force of a letter—but committees take critical comments very seriously. It is best to be cautious when making critical remarks and to avoid any sense of indirection.

Which colleges require two letters of recommendation?

  • California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) (one from math/science instructor, one. ...
  • Harvey Mudd College (one from math/science instructor, one from social. ...
  • Pepperdine University (one teacher rec required, second rec may be from teacher or from. ...
  • Soka University of America (two teacher recs or one teacher and one.

Is it bad to submit 4 letters of recommendation?

Bottom line: there are very few instances in which you should be sending more than the required number. If a school felt strongly that more letters would be helpful, it would require or encourage more letters. Use the extras (that they permit) for very special circumstances only.

What is considered a strong LOR?

The letter is specific and accurate, including details. The writer states specific qualities the candidate possesses: preparedness, clinical curiosity, and teaching skills. The writer provides details to demonstrate how the candidate exhibited a certain quality.

Is it bad to have more than three letters of recommendation?

Recommendation Letters. Most graduate schools require 3 letters of recommendation. However, you should double-check how many each school requires, and do NOT send more than asked for. Sending too many letters or information not requested by the school, can actually HURT your candidacy.

What is the best letter of recommendation for law school?

The most effective letters of recommendation are written by professors or work supervisors who know you well enough to describe your academic, personal, or professional achievements and potential with candor, detail, and objectivity. Letters that compare you to your academic peers are often the most useful.

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.

How many letters of rec does UCLA law require?

You may submit a minimum of two and a maximum of four recommendation letters. Letters must be submitted to LSAC and may not be mailed to UCLA School of Law. Click here for detailed instructions on submitting your recommendation letters to LSAC. UCLA does not require a separate recommendation letter form.

What is the best opening sentence of a letter of recommendation?

The introduction, which first and foremost includes your statement of recommendation (i.e. “it is my pleasure to recommend…”). It is common to also briefly state who you are and what your expertise is. The overview, or a description of the applicant's top skills, attributes, and strengths.

What are the four major characteristics of a good letter?

A good letter should have the following features: clarity, conciseness, completeness, attractiveness, good quality of understanding, creativeness and effectiveness. The sender needs to keep these points in mind before writing a letter.

What are 11 impactful words to use in a letter of recommendation?

Adjectives to Increase
  • Successful.
  • Excellent.
  • Accomplished.
  • Outstanding.
  • Skilled.
  • Knowledgeable.
  • Insightful.
  • Resourceful.

Is 2 letters of recommendation enough for law school?

Law school letters of recommendation are required for almost every law school application. Every school has its own requirements, but typically a school will require at least two and allow anywhere from two to four letters of recommendation.

What if I don t have anyone to write a letter of recommendation?

Ask your boss (or former boss)

If you have been in the workforce for some time, you could also consider asking your boss or supervisor to write you a letter of recommendation.

How many recs does NYU require?

“NYU requires one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, supervisor, or anyone else in a position of authority.”

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 LSAT score do I need for law school?

According to U.S. News, law school admissions experts recommend striving for at least a 150; however, for a top-ranking law school, you should aim for a 160 or better. For a Top 10 law school, a 170 or more is desired. Of course, this all depends on which schools you are applying to.

How many letters of rec does Johns Hopkins require?

Two teacher evaluations. Also known as letters of recommendation, these should be from teachers of two different academic subjects who can provide insight into you and your work. They can be submitted through the Common Application or Coalition on Scoir.