What GPA to get into law?

Asked by: Prof. Retha Wolff Jr.  |  Last update: February 15, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (33 votes)

To get into law school, you generally need a strong GPA, with the average median for admitted students around 3.5-3.8, but top schools often see medians closer to 3.9 or 4.0; however, it varies greatly, with some schools accepting lower GPAs (around 3.0-3.2) while others (like Yale, Harvard, Stanford) demand near-perfect scores, alongside a strong LSAT score, personal statement, and recommendations, as GPA alone isn't enough.

Can a 3.0 GPA get into law school?

Yes, you can get into law school with a 3.0 GPA, but your success heavily depends on a strong LSAT score, a compelling personal statement, a great resume, and targeting schools that are a better fit for your profile, as top-tier schools are very challenging with a low GPA, while many lower-ranked schools might accept you, though you need to be cautious about predatory institutions. A high LSAT score can compensate for a lower GPA (making you a "splitter"), but you'll need an exceptional application to stand out, potentially including an addendum explaining past struggles. 

What did Barack Obama get on the LSAT?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
 

What is the lowest GPA to get into law school?

Top-rated schools such as Yale and Harvard usually admit students with close to a 4.0 GPA. Others, such as the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, admit students with a lower-end GPA of 2.8.

Can a 2.7 GPA get into law school?

There is so much more that admissions committees consider! I had a 2.9 and got a 160 LSAT, I got into several schools in my area with scholarships. Granted I had a 3.8 grad GPA from a masters program (most schools don't care much about that), but yes, you can get in with a 2.7 just make sure you have a strong LSAT.

If I Had a 2.5 GPA, This Is How I Would Get Into a T14 Law School

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Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?

Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.

What disqualifies you from law school?

What disqualifies you from law school often involves dishonesty, serious criminal history (especially crimes of moral turpitude like fraud), significant financial irresponsibility, or academic misconduct, all falling under the "character and fitness" evaluation, though a single minor issue usually isn't a bar if disclosed honestly and explained well; failure to disclose, lying on the application, or misrepresenting facts is often a more significant reason for denial or later disbarment. 

Is law school harder than med school?

Medical school is generally considered harder due to its intense, fact-heavy curriculum requiring massive memorization and dealing with life-or-death stakes, while law school focuses more on reading, critical thinking, and analysis, though both are rigorous and demand significant commitment. Med school involves vast scientific knowledge and clinical rotations, whereas law school builds analytical "thinking like a lawyer" through heavy reading, writing, and case application, culminating in high-stakes final exams.
 

What score did Elle Woods get on her LSAT?

Elle Woods scored a 179 on the LSAT, just one point shy of a perfect 180, after going from a 143 on a practice test to achieving this near-perfect score by studying intensely for Harvard Law School. Her remarkable score, combined with a 4.0 GPA, secured her admission to Harvard Law.
 

What is the easiest law degree to get?

The easiest law degree programs, such as the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), are typically less demanding than traditional law degrees like the Juris Doctor (JD). MLS programs are designed for professionals who want a foundational understanding of law without the need to become licensed attorneys.

Did Michelle Obama ever pass a bar exam?

Yes, Michelle Obama did pass the Illinois bar exam, but she failed it on her first attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School before passing it on her second try, later becoming a licensed attorney in Illinois and having a successful legal career before becoming First Lady. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989 and went on to work in intellectual property law at a firm where she met her husband, Barack Obama.
 

What did Ben Affleck get on his SAT?

Ben Affleck reportedly had a "near-perfect" or "almost perfect" SAT score, rumored to be 1600, on the old 1600-point scale, though the exact score isn't officially confirmed, with sources citing sources like the New York Times on his high aptitude despite poor high school attendance.
 

What is the #1 ranked law school in the world?

There isn't one single "number one," as rankings vary, but Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University consistently appear at the very top globally, often trading #1 spots depending on the ranking system, with Harvard often leading in overall QS rankings and Yale/Stanford in U.S. News & World Report's domestic rankings for U.S. schools. Other top contenders include Oxford, Cambridge, Chicago, and NYU.
 

What was Barack Obama's LSAT score?

Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
 

What law school is the easiest to get into?

The "easiest" law schools to get into generally have higher acceptance rates and lower median LSAT/GPA scores, with schools like Thomas M. Cooley Law School (WMU), Southern University Law Center, Appalachian School of Law, and North Carolina Central University School of Law often listed for accessibility, though factors like LSAT/GPA minimums vary. Always check the latest data for schools like Loyola University New Orleans, University of South Dakota, and New England Law | Boston as rankings shift, but remember that lower-ranked schools often grade on a curve, making academic success challenging regardless of admission. 

Is a 3.3 GPA too low for law school?

A 3.3 GPA isn't "bad" but makes getting into top-tier (T-14) law schools very difficult, as their median GPAs are much higher (around 3.7-3.9+), but it's often sufficient for mid-tier or lower-ranked schools, especially with a strong LSAT score, compelling personal statement, and relevant work experience, which can significantly boost your application by showing resilience and readiness. 

Did Kim Kardashian pass the LSAT?

Indeed, Kim revealed on Nov. 8 that she sadly did not pass the all-important exam, but she wasn't calling it quits, either. "Six years into this law journey, and I'm still all in until I pass the bar," she wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories.

Does Elle Woods have autism?

No, Elle Woods from Legally Blonde is not officially written as autistic, but many fans interpret her character as having autistic traits, such as intense focus on interests (fashion, law), strong memory, literal thinking, and challenges with social norms, making her a relatable figure for some within the autistic community who see themselves in her journey and focus, even if it's not an official diagnosis.
 

Has anyone gotten 180 on LSAT?

My Experience with the LSAT

When I took my first diagnostic LSAT, I scored a 166; eight months later, after nearly 30 timed practice LSATs, 100+ individual logic games sections, and countless hours of study, I got a notification email from LSAC saying that my June 2013 score was a 180. That score has changed my life.

What pays more, law or medical?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives median salaries for both doctors and lawyers, so it's clear that the doctors' number is higher. But median salaries are the midpoint in a list of salaries for one occupation, meaning that half of the list makes more and half makes less.

What's the hardest year of law school?

Most law students agree the first year (1L) is the hardest due to the steep learning curve, new teaching methods (Socratic/Case Method), intense reading/writing, and high-pressure environment designed to build foundational skills, though 2L brings different stressors like career planning and internships. 1L is a "bootcamp" for thinking like a lawyer with unfamiliar concepts and high stakes for grades, making the transition from undergraduate studies particularly challenging. 

Is law school harder than nursing?

A law degree will take longer overall, including the required bachelors degree, which many might consider more difficult.

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

What percent of people quit law school?

Law school dropout rates vary significantly, but recent data for ABA-approved schools shows low overall attrition (around 1.66%), with higher rates (over 6% for 1L) at less selective or unaccredited schools, especially for students of color, driven by academic pressure, mental health, and finances, with first-year attrition being most common. More selective schools with higher GPA entry requirements tend to retain students better.
 

What LSAT score will get you a full ride?

To get a full law school scholarship, aim for an LSAT score in the mid-to-high 160s or 170s, especially above a school's median, though scores in the mid-160s can secure full rides at strong regional schools like Illinois or UMass, while top-tier schools often require 170+. A higher LSAT significantly boosts chances, often alongside a strong GPA (3.5+) and a holistic profile, with scores above 173-180 making you a prime candidate for many programs.