Introduction
Getting into law school is a competitive and multi-step process that requires careful planning, strong academic performance, and a compelling application. Whether you are a college student exploring your options or a career changer considering law as a second profession, understanding how the law school admissions process works can give you a significant advantage. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Do You Need a Law Degree to Work in Law?
In the United States, becoming a licensed attorney requires a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and passing the bar examination in the state where you wish to practice. There is no undergraduate pre-law major requirement — law schools accept students from virtually any academic background. However certain skills developed through undergraduate study — critical thinking, writing, research, and argumentation — are particularly valuable in law school.
Step 1: Prepare During Undergraduate Study
GPA
Your undergraduate GPA is one of the two most important factors in law school admissions. The median GPA at top law schools typically ranges from 3.7 to 3.9. While a lower GPA does not disqualify you from law school, a strong GPA significantly expands your options. Focus on maintaining the highest GPA possible throughout your undergraduate career.
Choose Your Major Strategically
There is no required pre-law major. Law schools value strong writers and critical thinkers from any discipline. Popular majors among law school applicants include political science, history, English, philosophy, economics, and criminal justice — but majors in STEM, business, and other fields are equally valid and can be advantageous for certain legal specialties.
Develop Key Skills
Law school and legal practice demand strong skills in:
- Legal and analytical writing
- Research
- Public speaking and oral argumentation
- Critical reading and analysis
- Logical reasoning
Seek out courses, activities, and experiences that develop these skills — debate, mock trial, writing-intensive courses, and research positions are all valuable.
Step 2: Take the LSAT
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the standardized test used by virtually all ABA-accredited law schools in the United States. Along with your GPA it is the single most important factor in law school admissions. The LSAT measures:
- Logical reasoning — analyzing and evaluating arguments
- Analytical reasoning — understanding relationships and drawing conclusions (logic games)
- Reading comprehension — understanding complex texts
LSAT scores range from 120 to 180. The median score at top law schools typically ranges from 170 to 174. The national average is approximately 152.
Preparing for the LSAT
Most applicants spend 3 to 6 months preparing for the LSAT. Preparation options include self-study using official LSAC prep materials, commercial prep courses such as Kaplan or Princeton Review, private tutoring, and free resources available through Khan Academy in partnership with LSAC. Taking multiple official practice tests under timed conditions is essential.
How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT?
You can take the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year, five times within five years, and a total of seven times in your lifetime. Most law schools see all of your scores though many now consider your highest score.
Step 3: Research Law Schools
There are approximately 200 ABA-accredited law schools in the United States ranging from highly selective national schools to regional schools with strong local reputations. Consider the following factors when building your list:
- Bar passage rates — what percentage of graduates pass the bar exam?
- Employment outcomes — what percentage of graduates are employed in legal jobs within 10 months of graduation?
- Specializations and clinics — does the school have strength in your area of interest?
- Location — where do you want to practice? Regional schools often have strong local networks
- Cost and scholarship availability — law school is expensive; scholarship offers vary widely
- Class size and culture — do you prefer a large or small school environment?
Step 4: Build a Balanced School List
Most applicants apply to 10 to 15 schools across three tiers:
- Reach schools — schools where your numbers are below the median but you have a realistic chance
- Target schools — schools where your numbers are at or near the median
- Safety schools — schools where your numbers are well above the median and admission is likely
Step 5: Gather Application Materials
Personal Statement
The personal statement is typically a 2 to 3 page essay explaining why you want to attend law school, what has shaped your interest in law, and what you will contribute to the school community. It is your opportunity to present yourself as a three-dimensional person beyond your numbers. A compelling, well-written personal statement can significantly strengthen an application.
Letters of Recommendation
Most law schools require 2 to 3 letters of recommendation. Academic letters from professors who know your work well are preferred. Professional letters from employers or supervisors can supplement academic letters. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak specifically about your abilities and potential.
Resume
Include your academic history, work experience, internships, extracurricular activities, community service, and any publications or awards. Relevant legal experience — internships at law firms, courts, or legal aid organizations — is particularly valuable.
Addenda
Optional supplemental essays that explain specific aspects of your application — such as a significant GPA drop, multiple LSAT scores, or a gap in your resume. Use addenda to provide context, not excuses.
Step 6: Apply Through LSAC
All ABA-accredited law school applications are submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at lsac.org. LSAC also compiles your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report which includes your undergraduate transcripts, LSAT scores, and letters of recommendation and sends it to all schools you apply to.
Step 7: Apply Early
Most law schools use rolling admissions — reviewing and deciding on applications as they are received rather than waiting until a deadline. Applying early in the cycle (September through November for the following fall) significantly increases your chances of admission and scholarship consideration. The best candidates who apply late may be waitlisted or rejected simply because seats have already been filled.
How Much Does Law School Cost?
Law school is a significant financial investment. Annual tuition at private law schools typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000. Public law school tuition for in-state residents is generally lower — typically $25,000 to $40,000 per year. Total cost including living expenses for three years commonly exceeds $200,000 at many schools.
Scholarships are widely available and can significantly reduce costs. Many schools offer merit scholarships to attract strong candidates — sometimes full tuition scholarships. Negotiate scholarship offers when possible especially if you have competing offers from peer schools.
The Bar Exam
After graduating from law school you must pass the bar examination in the state where you wish to practice. Most states now use the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) which is portable — scores can be transferred to other UBE states. The bar exam is typically a two-day examination testing knowledge of substantive law, legal analysis, and professional responsibility.
The information on LegalConsultants.com is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or academic advising. Always consult with pre-law advisors and individual law schools for the most current admissions information.