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Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 04/03/24
Interested in joining a dedicated group of faculty, students, and alumni who are collaborative, principled, and driven to succeed? Read on to learn more about how to get into Boston College Law School!
There are many impressive feats that will convince you to apply to Boston College Law School. For instance, it ranks 29th overall in the nation and 15th for its Big Law placement.
Additionally, it offers supportive and experienced professors who rank 8th amongst all law schools and undoubtedly play a large role in Boston College Law’s 95.88% bar passage rate.
If you’re considering adding this school to your list of contenders, this guide will explore the Boston College Law School acceptance rate, admission requirements, and important fees and deadlines.
In the most recent admissions cycle, Boston College Law received about 5,600 applicants and admitted only 756 students, meaning it has a selective acceptance rate of only 13%. Of these admitted students, just over 200 enrolled.
While the Boston College Law School acceptance rate may seem intimidating, gaining admission to this law school is not impossible! BC Law values academic excellence and looks for applicants who have demonstrated strong academic performance, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine passion for learning.
However, they recognize that academic achievements alone do not define a candidate's potential for success in law school. In addition to academic credentials, BC Law considers the personal qualities and experiences that applicants bring to the table.
They value students who have a sense of purpose, integrity, and a commitment to social justice. Here is a complete list of the application materials BC Law uses to assess these traits:
Students are not required to complete any prerequisites during their undergrad to apply to Boston College. Additionally, you are encouraged to choose a major that interests and challenges you.
So, once you’ve chosen the perfect pre-law major, it’s essential you work hard and maintain a high GPA. BC Law’s successful applicants in the most recent cycle had an average GPA of 3.77. The 25th to 75th percentile range was 3.58-3.85.
Another way BC Law assesses its students' academic proficiency is through their LSAT or GRE scores. Like many other law schools, BC gives students the option to submit either one of these scores, with no preference for one over another.
However, the LSAT is still the most commonly taken and submitted test for law school admissions. The average Boston College Law School LSAT score of previously admitted candidates was 167.
Achieving this score will require diligent preparation and effective study strategies. Ensure you create a study schedule that fits your availability and allows for consistent and focused preparation.
Students are required to submit a personal statement demonstrating their interest in and capacity to study law. This statement should be up to three pages, double-spaced, and highlight your experiences, motivations, and aspirations related to pursuing a legal education at Boston College Law School.
Two letters of recommendation are required by all BC Law applicants. These letters will be most meaningful if they’re written by professors that taught you and can attest to your potential to succeed in law school.
BC Law also asks that its applicants prepare a comprehensive resume that outlines their educational background, work experience, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and any other relevant accomplishments or qualifications. Your resume should be one to two pages long.
Students have the option to submit a diversity essay or addendum if they feel it will help the admissions committee make the most informed decision. Your diversity statement should expand on your background, experiences, perspectives, or any other factors that contribute to your unique identity.
Your addendum, on the other hand, should explain any weak parts of your application, like a low GPA or LSAT score.
Now that you know the Boston College Law School acceptance rate and what it takes to get into this school, you may be wondering what kind of students you can expect to find at BC. To answer this inquiry, consider the entering Boston College Law School class profile:
Source: Boston College Law School
As interesting as it may be to learn about BC Law’s student body, it’s important to note that these numbers are just part of the story. BC Law recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive learning environment. They actively seek applicants from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
They believe that a diverse student body enriches the educational experience, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and prepares students to work effectively in an increasingly diverse legal profession. As such, there isn’t one perfect BC Law candidate!
Applications to BC Law School are submitted through LSAC. Select BC Law as one of the programs you wish to apply to, and ensure you fill out each section completely and accurately.
There are several key deadlines you’ll want to be aware of as you begin the application process:
Sources: BC Law Early Decision, BC Law JD Program
Early Decision applications at BC are binding, meaning students must commit to attending this law school if they are accepted into it. Additionally, BC Law begins reviewing applications as soon as they receive them.
To avoid competing with hundreds of students for only a few remaining spots, apply as early into the application cycle as possible.
Like the Boston College Law School acceptance rate, this law school’s high tuition costs may intimidate you. At $66,600 for tuition alone, attending BC Law will be a huge financial investment.
Along with your tuition, you will have other expenses such as transportation, books, supplies, and housing. With all of these expenses combined, the average first-year BC Law student can expect to pay over $92,000.
Fortunately, BC Law considers all entering students for merit-based scholarships to help reduce their costs of tuition. They all offer several other scholarships, including their notable Ruth-Arlene W. Howe Black Student Leadership Program, which awards $5,000 scholarships to two current students to be used towards their tuition.
You can also earn merit scholarships and public service scholarships to help pay for your schooling, as well as outside scholarships and loans. Both full-time and part-time students can also earn money through student employment programs and opportunities.
If you’re still on the fence about applying to BC Law School, the answer is simple! You should absolutely apply to this high-ranking law school! Here are just a few reasons why:
Overall, applying to Boston College Law School offers you the chance to receive a top-notch legal education, engage in a supportive and collaborative community, and access a wealth of opportunities to develop your personal and professional profiles!
For any remaining questions about getting into Boston College Law School, read on.
Yes, Boston College Law School is widely recognized as a reputable and respected institution for legal education. It has established itself as one of the top law schools in the country and is well known for its rigorous programs, distinguished faculty, and unparalleled opportunities.
BC Law does not have LSAT cut-offs and there isn’t any guarantee you will get into this law school with a certain score. However, to ensure you present the most competitive application, you should aim for an LSAT score of around 167.
Based on the BC Law School acceptance rate, this law school is highly selective.
It will be challenging to get into, but not impossible! You can maximize your chances of success by demonstrating a strong academic record, submitting a well-crafted personal statement, and securing strong letters of recommendation.
Ensure that your application also reflects your achievements, experiences, and commitment to pursuing a career in law.
Students should aim for a GPA of at least 3.77 to be considered competitive applicants.
BC Law provides a unique educational environment that prepares students for impactful legal careers. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, it fosters a values-based education, emphasizing ethics and social justice.
The law school offers a holistic approach to legal education, integrating theory with practical skills and encouraging students to consider the broader impact of the law. It offers numerous externships, clinics, and pro bono opportunities and is located in Boston, a legal hub teaming with opportunity.
Hopefully, by the end of this guide, you’re convinced to apply to Boston College Law School and are excited to take advantage of the array of benefits it can offer you!
Ensure you approach this daunting application with confidence and positivity and stay focused! Put your best effort forward so that you’re rewarded with a well-deserved acceptance letter!
