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Reviewed by:

John R. DeRosa, J.D.

Former Associate Dean of Career Services and Employer Relations at Cornell Law School

Reviewed: 3/18/25

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Part of your journey to becoming an attorney is choosing the perfect list of law schools to apply to. To learn more about how many law schools you should apply to, read on.

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While you may already have your dream law school picked out, it’s never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket, especially if that one basket is a law school like Harvard, which is very competitive. 

This guide will answer all these questions to provide the perfect number of law schools you should apply to.

How Many Law Schools Should You Apply to?

You should apply to around nine law schools. This can include three reach schools, three target schools, and three safety schools.

Reach Schools

These law schools will be the most competitive on your list and have the highest admission requirements. 

You should apply to at least three reach schools. These schools are difficult to get into, so applying to three or more can increase your chances of gaining acceptance into one. 

Target Schools

Considering your standardized test scores and GPA, you might have a better chance of getting into your target schools. Your LSAT score and GPA should exceed the median at your target schools to increase your acceptance odds.

You should apply to three target schools to maximize your chances of admission.

Safety Schools

You should apply to around three safety schools. Safety schools are lower-ranking schools that have low score medians. These law schools are backup options if you don’t get into any other school. You should have high admission odds at each safety school.

Common Mistakes

Let's discuss some common mistakes that individuals often make when applying to or attending law school:

• Not Researching Schools Thoroughly: One of the biggest mistakes is not thoroughly researching law schools. Applicants should consider factors like location, specialization, reputation, cost, and bar passage rates to find the best fit.
• Ignoring Costs: Law school can be expensive, and many students take on significant debt. Ignoring the cost aspect and not exploring scholarship opportunities or considering financial aid options can lead to financial struggles post-graduation.
• Procrastinating on Applications: Waiting until the last minute to complete applications can result in rushed essays and missed deadlines, which can adversely affect your chances of acceptance.
• Overestimating Entrance Exam Performance: Overconfidence in LSAT or GRE scores can lead to disappointment. It's crucial to have a realistic assessment of your test-taking abilities and consider retaking the exams if necessary.
• Underestimating Soft Skills: Law schools not only look at academic achievements but also your soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. Underestimating the importance of these qualities can be a mistake.
• Neglecting Recommendations: Writing strong recommendation letters takes time and effort. Neglecting this step or not choosing recommenders who know you well can weaken your application.
• Focusing Solely on Rankings: Relying solely on law school rankings can be misleading. A lower-ranked school may be a better fit for your goals and provide a quality education.
• Not Considering Career Goals: Not having a clear understanding of your career goals can lead to choosing the wrong law school or taking courses that don't align with your objectives.
• Ignoring Mental Health: Law school can be mentally taxing. Neglecting self-care and mental health can result in burnout and decreased academic performance.
• Not Networking: Building professional relationships and networking is crucial in the legal field. Failing to network with professors, peers, and legal professionals can limit your post-law school opportunities.
• Skipping Internships and Clerkships: Practical experience is invaluable in the legal profession. Skipping internships or clerkships during law school can limit your exposure to real-world legal practice.
• Not Seeking Academic Support: Law school is academically demanding. Not seeking help when needed, such as tutoring or academic advising, can lead to academic struggles.
• Lack of Work-Life Balance: Balancing academics, internships, and personal life is challenging but essential. Neglecting this balance can lead to stress and burnout.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help prospective law students make informed decisions and have a successful law school experience.

FAQs: How Many Law Schools Should I Apply to?

If you have any more questions about applying to law school, read on to find your answers.

1. Should I Apply to Multiple Law Schools?

Yes, you should. Even if you have your heart set on one law school and are unwilling to go to any other, you should still apply to others if you’re ready to start your JD. If you don’t gain admission into your top choice, you will still have other options to fall back on and can always try to transfer into your top choice after your first year!

2. How Many Safety Law Schools Should I Apply to?

You should apply to at least three safety law schools but apply to more depending on your application. If you have a low LSAT score or a low GPA you may want to apply to more.

3. What Should I Consider When Applying to Law Schools?

When deciding which law schools to apply to, you should first consider where you want to study or work. If you know you won’t relocate, there is no point applying to schools outside of your state, even if they’re easier to get into. 

After location, the most important factor to consider is how competitive your application is. If you have a strong application, consider applying to more high-ranking reach and target law schools than safety schools. If you have a weaker application, consider doing the opposite.

Luckily, you don’t have to make these big decisions yourself! You can work with a law school admissions expert for comprehensive support in choosing the right schools and increasing your chances of acceptance at your target schools!

You can also begin with our quiz and select the relevant score, location, and campus environment to find out which schools to apply to!

4. Should I Apply to T14 Law Schools?

Even if you don’t have the exact scores recommended to apply to T14 schools, it’s worth applying if you’re willing to put extra time and effort into your application to avoid common mistakes that can cost you your spot! 

You’ll have to work even harder on the other parts of your application, such as your personal statement, resume, or optional essays, to make up for these lower scores.

5. Should I Apply to 20 Law Schools?

No, applying to 10-15 law schools is typically more than enough to guarantee admission to at least one school.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how many law schools to apply to can make the application process less daunting! By applying to several reach, target, and safety schools, you’ll give yourself the best chances of gaining admission into law school and can officially start your legal journey!

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David Merson was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.