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How to Get Into Georgetown Law | Acceptance Rate + Tips

March 7, 2024
8 min read
Contents

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Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 3/7/24

Interested in learning how to get into Georgetown Law? This ultimate guide will teach you everything you need to know!

Georgetown Law is ranked No. 15 by U.S. News World and Report’s list of Best Law Schools. If Georgetown Law is circled on your school list, read on to learn about its programs, Georgetown Law requirements, admissions stats, and more! 

Georgetown Law School Requirements 

If you’re planning to apply as a first-year to the J.D. program, these are the Georgetown Law requirements you must fulfill: 

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • LSAT or GRE scores
  • A personal statement
  • A 1-2 page resume
  • At least one letter of recommendation, preferably from a professor
  • A conduct statement, if you answer “yes” to any of the conduct questions
  • Optional essays, limited to 250 words
  • Optional diversity statement
  • An application fee of $85 or a fee waiver

Georgetown Law School Letters of Recommendation

Georgetown Law only requires one letter of recommendation but will accept more. Ideally, at least one of the recommendation letters should be written by a professor who can provide valuable insights into your academic accomplishments.

Georgetown Law School Personal Statement

You can write your personal statement on any subject of your choosing, but it’s essential it shares important aspects of you and your life that are otherwise missing from your application. This statement allows you to add depth to your application and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee!

Some typical personal statement prompts include:

  • Explain how your background, experiences, and perspectives have shaped who you are today and who you hope to be in the future.
  • Why law?
  • Why Georgetown?
  • What challenges have you faced and overcome? What have you learned from this experience?

While there is no maximum or minimum for this statement, it’s recommended that you keep it around 2 pages. 

Personal Statement Example

The sweltering heat of that fateful summer overwhelmed the streets. The chants for justice reverberated through the air “I can’t breathe”. As I stood shoulder to shoulder with activists, I realized that I had lived a life insulated from the harsh realities of racial injustice in America. The Black Lives Matter movement jolted me awake, propelling me into a world where the fight for equality was as critical as the air we breathe. This awakening, the journey from ignorance to awareness, has defined my path to Georgetown Law.

Admittedly, I grew up in a community where the echoes of systemic racism remained distant. I was largely oblivious to the harsh disparities that marred our society. It wasn't until I immersed myself in the Black Lives Matter movement that I started to see the profound injustices that had long persisted, hidden beneath layers of privilege. The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others served as stark reminders that the fight for racial equality was far from over.

Through the movement, I witnessed the power of collective action, the strength of voices united against the unrelenting forces of racial discrimination. I took part in protests, community outreach, and engaging conversations that exposed me to the depth of racial disparities in areas such as criminal justice, education, and healthcare. I found myself driven by the need to contribute to lasting change.

The decision to pursue a legal education at Georgetown Law is a direct result of this transformation. I have come to realize that the law is a potent tool for social justice, a means to challenge systemic racism and effect profound change. I am inspired to be part of a community where I can learn from distinguished faculty and fellow students who share my commitment to eradicating racial injustice. I am excited to delve into courses and opportunities that will allow me to explore the intersections of law, race, and equity.

My journey from ignorance to awareness has taught me that it’s not enough to merely acknowledge the depth of the problem; I must be a real part of the solution as well. As I step into this next chapter of my life, I do so with humility and determination, knowing that the journey toward true equality is long and challenging. I am ready to embrace the rigorous academic environment at Georgetown Law, seize the opportunities presented to me, and join a community of like-minded individuals who share my commitment to making a lasting impact.”

Why This Works

This personal statement is effective because it authentically reflects the applicant's personal growth and transformation.

By openly acknowledging their prior lack of understanding, the applicant not only shows self-awareness but also underscores the powerful impact that participation in the Black Lives Matter movement had on their perspective. This demonstrates a rare humility that many applicants shy away from. 

This transparency, combined with their clear dedication to addressing racial injustice through legal education, sets them apart and provides a compelling narrative!

Optional Essays

Students may also answer one of the following prompts in up to 250 words: 

1. What’s the best (or worst) piece of advice you ever received?

2. If you could “uninvent” one thing, what would it be?

3. Tell us about a moment in your life that you regret.

4. Describe your perfect day.

5. Share a top ten list with us.

6. Prepare a one-minute video that says something about you. Upload it to an easily accessible website and provide us the URL. (If you are using YouTube, we strongly suggest that you make your video unlisted so it will not appear in any of YouTube’s public spaces.) What you do or say is entirely up to you. Please note that we are unable to watch videos that come in any form other than a URL link.

Law School Interview Questions and Format

Georgetown Law allows students to request interviews with alumni members, but they are optional. 

Interview Format

Applicants who are interested in meeting with an alumni member can request an interview. The alumni interview is conducted over Zoom, FaceTime, or a similar portal. Each interview lasts 30 to 60 minutes and allows the interviewer to learn more about you and you to learn more about Georgetown.

Question Examples

While there isn’t a set list of questions you can expect to be asked, you will likely be asked to provide an updated resume to your interviewer before your meeting. Some questions will be based on this resume, and others will be general:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why did you pursue X experience? 
  • What is an accomplishment you are most proud of? Why?
  • Why Georgetown Law School?
  • Describe your experience with community involvement or volunteering.
  • Is there anything else you would like us to know about you that is not reflected in your application materials?

Georgetown Law School Acceptance Rate: 19.56%

The acceptance rate at Georgetown University Law Center for the academic year 2023-2024 is 19.56%. Out of 10,827 students who applied, 2119 were accepted. 

According to recent admissions cycles, this acceptance rate is within the normal range:

Year Number of Applicants Number of Accepted Students Acceptance Rate
2023 10827 2119 19.56%
2022 11,325 1,998 17.6%
2021 14,049 1,809 12.9%
2020 9,980 2,006 20.1%
2019 10,366 2,206 19.5%

How Hard Is It To Get Into Georgetown Law?

With an acceptance rate of 19.57%, it is challenging to get into Georgetown Law School. Less than 2 out of every 10 applicants are offered admission to this prestigious school. 

Georgetown Law School

Source: Georgetown Law

Programs Offered 

Georgetown offers several law programs:

Programs Offered Length of Program Key Information
Juris Doctor (JD) 3 years A typical JD program
Master of Laws (LLM) 1 year For students who wish to pursue further legal studies or specialize in a particular area of law
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) 3-5 years An advanced, research-oriented program resulting in legal scholarship
18 Joint Degree Programs 4 years Allows students to train in law and another discipline (i.e., business, public policy, etc.)

Ranking

Georgetown Law ranks as the 15th-best law school in the nation. Although this ranking technically takes it out of the running as one of the T14 law schools, it is still widely recognized as one! 

Georgetown Law School Admissions Statistics 

Georgetown School of Law Average GPA: 3.91 

Admitted candidates from the 2023-2024 Georgetown Law application cycle had an average GPA of 3.91. 

Georgetown School of Law Average LSAT Score: 171

The average LSAT score of successful 2023-2024 Georgetown Law School applicants was 171. This score falls within the 95th percentile, meaning it requires diligent and rigorous preparation to achieve. 

Considering this score is difficult to achieve, you should consider LSAT support from 99th percentile tutors who know the strategies and tips to get you to your score with as little stress and hassle as possible!

Georgetown School of Law Average GRE Score: 330

Georgetown Law’s average GRE score for the recent admissions cycle was 330. Here’s the score breakdown: 165 in Verbal Reasoning, 160 in Quantitative Reasoning, and 5 in Analytical Writing. Georgetown is one of the growing number of schools that accepts the GRE in place of the LSAT.

Class Profile

The class profile of the students from a recent admissions cycle demonstrates the school’s commitment to diversity:

  • 50 states
  • 14 countries
  • 215 colleges & universities
  • 59% women
  • 35% students of color
  • 10% first-generation

Georgetown Law School Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition to attend Georgetown Law School is $75,950. With additional first-year and personal costs, the total cost of attendance increases to almost $110,000.

Here’s the breakdown of these costs:

Expense Cost
Tuition $75,950
Books $1,400
Basic Living Expenses $24,220
Personal Expenses $3,465
Transportation $3,165
Total $108,200

Scholarship Opportunities

Georgetown offers its students merit and need-based grants, scholarships, and work-study programs to help them afford these high tuition costs. 

Georgetown Law School Application Deadlines 

Georgetown Law applications for the 2024 admissions cycle open September 5th, 2023, and have a priority deadline of March 1, 2024. All Georgetown Law applicants must submit their applications through LSAC. 

Here are the deadlines to keep in mind as you prepare your application. 

Dates & Deadlines Application Stage
September 5, 2023 Application opens
March 1, 2024 Early Decision priority deadline
Global Scholars application deadline
Recommended deadline for all applicants
April 10, 2024 Early Assurance deadline for Georgetown juniors

Georgetown Law has rolling admissions, making decisions as the school receives applications. 

Georgetown School of Law Bar Passage Rate: 91.63%

The bar passage rate for Georgetown University Law Center is 91.63%, with 624 students passing the bar exam. On average, the bar pass rate for law schools is 75.49%.

How to Get Into Georgetown Law School: 3 Tips To Improve Your Admission Chances

Consider implementing these strategies to increase your chances of getting into Georgetown Law School:

Keep the Focus of Your Personal Statement on You And Make it Very Personal

Don’t spend too much time describing your hero, grandmother, the field of law you want to study, or the school. Focus on yourself as much as possible. 

Additionally, you can touch on topics many can relate to, such as growing up with a single parent or changing your mind about a person or process. However, you should add unique details to make it stand out; ask yourself, could anyone else have written this same essay?

Use Language You’re Comfortable With

Another one of the writing tips to get into Georgetown Law School you should consider is keeping it simple and brief. According to Georgetown’s Career Education Center, “big words do not denote big minds, just big egos!” Use clear language that you’re comfortable with so your message gets across as intended. 

Do the Interview

Despite the interview being optional, you’re highly encouraged to complete it. It is another opportunity to show your interest in Georgetown and expand on your application! Plus, it’s easier to make an impression through a real interaction than on paper. 

What Does Georgetown Law School Look For?

While academic excellence is important to Georgetown, you’ll have to go beyond high scores to impress the admissions committee. They value intellectual curiosity, a strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and a demonstrated passion for public service and social justice. 

Additionally, professional experience, leadership roles in extracurricular activities, effective communication skills, and a clear sense of purpose in their legal career aspirations are all factors that Georgetown Law looks for in prospective students.

FAQS

For any remaining questions about getting into Georgetown Law School, read on to find your answers.

1. How Expensive is Georgetown Law School?

Georgetown Law School costs $75,950 in tuition alone. With additional expenses, students can expect to pay over $100,000 to attend this school.

2. When Does Georgetown Law Release Early Decisions?

Georgetown Law releases decisions on a rolling basis, so students can expect notifications at any time after applying. However, most decisions for early admission are sent out around December. 

3. How Long My Personal Statement Should Be?

Aim for your personal statement to be around 2 pages long.

4. Are There Specific Undergraduate Majors or Prerequisites for Georgetown Law Admission?

No, students are encouraged to choose a major they’re interested in that challenges them. You should develop excellent writing and critical thinking skills in your undergrad to best prepare for law school.

5. How Important Are Recommendation Letters for Getting into Georgetown Law?

While your GPA and LSAT scores are arguably the most important application materials, your letters of recommendation can break your application if they are generic, don’t reflect the excellence your scores do, or fail to share insight into your accomplishments.

Getting Into Georgetown Law: It’s Easy With Juris

Georgetown Law is an excellent addition to your law school list. Gaining admission requires a perfected application, an understanding of Georgetown Law’s requirements, and stellar essays.

Juris Education can help ensure that all your application documents are edited to perfection and ready for submission on time. Working with us can help you understand how to get into Georgetown Law while we provide concrete guidance on taking your law school apps to the next level. 

Schedule A Free Consultation

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