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Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 3/18/24
Curious about the GPA and LSAT scores for law schools? We’ll outline the key information you need to know below.
In the competitive world of legal education, aspiring law students often wonder what it takes to gain admission to the nation's top 100 law schools. This article delves into the crucial factors of LSAT scores and GPA, shedding light on the benchmarks and expectations that can make or break your application.
Discover the average LSAT scores and GPA thresholds that pre-law students should aim for to secure admission to these prestigious institutions. Let’s get started!
The table below outlines the average GPA and LSAT scores for the nation's top 100 law schools.
Use this table to determine your likelihood of getting into the law schools of your choice. To give yourself the best chance of acceptance, aim for GPAs and LSAT scores that are as close to 4.0 and 180 as possible; high scores look good on law school applications because they demonstrate that you are a competitive applicant.
Generally, the average LSAT for law schools is 150. Regardless of the average score, applicants should strive for a good LSAT score. However, it's essential to note that the competitiveness of LSAT scores can vary significantly depending on the law school you’re applying to and its ranking.
High-ranking law schools, such as T14 schools or those within the Ivy League, often require substantially higher LSAT scores. Applicants to these schools commonly have LSAT scores in the mid-160s or even higher. For example, the best law schools in the United States, Yale and Stanford, both have scores in the 170s—175 and 173, respectively.
Mid-tier law schools have average scores ranging from 155 to 165. For example, the University of Maryland and the University of Oklahoma, which both tie for the 51st-best law school in the country, have average LSAT scores of 163 and 159.
Conversely, some less competitive law schools may accept students with LSAT scores of about 150 or lower. It's crucial for prospective law students to research the specific admission requirements and average LSAT scores for the schools they are interested in.
To attend law school, experts recommend achieving a score of 150. If you are trying to get into a top-ranking law school, a score of 160 should be your target, and if that school is in the top 10 law schools, you need a score of 170.
Here are a few things to consider for these highly coveted scores:
150 score: Congratulations, you received the average LSAT score! While you may struggle to apply to top-notch law schools, this score is reliable when it comes to admission.
160 score: This is considered a good LSAT score. With this score, you can apply to top-ranking law schools with confidence. While acceptance is never a given, this does increase your chances of achieving your dream school.
170 score: All your studying efforts have paid off! This difficult yet achievable score is widely considered to be the best LSAT score for college admission. With this score, you can apply to some of the nation’s top 10 law schools like Stanford or Yale with ease.
A strong LSAT score is essential for several key reasons in your pursuit of a legal education.
Firstly, it significantly influences your chances of securing a spot at your preferred law school. A good score not only demonstrates your readiness to tackle the demands of law school but also makes your application more competitive, especially in schools with highly sought-after seats and numerous applicants.
Scoring high on the LSAT can also open doors to scholarships and financial aid. Many law schools offer merit-based scholarships to students with impressive LSAT scores, easing the financial burden of tuition fees.
An impressive LSAT score also expands your options when it comes time to select a law school. It provides the flexibility to choose a program that aligns with your academic and career goals. It can also enhance your bargaining power when negotiating admission offers and financial aid packages.
The average GPA for law school is between 3.5 to 3.7. However, like LSAT scores, it's important to understand that the specific average GPA can differ depending on the law school and its level of competitiveness.
Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically ranging from 3.8 to 3.9 or even higher. They place a strong emphasis on academic excellence to complement strong LSAT scores.
Mid-tier law schools, though still competitive, might have slightly lower average GPA expectations. Here, an average GPA in the range of 3.5 to 3.7 is more common.
Less competitive law schools may admit students with lower GPAs, often around 3.0 to 3.4 or even lower. These schools may prioritize other factors like diversity and unique experiences over strict academic metrics.
Prospective law students should carefully research the GPA requirements and average GPAs for the specific schools they're interested in. While GPA is a crucial component of the application, it should be considered alongside other elements such as the LSAT score, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and relevant experiences.
If you’re applying to law school, you’ll receive an entirely new GPA: your LSAC CAS GPA. The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) calculates this GPA per the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) to provide a baseline GPA scale for law school admission purposes. Use our GPA calculator for law school to find your CAS GPA.
Achieving a competitive GPA is important for law school admissions, but the exact benchmark can vary significantly based on the institution's ranking and selectivity.
Still have questions? Take a look at our answers to these frequently asked questions.
The lowest LSAT score accepted by law schools is 139. However, with a stellar personal statement, impressive resume, and strong recommendation letters, you can still get into law school despite a low LSAT score.
To get into a top 10 law school, you need an LSAT score of 170 or higher due to the increased competitiveness of applicants.
For most law schools, an applicant should aim for an LSAT score of 152 or higher to gain admission. This will better secure your chances of admission.
Yes, an LSAT score of 171 is considered a good score. A good LSAT score is anything above 160.
An LSAT score of about 170 is the lowest for Harvard because it is a highly competitive school.
Most law schools require a minimum GPA of 3.5 for admission. However, top law schools typically require a GPA of 3.7 or higher to be considered a competitive applicant.
The journey to law school is a rigorous one, and understanding the significance of LSAT scores and GPAs for admission to the top 100 law schools is essential.
These metrics serve as important guideposts, helping aspiring law students navigate the competitive landscape of legal education. While aiming for high GPAs and LSAT scores is crucial, it's equally important to remember that your application comprises more than just numbers.
Personal statements, recommendation letters, and your unique experiences all contribute to your overall profile. Each law school has its own distinct criteria, and success is not solely determined by metrics but by the holistic view of your potential as a future legal scholar.
On your law school journey, use these average GPAs and LSAT scores for law schools as your compass, and may your pursuit of a legal education be a successful and fulfilling one.
