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Law School Requirements

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We assume you’re trying to understand law school requirements because you’re considering obtaining your J.D.

We've got all the answers you need. Whether it's knowing how to apply to law school, understanding the law school requirements, or determining whether you're a competitive applicant, this guide will walk you through what you need to know.

But before diving into the details of the law school admissions process, you may want to know upfront what exactly law schools are looking for in their applicants. Here are the basic pre-requirements for most law school applications:

  • A bachelor’s degree

  • LSAT scores

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Personal statement/statement of purpose

  • Completed application

But that's not all. In this post, we'll go beyond the basics and answer some of the most common questions about law school requirements.

So, whether you're an ambitious college student or a professional looking to take the next step in your career, this guide will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.

Let's get started!

 
 

Law school pre-reqs: What do you need to get into law school?

The first step in deciding whether law school is right for you is to determine if you meet the pre-requirements. So, what do you need to get into law school?

Bachelor’s Degree

To apply to law school, you’ll generally want to have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (note: some law schools will accept an associate’s degree, but this may make application harder / limit your options). While no specific major is required to attend law school, some programs may prefer applicants with degrees in political science, philosophy, or history. However, law schools value diverse educational backgrounds, so applicants from a range of academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.

LSAT Scores

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a law school admissions test required for most law schools in the United States. The LSAT measures critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension skills, which are essential for success in law school. It consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions and one unscored writing section.

The LSAT is administered several times a year, and most law schools require applicants to take the test no later than the December before the application deadline.

Some law schools have also started accepting scores from the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) instead of LSAT scores. 

Which one should you take? It depends. And we'll discuss what to consider before deciding which is best for you later in this post.

Letters of Recommendation

Most law schools require applicants to submit at least two letters of recommendation. These letters should come from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and character.

Professors, employers, or other professionals who know you well and can attest to your strengths and potential as a law student are ideal recommenders. Choosing recommenders who can provide detailed and thoughtful letters is also essential, so be sure to give them ample time to prepare.

Law School Personal Statement

A personal statement is a critical part of your law school application that allows you to showcase your unique qualities and explain why you are a good fit for the program. It is an opportunity to share your background, experiences, and goals and demonstrate your writing skills.

Your law school personal statement should be well-written, concise, and thoughtful and should provide insight into your motivation for pursuing a law degree. Check out this personal statement guide for examples and in-depth analysis.

Completed Application

A completed application typically includes all of the above items (a bachelor's degree, LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement) as well as other materials such as transcripts, a resume, and application fees.

It is essential to carefully review each law school's specific requirements and deadlines to ensure that you submit a complete and competitive application.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Registration

The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is another important component of the law school admissions process that is worth mentioning, even though it's not technically a requirement for all law schools.

CAS is a service provided by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) that allows you to centralize and organize your application materials, including your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other important documents.

When you register for CAS, you can submit your materials once and have them sent to all of the law schools you apply to. This can save you a lot of time and effort when it's time to submit your law school applications.

Keep in mind that some law schools (typically those approved by the American Bar Association) require CAS registration as part of their application process, while others may not. Be sure to research the requirements of the schools you are interested in to determine whether CAS registration is necessary.

 
 

Is the LSAT required for law school?

Yes and no—the LSAT is required for admission to most law schools in the United States. However, as mentioned previously, some law schools have started accepting GRE scores, meaning an LSAT score isn't technically required for law school admissions anymore.

That being said, some law schools may have specific policies or requirements for applicants who submit GRE scores, so it is crucial to carefully review each school's guidelines before deciding which test to take.

It's also worth noting that some law schools may still prefer LSAT scores over GRE scores, as the LSAT is designed to measure aptitude for law school and the legal profession specifically.

What GPA do you need to get into law school?

While there is no set GPA requirement for admission to law school, a high undergraduate GPA is generally preferred by most law schools. According to recent data, the median GPA for admitted law students at 191 law schools was 3.55, but this can vary depending on the school and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. The median for admitted students for the 20 of the most well-respected law schools was a 3.86 GPA.

However, a high undergraduate GPA alone is not enough to guarantee admission to law school. Each law school admissions committee will also consider other factors, such as your LSAT score, letters of recommendation, and the strength of your personal statement.

Additionally, some law schools may place greater emphasis on certain factors, such as work experience or extracurricular activities, when evaluating applications.

Best majors for law school applicants

No specific major or undergraduate degree is best for law school applicants, as law school admissions committees value diverse academic backgrounds and skills. However, certain academic majors can provide a strong foundation for success in law school.

Here are some examples:

Political Science and Government

Political science and government courses can provide a strong understanding of legal systems, institutions, and processes. These courses can also help you develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills, which are essential for success in law school.

History

History courses can help you develop skills in research, analysis, and interpretation of complex ideas and events. These skills are valuable in law school, where you will be expected to analyze legal precedents, interpret complex legal texts, and develop arguments based on historical and social contexts.

Philosophy

Philosophy courses can help you develop logical reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. These skills are essential in law school, where you will be expected to analyze legal arguments, identify flaws in reasoning, and develop persuasive arguments.

Business and economics

Business and economics courses can provide a strong foundation in financial and regulatory systems, which are critical components of many areas of law, such as corporate law, tax law, and securities law.

STEM majors

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors can provide a unique perspective on legal issues related to intellectual property, patent law, and other technical areas. STEM courses can also help you develop analytical and problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of logical reasoning, which are valuable in law school and the legal profession.

What if you majored in something else? Can you still get into law school?

Ultimately, the best major for law school is one that you are passionate about, and that allows you to develop the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills needed for success in law school and beyond.

So, yes, even if your college major isn't listed above, you can still apply to and get into law school!

Law school application deadlines

Law school application deadlines vary depending on the school and program. Overall, planning ahead and carefully researching each school's application requirements and deadlines is essential. Starting early and staying organized can also help you stay on track and increase your chances of being accepted into the law school of your choice.

Here are some important things to consider:

Early Decision vs. Regular Decision

Some law schools offer early decision deadlines, which typically fall in the autumn or early winter of the year before you plan to start law school. Early decision deadlines are binding, which means that if accepted, you are committed to attending that school. Regular decision deadlines are typically in the winter or spring of the year you plan to start law school and are non-binding.

Rolling Admissions

Some law schools use a rolling admissions process, meaning they evaluate and make decisions on applications as they are received. It's essential to submit your application as early as possible if the school uses rolling admissions to increase your chances of being accepted.

Priority Deadlines

Some law schools have priority deadlines for certain programs or scholarships. Meeting these deadlines can increase your chances of being accepted or receiving financial aid.

How hard is it to get into law school?

Getting into law school can be a highly competitive process, with many qualified applicants vying for a limited number of spots. The difficulty level can also vary depending on various factors, including your academic background, LSAT scores, extracurricular activities, and work experience. Top law schools with a lot of notoriety, such as Harvard Law School, also tend to be harder to get into than lesser-known law schools.

However, it's important to note that while getting into law school can be challenging, there are many resources available to help prospective law students prepare for and navigate the application process, including LSAT prep courses, writing centers, and admissions counselors.

Additionally, some law schools value diversity and may offer special consideration to applicants from underrepresented groups.

Should I go to law school?

Deciding whether to attend law school can be a difficult and personal decision that requires careful consideration of your goals, values, and interests. Before applying to law school, it's essential to reflect on your motivations for pursuing a legal career and consider whether law school is the right step for you.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to go to law school:

Why do I want to go to law school?

It's important to reflect on your motivations for attending law school. Are you interested in the legal field because of a desire to help others, a passion for justice, or a fascination with the law itself? It's crucial to ensure that your reasons align with your values and goals.

What are my career goals, and will a law degree help me achieve them?

Consider the type of legal career you hope to pursue and whether a law degree is necessary to achieve your goals. Some legal professions, such as a judge or attorney practicing law at a large firm, require a law degree. However, many other legal careers don't necessarily require a law degree, such as working in policy or government.

Am I willing to commit the time and resources necessary to attend law school?

Law school can be a significant investment of time and money, with many law school students taking on debt to finance their education. It's crucial to consider whether you're willing and able to make this commitment before beginning the law school admissions process.

Do I have the academic and personal skills necessary to succeed in law school and a legal career?

Law school can be challenging, and it requires a high level of academic rigor and critical thinking skills. It's essential to consider whether you have the necessary academic background and personal attributes to succeed in law school and a legal career.

Ultimately, the decision to apply for law school is a personal one that depends on your individual goals and circumstances. By carefully considering your motivations, career goals, resources, and skills, you can make an informed decision about whether law school is the right next step for you.

Final thoughts on law school requirements

If you're considering applying to law school, we hope this post has provided you with valuable information about the law school requirements. Remember that starting early and staying organized is the key to a successful law school application.

If you're looking for additional resources to help you with your application, we recommend speaking with our graduate school admissions consultants. We can help you craft a strong personal statement, and navigate the law school application process.

So, why wait? Schedule a consultation and begin taking the next step in your law school journey!

Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand. 

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