Cameron Miranda
Getting into Harvard Law School is a challenging feat. The school is considered one of the most prestigious in the world and has a highly competitive admissions process. Candidates must demonstrate strong potential for success through exceptional undergraduate academic records, top test scores, and substantial accomplishments. While there is no minimum GPA required, a high GPA and LSAT score are crucial, with a median GPA of 3.94-3.95 and an LSAT score in the 170s being the standard for accepted applicants. Harvard Law also seeks a diverse student body, valuing work experience, leadership, and intangible qualities like energy and ambition. The application process includes interviews, personal statements, and recommendation letters, all contributing to a holistic evaluation of each candidate's potential.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Approximately 1 in 10 applicants are accepted |
| Median GPA | 3.94 or higher |
| LSAT score | 170 or higher |
| Application requirements | 2-3 letters of recommendation, at least 1 from a professor or academic advisor; a personal statement; a diversity statement |
| Interview | Mandatory, conducted over Zoom, around 15 minutes |
| Application advice | Apply early; showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and reasons for applying; demonstrate a strong undergraduate academic record, work experience, leadership, and intangible qualities like energy and ambition |
| Tuition | $75,008 per year |
| Total cost of attendance | $111,000 per year |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements
Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world, and the application process is highly competitive. There is no single factor that determines admission, but a strong application will demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, impressive test scores, and significant extracurricular accomplishments. Here are the key application requirements for Harvard Law School:
Academic Record
A strong academic record is essential for admission to Harvard Law School. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, the median GPA for admitted students is 3.94 or higher, so aiming for this range will make your application more competitive. In addition, Harvard Law School values a diverse range of undergraduate backgrounds and fields of study. Having a broad range of disciplines, such as science, economics, mathematics, or philosophy, can make your application stand out.
Standardized Test Scores
Performing well on standardized tests, such as the LSAT, is crucial for admission to Harvard Law School. The LSAT is scored on a scale of 120-180, and a score in the 170s is typically needed for Harvard. The school's median LSAT score is 174, with the 75th percentile at 176. It is recommended to take the LSAT in February or June before applying, as these are the last tests offered to be considered for that year's admissions cycle.
Letters of Recommendation
Harvard Law School requires at least two, and up to three, letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters should be from a professor or academic advisor who can speak to your academic performance and achievements. Glowing recommendations from reputed faculty members can significantly enhance your application. Building strong relationships with faculty members and participating in multiple classes taught by them can increase your chances of receiving strong letters of recommendation.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is a crucial component of your application, as it allows the admissions committee to gain insight into your character, motivations, and aspirations. It is your opportunity to showcase your unique personality, enthusiasm, and reasons for applying to Harvard Law School. A well-crafted personal statement can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate why you are a perfect fit for the school.
Interview
An interview is a mandatory part of the admissions process at Harvard Law School. Interviews are conducted via an online platform, typically over Zoom, and last around 15 minutes. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your academic and professional experiences, as well as your motivations, fears, and values. Let your personality shine through, and showcase your enthusiasm for pursuing a career in law.
Diversity Statement
Harvard Law School strives to admit a diverse mix of students, and a diversity statement can enhance your application. This statement allows you to explain how your background and experiences will contribute to the diversity of the student body. It is an opportunity to showcase how your unique perspective and experiences can enrich the Harvard Law School community.
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Interview process
The interview process for Harvard Law School is a crucial step in the admissions cycle, and not all applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews for the 2023-2024 cycle began in November, and they are conducted virtually through Zoom. Each interview lasts around 15 minutes and is a chance for the admissions committee to get to know the person behind the application.
The interview process at Harvard Law School typically begins with a phone screen, where a member of the Talent Acquisition team will contact you to discuss your application, experience, and interest in the position. If you progress beyond this initial stage, you will then interview with the department or "hiring committee," which may include the hiring manager, other team members, or stakeholders. This round can be conducted virtually or on campus and may be one-on-one or in small groups.
Preparing for the Interview:
To prepare for your interview, it is recommended to review your application thoroughly, as the committee will ask questions based on your resume and written statements. They may also ask about your career goals, academic trajectory, and motivations. It is essential to demonstrate thoughtfulness and enthusiasm when discussing your experiences. Be prepared to share your reasons for pursuing certain extracurricular activities and showcase your passion for them.
Additionally, take the time to learn more about Harvard Law School and the admissions committee. Prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the school and its unique offerings. Avoid memorising responses, as this may come across as inauthentic during the interview. Instead, focus on highlighting your strengths and interests, as well as your fit for the school.
Interview Day Tips:
On the day of your interview, be savvy about the length of your answers. Consider the number of questions the interviewer might ask and adjust your responses accordingly. Remember that the interview is a conversation, so relax and enjoy the process. This is your opportunity to showcase what makes you unique and why you would be a valuable addition to the Harvard Law School community.
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Admissions statistics
Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world. It is highly selective, with approximately only 1 in 10 applicants being accepted. The school is known for its corporate law, constitutional law, and dispute resolution programs, which are ranked number one in the nation.
Harvard Law School has three main pathways for law students: the traditional J.D. (its most popular program), LL.M., and S.J.D. programs. The J.D. program is for students who want to continue their studies after completing an undergraduate program and plan on pursuing a career in law. Harvard Law also offers joint degree programs in partnership with other schools at Harvard University, allowing students to combine more than one degree.
To be admitted to Harvard Law School, candidates typically need to demonstrate strong potential for success in law school through exceptional academic records, top test scores, and substantial accomplishments. While there is no minimum GPA required, the median GPA of matriculants is high, at 3.94 or higher. Similarly, a high LSAT score is crucial, with a median score of 174 for matriculants. The LSAT is offered only a few times a year, and applicants should aim to take the test by February of the year they plan to apply to increase their chances.
In addition to academic achievements, Harvard Law School values work experience, leadership qualities, and intangible traits such as energy, ambition, and resilience. A well-rounded application should include two to three letters of recommendation, preferably including at least one from a professor or academic advisor. The personal statement is another essential component, providing an opportunity for applicants to showcase their character, enthusiasm, and reasons for applying to Harvard Law School.
Harvard Law School also seeks to admit a diverse mix of students with a broad range of backgrounds and fields of study. Applicants can increase their chances of admission by submitting a polished and compelling application that stands out.
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Acceptance rates
Harvard Law School's J.D. (Juris Doctor) programme is its most popular offering. This degree is typically pursued by students who intend to continue their studies after completing an undergraduate programme and are working towards a career in law.
While there is no minimum GPA required to apply to Harvard Law School, the median GPA of matriculants in recent admissions cycles has been reported to be 3.94 or higher. Additionally, applicants are expected to achieve high LSAT scores, typically in the 170s on the 120-180 scoring scale. For context, the median LSAT score for matriculants in recent years has been around 174.
Harvard Law School seeks to admit a diverse cohort of students with a broad range of backgrounds and fields of study. While academic excellence is crucial, the admissions committee also considers factors such as work experience, leadership qualities, and intangible traits like energy, ambition, and resilience.
To increase your chances of acceptance, it is advisable to start preparing well in advance. This includes building strong relationships with faculty members who can provide glowing recommendation letters, crafting a compelling personal statement, and showcasing a diverse range of experiences and accomplishments.
Furthermore, taking a gap year or gaining some work experience before applying can enhance your application by demonstrating maturity and providing valuable insights into your character and motivations.
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Student experiences
Another student, who entered Harvard Law School in 2017, shares that they did not decide to apply for law school until a few months before they sent in their application. They recommend getting in touch with current students to gain insight into the admissions process and life at Harvard Law. They also advise that there is an advantage to applying early, as Harvard Law uses rolling admissions.
A third student, who scored in the 25th percentile on the LSAT, says that they worked with their university's law school advisor on their personal statement. They explain that this process involved a lot of self-reflection and digging deep into their childhood to understand their motivations. They also recommend letting your personality and enthusiasm shine through during the interview.
A final student, who was rejected from several top business schools, explains that these rejections forced them to reflect on what they truly enjoyed doing. They advise that finding your passion is key to a successful application and that this passion should come through in your personal statement.
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Frequently asked questions
Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world. It is extremely selective, with approximately 1 in 10 applicants being accepted. While there is no minimum GPA required, the median GPA of matriculants is 3.94 or higher. You will also need to score very highly on the LSAT—generally, a score in the 170s is required.
Harvard Law School looks for students with a diverse range of backgrounds and fields of study. You will need to submit at least two letters of recommendation, at least one of which should be from a professor or academic advisor. You will also need to submit a personal statement, which should showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and reasons for applying.
The personal statement is your opportunity to give the Admissions Committee insight into your character and why you are the perfect candidate. Be sure to let your passion for law come through, and explain why you want to pursue a career in law.
Harvard Law School interviews are conducted over Zoom and last around 15 minutes. You will be asked a range of questions, including:
- Can you give an example of a time you navigated a difficult conversation in an academic or professional setting?
- Tell me about your senior thesis or a research project/paper that makes you proud.
- What are some things you value in a community?
Harvard Law School uses rolling admissions, so it is advantageous to apply early. The application typically goes live in late September, and you should be ready to submit your application then or shortly thereafter.
