Anaya Nolan
Harvard Law School is a highly selective institution, accepting only a small percentage of applicants each year. The school is ranked as the fifth-best law school in the United States, and its acceptance rate reflects its high standards and prestige. In recent years, the acceptance rate has been as low as 9%, with applicants needing to demonstrate exceptional academic records, high LSAT scores, and notable extracurricular achievements to be considered. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach, evaluating applicants based on a range of factors, including academic achievements, personal experiences, leadership potential, and unique qualities that contribute to a diverse student body. With its unmatched opportunities and extensive network, Harvard Law School remains a dream destination for aspiring lawyers seeking global exposure in the legal field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| DS meaning | Dean's Scholar |
| DS percentile | 94-99 |
| DS comparison to old grading system | Equivalent to an A+ |
| Number of DS students per 1L class section | 3-5 |
| Grades | Honors, Pass, Low Pass, Fail |
| Grade distribution | 5% DS, 35% H, 55% P, 5% LP |
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What You'll Learn
Acceptance rate
Harvard Law School's grading system has undergone a few changes over the years. In 2009, the school revised its grading system to improve student quality of life and happiness and to change its reputation as cutthroat. The new system was based on a recommended, not mandatory, curve, with the top third of the class receiving "Honors", the bottom tenth receiving "Low Pass", and everyone else in the middle receiving a "Pass".
However, according to a forum post from 2024, the current grade distribution at Harvard Law School is as follows:
- 94-99%: DS (Discretionary; could be 96-99% or a narrower range)
- 63-93%: H (Honors)
- 8-63%: P (Pass)
- 0-7%: LP (Low Pass; discretionary, could be 0-4% or a wider range)
This system is a significant change from the pre-2009 grades, which were assigned as follows:
- 99%: A+
- 90-98%: A
- 72-89%: A-
- 39-71%: B+
- 8-38%: B
- 1-7%: B-
- 0%: C or lower
According to the forum post, the new system has led to grade inflation, with the DS grade becoming much more common. In each 1L class section, there are now estimated to be 3-5 students with DS grades, compared to at most 1 student in the old system.
While the acceptance rate for the DS grade at Harvard Law School is not publicly available, it is safe to assume that it is quite low, given that the grade is reserved for the top-performing students.
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LSAT scores
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardised test used by law schools to assess applicants' reading, verbal, and reasoning skills. A high LSAT score is a crucial factor in gaining admission to a top law school like Harvard Law School (HLS).
HLS is extremely selective, and the LSAT scores of its applicants are typically very high. While Harvard Law School does not publish the average or range of LSAT scores for admitted students, it can be assumed that the scores are high, given the competitive nature of the admissions process.
Allison Sanford, a student at Harvard Law School, scored a 173 on her LSAT. This score is well above the average LSAT score, which is typically around 150. A score of 173 indicates a strong performance and places Sanford in the top percentile of test-takers.
The LSAT is just one component of a holistic admissions process at Harvard Law School. While a high LSAT score is important, it is not the only factor considered. Harvard Law School also takes into account an applicant's undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and other factors that demonstrate their potential for success in law school.
Harvard Law School's grading system has gone through revisions, with the current system being implemented in 2009. The current grades are Honours (H), Pass (P), Low Pass (LP), and Fail. The Honours grade is further divided into two categories: the standard Honours (H) and Dean's Scholar (DS), which is the highest grade that can be awarded. The DS grade is discretionary and typically given to the top students in each class section.
The DS grade at Harvard Law School is relatively rare, with only a handful of students receiving it in each class section. It is considered an exceptional achievement and indicates outstanding academic performance. While the exact LSAT scores required to achieve a DS grade are not known, it is safe to assume that students with DS grades have performed exceptionally well on the LSAT and throughout their time at Harvard Law School.
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Extracurricular activities
Harvard Law School seeks to identify characteristics important to academic success and qualities that will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and experiences, general excellence, and vitality in the student body. While grades, LSAT scores, and undergraduate GPAs are the most heavily weighted factors in the admissions process, extracurricular activities are a significant part of a law school application strategy. They are complementary factors that can strengthen your application, especially when academic metrics are borderline. Harvard Law School considers work experience and demonstrated leadership, as well as intangible qualities such as energy, ambition, sound judgment, the ability to overcome adversity, high ideals, and concern for the welfare of others.
Starting your own organization or initiative can demonstrate leadership skills and a specific area of interest. For example, if you're interested in real estate law, forming a real estate club or starting a company to help others navigate the world of real estate can make you stand out as a leader. Participating in debate teams can provide excellent training for future lawyers, helping to develop strong communication skills and the ability to form decisive arguments.
Sports teams, such as the Harvard Law Softball team, are also popular extracurricular activities that enable students to make connections school-wide and foster a sense of community and belonging. These activities allow students to come together and get to know each other on a level playing field, creating a space where showing up is more important than individual performance.
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Personal statements
Harvard Law School requires applicants to submit two written statements: a Statement of Purpose and a Statement of Perspective. Each statement must be one to two pages long, double-spaced, with one-inch margins and a font size no smaller than 11 points.
The Statement of Purpose should address what motivates you to pursue a career in law and how attending law school aligns with your ambitions, goals, and vision for the future. It is an opportunity to reflect on your reasons for choosing a legal path and to demonstrate your understanding of how a law degree will help you achieve your aspirations.
The Statement of Perspective, on the other hand, is designed to help the Admissions Committee understand you as an individual and a potential Harvard Law School student and graduate. In this statement, you should share your experiences, background, and interests, and explain how these have shaped you and will continue to shape your engagement in the HLS community and the legal profession. This statement allows the committee to gain insight into your unique perspective and how your personal journey has influenced your decision to pursue a legal education.
It is important to note that Harvard Law School places great emphasis on getting to know their applicants holistically. While academic achievements are important, the admissions process also considers an applicant's character, fitness, and overall potential for contributing to the HLS community. Thus, the personal statements are a crucial component of the application, allowing applicants to showcase their individuality, passions, and how their experiences have prepared them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Harvard Law School has a unique grading system, which includes the DS (Dean's Scholar) honour. This honour is awarded to a small number of students in each class, typically those with exceptional academic achievements. While grades are important, they are not the sole factor in determining admission to Harvard Law School, and a well-crafted personal statement can play a significant role in showcasing an applicant's suitability for the programme.
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Interview process
Harvard Law School's interview process is a critical step in the admissions process. It is an opportunity for the admissions committee to evaluate candidates beyond their application materials and get to know the person behind the file. The interview process serves as a platform for candidates to showcase their unique perspectives, share their academic and professional journeys, and demonstrate how their goals and values align with the school's mission.
Before the Interview
When applying for a position at Harvard Law School, it is recommended to submit a cover letter along with your resume or CV. The cover letter should express your interest in the position and department and highlight the skills and talents you can contribute. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation, and the review process will begin.
For prospective students, understanding the interview format, common questions, and preparation strategies is crucial. Candidates should prepare thoughtful answers, practice mock interviews, and seek feedback from mentors, professors, or peers familiar with the admissions process. Online resources and practice platforms specific to law school interviews can also provide valuable guidance.
Additionally, candidates should research the school, recent news, and their interviewer to demonstrate their understanding during the interview. It is also essential to prepare questions for the interviewer, showing your interest in the school and eagerness to join. These questions can be about student life, academic resources, environmental initiatives, or specific clinics and professors of interest.
During the Interview
Harvard Law School interviews are typically conducted virtually via Zoom and last about 15 minutes. During the interview, candidates should aim to showcase their critical thinking skills, communication abilities, and alignment with the school's values. It is essential to be yourself, stay relaxed, and let your personality shine through.
The interview may include a mix of behavioural and technical questions. For behavioural questions, candidates can prepare by connecting their experiences, extracurricular activities, and community service to their aspirations as a future lawyer. For technical questions, candidates can demonstrate their knowledge of the program and their eagerness to join.
It is normal to feel nervous during the interview, and it is okay to ask for clarification if needed. Candidates should take their time to collect their thoughts and demonstrate their reasoning process, even if the answer is not perfect.
After the Interview
Harvard Law School typically informs candidates about their post-interview decision approximately six weeks after the interview. If you are the successful candidate, you will receive a verbal offer, including a discussion of salary, benefits, and a target start date, followed by a written offer letter sent via email. The offer may be contingent on pre-employment screening, including professional references and standard background checks.
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Frequently asked questions
Getting into Harvard Law School is very competitive. In recent years, Harvard Law's acceptance rate has been between 9% and 11%, and in 2022, it was as low as 9.5%.
Applicants need to demonstrate an exceptional undergraduate academic record, with high GPAs and LSAT scores in the top percentiles. Harvard Law School also accepts the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) in place of the LSAT.
Harvard Law School considers extracurricular activities such as debate competitions, leadership roles, and athletic achievements. Work experience is also important, as it demonstrates the application of education in a real-world context.
Harvard Law School's admissions committee takes a holistic approach, evaluating applicants based on intangible qualities such as energy, ambition, sound judgment, and the ability to overcome adversity. They seek individuals who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a passion for the law.
