The Competitive Nature Of Harvard Law School Admissions

Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious and competitive law schools globally, with a mere 9.5% acceptance rate. In 2022, the school received 8,393 applications and offered admission to only 798 students. This means that applicants must have excellent grades and test scores, with a median LSAT score of 174 out of 180. The school's large enrolment and faculty size offer an unparalleled breadth and depth of courses, research programs, and clinics. The rigorous selection process considers various factors, including work experience, leadership, and intangible qualities like energy and ambition. Harvard Law School's challenging admissions process ensures that only the most qualified candidates are accepted into this esteemed institution.

Application process

Harvard Law School is one of the nation's top schools for future lawyers, with a 9.5% acceptance rate. In the 2024 application cycle, 8,334 people applied, and 798 were offered admission. The application process for Harvard Law School is rigorous and highly competitive, requiring strong academic credentials, well-crafted essays, and a comprehensive understanding of the requirements. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the application process:

Academic Credentials

To be a competitive applicant for Harvard Law School, you should aim for exceptional academic credentials. The median LSAT score of admitted students is 174 out of 180, with the 25th percentile at 171 and the 75th percentile at 176. The average GPA is 3.93, with a range of 3.84 to 3.99. The school values strong academic performance and considers factors beyond just numbers, including the rigor of the courses you have taken and any challenges you have overcome.

Essays and Personal Statements

Harvard Law School requires two written statements: a Statement of Purpose and a Statement of Perspective (also known as a diversity statement). The Statement of Purpose should address your motivations for pursuing law, how attending law school aligns with your ambitions and goals, and why you specifically want to attend Harvard Law School. The Statement of Perspective is an opportunity to share your experiences, background, and interests and explain how these have shaped you and will contribute to the HLS community and the legal profession. Ensure your essays are well-written, authentic, and showcase your unique perspective and experiences.

Letters of Recommendation

Harvard Law School requires at least two and up to three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from a professor or academic source, but additional letters from academic sources are favourable. Choose recommenders who can speak to your intellectual capabilities, character, and potential as a future lawyer.

Resume and Work Experience

Harvard Law School values well-rounded applicants with diverse experiences. Your resume should highlight your work experience, leadership roles, and any extracurricular activities or community involvement. Consider including a "personal" or "interests" section to give the admissions committee a more holistic understanding of who you are beyond your academic and professional accomplishments.

Interviews

Harvard Law School conducts interviews for competitive applicants, and not all applicants are offered an interview. The interview is an opportunity to delve deeper into your experiences, motivations, and fit for the school. Be prepared to answer common interview questions, such as "Why Harvard Law School?" and "Can you give an example of a challenging conversation you navigated?"

Application Timeline and Requirements

The application for Harvard Law School typically opens in mid-September and closes in mid-February. It is beneficial to submit your application earlier rather than later, as admissions are rolling. The application requirements include an application fee of $85 (or a fee waiver), transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and proof of attendance at the undergraduate institution (College Certification).

Additional Considerations

Harvard Law School values diversity and seeks to create a vibrant and inclusive student body. If you have unique experiences, backgrounds, or perspectives that contribute to the diversity of the class, be sure to highlight them in your application, especially in the diversity statement. Additionally, consider taking a gap year between your undergraduate and law school studies, as over 82% of the class is at least one year out of college. This can provide valuable perspective and enhance your application.

Acceptance rate

Harvard Law School is one of the nation's top schools for future lawyers, ranked fifth in the country by U.S. News World and Report. Getting into Harvard Law School is extremely competitive, with a low acceptance rate of 9.5%. In a recent admissions cycle, out of 8,393 applications, only 798 applicants were accepted, resulting in a 9.5% acceptance rate.

The median LSAT score for admitted students is 174 out of 180, with the 25th percentile at 171 and the 75th percentile at 176. This means that applicants must have very good grades and test scores to be considered for admission. In addition to academics, Harvard Law School also values involvement in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and personal development.

The annual enrollment for Harvard Law School is approximately 563 students. The school offers three main pathways for law students: the traditional J.D., LL.M., and S.J.D. programs. The J.D. program is a three-year Juris Doctor program that emphasizes interdisciplinary study and collaboration. The LL.M. program is a one-year master's program that allows students to specialize in their preferred area of law. The S.J.D. program is Harvard's most advanced law degree, involving independent study, research, and writing.

Harvard Law School also offers dual-degree programs, such as the JD-MBA and JD-MPP, which are highly competitive. The school is known for its large enrollment and faculty size, offering a wide range of courses, clinics, and research programs. With its diverse student body and extensive alumni network, Harvard Law School provides unparalleled opportunities for its students.

Application requirements

Harvard Law School is one of the nation's top schools for future lawyers, and the application process is highly competitive. Here are the requirements and some tips to help you with your application:

Academic Qualifications

To be considered for admission, applicants must have a strong academic background. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, the median GPA for accepted students is 3.93. The 25th percentile GPA is 3.84, and the 75th percentile is 3.99.

In addition to a high GPA, applicants should aim for a competitive LSAT score. The median LSAT score for the Harvard Law School Class of 2027 is 174. The 25th percentile LSAT score is 171, and the 75th percentile is 176.

Harvard Law School also accepts GRE scores in lieu of LSAT scores. The average GRE Quantitative score for past admitted students is 165, the average GRE Verbal score is 167, and the average GRE Writing score is 5.5.

Application Materials

All applications must be submitted through the LSAC portal, and the following materials are required:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended
• Two personal statements: a Statement of Purpose and a Statement of Perspective (also known as a diversity statement)
• At least two letters of recommendation, with at least one from an academic source
• An optional interview, if offered
• An application fee of $85 or a fee waiver

Personal Statements

The personal statements are a crucial part of the application process, as they give the Admissions Committee a better sense of who you are as a person and a potential student. The Statement of Purpose should address your motivations for pursuing law and how law school aligns with your ambitions, goals, and future vision.

The Statement of Perspective is an opportunity to 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.

Letters of Recommendation

Harvard Law School requires at least two letters of recommendation, with a preference for at least one academic source. However, the more recommendations you have from academic sources, the better. These letters should speak to your character, academic achievements, and potential contributions to the HLS community.

Resume

Harvard Law School also requires a resume as part of your application. When creating your resume, keep it simple and professional. Avoid adding a photo of yourself, and stick to a black-and-white color scheme. Include all your work experience during your undergraduate years, and feel free to add a "personal" or "interests" section to give the Admissions Committee a well-rounded picture of who you are.

Character and Fitness Questions

The application process includes character and fitness questions, which are similar to the state bar requirements. This is your chance to disclose any past transgressions honestly and openly. Remember that your law school application will be read alongside your bar application, so transparency is crucial.

Optional Diversity Statement

Harvard Law School also gives you the option to submit a diversity statement. This statement is not required but can be used to highlight any unique experiences, backgrounds, or interests that contribute to the diversity and richness of the HLS community.

Application Timeline

Harvard Law School's applications typically open in mid-September and close in mid-February. The first round of acceptances usually begins in January, with subsequent rounds of decisions and waitlist notifications.

It is beneficial to submit your application earlier in the cycle, preferably in September when it opens, rather than waiting until the February deadline. This demonstrates your interest and commitment to the Admissions Committee.

Interviews

Interviews are conducted for competitive applicants, but not all applicants will be offered an interview. If you are selected for an interview, it will be conducted over Zoom and last approximately 15 minutes. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your experiences, academic choices, and motivations for attending Harvard Law School.

Application Fee

There is a non-refundable application fee of $85. However, if you require financial assistance, you may request a fee waiver as part of your application.

Remember, while academic qualifications are essential, Harvard Law School also values extracurricular activities, leadership, and personal qualities like energy, ambition, and resilience. Focus on presenting a well-rounded application that showcases your unique strengths and potential contributions to the HLS community.

Cost of attendance

The cost of attendance at Harvard Law School is high, but the school offers a robust financial aid program to assist students with need. The cost of attendance is an estimated total amount that a student will have to spend each year and includes tuition, rent, food, and insurance.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for the LL.M. program was $77,100, and the annual cost of attendance was $110,930 (tuition plus living expenses). The LL.M. Activities Fee, dental insurance, housing, food, books, and supplies, as well as personal and travel expenses for a single student, come to at least $39,400, bringing the total to at least $116,500. For students with a spouse and/or children, the standard budget calls for at least an additional $16,000 in living expenses for the spouse and at least $8,400 for each child.

Harvard Law School's financial aid program is entirely need-based. A student's need is determined by subtracting calculated student and family resources from the cost of attendance. Financial aid is offered in the form of grants (scholarships) and loans. The average grant is approximately half of the tuition, and for students with particularly high financial need, grants covering full tuition and a portion of living expenses may be available. In addition to grants, students with financial need also have access to educational loans.

Harvard Law School also provides information and resources to help students through the process of securing loans. Students can finance the entire cost of their education through loans if needed.

Application timeline

Harvard Law School's applications open in mid-September and close in mid-February. The first round of acceptances is typically announced in January, and the final round of acceptances is announced in March. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application timeline:

September

The application cycle for Harvard Law School typically begins in mid-September. It is advisable to submit your application earlier in the cycle, as admissions are rolling.

January

The first round of acceptances is usually announced in January. This is when you may receive an offer of admission or a deny decision.

February

Harvard Law School's application cycle closes in mid-February. If you haven't already done so, ensure that you submit your application by the deadline.

March

The final round of acceptances is typically announced in March. This is the last round of admissions decisions before the deadline to respond to your offer of admission.

In addition to these key dates, there may be other important deadlines and notifications throughout the application cycle, such as the second round of acceptances and deny decisions and waitlist decisions. It is important to stay updated with the latest information and deadlines provided by Harvard Law School for the application cycle you are applying for.

Frequently asked questions