Applying To Law School: How Many Is Too Many?

Applying to law schools can be a stressful process, especially when it comes to deciding how many schools to apply to. The average student applies to around six law schools, but the optimal number depends on several factors, including the competitiveness of your LSAT score and GPA, as well as your desired location. It is recommended that students apply to a range of schools, including reach, target, and safety schools. Most students will apply to two reach schools, three target schools, and two safety schools, with the total number of applications ranging from five to fifteen. Applying to law school can be expensive, so it's important to consider your budget when deciding how many schools to apply to.

Reach, target and safety schools

Applying to law schools can be stressful, especially if you are unsure where to aim your applications. It is important to choose a range of schools and most students will apply to a mix of reach, target, and safety schools.

A reach school is one where you have a slim chance of acceptance. Usually, this means that your LSAT score and GPA are below the school's median scores, or your GPA is higher and your LSAT score is below the 25th percentile score. Other factors like character and fitness issues, multiple LSAT takes, or being an international applicant can affect your chances. If your LSAT score and GPA are both below a school's 25th percentile, the school is probably a super reach.

A target school is one where you have a good chance of getting in. This usually means that your LSAT score and GPA are at or above the school's median scores, or either your GPA or LSAT is above the median score, and the other is below. This is commonly referred to as being a splitter. Most of your applications should be for target schools.

A safety school is one that you are highly likely to get accepted into, as your GPA and LSAT scores are both above the school's median scores or at and above the school's 75th percentile scores. It is always a good idea to apply to a few safety schools as they will act as a backup if things don't work out with your target or reach schools. Safety schools may also offer you scholarships that you can use to negotiate with other schools that are higher on your list.

Most students will apply to two reach schools, three target schools, and two safety schools, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances. On average, students will apply to between 5 and 15 law schools each cycle, although applying to more than 15 schools is probably overkill.

LSAT score and GPA competitiveness

The number of law schools you should apply to depends on several factors, including your LSAT score and GPA competitiveness. The LSAT score range is 120-180, with the average LSAT score being 150. However, the competitiveness of LSAT scores varies depending on the law school's ranking.

Top-ranking law schools, such as Ivy League institutions, require substantially higher LSAT scores. Applicants to these schools often have LSAT scores in the mid-160s or higher. For example, Yale Law School and Stanford Law School, two of the best law schools in the United States, have scores in the 170s—175 and 173, respectively.

Mid-tier law schools have average scores ranging from 155 to 165. Less competitive law schools may accept students with LSAT scores of about 150 or lower. It is crucial for prospective law students to research the specific admission requirements and average LSAT scores for the schools they are interested in.

When categorizing law schools into reach, target, and safety schools, the LSAT score is a significant factor. A reach school is one where your LSAT score and GPA are below the school's median scores, or your GPA is higher, and your LSAT score is below the 25th percentile score. A target school is one where your LSAT score and GPA are at, above, or close to the school's median scores. A safety school is one where your LSAT score and GPA are well above the median, and admission is highly likely.

Most students apply to a combination of reach, target, and safety schools, with target schools being the most common. Applicants with a high LSAT score and GPA may consider applying to more target schools to maximize their chances of acceptance. Conversely, if your LSAT score is much higher than your GPA, or vice versa, you may want to consider applying to additional target schools to compensate for the discrepancy.

In addition to the LSAT score, other factors such as personal statements, resume activities, and individual background can influence your chances of admission. However, the LSAT score is generally considered the most important factor in law school applications, as it demonstrates your readiness to tackle the demands of law school and makes your application more competitive.

Location and finances

When deciding how many law schools to apply to, it's important to consider your desired location and financial situation. Firstly, determine the region where you want to work and live. If you have a competitive LSAT/GPA, apply to local feeder schools in your desired region, with at least one safety school among them. If you have an average LSAT/GPA, focus on schools that serve your region, including Tier 4 safety schools. For those with below-average scores, it's crucial to stay in your target region and apply to a higher number of schools, with most applications going to Tier 4 institutions.

The cost of applying to law schools is another key factor. Application fees can add up quickly, so it's important to be mindful of your budget. While some schools have small fees or waive them entirely, others may charge significant amounts. Additionally, there are often additional costs, such as the CAS fee, which is typically required for submitting applications through the LSAC portal. Consider your financial resources and whether you may be eligible for application fee waivers.

When deciding on the number of schools to apply to, weigh the benefits of casting a wide net against the financial and time investment required. On average, students apply to between 5 and 15 law schools, but this can vary depending on your scores, preferences, and financial situation. Aim to have a balanced list that includes target, reach, and safety schools.

To optimise your application strategy, consider using online law school predictors, which can provide an estimate of your chances of admission based on your GPA, LSAT score, and other factors. These tools can help you refine your list and ensure you're applying to schools that align with your location and financial preferences.

Application fees

The average law school applicant applies to around six schools. However, the optimal number of applications depends on several factors, including the competitiveness of your LSAT score and GPA, your desired location, and your budget. If you have a very competitive LSAT score and GPA, you should apply to at least four local feeder schools, including one safety school. If your LSAT score and GPA are average, consider applying to 6-8 schools in your region, including 2-3 safety schools and no more than 2 reach schools.

On the other hand, if your LSAT score and GPA are below average, you may need to apply to 12 or more schools, with at least half being Tier 4 safety schools and no more than 2 reach schools. It is important to stay within the region you want to work in and ensure that you have maximised your LSAT score and GPA. For those with competitive scores, applying to 5-15 schools is a good range, with most applicants choosing 2-3 reach schools, 3-5 target schools, and 2-3 safety schools.

While it is beneficial to cast a wide net by applying to multiple schools, it is important to avoid over-applying, as this can become costly and time-consuming. Anything above 20 applications is considered excessive and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, keep in mind that some schools may offer application fee waivers for eligible students, so be sure to inquire about these opportunities to help reduce the financial burden.

In conclusion, when deciding how many law schools to apply to, carefully consider your application fees by evaluating your LSAT score and GPA, desired location, budget, and the number of target, reach, and safety schools you intend to apply to.

School reputation

When deciding how many law schools to apply to, it's important to consider the reputation of the schools in question. While it may be tempting to apply to a large number of schools to increase your chances of acceptance, it's worth bearing in mind that law school applications can be expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, it's generally recommended that applicants aim for a range of 5-15 schools, with most sources suggesting a number of 9-10.

When selecting which schools to apply to, it's a good idea to categorise them into three groups: reach schools, target schools, and safety schools. Reach schools are those that you are interested in attending, despite having a lower probability of acceptance. Target schools are those that you have a high chance of getting into, and safety schools are those that you are highly likely to be accepted into. A good rule of thumb is to apply to 2-3 reach schools, 3-5 target schools, and 2-3 safety schools. This ensures that you have a balanced list of options, maximising your chances of acceptance while still allowing you to aim for your dream schools.

When deciding which schools to include in each category, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, look at the school's median and 75th percentile scores for GPA and LSAT and compare them to your own. This will give you an idea of whether the school is a reach, target, or safety. Additionally, consider the school's reputation and rankings. While it's important to aim for prestigious schools with good program quality, don't get too caught up in the rankings as a lower-ranked school may actually be a better fit for your goals and provide an excellent education.

Other factors to consider when evaluating a school's reputation include specialisations, costs and financial aid, bar passage rates, alumni network, faculty and resources, class size and student-to-faculty ratio, career services, diversity and inclusion, bar exam prep, and campus culture. It's also crucial to consider your own career goals and whether the school's programs align with your interests and aspirations. Remember, the key is to find a school that fits you best, not just one with the most impressive reputation.

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