Law Students: How Many Schools Should You Apply To?

Applying to law schools can be a stressful process, and it is important to strike a balance between applying to enough schools and not spreading yourself too thin. The general consensus is that students should apply to between 5 and 15 law schools, with some sources recommending a minimum of 12. It is also important to apply to a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Reach schools are those that are the most competitive and have the highest admission requirements, target schools are those that align with your grades and test scores, and safety schools are those that you are very likely to be accepted to.

How many law schools should you apply to?

Applying to law schools can be a stressful process, especially if you are unsure about where to aim your applications. The pressure of wanting to make the most of your application cycles and ensuring you are accepted into at least one school can be an overwhelming experience for many aspiring law students.

On average, students will apply to between 5 and 15 law schools each cycle. It is recommended that you apply to at least five schools to increase your chances of success. However, it is important to strike a balance and not apply to too many schools, as this can be expensive and time-consuming.

A good rule of thumb is to apply to a mix of "reach," "target," and "safety" schools. Reach schools are those that are highly competitive and may have higher GPA and LSAT score requirements than your own. Target schools are those that align with your grades and test scores, and safety schools are those that you are very likely to get accepted to due to having higher scores than their requirements.

Most students will apply to two reach schools, three target schools, and two safety schools, for a total of around nine applications. However, this number may vary depending on your circumstances and application timeline. For example, if you have a very high LSAT score, you may choose to apply to fewer schools, whereas if you have a lower LSAT score, you may want to apply to more.

In addition to grades and test scores, there are several other factors to consider when choosing which law schools to apply to. These include location, cost and financial aid, specializations, bar passage rates, alumni network, faculty and resources, class size, and career services.

It is important to carefully research each school and weigh these factors to determine which schools are the best fit for your goals and interests. Applying to law school can be a daunting process, but with careful planning and research, you can increase your chances of gaining admission and starting your legal journey.

What are reach, midrange, and safety schools?

Applying to law schools can be stressful, especially if you are unsure where to aim your applications. The pressure of wanting to make the most of your application cycle and ensure acceptance into at least one school can be overwhelming. It is important to strike a balance between reach schools, midrange targets, and safety schools.

Reach schools are the schools on your list that you don't have the best chances of acceptance at, but there is still a chance. Usually, for a law school to be considered a reach, your GPA and LSAT scores are below the school's median scores, or your GPA is higher and your LSAT score is below the 25th percentile score. It is worth applying to several reach schools, as long as you are being realistic, as you may be waitlisted or rejected at each one.

Midrange or target schools are schools where your odds of admission are good but not assured. These are schools where your GPA and LSAT scores 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. These schools may present your best options, so select them carefully.

Safety schools are those 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 75th percentile scores. You should apply to safety schools as they will act as a backup if things don't work out with your reach or target schools.

The average law school applicant applies to about six schools, and it is recommended to apply to at least a dozen law schools: five reaches, five midrange schools, and two safety schools. However, this number can vary depending on your circumstances and application timelines. For instance, if you have a very high LSAT score, you may choose to apply to fewer schools, while if you have a low GPA and a high LSAT score, or vice versa, you may want to apply to more schools.

When creating your list of potential law schools, there are several factors to consider:

• Location: Where do you want to study and possibly practice law?
• Reputation and rankings: Check how each law school is regarded and where it ranks.
• Specializations: Do the law schools offer specialized programs that match your interests and career goals?
• Costs and financial aid: Consider tuition and whether they offer scholarships or financial aid.
• Bar passage rates: Find out how well their students do on the bar exam, as this affects your chances of becoming a licensed attorney.
• Alumni network: A strong alumni network can be beneficial for your future legal career.
• Faculty and resources: Look into the qualifications of the faculty and the resources they offer, such as libraries, clinics, and internships.
• Class size and student-to-faculty ratio: Smaller classes can mean more personal attention from professors.
• Career services: Check what kind of support the law school provides for internships, job placement, and networking.
• Diversity and inclusion: Consider how committed the school is to diversity and inclusion, which can impact your overall experience.
• Bar exam prep: Find out if they offer bar review courses and support for the bar exam.
• Campus culture: Research the campus culture to see if it aligns with your values and what you're looking for.

By applying to a range of reach, target, and safety schools, you give yourself the best chances of gaining admission into law school.

How to choose which law schools to apply to

Applying to law schools can be a stressful process, especially if you are unsure about where your applications are headed. Here are some tips to help you choose which law schools to apply to:

Know the different categories of law schools

Firstly, it is important to understand the different categories of law schools. These include reach schools, target schools, and safety schools. Reach schools are those that are difficult to get into, and your GPA and LSAT scores are below the school's median scores. Target schools are those where your GPA and LSAT scores are at or above the school's median scores, or either your GPA or LSAT is above the median score. Safety schools are those where your GPA and LSAT scores are above the school's median and 75th percentile scores, and you are almost guaranteed acceptance.

Understand the importance of location

The location of the law school is an important factor to consider. Think about whether you prefer an urban or rural environment, and whether you want to be in a warm or cool climate. Consider the importance of being within walking distance of the school or having access to good public transportation. Additionally, keep in mind that the bar exam is unique to each state, so it is wise to think about where you want to work post-law school as different states offer different opportunities.

Evaluate the cost and financial aid

Law school can be expensive, so it is crucial to consider the cost and available financial aid. Research the scholarships and financial aid packages offered by different law schools and see if you fit the criteria for any scholarships. Look into the percentage of students who receive financial aid and the average amount of aid they receive.

Research the culture and size of the law school

The culture of a law school can vary, with some being more academically rigorous while others are more social or laid-back. Talk to current students and alumni to get a sense of the culture and decide if it aligns with your preferences. Additionally, consider the size of the law school and whether you prefer large or small classes.

Consider your learning style and the classes offered

Think about your personal learning style and whether you prefer large or small classes. Research the curriculum and courses offered at different law schools to ensure they align with your areas of interest. Look into the school's top faculty and see if there are professors you would like to work with or learn from.

Evaluate other factors

Other factors to consider when choosing which law schools to apply to include the bar passage rates, alumni network, faculty and resources, class size and student-to-faculty ratio, career services, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and campus culture. Additionally, don't forget to tailor your application for each school and apply early to increase your chances of acceptance.

Law school application costs

Applying to law schools can be a costly affair, with expenses adding up even before gaining acceptance. The fees associated with preparing for and taking the LSAT, registering for the test, and applying to law schools can quickly accumulate. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in the law school application process:

LSAT Preparation Costs:

The cost of preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) can vary depending on the applicant's preferences and budget. Test preparation books typically start at $50 each, while online or in-person courses can cost upwards of $1500. Many students opt for a combination of these methods, and private tutoring is also available for those seeking individualized instruction. Khan Academy offers free resources for LSAT preparation, providing a budget-friendly starting point.

LSAT Registration and Administration Fees:

The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) administers the LSAT, and the test fee is typically around $190 per exam. There may be additional charges if you need to change your test date or location. For example, changing either the date or location incurs a $125 fee, and changing both would cost $250. It's important to plan ahead to avoid these extra charges.

Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Fees:

The LSAC also manages the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which streamlines the application process by bundling transcripts, letters of recommendation, LSAT scores, and other documents. The CAS registration fee is $195, and the cost of sending the mandatory CAS report to each school is $45. Most law schools require applicants to use the CAS, adding to the overall application cost.

Law School Application Fees:

In addition to the CAS fees, law schools charge their own application fees, which range from $0 to $85 per school. These fees are implemented by the admissions committees to cover the cost of reviewing applications. It's important to note that these fees vary by school, with some schools charging as low as $60 while others may charge up to $85.

Interview and Travel Expenses:

Some law schools may request an interview as part of the admissions process. While many interviews are conducted online, some schools may prefer in-person meetings, which can incur travel expenses, including transportation, accommodation, and food costs. These costs can vary significantly depending on the location and duration of the trip.

To summarize, the costs associated with law school applications can quickly add up, with LSAT preparation and registration, CAS fees, application fees, and potential travel expenses all contributing to the overall financial burden. It is essential for applicants to carefully consider their budgets and explore options for fee waivers or scholarships to make their legal education dreams a reality.

Law school application timeline

Applying to law schools can be a stressful process, but creating a timeline for your applications can help you stay organized and ensure you're submitting the best applications possible. Here is a suggested timeline for your law school applications:

12-18 Months Before the Application Deadline:

• Start preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is a crucial component of your law school applications, and students often begin studying for it a year in advance. Consider enrolling in a prep course or seeking private tutoring. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and create a study schedule that works for you.
• Begin researching law schools that align with your career goals, interests, and qualifications. Factors to consider include location, cost, specializations, bar passage rates, alumni network, faculty, resources, class size, and campus culture.
• Make a list of potential schools, categorizing them as reach schools (schools where your GPA and LSAT scores are below the median), target schools (schools with median scores similar to yours), and safety schools (schools where your scores are significantly higher than the medians). Most students apply to a mix of reach, target, and safety schools, with a higher number of applications sent to target schools.

9-12 Months Before the Application Deadline:

• Continue your LSAT preparations and take practice tests to assess your progress.
• Narrow down your list of potential law schools. Be realistic about your chances of admission based on your GPA, LSAT scores, and other application materials.
• Start crafting your personal statement, which is a crucial part of your application. This is your opportunity to showcase your background, motivations for pursuing a law degree, experiences, and goals. Seek feedback on your personal statement from trusted sources.
• Begin requesting letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or others who can speak to your academic achievements and character. Give them ample time to write thoughtful letters.

6-9 Months Before the Application Deadline:

• Finalize your list of law schools to which you will apply. Ensure you have a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools.
• Gather all the required application materials, including transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents.
• If applicable, prepare for interviews. Reflect on your application and be ready to discuss your reasons for wanting to attend each specific school.

3-6 Months Before the Application Deadline:

• Complete and submit your applications. It is recommended to submit your applications by the end of November to increase your chances of acceptance, as law schools often follow a rolling admissions process.
• Pay close attention to the requirements and deadlines for each school, as they may vary. Be prepared to pay the application fees.
• If you are applying for scholarships or financial aid, ensure you meet the relevant deadlines and submit all the necessary documentation.

Remember, this timeline is a general guide, and you may need to adjust it based on your specific circumstances and the requirements of your chosen law schools. Good luck with your law school journey!

Frequently asked questions