Applying To Harvard Law: Is It Worth The Effort?

Harvard Law School is one of the top law schools in the world, with many alumni going on to hold positions of power and influence. The school offers a range of programs, including the traditional Juris Doctor (JD), a Master of Laws (LLM), and a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD). With an acceptance rate of around 9.5%, getting into Harvard Law School is highly competitive. Applicants need to demonstrate exceptional academic ability, with strong undergraduate grades and high LSAT or GRE scores. In addition to academic achievements, Harvard Law School also considers factors such as work experience, leadership, and intangible qualities such as ambition and resilience. The application process involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and interviews. The school provides resources and advice to help applicants put together a competitive application that reflects their abilities and potential contribution to the Harvard Law community.

Application process

Harvard Law School's J.D. (Juris Doctor) program is a three-year, full-time, in-person rigorous program that provides students with the intellectual foundations for legal study and practice. The application process for Harvard Law School is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 9.5% for the class of 2026.

Application Requirements:

• Applicants must hold or expect to hold a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) prior to August of the year they intend to enroll.
• All applicants must take either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test.
• Applicants must submit their undergraduate and graduate transcripts to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) after registering for LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
• Two letters of recommendation are required, with the option to submit a third. At least one letter should come from an academic source.
• A resume is required, with a suggested length of one to two pages.
• A Statement of Purpose and a Statement of Perspective are mandatory. Each statement should be one to two pages in length, double-spaced, with a font size of 11 or 12 pt.
• Character and Fitness Questions are part of the application process, mirroring state bar requirements.
• An application fee of $85 is required, although fee waivers are available for those with financial hardships.

Application Timeline:

• The application for Fall Term enrollment typically opens in mid-September and closes in mid-February.
• It is recommended to submit the application well before the deadline, as applications are reviewed in the order they are completed.
• Admissions decisions are released starting in January, with the aim of notifying all applicants by early April.

Additional Considerations:

• Harvard Law School values diversity and seeks students who will contribute to a rich and inclusive community.
• Work experience, leadership, and intangible qualities such as energy, ambition, and concern for others are also considered in the admissions process.
• Applicants may apply for admission up to three times through the regular J.D. application.

With a transformative educational experience, Harvard Law School provides a wealth of opportunities for those aspiring to make an impact in the legal field.

Acceptance rate

Harvard Law School is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is considered one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States. It is the second oldest law school in the country and the oldest in continuous operation. Harvard Law School introduced the standard first-year curriculum for American law schools in the 1870s, and its large enrollment and faculty size offer an unparalleled breadth and depth of courses and clinics.

Harvard Law School is a highly selective institution with an acceptance rate of around 18%. During the 2024 application cycle, 8,334 people applied, and 798 were offered admission. The median LSAT score of the admitted students was 174, with a median GPA of 3.93. The school seeks students with exceptional undergraduate academic records, top percentile scores on standardized tests, and substantial accomplishments in work or extracurricular activities. The admissions committee also considers intangible qualities such as energy, ambition, sound judgment, and concern for the welfare of others.

Harvard Law School's application process involves submitting an application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website, along with a fee of $85. Applicants must also take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test and submit their scores. Additionally, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and two written statements are required. The written statements include a Statement of Purpose and a Statement of Perspective, which help the admissions committee understand the applicant's motivations, goals, experiences, and how they will contribute to the HLS community.

The application process for Harvard Law School is highly competitive, and meeting the admissions criteria does not guarantee acceptance. However, for those who are ambitious and dedicated, applying to Harvard Law School can be a worthwhile endeavour, offering a transformative educational experience and a strong foundation for a career in law.

LSAT score

A high LSAT score is crucial if you want to get into Harvard Law School. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardised test that all applicants to the J.D. program must take.

Harvard Law School is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of only 9.5%. In the class of 2026, the 25th percentile LSAT score was 171/180, the 50th percentile was 174/180, and the 75th percentile was 176/180. To be a competitive applicant, you should aim for a median LSAT score of at least 174 out of 180.

Harvard Law School considers the totality of information about each applicant, including undergraduate grades, test scores, work experience, leadership, and other intangible qualities. However, a high LSAT score is a crucial quantitative factor that can make your application stand out.

If you're aiming for a high LSAT score, it's important to study long enough and intensely for the exam. Additionally, consider taking practice tests and seeking test prep resources to familiarise yourself with the test format and improve your performance.

While a high LSAT score is essential, don't neglect the other components of your application, such as your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. A well-rounded and compelling application highlights your experiences, skills, and potential contributions to the Harvard Law community.

Personal statement

A personal statement is a crucial component of your application to Harvard Law School. It is your opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, experiences, qualifications, and motivations for pursuing a legal education. A well-written personal statement can make a positive impression on the admissions committee and increase your chances of being admitted to this highly selective law school. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you craft a compelling personal statement:

• Length and Format: Harvard Law School requires your personal statement to be no more than two pages in length, double-spaced, with a font size no smaller than 11-point, and one-inch margins. Save your personal statement as a PDF and include your name and LSAC account number on each page.
• Content: Your personal statement should provide insight into who you are as a person and as a potential law student. Use this opportunity to tell a story that illustrates your strengths, passions, goals, and any challenges or experiences that have shaped your unique perspective. Be authentic and genuine in presenting yourself and your background.
• Demonstrate Deep Thinking: Harvard Law School seeks students who can demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to establish a critical distance to evaluate their own experiences and those of others. In your personal statement, convey how your mind works by sharing a story and explaining why that story is meaningful to you. Show the admissions committee your unique insight and how you process experiences.
• Showcase Your Fit: Explain how your experiences, background, and interests will shape your engagement in the HLS community and the legal profession. Demonstrate how you will contribute to the diversity of perspective and experience at the school.
• Follow Directions: Pay close attention to any specific directions or prompts provided by Harvard Law School for the personal statement. Ensure that your statement adheres to the requirements and guidelines to avoid disqualification.
• Start with Brainstorming: Before writing your personal statement, take time to brainstorm your ideas. Reflect on your experiences, accomplishments, and goals, and consider how they relate to your desire to attend Harvard Law School. This process will help you identify unique and compelling aspects of your qualifications and generate ideas for your statement.
• Develop a Clear Thesis: Create a concise and clear thesis statement that encapsulates the central theme of your personal statement. This thesis statement will give your essay direction and help ensure your writing is coherent and organized.
• Show, Don't Tell: Instead of simply listing your accomplishments, use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your strengths, passions, and goals. Bring your story to life and make your statement memorable for the admissions committee.
• Edit and Revise: Once you've drafted your personal statement, edit and revise it carefully. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and free of errors. Consider having someone else review your statement and provide feedback.

Interview

If you are applying to Harvard Law School, you may be invited to interview with a member of the J.D. Admissions team. Interviews are conducted throughout the admissions cycle, starting in November, and are a required component of the admissions process.

Preparing for the Interview

Harvard Law School suggests that you reflect on three main questions: Why you? Why Harvard? And why now?

The first question relates to your personal reasons for wanting to go to law school. Are there internal or external motivators influencing your decision, and how do you contend with those?

The second question is about why you think Harvard Law School is a good fit for you. Is it the faculty, clinics, alumni network, or something else that excites you about the school?

The third question is about timing. Why do your experiences and aspirations make you believe that now is the right time to start your legal education?

In addition to these broader questions, you should also be prepared to answer more specific questions about your experiences and goals. Harvard Law School recommends using the STAR method to structure your answers to behavioural interview questions.

Example Interview Questions

• Tell us about yourself.
• What brings you joy?
• What is something that surprised you during your recent studies or work experience?
• What will you be like in the classroom and community at HLS?
• Can you give an example of a time you navigated a difficult conversation in an academic or professional setting?
• What are you afraid of? What are you motivated by?
• What are some things you value in a community as you think about making a home for yourself over the next three years?

After the Interview

Following your interview, it is a good idea to send a thank-you note within 24 hours to the interviewer. This can be done via email or hand-written. In the note, thank the interviewer for their time, mention what you discussed, express your interest in the school, and invite further communication.

Frequently asked questions