Applying To Harvard Law: My Experience And Insights

Applying to Harvard Law School is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. The process involves submitting an application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website, including transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, resumes, and personal statements. Applicants are assessed based on their academic records, test scores, work experience, extracurricular activities, and intangible qualities. The competition is fierce, with Harvard Law School's acceptance rate being around 9.5% to 12% for the class of 2026. However, with dedication, a well-crafted application, and a strong academic record, applicants can increase their chances of gaining admission to this prestigious law school.

Application deadlines and fees

The application deadline for Harvard Law School is February 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET for Fall Term 2025 enrollment. The application is available through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) website, and it is recommended that you submit your application well before the deadline. An application is considered submitted on the day it is transmitted to LSAC.

The application fee is $85, which is non-refundable. You may pay by credit card or by mailing a check or money order payable to Harvard Law School. If you are unable to pay the application fee, you can apply for a fee waiver through the LSAC Fee Waiver Program or directly from HLS by completing the HLS Fee Waiver Request Form. The HLS Fee Waiver Request Form for Fall Term 2025 enrollment has a deadline of February 8, 2025, and no requests made outside of this window will be accommodated.

For LL.M., S.J.D., and Visiting Researcher/Visiting Scholar applicants, the application deadline for the 2025-26 academic year is early September 2024. The application must be submitted through the Harvard Law School Graduate Program's online application.

Standardised test scores

The LSAT is designed to test your ability to think, reason, use logic, write, and understand written material. While this may seem daunting, with practice and preparation, you can improve your scores. It is recommended to start preparing early, get plenty of practice with old LSATs, and consider hiring a private tutor who has aced the test themselves.

For the GRE, applicants are required to report all valid test scores from the previous five-year period. It is important to note that law schools can see your LSAT score even if you choose to submit a GRE score.

In addition to standardised test scores, Harvard Law School also considers your undergraduate academic record, work experience, extracurricular activities, and intangible qualities such as energy, ambition, and sound judgment. However, a strong standardised test score will significantly enhance your application.

Letters of recommendation

When choosing who will write your letters of recommendation, it is important to put careful thought into your selection. Developing relationships with professors who you want to write letters for you is crucial. By taking multiple classes with them, attending their office hours, and perhaps even working as their teaching assistant, you can ensure that they know you well and can provide a strong letter that highlights your academic abilities and accomplishments.

Additionally, it is important to provide your recommenders with a tailored resume. This resume should include detailed information on your accomplishments and outcomes of any projects or group work. This will help to refresh your recommender's memory and enable them to provide specific examples of your exemplary work in their letter.

When selecting your recommenders, it is also worth keeping in mind that two thoughtfully selected recommenders are likely to be more effective than several chosen less carefully. Therefore, take the time to consider who can speak best to your qualifications, achievements, and potential for success in law school.

Character and fitness questions

Applying to Harvard Law School is a challenging and competitive process. The school is highly selective, with a low acceptance rate, and applicants are expected to meet high academic standards and demonstrate a range of desirable qualities.

One important aspect of the application process is the Character and Fitness Questions. These questions are designed to assess an applicant's moral character and suitability for the legal profession. They are similar to the state bar requirements, and applicants are advised to be truthful and forthcoming in their responses. This is because the law school application is read alongside the bar application, and any discrepancies or omissions could negatively impact the applicant's chances of admission to the bar.

The Character and Fitness Questions are an opportunity for applicants to disclose any past transgressions or disciplinary issues. Being honest and upfront about any issues is crucial, as it demonstrates maturity, accountability, and a commitment to ethical behaviour. Failure to disclose relevant information could be seen as a lack of integrity and may result in a rejected application or a withdrawn offer of admission.

When answering the Character and Fitness Questions, applicants should carefully consider the following:

• Any past misconduct, including academic, legal, or disciplinary issues, should be disclosed. This demonstrates honesty and a willingness to take responsibility for one's actions.
• Provide context and explain the circumstances surrounding any incidents. This allows the admissions committee to understand the situation and any mitigating factors that may have influenced the applicant's behaviour.
• Reflect on the impact of one's actions and demonstrate an understanding of the consequences. This shows empathy and a capacity for self-reflection, which are important qualities for legal professionals.
• Discuss any steps taken to rectify the situation, make amends, or prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This indicates a sense of accountability and a commitment to personal growth.
• Be truthful and avoid making excuses or trying to minimise the severity of the incident. The focus should be on taking responsibility and demonstrating personal growth.

The Character and Fitness Questions are a critical component of the Harvard Law School application process. They provide an opportunity for applicants to address any concerns, demonstrate their suitability for the legal profession, and showcase their ability to learn from past mistakes. A thoughtful and honest approach to these questions can enhance an applicant's overall profile and increase their chances of a successful application to Harvard Law School.

Personal statements

A strong personal statement is crucial to a successful Harvard Law School application. The personal statement should be a maximum of two double-spaced pages long in a font no smaller than 11 points. It should tell a compelling story that demonstrates your writing skills, your ability to be succinct, and your capacity for profound insight, knowledge, and reflection. Be honest and vulnerable, and don't be afraid to expose your weaknesses to create an emotional connection with the admissions officer reading your essay.

Choose one topic and be authentic. Pick something that demonstrates a moment of self-reflection and deep thinking. Avoid writing about multiple topics in your personal essay, and don't make it a narrative version of your resume. Instead, focus on your academic and professional experiences and how they have influenced your decision to pursue a law degree.

Harvard Law School also requires a Statement of Perspective and a Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Perspective should address how your experiences, background, and interests have shaped you and will continue to shape your engagement in the HLS community and the legal profession. The Statement of Purpose should address what motivates you to pursue law and how attending law school aligns with your ambitions, goals, and vision for the future. Both statements should be one to two pages long, double-spaced, and with one-inch margins.

In addition to these written statements, Harvard Law School requires two or three recommendation letters, with at least one from an academic source.

Frequently asked questions