How to Get Into Law School in the United States

If you’re researching how to get into law school, you’re likely serious about pursuing a legal career in the United States. Law school admissions are competitive, strategic, and detail-oriented – but they are absolutely manageable when you understand exactly what schools look for and how to prepare.

Unlike other graduate programs, law schools evaluate applicants holistically. Your GPA and LSAT score are critical, but they are not the only deciding factors. Admissions committees assess intellectual ability, writing skills, leadership potential, character, and long-term professional promise.

This complete step-by-step guide explains exactly how to get into law school in the United States, covering requirements, strategy, timelines, international considerations, costs, and expert-level preparation tips.

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Before Applying to Law School

The first requirement for how to get into law school is earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In the United States, law is a graduate-level degree (Juris Doctor), which means students must first complete a bachelor’s degree in any academic field before applying to law school. There is no mandatory “pre-law” major. You can apply to law school with virtually any major, including:

• Political Science
• English
• Philosophy
• History
• Economics
• Business
• Psychology
• Engineering
• Biology
• Mathematics
• Other STEM fields

What Law Schools Actually Care About

Admissions committees are generally less concerned about your specific undergraduate major and far more focused on how well you performed within your academic environment.

In other words, it’s not what you studied – it’s how well you studied it.

Law schools carefully evaluate:

• Academic rigor
  Did you challenge yourself with demanding coursework, or did you consistently choose easier classes?
• GPA consistency
  Was your performance steady over time, or did your grades fluctuate significantly?
• Writing ability
  Strong legal education requires advanced reading and writing skills. Courses that required research papers and analytical writing can strengthen your profile.
• Analytical reasoning skills
  Classes that required logical analysis, argument construction, and critical thinking are highly valued.
• Course difficulty
  Admissions committees review your transcript to understand the level of academic challenge you undertook.

For example, Admissions committees review your GPA in the context of your academic program and institution. However, this does not mean one major is automatically superior. Ultimately, a strong GPA is essential regardless of your field of study.

Admissions officers evaluate your transcript in context — considering grading standards at your institution and the competitiveness of your program.

What Is a Competitive GPA?

There is no universal GPA requirement for law school admission, and standards vary by institution and admissions cycle. Based on publicly available median data from recent admission cycles:

• Highly selective law schools often report median GPAs above 3.8
• Competitive regional law schools often report median GPAs in the 3.5–3.7 range
• Other ABA-accredited law schools may report median GPAs between 3.2–3.5, though some non-ABA schools exist in certain states

These figures represent median admitted student data – not minimum GPA requirements.

GPA is only one part of the admissions equation. Applicants below a school’s median GPA may still be competitive when paired with:

• A strong LSAT score (or GRE, if accepted by the school)
• A compelling personal statement
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Meaningful professional or leadership experience

If your GPA is lower than you would like, focus on improving what you can control. Strong performance in later semesters can demonstrate academic growth and resilience. Admissions committees also review applicants’ character and fitness, which includes background disclosures and conduct review, to ensure candidates meet professional and ethical standards required for the legal profession.

Step 2: Excel on the LSAT / GRE for a Strong Law School Application

One of the most important factors in law school admissions is achieving a strong score on the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). Most ABA-accredited law schools require the LSAT, though some schools now also accept the GRE.

The LSAT measures key skills needed for law school success:

• Logical reasoning
  Evaluating and constructing arguments
• Analytical reasoning
  Problem-solving and critical thinking under time pressure
• Reading comprehension
  Understanding and analyzing complex legal texts

Note: The LSAT does not test legal knowledge. It evaluates skills that predict success in law school.

Competitive LSAT Scores:

While schools do not publish minimum scores, median scores give a helpful benchmark:

• Top 14 (T14) law schools: Median scores often 170+
• Highly competitive regional schools: Typically 160–169
• Other ABA-accredited schools: Often 150–159

These are median scores, not guaranteed cutoffs. Applicants with lower scores may still be competitive if other parts of their application are strong.

Effective LSAT Preparation:

Strong preparation is essential. Key strategies include:

• Start early – Plan 4–6 months for most applicants
• Take full-length practice tests – Build stamina and time management
• Analyze mistakes – Focus on understanding and correcting errors
• Practice under timed conditions – Speed and accuracy are critical
• Consider prep courses – Helpful if self-study is inconsistent

Tip: Consistent practice over time is more effective than cramming.

For International Applicants:

For students applying from outside the U.S.:

• LSAT is required by most ABA-accredited schools
• Some programs accept the GRE
• English proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS) are often required
• Early planning ensures you meet all testing and application deadlines

Mastering the LSAT (or GRE) is a critical step in demonstrating your readiness for law school and significantly strengthening your overall application.

Step 3: Craft a Compelling Law School Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your opportunity to stand out and show admissions committees who you are beyond your GPA and LSAT score. It tells the story of your motivations, experiences, and goals, demonstrating why you are a strong candidate for law school. Admissions officers look for:

Key Element	What It Means / How to Demonstrate It
Clarity of purpose	Clearly explain why you want to study law and pursue a legal career. Show a focused, well-defined motivation.
Unique experiences	Highlight personal, academic, or professional experiences that shaped your perspective or prepared you for law school.
Leadership and initiative	Demonstrate moments where you took responsibility or made a meaningful impact, whether in school, work, or community.
Resilience and growth	Show how you have overcome challenges, learned from setbacks, and grown as a person.
Strong writing skills	Use proper grammar, clear structure, and polished style to present your ideas professionally.

A strong personal statement not only showcases your individuality and achievements but also convinces admissions committees that you are prepared for the academic and professional challenges of law school.

Step 4: Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation for Law School

Letters of recommendation provide admissions committees with an external perspective on your abilities, character, and potential for success in law school. Strong recommendations can differentiate your application, especially when your academic record or test scores are average.

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your skills, work ethic, and character:

• Professors or academic mentors
  Ideal for demonstrating intellectual ability and academic performance
• Employers or supervisors
  Highlight professionalism, leadership, and practical skills
• Research advisors or internship mentors
  Emphasize analytical ability, initiative, and problem-solving

Tip: Avoid asking family or friends; admissions committees require professional or academic references.

Strong letters of recommendation provide credible, third-party validation of your skills and character, reinforcing your readiness for law school and complementing the rest of your application.

Step 5: Complete and Submit a Strong Law School Application

After earning your degree, excelling on the LSAT, writing a compelling personal statement, and securing strong letters of recommendation, it’s time to assemble and submit your law school application.

A well-organized application ensures that admissions committees can easily evaluate your strengths and potential. Key components of a complete application:

• Transcripts
  Official records from all undergraduate institutions attended
• Test scores
  LSAT or GRE results (sent directly to schools)
• Personal statement
  Polished and tailored for each school if required
• Letters of recommendation
  Submitted according to school guidelines
• Resume or CV
  Highlighting academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements
• Additional materials
  Optional essays, diversity statements, or addenda if relevant

Submitting a complete, polished, and timely application maximizes your chances of admission and leaves a strong impression on law school admissions committees.

Step 6: Plan Finances and Explore Scholarships for Law School

Understanding the costs of law school and planning your finances is essential before enrolling. Tuition, fees, and living expenses can vary widely depending on the school and location. Early planning helps reduce stress and ensures you can focus on your studies once admitted.

Key Financial Considerations

Tuition and fees	Vary significantly between top-tier, regional, and public law schools
Living expenses	Housing, food, transportation, and healthcare
Books and materials	Budget for textbooks, study aids, and technology
Application and testing costs	LSAT/GRE fees, transcript evaluations, and application fees

Funding Options:

• Scholarships and grants – Merit-based, need-based, and diversity-focused awards
• Federal student loans – Available for U.S. citizens and eligible residents
• Private loans – Supplemental option if federal aid isn’t sufficient
• Work-study or part-time employment – Some programs allow limited work while enrolled

Tip: Research each law school’s financial aid offerings and deadlines early to maximize your funding opportunities.

For International Applicants:

• Consider exchange rates, visa requirements, and international financial aid options
• Some U.S. law schools offer specific scholarships for international students
• Early planning is crucial for securing loans or funding from home countries

Proper financial planning and exploring scholarship opportunities ensure that you can pursue law school confidently, focusing on your studies rather than financial stress.

Step 7: Use Resources and Tools to Boost Your Law School Application

Successfully navigating U.S. law school admissions requires preparation, strategy, and access to the right resources. Using reliable tools can save time, improve your application, and increase your chances of admission.

• LSAT Prep Programs: Structured courses (online or in-person) provide practice tests, study strategies, and expert guidance to improve your score. Examples include Kaplan, Princeton Review, and LSATMax.
• Scholarship Search Engines: Platforms like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and individual law school websites help you identify funding opportunities and deadlines.
• Application Timeline Templates: Track important dates for LSAT registration, school applications, recommendation letters, and financial aid to stay organized.
• Essay & Personal Statement Guides: Books, online courses, or coaching services can provide tips, prompts, and examples for crafting strong essays.
• Networking & Mentorship: Connect with current law students, alumni, or professional associations to gain insights, advice, and guidance throughout the admissions process.

Tip: Use a combination of digital tools, professional guidance, and personal networks to create a structured and stress-free application journey.

Leveraging the right resources and tools can make your law school application process more efficient, organized, and competitive, helping you put your best foot forward at every stage.

FAQs About Getting Into Law School

Conclusion

Getting admitted to a U.S. law school is a challenging but achievable goal with careful planning and preparation. By understanding how to get into law school, you can strategically build your academic record, strengthen your LSAT score, craft compelling personal statements, and secure strong recommendations. Law schools assess your academic ability, analytical skills, character, and potential, not just test scores or grades. With strategic planning, dedication, and the right guidance, you can navigate the admissions process effectively and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career in the United States.