Strict university and law program requirements make the application process feel like a high-stakes game that gets intense and disconcerting with every step.
We understand and, better yet, recognize that accessibility to information on law school admissions goes a long way in determining a fitting legal education journey.
Whether you are a prospective student seeking smooth entry into a Juris Doctor program or just a curious mind looking to learn more about law school programs, this article has got you covered.
Getting Into Law School
U.S. law schools require that candidates have completed a Bachelor’s degree as the most fundamental admission criteria before beginning the application.
The degree doesn’t really need to be in the legal field, as the focus is usually on the undergraduate GPA score.
Some schools may, however, accept applications from highly qualified students in the process of completing their first law degree.
Prospective candidates looking to apply to law school are also required to attempt the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
In December 2021, the American Bar Association (ABA) announced that it was broadly allowing accredited schools to accept candidate scores in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) in place of the LSAT.
Several law schools have since made provisions for the same in their admission requirements.
Law School Application Process
Top U.S. law schools are known to have a firm benchmark on undergraduate study outcomes and LSAT/GRE scores when making admission decisions.
However, that shouldn’t be discouraging if your scores deviate slightly from the median figures.
Admission statistics from ABA required disclosures show that not all law schools are very selective in their approach.
Some prioritize inclusivity and offer an avenue for disadvantaged aspiring legal minds to realize their dreams.
If you’re willing to trade off some prestige for a higher chance of acceptance, you might be in luck exploring such schools with a solid education, decent bar passage rates and good student opportunities.
J.D. Application Process
Most ABA-accredited law and non-ABA-approved schools allow candidates to complete the J.D. application process straightforwardly through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS).
The service simplifies the process by accepting the applicant’s transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test (LSAT) scores, and other documents required for the application and combining them to form a report.
This CAS report is then forwarded to all participating law schools to which one wishes to apply.
Interested in more high-pay jobs? Check out the easiest PA schools.
Application Process for LLM & Other Law Programs
The application process for LLM program differs slightly from that of a J.D. program as eligible candidates need to apply through the LLM Credential Assembly Service.
Most LLM CAS-participating programs ask that international applicants submit their transcripts for review by the International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service (ITAES).
The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) authenticates the candidate’s academic records.
LSAC evaluators then create a report containing the LSAC-processed documents, which can be forwarded to law schools.
General Law School Application Costs
| Cost Breakdown | LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service | LSAC’s LLM Credential Assembly Service |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription fee (active for 5-years) | $200 | N/A |
| Electronic Application Service | N/A | $39 |
| Document Assembly Service | N/A | $55 |
| ITAES | N/A | $140 |
| CAS Reports | $45 each | $34 each |
| Law School Application Fee | Varies | Varies |
| Fee waivers | Offered | Not offered |
Easiest Law Schools to Get Into
The eligibility requirements and admission criteria of law schools vary from school to school and are often updated regularly.
Programs also have different degrees of flexibility regarding their ideal candidate. Some schools, for instance, enforce firm requirements while others may be willing to grant exemptions and waivers where merited.
As such, there is no clear-cut answer to the question, “What is the Easiest Law School to Get Into?”
That said, here are decent school options that will not make you jump through hoops, especially if you have extenuating circumstances or handicapping factors like a below-impressive LSAT score
- Drake University Law School
- University of South Dakota School of Law
- New England Law | Boston
- Charleston School of Law
- Northern Illinois University
- Willamette University
- Indiana University (McKinney)
- University of Arkansas (Little Rock)
- Vermont Law and Graduate School
- Loyola University (New Orleans)
More details on each university and its respective law programs, admission requirements, and class profiles are in the tables below:
1. Drake University Law School
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar (M.J.) |
|
| Masters of Law or similar (L.L.M.) |
|
| 3+3 program |
|
| Joint degrees |
|
| Others programs | ** |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.50 | 3.55 | 3.49 |
| Median LSAT | 155 | 154 | 154 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 120 | 110 | 113 |
| Tuition | $24,000 tuition fee/semester (J.D.) | $863/credit hour for the M.J. in Individualized Legal Studies program $867/credit hour for the online M.J. in Compliance and Risk Management |
$24,000 tuition fee per semester (L.L.M.) |
| English Language Proficiency Requirement | TOEFL iBT score of 100+ (JD) | TOEFL iBT score of 80+ or IELTS score of 6.5+ (M.J.) | |
| Acceptance Rates | 66.48% | 71.3% | 69.42% |
2. Northern Illinois University
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar | Not offered |
| Masters of Law or similar | Not offered |
| 3+3 program | 3+3 accelerated programs options are available in several majors through the University Honors program. |
| Joint degrees | Joint J.D./Master of Business Administration to be completed in 3 to 5 years. |
| Others | ** |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.20 | 3.36 | 3.43 |
| Median LSAT | 148 | 150 | 150 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 121 | 117 | 106 |
| Tuition | Combined base tuition and fee of $23,552 as domestic rate or $40,102 as the international rate | ||
| English Language Proficiency Requirement |
|
||
| Acceptance Rates | 62.27% | 52.1% | 54.48% |
3. University of South Dakota
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar | Not offered |
| Masters of Law or similar | Not offered |
| 3+3 program | Offered as USD 3+3 fast track arrangement. Applicants who come short of the requirements for the Bachelor’s + J.D. degree program but possess outstanding attributes may be granted admission. |
| Joint degrees |
|
| Others | Dual-degree Environmental Law and Policy (J.D./MELP) program offered in partnership with Vermont Law School |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.44 | 3.39 | 3.56 |
| Median LSAT | 151 | 151 | 151 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 79 | 87 | 86 |
| Tuition | $16,793 for residents $36,333 for non-residents |
||
| English Language Proficiency Requirement |
|
||
| Acceptance Rates | 68.98% | 67.5% | 76.16% |
4. New England Law | Boston
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar | Not offered |
| Masters of Law or similar | L.L.M. in American Law |
| 3+3 program | Not offered |
| Joint degrees | Not offered |
| Others | Foreign Lawyer Bar program |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.28 | 3.36 | 3.44 |
| Median LSAT | 154 | 154 | 153 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 392 | 360 | 382 |
| Tuition | $28,524 /semester for full-time enrollment $21,392/semester for part-time enrollment $28,524/semester for flexible J.D. (13–15 credits) students $21,392/semester for flexible J.D. (8–12 credits) students $2,377 per additional credit |
||
| English Language Proficiency Requirement |
|
||
| Acceptance Rates | 66.14% | 71% | 74.29% |
5. Charleston School of Law
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar | Not offered |
| Masters of Law or similar | LL.M. in Admiralty and Maritime Law |
| 3+3 program | Not offered |
| Joint degrees | Not offered |
| Others | ** |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.32 | 3.41 | 3.49 |
| Median LSAT | 151 | 152 | 153 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 270 | 224 | 259 |
| Tuition | $45,100 for full-time students $36,200 for part-time students |
||
| English Language Proficiency Requirement | ** | ** | ** |
| Acceptance Rates | 60.00% | 56.6% | 53.13% |
6. Willamette University
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar | Master of Legal Studies program to be completed in 12 months. |
| Masters of Law or similar | General L.L.M. law degree program with 6 concentration options |
| 3+3 program | Direct Admission Programs delivered as either 4+3 or 3+3 arrangements in partnerships with select universities, including:
|
| Joint degrees | 4-year joint degree program in Law and Business (JD/MBA) facilitated by The Atkinson Graduate School of Management. |
| Others | ** |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.32 | 3.25 | 3.26 |
| Median LSAT | 154 | 154 | 152 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 127 | 115 | 121 |
| Tuition | Combined tuition and student activity fee of $25,472 per semester, valid for 10-16 credit hours. Other fees apply as below:
|
||
| English Proficiency Requirement |
|
||
| Acceptance Rates | 61.10% | 58.93% | 69.34% |
7. Vermont Law and Graduate School
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar |
|
| Masters of Law or similar |
|
| 3+3 program | The school offers 3+2 and 3+3 dual degree program options through agreements with the University of Vermont. Requirements for the UVM-VLGS 3+2 and 3+3 programs include a minimum GPA of 3.5. |
| Joint degrees |
|
| Other programs |
|
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.4 | 3.36 | 3.30 |
| Median LSAT | 154 | 154 | 151 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 174 | 170 | 201 |
| Tuition | $1,800 per credit hour Estimated semester fees: $25,850 for J.D. and Accelerated-JD $19,388 for Extended J.D. $15,510 for Hybrid JD |
||
| English Proficiency Requirement |
|
||
| Acceptance Rates | 65.83% | 60.94% | 64.19% |
8. Indiana University (McKinney)
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar |
|
| Masters of Law or similar |
|
| 3+3 program | Accelerated 3+3 BA/JD program offered in partnership with the School of Liberal Arts at the university. |
| Joint degrees |
|
| Other programs |
|
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.56 | 3.58 | 3.61 |
| Median LSAT | 155 | 154 | 155 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 242 | 227 | 249 |
| Tuition | $979 per credit hour for residents $1,606 per credit hour for non-residents |
||
| English Proficiency Requirement |
|
|
LLM applicants can also demonstrate English language proficiency if they have successfully completed some programs or courses specified by the university. |
| Acceptance Rates | 58.63% | 64.9% | 62.29% |
9. University of Arkansas (Little Rock)
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) |
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar | Master of Studies in Law program (30 credit hours) offered on a full-time and part-time basis. |
| Masters of Law or similar | Not offered |
| 3+3 program | Pathway options:
|
| Joint degrees | Concurrent JD and Master’s degree programs:
|
| Other programs | ** |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.43 | 3.41 | 3.39 |
| Median LSAT | 152 | 152 | 152 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 162 | 144 | 126 |
| Tuition | $445.05 tuition per hour for residents $976.50 tuition per hour for non-residents |
||
| English Proficiency Requirement |
|
||
| Acceptance Rates | 59.63% | 55.81% | 59.17% |
10. Loyola University (New Orleans)
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Juris Doctor (J.D.) | J.D. program (90 academic hour curriculum) options:
|
| Master of Jurisprudence or similar | 30-credit degree options:
|
| Masters of Law or similar | Two semester (24 credits) degree options:
|
| 3+3 program | 3+3 accelerated degree program only available to New Orleans undergraduate students. |
| Joint degrees | J.D. and Master’s degree options:
|
| Other programs | ** |
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median GPA | 3.35 | 3.39 | 3.37 |
| Median LSAT | 153 | 152 | 151 |
| Bar pass rate | Bar passage report | ||
| Class size | 197 | 209 | 206 |
| Tuition | $1,687 per credit hour | ||
| English Proficiency Requirement |
|
||
| Acceptance Rates | 58.54% | 66.67% | 64.71% |
Note that the rankings used in this section directly draw from 2022 vs 2023 Law School Median and Class Size tracker available here.
Top 60 schools with the lowest median GPA
First-year enrollees to the University of Michigan in 2023 had a median GPA of 3.85, the lowest for any school appearing in the Top 15.
At the same time, no school in the Top 25 welcomed a first-year class with a median GPA below 3.85 except Emory University, whose enrollees posted a median GPA of 3.82.
All top 60 schools had a first-year class with a median GPA of not less than 3.75 in 2023. Notable exceptions are the University of California (Davis), with a median GPA of 3.69, and the University of California (Irvine), with a median GPA of 3.72 – the same as Washington and Lee University.
Top 60 schools with the lowest median LSAT
The University of California (Los Angeles) had a median LSAT score of 170 for its 2023 matriculated class, the lowest among the Top 15 schools.
Most schools in the top 60 had a median LSAT of 164 and above for their first-year class in 2023. Temple University, the University of Maryland, the University of Arizona and the University of Iowa had lower medians at 163.
Average schools (ranking between 60 and 160) with the lowest median GPA
The University of Oregon’s most recently matriculated class had the lowest median GPA (3.52) for any school in the top 100.
Georgia State University, Brooklyn Law, and the University of Pittsburgh follow with a median GPA of 3.56 each for their 2023 first-year classes.
Average schools (ranking between 60 and 160) with the lowest median LSAT
Notable pick-outs in this category are the University of San Francisco, whose admitted students in 2023 posted a median LSAT score of 153, the lowest for any law school ranked above position #130.
Vermont Law School and the University of Idaho had median LSAT scores of 151, the lowest for any law school ranked above position #130 overall.
Improving Chances of Getting into Law School
Entry into law school is challenging, so you must do your best to maximize the chances of landing an admission offer. Here are some preparation guidelines that can help tip the scales more in your favor.
Write a strong personal statement
The personal statement is your chance to spotlight notable experiences aligning with the school’s mission and influencing your decision to apply. Try to intertwine these unique experiences with your educational path, outlining how they mold your short and long-term career goals.
Check that the statement answers these questions:
- What motivates your desire to pursue law school?
- What draws you to this particular institution?
- In what ways do you exemplify the qualities of an effective lawyer?
- What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
- Which cause holds the utmost significance for you?
A good practice would be to examine law school personal statement samples to help you better understand how to organize diverse experiences.
Aim for a high GPA in your Bachelor’s degree
Law school programs stand out among graduate programs as they typically don’t mandate specific prerequisite courses.
Individuals pursuing law degrees come from diverse academic backgrounds. What truly matters is obtaining a bachelor’s degree with a commendable GPA.
Strive to attain the highest score if you haven’t cleared this stage.
Prepare well for the LSAT
The LSAT is another critical step in your journey, to which you must allocate sufficient time during preparation because your best score is a crucial determinant of admittance to law school.
You may need to assess your learning style before diving into the LSAT preparations. You could enroll in an LSAT course to guide you through the exam components.
Choose what suits you best: a structured approach, private tutoring, or self-directed study.
Get your academic records in order
Part of getting ready for the application window is gathering your academic documents, including transcripts.
Law schools usually dig into your post-secondary and undergraduate journey, scrutinizing grades and course choices to determine if an applicant fits the program.
Since your application is essentially the canvas, paint the story behind your grades well.
Acknowledge discrepancies and share the events behind irregular trends in performance through an addendum if allowed.
Recommendation letter
Securing admission to law school involves more than academic grades and personal statements; recommendation letters play a decisive role.
While one letter is standard, having up to three from people in positions or offices to give an honest and unbiased assessment of your capabilities can significantly boost your application.
The most impactful letters come from those familiar with your academic, personal, or professional achievements and should entail meaningful comparisons between your performance and your peers.
Apply to multiple law schools
To boost your chances of securing admission, consider applying to several law schools that are a good fit in each cycle.
Avoid schools with mediocre outcomes like sub-50% bar passage or sub-50% employment at 10 months after graduation. Here is what consider:
- First, assess each institution’s financial demands and resources, considering the impact on your budget and family.
- Also, review the available educational loans and scholarship awards you may qualify for.
- Align your career goals with the law school’s mission and strengths, considering its suitability for your desired legal practice.
- Ensure the law schools you apply to are ABA-accredited.
Bear in mind, the competition for your preferred choice of law school is stiff. As such, handling all sections of your applications delicately is crucial.
It is crucial that candidates honestly evaluate their qualifications and compatibility with the degree and the schools they are considering applying to.
Make sure to submit your applications as early as possible to capitalize on rolling admissions and boost your chances of securing a spot.
References
- Law School Trends – Costs, Enrollment/Admission Standards, Job Outcomes and Salaries
- ABA Crackdown on For-Profit Law Schools
- Law: Law School Application Advice and Resources
- Spivey Group: The New Rankings & The Future of Law School Admissions/Legal Education
- ABA 509 Required Disclosures
- ABA Journal: Accreditation Challenges
- For-Profit Law Schools, Once Flourishing, are Nearly Extinct
- The Law-School Scam
- The Law School Crisis
- Annual Law School Median and Class Size Trackers
- Reuters: First All-Remote, Full-Time Law Degree with ABA Blessing Set To Start Next Fall