Want to find out how to get into University of Chicago Law School?
Then you’re in the right place.
Today, I’ll tell you exactly how to stand out from the crowd so you can receive that all-important acceptance letter.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Is it hard to get into the University of Chicago Law School?
The University of Chicago Law School is a highly ranked T14 law school.
In other words, it’s one of the best in the country.
In fact, the school’s unique curriculum, high job placement rate, and faculty resources make it the third-best law school in law school rankings.
So unsurprisingly, competition to get into University of Chicago Law School is steep.
How steep?
The current University of Chicago Law School acceptance rate is just 12.8%.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t be accepted!
You can get into University of Chicago Law School – you just need to take a strategic approach to the application process.
I’ll tell you what I mean by that in a bit.
But first, let’s discuss what the University of Chicago Law School can offer you.
What programs does the University of Chicago Law School offer?
UChicago Law offers several degree programs:
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Master of Judicial Studies (MLS)
- Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD)
While you can’t specialize in a particular type of law, the curriculum includes courses on several topics, including Environmental, Family, and International law.
There’s also a joint degree path available for students who want to study with other parts of the university.
For example, you could study at both UChicago Law and UChicago Booth School of Business and earn a JD and MBA in just three years.
You can learn more about that program here.
So, what exactly do you need to get into University of Chicago Law School? I’ll tell you next, so keep reading.
What qualifications do you need to get into the University of Chicago Law School?
Thousands of students hope to get into University of Chicago Law School each year.
But what sets the 12.8% of accepted students apart?
Here’s what to know about them – including the demographic breakdown and average LSAT and GPA scores.
Who gets into the University of Chicago Law School?
Each year, the admissions office receives about 5,000 applications and enrolls around 195 students.
The entire JD student body is about 600 students at any given time.
In fact, the total 2022-2023 student body was 610 students. Of those:
- The average entering age was 24
- 51% were men
- 49% were women
- 12.6% were Asian American
- 7.7% were Black or African American
- 17.5% were Latinx
- 5.4% were two or more races
- 2.5% were foreign national
In total, they came from 35 states and represented 86 undergraduate institutions.
What GPA do you need to get into the University of Chicago Law School?
UChicago Law School is among those that demand the highest GPAs.
The most recent GPA scores for students who get into University of Chicago Law School are:
- 75th percentile: 3.99
- 50th percentile: 3.94
- 25th percentile: 3.83
In other words, a 3.99 GPA or better is considered high for first-year students, while a 3.83 or below is low. The average GPA is 3.94.
What LSAT score do you need for the University of Chicago Law School?
The most recent LSAT scores for students who get into University of Chicago Law School are:
- 75th percentile: 175
- 50th percentile: 173
- 25th percentile: 169
Simply put, an LSAT score of 175 is considered good, while 169 is low and 173 is average among first-year students.
But don’t worry, you can still get into University of Chicago Law School if your LSAT scores are slightly lower than the average.
As I said earlier, you just have to figure out how to take a more strategic approach to the application process.
I’ve helped clients get into their dream schools with LSAT scores 9 points lower than the median and GPAs more than half a point lower!
I’ll tell you how to do it in the next section.
How do you get into UChicago Law School with lower GPA or LSAT scores?
The good news is that there’s always some breathing room when it comes to GPA and LSAT scores.
For example, there’s almost a whole point difference between the lowest and highest GPAs of accepted students at UChicago Law School – 3.18 to 4.22.
And LSAT scores range from 159 to 180. That’s a staggering 21-point difference!
That said, you should at least aim for scores within reach of the averages.
For instance, a 3.5 GPA and 170 LSAT will likely be okay. But a 3.0 GPA and 160 LSAT probably won’t be.
Just remember, UChicago Law School takes a holistic approach to their admissions process, meaning that they’ll take things like your resume and recommendations into consideration, too.
Here are a few strategies to consider when faced with lower scores.
Retake the LSAT
In a perfect world, you’ll only take the LSAT once.
But if you want to improve your score, you can always try again.
There are some catches to this, though.
You can only take the exam five times within the past five years (so, since 2019) and three times in a single testing year (August to June).
That said, I recommend you don’t take it more than three times, or it could end up hurting your chances.
Another thing I tell my clients? If you studied as hard and effectively as you possibly could and scored within two or three points of your average practice exams, you probably won’t benefit from retaking it.
If that’s the case for you, there are other paths to take.
But for more on retaking the LSAT, check out this guide.
Take the GRE
UChicago Law School does accept the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) as a standardized test, so if you don’t want to retake the LSAT, this is an option for you.
Just keep in mind that admissions are rolling, which means you’ll want to take the GRE early – preferably before the beginning of the new calendar year.
Use an addendum
If you feel like your scores don’t align with your capabilities as a law student, you could include an addendum.
That said, I rarely recommend including one unless you have a genuine reason, like:
- A significant score change
- An odd pattern in your scores
- You had significant responsibilities, such as caring for family or working full-time
- You didn’t have the support or resources you needed for standardized tests
I’ll help you figure out if an addendum is the right choice for you here.
If you do decide to include one, remember that UChicago Law School prefers them to be less than a page long and won’t accept more than two.
So, that’s how to get into University of Chicago Law School even if you have lower GPA or LSAT scores.
But what’s required to apply?
That’s what I’ll tell you next.
Application requirements for the University of Chicago Law School
If you want to get into University of Chicago Law School, you’ll need to include the following in your application:
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Undergraduate GPA
- Standardized test scores (LSAT, GRE, or GMAT)
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation (at least two, but no more than four)
- Personal statement
- Optional addendum
There is an invitation-only interview program you might take part in during your application process.
But if you don’t get invited, don’t panic. Each application is reviewed holistically, whether you’re interviewed or not.
You’ll also need to apply with the LSAC Flexible Application and pay the application fee of $90.
The deadline for Regular Decision Applications is March 1st, but you can apply as early as September 1st.
As I mentioned earlier, decisions are made on a rolling basis, so applying as early as possible is better.
If you plan to apply for Early Decision, you need to submit your application on or before December 1st.
You’ll know if you’ve been accepted by the end of December.
If you’re planning on applying for financial aid, the Institutional Scholarship Financial Need Consideration deadline is March 1st (or one week after you’re admitted, whichever comes later).
You can read more about financial aid on the Financial FAQ page.
Next up: The components of your application – and how to use them strategically.
Write a personal statement
Your personal statement is the most important and complex part of your application.
After all, how do you choose a compelling topic and then keep it within the two- to four-page limit?
First, let’s discuss what UChicago Law School looks for in personal statements.
The Admissions Committee needs your personal statement to demonstrate two things:
- Who you are and why you’ll be a “likeable and interesting addition” to the community.
- Your writing and communication skills. They need to know you can “communicate your thoughts effectively” and present information “in a clear, organized, and concise manner.”
Think of it as a way to introduce yourself beyond your grades and scores. I know firsthand that a great personal statement can make all the difference if you’re not invited to interview or have low scores.
Not sure where to start?
Above all else, choose a topic that supports your application while being informative and easily understandable.
It should explain to the admissions team why you want to go to law school without needing extra background information or explanation.
You could write about:
- Why you want to get into University of Chicago Law School, and what you hope to accomplish after you’ve graduated
- Skills or characteristics that are unique to you
- A story that helps you stand out from the crowd
I’ll also give you some topics to avoid here.
Get letters of recommendation
UChicago Law School requires at least two letters of recommendation (but no more than four).
Why are they important?
Because they’re a way to prove that you can be a successful student by highlighting your intellect, ability, and work ethic.
I recommend submitting three to ensure the Admissions Committee has a well-rounded view of who you are.
But who do you ask?
Not friends or family.
Instead, you’ll want to ask someone who has seen your academic work firsthand and can vouch for who you are as a student – like a former teacher.
But if you’re applying years after getting your undergraduate degree, you could also get “professional” recommendation letters from bosses or colleagues.
In fact, I highly recommend this.
Having someone speak to your leadership skills and what you’ve accomplished in your career can be a huge help.
I’ll dive deeper into letters of recommendation – and tell you exactly how to ask for them – in this guide.
Write a law school resume
Remember, you’re trying to get into University of Chicago Law School, not land a job.
So, your law school resume will look different from any other kind. Think of it as a way to create a more effective personal narrative and support your application.
The Admissions Committee says it should contain detailed accounts of your:
- Educational history
- Extracurricular activities
- Community and volunteer activities
- Work experience (both full- and part-time)
You’ll also want to indicate how much time you spend each week on your activities or at work. And if there’s a gap in any of that time, you’ll need to explain why.
Here are the headers I recommend using on your resume to get into University of Chicago Law School:
- Education
- Professional Experience and/or Employment
- Accomplishments
- Activities
- Community Engagement
- Publications
- Skills/Interests
To help you out, I’ve created a complete guide to writing a successful resume, which you can read here.
Next steps
There you have it!
Everything you need to know about how to get into University of Chicago Law School.
UChicago Law School is one of the best in the country – and you can get in if you’re strategic in your approach.
Want to create the best application?
I’ve helped several clients get into schools like UChicago Law School – and I can help you, too.
Find out what it’s like to work with me here.
Read more:
The Best Law Schools in the US
