One of the most popular questions I get from my clients is, “How many law schools should you apply to?”
If you’re wondering the same thing, you’re in the right place!
Today, I’ll help you figure out exactly how many law schools to apply to and how to narrow the choices down.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
How many law schools can you apply to?
The average law school applicant applies to about seven law schools, with most applying to anywhere between five and ten.
But how many law schools should you apply to?
There’s no right or wrong number here – you can apply to as few or as many as you want!
In short: It all depends on you and your circumstances.
Regardless of how many you decide to apply to, each school falls into a specific category based on your LSAT and GPA scores.
These categories include:
- Reach school: Your scores are below the average for admitted students, so getting in might be a long shot. That said, it’s not impossible – you just have to create a strategic application with a powerful personal statement and strong letters of recommendation.
- Target school: Your scores are close to or match the average for admitted students, which means you have a good chance of being accepted. Even so, competition is steep, so you’ll still need to create a strong application.
- Safety school: Your acceptance is all but guaranteed because your scores are above the average. Since you’ll likely be accepted, your safety school can be a backup option if your first choice doesn’t work out.
For example, let’s say you want to apply to UCLA Law School.
The average LSAT score is 170, and the average GPA is 3.92.
So…
- If your scores are below the average, UCLA would be a reach school
- If they’re similar to or match the average, you can consider it a target school
- If your scores are higher, it can act as your safety school (regardless of how much higher they are)
But scores aren’t everything when it comes to applying to law school.
You’ll also need to consider things like:
- Budget: Law school costs an average of $220,335 – a huge financial commitment for most applicants. Can you afford to attend if you get accepted? Remember, you’ll be paying for more than just tuition. Consider costs like living expenses, transportation, and financial aid or scholarships.
- Personal preferences: Don’t think about rankings or prestige. Instead, concentrate on what your dream law school looks like. Is it in a particular city or type of area? Does it offer a specific area of legal expertise?
- Time commitment: Each application is different and requires tailored personal statements, strong letters of recommendation, and careful attention to detail. How much time do you want to dedicate to the application process? Remember, the more schools you apply to, the more time it’ll take.
Even though there’s no limit on how many law schools you can apply to, it’s important to remember that more isn’t always better.
Think about it.
You could apply to 100 schools, but there’s still no guarantee that you’ll get accepted – about 30% of applicants don’t.
So, when people ask, “How many law schools should you apply to?”
… My advice is focus on quality over quantity.
I’ll tell you how to figure out which ones to apply to in the next section, so keep reading.
What law schools should you apply to?
As I said, it’s not about asking, “How many law schools should you apply to?”
It’s about knowing which ones to apply to.
I always tell my clients to consider a few things, starting with academic qualifications.
Academic qualifications
Good GPA and LSAT scores are important requirements for law school – but “good” varies by school.
The average law school student has a 3.55 GPA. But realistically, you only need a 2.5 or higher.
That said, if you want to attend one of the best law schools in the country, you’ll need at least a 3.6.
When it comes to LSAT scores, which range from 120 to 180, a 150 will get you into most schools.
But again, you’ll need a high LSAT score to get into the best schools…
T-25 schools require a score of 160 or above, while T-10 schools require at least 170.
Now, most people assume that their law school acceptance hinges on their GPA and LSAT scores.
It doesn’t!
I’ll share more in these guides:
- How to Get Into Law School With a Low LSAT Score
- How to Boost Your Chances of Getting Into Law School With a Low GPA
Law school rankings
When it comes to rankings, many applicants aim for a spot at a T-14 school because they’re a gateway to careers in Biglaw.
But lower-ranked schools are still worth considering. Their programs and career opportunities are just as good, especially if you’re interested in a specialized area or public service.
Plus, many offer financial support.
Sure, rankings can play a role in your decision, but they shouldn’t be the only factor.
The best school for you will align with your career goals, financial situation, and personal preferences.
Location and culture
Another thing to consider is location and culture.
Because where you want to go to law school is about more than just academics.
A law school’s location can play a huge role in everything from career opportunities to lifestyle. For example, a school in a major city might provide easier access to internships, networking, and jobs.
Plus, culture matters, too. Think about it: Do you want a small student body or a larger, more diverse one?
You’ll also want to consider the school’s career services, alumni network, and student organizations, which can play a big role in your experience and job prospects.
And don’t forget, off-campus culture is important, too – especially when it comes to how closely the local job market aligns with your goals.
Speaking of, be sure to find out how quickly the school’s graduates find employment.
Cost and financial aid
Finally, when choosing a school, make sure you’re not just thinking about the sticker price.
Remember, there may be some financial aid available, whether it’s need- or merit-based.
Some schools also provide loan repayment programs for graduates entering public interest fields, which makes attendance even more financially manageable.
What’s next?
So there you have it!
The answer to the ever-important question, “How many law schools should you apply to?”
If you need more help figuring it out or just want some guidance on your application process, I’m here to help. I’ve helped hundreds of students just like you get into their dream law school.
Find out what it’s like to work with me here.
Read more:
How to Get Into Top Law Schools
How to Write a Successful Law School Resume
