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The United States has world-renowned Law schools, making it one of the top places to go if you wish to pursue a law degree. The top Law schools in the U.S. offer unmatchable educational setups and provide a door to influential and financially well-off careers. The alumni network in these schools allows you to leave your mark on the global legal landscape.
This guide looks at top law schools in the U.S. and their admission requirements.
How Hard Is It to Get into Law School?
We will not feed you lies; getting into a law school is challenging, especially in the U.S. There are plenty of reasons for this. However, major ones include:
- Law is a sought-after degree in itself; just like medicine and engineering, Law is looked at favorably around the globe.
- U.S. law schools rank among the top in the world. Harvard, Yale, and other Ivy League colleges offer top-of-the-world education. So, the competition for admission is cutthroat, making it hard to get accepted.
- Lastly, the job opportunities provided by the law degree are unmatched. Hence, the demand for top colleges increased, leading to more brutal competition.
However, if we review the official requirements and study past trends regarding those requirements, we can understand what the college is looking for. Don’t worry; you do not need to review files and data yourself; we at Rostrum have done all the dirty work for you.
In this article, we have highlighted the past trends in various significant areas, including LSAT scores, GPAs, and the basic requirements for pursuing education in the United States.
Types of Law Degrees in the USA
Before proceeding to the requirements, it is essential to know the type of education provided or the degrees offered by the Universities in the U.S. Unlike the United Kingdom (UK), law schools in the U.S. believe that law is appropriate for graduate students in the UK. However, one can pursue law as a bachelor’s degree.
That being said, the primary degrees offered by U.S. law school include;
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) is a professional degree offered by universities in the U.S. that aims to prepare students to practice Law.
- A master of Law (LLM) is a graduate degree aimed at students who want to study a specific area of Law.
- A Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degree helps you gain knowledge of the Law, but you are not eligible to practice Law.
- You can also pursue a doctorate in Law called J.S.D or S.J.D.
Having discussed the various types of degrees, it’s now time to explore the leading institutions that offer them – specifically, the top 10 law schools in the U.S.
Law School Pre-Reqs: What Do You Need to Get into Law School?
Before the requirements, one needs to know how to make themselves eligible to apply for law school; this section covers this aspect. As said earlier, Law in the U.S. is primarily a postgraduate program, which means that in order to apply, you must have a bachelor’s degree.
Secondly, you must appear for the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT). It is an exam whose scores are considered for getting into law school; LSAC, the conducting body for LSAT, says, “LSAT is an integral part of law school admission in the United States.”
Thirdly, one must also submit language requirements tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo.
Now, the question might arise: How much score must one get on these tests? The minimum IELTS score for undergraduates is 6.0, and for postgraduates, it is 6.5; however, the score fluctuates according to universities. Similar is the case with TOEFL; for example, an LLM program at Harvard expects you to have a total iBT score of 100. University of Minnesota Law School, on the other hand, requires no minimum TOEFL score.
TOEFL and IELTS can be burdensome tasks, especially when you are more focused on your LSAT preparation, so streamline your IELTS prep with us.
In addition to these, you must also submit a letter of recommendation and a Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement.
Is the LSAT Required for Law School?
Yes, the LSAT Exam is a significant aspect of a college application and is very much required to get into law school in the United States due to its ability to assess prospective law students. The test is also accepted in Canadian law schools.
However, it is essential to understand that different colleges require different LSAT scores for admission. Top Ivy League colleges, such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale, require, on average, higher LSAT scores than, say, non-Ivy League colleges.
Here’s a list of top colleges and the average LSAT score. One must keep in mind that with an increase in the number of applicants, the competition is also increasing; therefore, one must aim for a higher than average score than the average score mentioned in this list.
Name of School | Rankings | Average LSAT Score |
|---|---|---|
Yale Law School | 1 | 175 |
Stanford Law School | 1 | 173 |
University of Chicago Law School | 3 | 173 |
University of Pennsylvania Law School | 4 | 172 |
Duke University, School of Law | 4 | 170 |
Harvard Law School | 4 | 174 |
University of Virginia | 4 | 171 |
Columbia University | 8 | 173 |
New York University | 9 | 172 |
Northwestern University School of Law | 9 | 172 |
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | 9 | 171 |
University of California, Berkeley | 12 | 170 |
University of California, Los Angeles School of Law | 13 | 170 |
Cornell Law School | 14 | 172 |
Georgetown University Law Center | 14 | 171 |
University of Minnesota Law School | 16 | 168 |
University of Texas–Austin Law School | 16 | 171 |
To get a high score on the LSAT, one must thoroughly understand the LSAT pattern and the nitty gritty of the examination. There are four sections in the LSAT Exam: Reading comprehension Section, Logical Reasoning section 1, Logical Reasoning section 2, and Analytical Reasoning Section.
LSAT judges you on all these sections; read the complete guide to LSAT here.
What GPA do you need to get into law school?
Just like LSAT scores, GPAs fluctuate from college to college. We know that, more often than not, there are colleges that say that the minimum required GPA is so and so.
The writer of this blog also understands that the LSAT was introduced to offset the importance placed on GPA scores. Still, if history and trends indicate what to expect in the future, then it is safe to say that one must not fall into that narrative; time and time again, we have noticed that the top colleges in the U.S. require high LSAT scores and high GPAs.
In fact, if you apply with an average GPA, to have a shot, you will have to compensate for that with an above-average LSAT score and extracurricular activity.
Thus, you should do your best to get a high GPA in your undergraduate studies.
Here’s a list of top colleges and the average GPAs of their class.
School name | Median GPA |
|---|---|
Yale Law School | 3.93 |
Stanford Law School | 3.89 |
Harvard Law School | 3.86 |
University of Chicago Law School | 3.9 |
Columbia University | 3.75 |
New York University School of Law | 3.78 |
University of Pennsylvania – Carey Law School | 3.89 |
University of Virginia School of Law | 3.9 |
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | 3.81 |
Duke University School of Law | 3.78 |
Northwestern University – Pritzker School of Law | 3.84 |
University of California—Berkeley School of Law | 3.81 |
Cornell Law School | 3.77 |
Georgetown Law | 3.8 |
University of California–Los Angeles | 3.72 |
University of Texas at Austin School of Law | 3.72 |
University of Southern California – Gould | 3.8 |
Vanderbilt Law School | 3.8 |
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law | 3.83 |
University of Minnesota | 3.76 |
What should you do if your GPA is not up to the mark?
A college application consists of essays, letters of recommendation, statements of interest, and LSAT and GPA scores. If you lack in any departments, you can make up for it by building on other areas. A low GPA can be compensated by scoring high on the LSAT Exam.
Best Majors For Law School Applicants
In this section, we will learn what major or subject a student should take up in order to prepare themselves adequately for law school.
Before we explore specific majors ideal for preparing students for law school, it is essential to remember that law schools accept applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds; the American Bar Association shares the same feeling.
The ABA offers this advice: “Whatever major you select, you are encouraged to pursue an area of study that interests and challenges you while taking advantage of opportunities to develop your research and writing skills.”
What this essentially means is that the sky is the limit when choosing your major. However, there are still subjects that traditionally prepare you for law school.
Subjects like history, Philosophy, English, political science, and Economics are considered favorably because they help build skills such as comprehension, articulation, and logical analysis.
However, as said earlier, one need not limit oneself only to the above-mentioned courses.
Top 10 Law Schools in the USA
Here are the Top 10 Law Schools in the United States based on the 2024 rankings from U.S. News & World Report, which is one of the most widely recognized rankings for law schools:
1. Yale Law School
- Situated in New Haven, Yale stands out for its rigorous academic approach; Yale offers unmatchable alumni connections and an interdisciplinary understanding of Law.
2. Harvard Law School
- Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is one of the most recognized schools globally. With its prestigious law faculty and vast resources, Harvard has come from strength to strength.
3. Stanford Law School
- Stanford is located in Silicon Valley, California. It provides an interdisciplinary approach to Law, and its proximity to a tech hub gives it an edge in tech and entrepreneurial Law.
4. University of Chicago Law School
- Chicago Law School has a data-driven curriculum mixes Law and Economics; it’s an ideal location for those who want to combine these key areas.
5. Columbia Law School
- Columbia has diverse specialized programs and a strong emphasis on public service. Being situated in the United States, Columbia offers access to top law firms and government institutions.
6. New York University (NYU) School of Law
- Known for its commitment to public interest law, International Law, and human rights, NYU offers courses on these topics. It also has one of the most extensive clinical law programs and a top-tier tax law program.
7. University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
- Penn Law is known for its global outlook and research-driven approach. It offers a well-balanced approach to interdisciplinary learning.
8. University of Virginia School of Law
- Virginia School of Law is highly respected for its alumni network, public service programs, and judicial clerkships.
9. Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
- Pritzker strongly focuses on experiential learning and combines practical wisdom with theory, creating a holistic approach to Law. Located in Chicago, Pritzker offers a great education in a historic landscape.
10. University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Berkeley Law)
- Known for its progressive curriculum, Berkeley Law offers environmental Law, social justice, and public law courses.
Also Read: Top 10 Law Schools and Universities in USA
Before examining these, one should also remember that ranking changes from year to year. One should keep an open mind about the rankings and consider overall compatibility.
U.S. Law School Application Deadlines
Rank | Law School Name | Early Admission Deadline | Regular Admissions Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
1. | N/A | February 15th | |
1. | N/A | February 15th | |
3. | December 1st | March 1st | |
4. | September 1st | March 1st | |
5. | November 4th | February 15th | |
5. | N/A | February 1st | |
5. | November 15th | February 15th | |
8. | November 15th | February 15th | |
8. | N/A | March 1st | |
10. | November 15th | February 15th |
FAQ on How to Get into Law School in USA
1. Can you go to law school with any degree?
You can apply to a law school with a bachelor’s degree. The essential requirement for admission is an undergraduate degree; as mentioned above, the field of study does not matter.
2. What GPA do you need for law school?
It varies from college to college. For example, a top Ivy League college may require 3.7 and beyond, while the same would be more than sufficient for Tier 2 colleges.
3. What is the best major to get into law school?
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), “There is no such best major”. However, certain subjects help develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and strong writing skills.
