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- How Hard Is It to Get Into Harvard Law?
- Harvard Law School Programs
- Harvard Law School Admissions Statistics
- Required GPA for Harvard Law School
- Required LSAT Score for Harvard Law School
- What Is Harvard Law School’s Acceptance Rate
- How Do You Apply to Harvard Law?
- Harvard Law School Essays
- FAQs on How To Get Into Harvard Law School?
Harvard Law School is a dream destination for students who aspire to practice Law in the US and have global exposure in the legal field. It provides unmatched opportunities and an extensive network in the legal and Law fields. But getting admitted to this prestigious institution is not easy. Harvard Law School is one of the most selective law schools in the world, accepting only a tiny percentage of applicants each year. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about getting into Harvard Law, from admissions statistics and requirements to the application process and helpful tips to boost your chances.
How Hard Is It to Get Into Harvard Law?
The admissions process at Harvard Law School is extremely competitive. In recent years, Harvard Law’s acceptance rate has been hovering around 9% to 11%, reflecting the high demand for spots at this prestigious Ivy League institution. Given the high rate of competition, it is essential to know what Harvard is looking for in its candidates, so that you can set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd. Applicants need more than just stellar academic credentials to get into Harvard Law. While high GPAs and LSAT scores are essential, Harvard’s admissions committee takes a holistic approach. They evaluate each applicant based on a multitude of factors, including Academic achievements, personal experiences pertaining to Professional and Personal life, leadership potential, and unique qualities that would contribute to the diverse Harvard Law community. The admissions committee looks for individuals who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, love, and passion for the Law as a subject and a field in which to grow. They want someone who goes above and beyond with their commitments when it comes to Law. Your application should not only highlight your academic successes but also tell the story of who you are and what event or events in your life make you want to pursue Law. It can be anything from your family upbringing to your innate interest in Law as a field that offers a fascinating way to understand the world; all in all, you have to make sure your college application is not pale. In addition to your academic record, extracurricular activities such as debate competitions or being head of an environmental group or college football team all come into consideration, but merely stating them as such does not work. Make sure to connect them with what you want to pursue and how all the activities you did enrich your personality. Lastly, work experience also showcases that you have applied your education in a real-world scenario, building discipline and perseverance and maybe gaining valuable skills along the way; it is no wonder Workex plays a significant role in selecting your application.Harvard Law School Programs
Harvard Law School offers several prestigious programs designed to cater to a wide range of legal professionals and aspiring legal students, from those pursuing a traditional law degree to individuals interested in specializing in specific areas of Law or advancing their legal education. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, and the career prospects these degrees offer are unmatched.- Juris Doctor (JD): The Juris Doctor program is the primary degree offered by Harvard Law and is designed for individuals who wish to practice Law in the United States. The program is three years long and offers an impressive curriculum with core courses, specialized electives, and opportunities for research and writing. JD students at Harvard Law can engage in a variety of opportunities, including externships, clinical programs, and a wide range of student organizations.
- Master of Laws (LLM): The LLM program is for international lawyers or those who have already earned a law degree and wish to specialize further. It provides opportunities to students who want to pursue advanced legal studies in areas like international Law, Corporate Law, intellectual property, and more. This program is designed to inculcate a deeper understanding of Law as a subject. The program is typically one year long.
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD): For those who wish to pursue a career in legal academia, the SJD program is Harvard’s most advanced legal degree. It is focused on legal research and scholarship and is typically aimed at individuals interested in teaching Law or conducting academic research. Admission to the SJD program is highly selective, and it is considered a rigorous and prestigious academic achievement.
- Dual-Degree Programs: Harvard Law School also offers several dual-degree programs that allow students to earn two degrees. a JD and a degree in another field, such as a JD/MBA (with Harvard Business School) or JD/MPP (with Harvard Kennedy School). These dual-degree programs provide students with interdisciplinary skills and make them cross-functional thinkers, making them attractive to those who want to combine legal education with a broader understanding of business, public policy, or other fields.
Harvard Law School Admissions Statistics
The Harvard Law School admissions statistics offer valuable insights into what type of students make it into their prestigious institution. Harvard Law receives thousands of applications each year, and the admissions committee looks for top candidates with strong academic records and high test scores. Let’s take a closer look at the statistics.- GPA: For the Class of 2027, the median GPA of admitted students was approximately 3.95 increasing from 0.02 as the median GPA of the class of 2026 was 3.93. This means that the vast majority of admitted students were toppers from their respective schools and had outstanding academic records. The GPA range for successful applicants generally falls between 3.84 and 3.99.
- LSAT Scores: The LSAT is a crucial component of the Harvard Law School application. If you do not have a high GPA, a high score on LSAT may compensate for that. The median LSAT score for admitted students typically falls between 171 and 176, which is in the top percentile for LSAT test-takers. Harvard uses the LSAT as a benchmark for assessing an applicant’s analytical and reasoning abilities, which are essential for success in law school. Achieving a score within this range will put you in the competitive pool, but keep in mind that Harvard takes a holistic approach to admissions, so other factors also matter.
- Acceptance Rate: Harvard Law has an acceptance rate of approximately 7.5%, making it one of the most selective law schools in the world. This low acceptance rate indicates that only the top applicants are chosen each year.
- 25th percentile: 3.89/4.0
- 50th percentile: 3.95/4.0
- 75th percentile: 4.0/4.0
- 25th percentile: 171/180
- 50th percentile: 174/180
- 75th percentile: 176/180
Required GPA for Harvard Law School
The GPA is a critical part of the Harvard Law School application. To be a competitive applicant, you’ll need a GPA that is generally above 3.84. Most successful applicants have GPAs that range between 3.84 and 3.99, which means they have excelled academically in their undergraduate studies. While a high GPA is important, it is not the only factor that matters. Harvard Law School understands that applicants come from diverse educational backgrounds, and they take into account the context in which the GPA was earned, which means they understand that grades may fluctuate from college to college, even the course you take in your undergrad matters. Secondly, if your grades are impacted by extracurricular activity that you pursued as an undergraduate, please go ahead and state that in your application, but keep in mind that the activity you undertook must be of that depth. If your GPA is slightly below the typical range, don’t be discouraged. Harvard Law takes a holistic approach, meaning that a lower GPA can be offset by other factors such as strong LSAT scores, impressive work experience, and a compelling personal statement.| Admission year | LSAT | GPA | Enr. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25th | 50th | 75th | 25th | 50th | 75th | ||
| Fall 2023 | 171 | 174 | 176 | 3.84 | 3.93 | 3.99 | 563 |
| Fall 2022 | 170 | 174 | 176 | 3.82 | 3.92 | 3.99 | 564 |
| Fall 2021 | 170 | 174 | 176 | 3.82 | 3.92 | 3.98 | 562 |
| Fall 2020 | 170 | 173 | 175 | 3.78 | 3.88 | 3.96 | 501 |
Required LSAT Score for Harvard Law School
The LSAT is one of the most important components of your application to Harvard Law School. The ideal LSAT score for Harvard Law is typically in the range of 171 to 176, which places you in the top percentiles of LSAT test-takers. Therefore, you must prepare hard to get a score that is suitable for Harvard Law School. You need to score between 171 and 176. While Harvard Law places great emphasis on LSAT scores, the admissions committee also considers other elements, such as your personal statement, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. To improve your chances of achieving a high LSAT score, many applicants choose to take prep courses or work with tutors. Preparing well in advance and taking practice tests can help you refine your test-taking strategies and boost your score. Learn more about LSAT here! Achieving a high LSAT score is an important part of your application strategy, but it’s important to understand that it is just one piece of the puzzle; you need to prepare your college application holistically in order to have a shot.What Is Harvard Law School’s Acceptance Rate?
Harvard Law School has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the country, at approximately with the class of 2027 having an acceptance rate of 11%. This is due to the high volume of applications they receive and the selective nature of their admissions process. The school is known for admitting the top 10% of applicants who exhibit exceptional academic credentials, while having a stellar extracuricullar activity record like having a leadership potential, volunterring work and passion for Law. Despite the low acceptance rate, there are strategies to improve your chances of admission. Focusing on strong academic performance, preparing for the LSAT or GRE, engaging in extracurricular activities, and writing compelling application essays will all help improve your profile and make you a more competitive applicant.| Year | Number of Applicants | Number of Accepted Students | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 8,393 | 798 | 9.5% |
| 2022-23 | 8,170 | 822 | 10.1% |
| 2021-22 | 9,933 | 685 | 6.9% |
| 2020-21 | 7,448 | 968 | 13% |
How Do You Apply to Harvard Law?
Applying to Harvard Law School is a straightforward process, but it requires careful planning and paying attention to detail. The application is submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which collects and processes all the materials required for the application.- Personal Statement: The personal statement is a critical part of your application; only stating accomplishments will not help; you need to build a narrative; you need to inculcate what led you to pursue Law, what life events, be they personal or professional inspired your love, for Law; secondly you need to connect how you will add value to Harvard. Lastly, you may want to include how Harvard will play a crucial role in developing your personality and how a degree in Law from Havard will open the door for great career opportunities. This is your chance to showcase your personality, passion for the Law, and how your experiences have prepared you for law school.
- Letters of Recommendation: Harvard requires two or three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential for success in law school. It’s important to choose recommenders who know you well and can provide specific examples of your accomplishments, like your teachers or people you worked under.
- Resume: A well-crafted resume is important. It must highlight your academic achievements, work experience, internships, and extracurricular activities. This is your opportunity to showcase your accomplishments outside the classroom, such as leadership roles or volunteer work.
- Transcripts: You must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. This is required to verify your academic record and provide the admissions committee with a complete picture of your academic background.
- LSAT or GRE Scores: You will need to submit your LSAT or GRE scores as part of your application. Ensure that your scores are sent directly to Harvard Law from LSAC.
