6 Law School Requirements You Need to Get Accepted

What Are the Common Law School Requirements?

There are a few common law school requirements that every applicant must meet. These include:

1. Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is mandatory. There’s no required major, but fields like political science, history, and English are popular.
2. GPA: According to a recent Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) report, the average undergraduate GPA of admitted students during the most recent admissions cycle was 3.5. The lower end of the GPA range for accepted students was around 2.8.
3. LSAT or GRE Scores: Most law schools require LSAT scores, though some law schools accept the GRE as an alternative. An LSAT score of 155 and above is considered acceptable at many law schools. An overall GRE score of 328 or higher will make your law school application more competitive.
4. Letters of Recommendation: At least two academic or professional references.
5. Law School Personal Statement: A well-written essay that highlights your motivations and qualifications.
6. Interviews: Some law schools use interviews to learn more about applicants. Be ready to answer common law school interview questions about your goals and experiences. 

Law School Requirement #1: Undergraduate Degree

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is a fundamental prerequisite for law school admission. One of the most common questions aspiring lawyers ask is, “What undergraduate degree should I pursue to prepare for law school?” The answer may surprise you: there is no single "best" major for law school. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), students should focus on selecting a field of study that challenges them intellectually and aligns with their interests.

The ABA encourages students to cultivate core competencies that are essential for success in law school and the legal profession, such as:

Popular Prelaw Degrees

• Political Science
• History
• English
• Philosophy
• Economics
• Criminal Justice
• Sociology
• Psychology         
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Environmental Science or Studies
• Communication or Journalism
• STEM Majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
•  International Relations
• Liberal Arts

Law School Requirements Insight: The best undergraduate major for you is one that aligns with your passions and strengths. A course of study that keeps you motivated and engaged will naturally help you excel academically, which is crucial for maintaining a high GPA. Admissions committees value strong GPAs over specific majors. 

Find out how to create a law school application that stands out!

Law School Requirement #2: GPA

A GPA of 3.5 will make you a competitive candidate for many law schools, although it is possible to get into law school with a low GPA. Top-tier institutions expect higher averages. For example, during a recent admissions cycle at Harvard Law School, the median GPA of accepted students was 3.93. 

How to Strengthen Your GPA

Your undergraduate GPA is a key part of your law school application; admissions committees see it as a reflection of your academic ability, consistency, and readiness for the challenges of law school. A strong GPA shows you’re serious about your education, while a lower one might raise questions. You can take steps to strengthen it.

• Choose classes that push you academically and help you develop skills law schools value, like critical thinking, writing, and logical reasoning. Courses in philosophy, political science, or upper-level English are great choices.
• If your school allows it, retaking classes where you didn’t do well can give your GPA a serious boost. Focus on courses that are relevant to law school, like those involving research or analytical thinking. Improving your grades in these areas raises your GPA and shows growth and determination.
• Law schools pay attention to how you perform in your later, more advanced courses. Doing well in these tougher classes can make a big impression, even if your early grades weren’t perfect. It’s a chance to prove you’ve stepped up your game and are ready for the rigors of law school.

Law School Requirements Insights: If your GPA isn’t as strong as you’d like, consider including a law school addendum to explain any extenuating circumstances. Keep it brief and solution-focused, emphasizing how you’ve grown from the experience and are now better prepared for the challenges of law school. This shows resilience and accountability, traits law schools value.

Law School Requirement #3: LSAT or GRE Scores

For the LSAT, a score of 170 or higher makes you competitive for top-tier schools like Yale Law School, while mid-tier schools typically look for scores in the 155 to 169 range. For a good GRE score, aim for scores in the 90th percentile or above on both the Verbal and Quantitative sections to stand out.

Most law schools still require the LSAT, as it’s specifically designed to assess skills like analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and reading comprehension—key to succeeding in law school. However, a growing number of law schools do not require the LSAT and now accept the GRE as an alternative, making it an option for students who have already taken the GRE for another graduate program or feel more confident with its format.

How to Get Competitive LSAT or GRE Scores

• Start Early: Begin preparing at least 3 to 6 months before your chosen test date. Check the upcoming LSAT test dates or GRE test dates to pick the best option for you. Working backwards from that date, create an LSAT study schedule or a GRE study guide that will help you cover all the material before your test date.
• Use Practice Tests and Questions: Take a timed, full-length LSAT diagnostic test and incorporate LSAT practice questions into your study schedule. Schedule time to review GRE practice questions on a regular basis. This type of studying will help you get comfortable with the test format and pacing.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and improve your weaker sections and then focus more study time on these areas, whether it’s LSAT reading comprehension strategies or GRE vocabulary.
• Enroll in Prep Courses: Consider professional LSAT or GRE prep courses if self-study isn’t enough.

Law School Requirements Insight: Before deciding where to apply, research the median LSAT or GRE scores of your target law schools. Aligning your scores with the typical range for admitted students at each school can help you build a balanced list of reach, target, and safety options.

Law School Requirement #4: Letters of Recommendation

Strong law school letters of recommendation can make a big difference in your application. They give admissions committees an outside perspective on your academic skills, character, and potential to succeed in law school. Most schools require at least two letters, typically from professors or professional supervisors.

When choosing who to ask for letters of recommendation, start with professors or academic advisors who know you well, especially those from challenging classes where you performed strongly. They can highlight your intellectual abilities, work ethic, and preparedness for law school. If you’ve been working, a professional supervisor can provide insight into your leadership skills, professionalism, and dedication—particularly if your work experience relates to law, public service, or a similar field. Additionally, mentors from extracurricular activities, such as debate, student government, or volunteer work, can offer a unique perspective by showcasing your contributions, leadership, and teamwork outside the classroom.

How to Get Outstanding Law School Recommendations

• Reach out to your recommenders well in advance—at least a few months before your application deadlines. This gives them time to write a thoughtful, detailed letter without feeling rushed.
• If you’re still in school, connect with professors by attending office hours or participating in projects like research initiatives or department-led activities that allow you to demonstrate your skills and build a relationship with your professor. A strong relationship leads to a more personal and impactful letter.
• Make the process easy for your recommenders by giving them all the information they need, like your law school resume or CV, a draft of your law school personal statement, details about the schools you’re applying to and why you’re applying to each, and specific qualities or achievements you’d like them to mention

Law School Requirements Insight: Choose recommenders who can highlight different sides of you. For example, one professor might focus on your academic skills, while a supervisor or mentor could discuss your leadership and teamwork strengths. A mix of perspectives gives admissions committees a more complete picture of your potential.

Law School Requirement #5: Law School Personal Statement

The law school personal statement is your chance to share what inspired you to pursue law, the experiences that shaped you, and how you will contribute to the program. Admissions committees use it to evaluate your writing skills, self-awareness, and fit for their program. A strong personal statement adds a human element to your application and can make you stand out, especially if your GPA or test scores are less competitive.

How to Write a Great Law School Personal Statement

• Start with a Clear Purpose: Your personal statement should explain why you want to pursue law and what unique perspective you’ll bring to the field. Avoid generic clichés and focus on specific, authentic experiences that have shaped your goals.
• Tell a Story: Start your personal statement with a strong hook that grabs attention and compels people to keep reading. Engage your reader with a narrative that highlights your journey and demonstrates the qualities that make you a strong candidate. Use vivid, specific examples to show your motivations and skills.
• Be Concise and Organized: Stick to the school's word count or page limit. Organize your statement with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, ensuring your key points flow logically.
• Tailor It to Each School: If a school asks for a specific prompt or value in their personal statement instructions, address it directly.
• Highlight Your Writing Skills: Admissions committees expect polished, professional writing. Proofread thoroughly, and if possible, have someone with a legal background or a law essay writing service review your statement for clarity and tone.

Law School Requirements Insight: Take the time to explore each school’s website, mission statement, and admissions materials to understand what they value and the type of candidates they’re looking for. Showing how your goals fit with their mission makes your personal statement more compelling and shows admissions committees you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in their program.

Tips to help you write law school optional essays!

Law School Requirement #6: Law School Interviews

While not all law schools require interviews, some programs use them in their admissions process. A law school interview allows the admissions committee to evaluate your communication skills, professionalism, and overall fit for their program. For you, it’s an opportunity to showcase your personality, clarify aspects of your application, and share why you’re excited about their school.

Law school interviews are often conducted in one of three formats:

How to Ace Your Law School Interview

Be ready to articulate why the school is the right fit for you and prepare thoughtful responses to typical law school interview questions and practice delivering them confidently and clearly. When preparing for your law school interview, expect questions that explore your motivations, goals, and fit for the program. For example:

• “Why do you want to attend our law school?”
• “What experiences have prepared you for the challenges of law school?”
• “How will you contribute to our campus community?”

Use the interview to expand on parts of your application, like your personal statement or work experience, emphasizing skills or qualities that make you a strong candidate. Show genuine interest by asking thoughtful questions about the program, faculty, or opportunities like clinics and externships. Avoid questions you could easily find the answers to online.

Law School Requirements Insight: Send your interviewer a personalized thank-you email after your interview. Mention specific points from your conversation to show you were engaged and appreciated the opportunity. This small but thoughtful gesture reinforces your interest in the school and leaves a positive impression.

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

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