How Many Law Schools Should You Apply To? A Complete Guide

Applying to law school is a significant step in anyone's career journey, marking the transition from aspiration to tangible pursuit of legal expertise. The number of law schools you choose to apply to can significantly impact not only your chances of acceptance but also your future education and career trajectory.

The key to determining how many law schools to apply to is taking into consideration your career aspirations, budget and credentials going into the application process.

Understanding the Application Landscape

A deep understanding of the application process is incredibly important when making those first steps to applying to law schools. You need to have a solid understanding of not just your own qualifications but also how they compare to the requirements of different law schools.

Assess Your Credentials

A critical first step in the application process is an honest assessment of your academic and professional credentials. This assessment helps you understand where you will stand with admissions officers at different law schools.

Academic Performance

Your undergraduate GPA is a major factor in law school admissions. Different law schools will have different median GPAs and incoming students tend to trend pretty closely to the median GPA at any given law school.

LSAT Preparation and Scores

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the other crucial component. Your score can often make or break your application, especially if your GPA is not as strong as you'd like. Consider how much time you will need to prepare adequately for the LSAT, remembering that many students take the exam more than once to improve their scores (myself included!).

Extracurricular Activities and Leadership

Law schools look for well-rounded applicants. Leadership roles, volunteer work, internships, and other activities can all play a part in strengthening your application. Assess your involvement in such activities, focusing on those that demonstrate skills relevant to a legal career, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.

Letters of Recommendation

Consider who might write your recommendations. Choose individuals who know you well and can provide specific examples of your qualifications and potential for success in law school. Plan ahead to give them plenty of time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter. If you interned or worked in a legal-related job prior to applying to law school, this will be a great place to start for letters of recommendation. College professors can also make a great resource.

Research Law Schools

Selecting which law schools to apply to is a process that requires careful consideration of several factors. Detailed research into each potential school is essential for making informed decisions.

Program Offerings and Faculty Expertise

Different schools may excel in particular areas of law. If you have a specific interest, such as environmental law, corporate law, or civil rights, look for programs that offer strong courses, experienced faculty, and related extracurricular opportunities like clinics and internships.

Bar Passage and Employment Rates

The ultimate goal of law school is to practice law, so it's important to consider each school's bar passage rate and employment statistics. A school that has a high rate in both areas is almost always a sign that the particular school is providing solid enough training to their students to prepare them for post-graduation.

My very strong suggestion is to avoid law schools with low Bar passage rates and poor employment statistics like the plague. You don't want to be on the backfoot before you even start your law school journey!

Location and Campus Culture

The location can significantly affect your law school experience and career opportunities. Consider whether you prefer an urban or rural setting, the cost of living, and the legal market in the area. Campus culture is also important; try to visit schools if possible to get a sense of the student body and faculty dynamics.

Consider Geographical Preferences

Your geographical preferences can significantly influence your law school choices. While some may wish to explore new regions, others might prefer to stay close to home or target areas with specific legal markets.

Local Ties and Job Opportunities

If you plan to work in a specific region after graduation, attending law school in that area can provide valuable networking opportunities and a better understanding of the local legal market. Schools often have stronger alumni networks locally, which can be incredibly beneficial for job hunting.

Flexibility and Openness to Relocation

Being open to various locations can widen your application strategy. Consider schools in different regions, especially if they have strong national reputations, as these schools can open doors across the country.

Reach, Match, and Safety Schools: The Balanced Approach

A strategic application list often includes a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. This approach helps to maximize your chances of acceptance while also providing options that align with your qualifications and career goals.

Reach Schools

Reach schools are those where your credentials (GPA and LSAT scores) are below the school's median. These are more competitive and acceptance is less likely, but not impossible. Applying to a few reach schools can be a good strategy if they align with your career goals, but they should constitute a smaller portion of your applications.

Match Schools

These are schools where your credentials are on par with the median or slightly above. You have a reasonable chance of acceptance at match schools. They should form the bulk of your application list, as they offer a balance of realistic acceptance chances and alignment with your career objectives.

Safety Schools

Safety schools are those where your credentials are significantly above the median. While you should be fairly confident of acceptance at these schools, it's important to choose safety schools that you would genuinely be happy to attend. They provide a fallback option, ensuring that you have viable choices if your top options don't work out.

Determining the Optimal Number of Applications

So, how many law schools should you apply to? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, most advisors suggest applying to between 10 and 15 schools. Here's how you might break that down:

• Reach Schools: 3-5 schools. These should be schools you'd be thrilled to attend but where acceptance is less certain.
• Match Schools: 5-7 schools. This should be the core of your list, where you stand a good chance of acceptance.
• Safety Schools: 2-3 schools. These ensure you have options, even if things don't go as planned.

This range allows you to cover your bases without overextending yourself financially or emotionally. Remember, quality matters more than quantity. It's better to submit 12 strong applications than 20 mediocre ones.

Practical Considerations

Application Fees

Each law school application comes with a fee, typically ranging from $50 to $100. With application fees, LSAT preparation, and the CAS fee (required by most schools), the costs can add up quickly. Make sure to budget accordingly and consider whether the financial investment for each application aligns with your overall strategy.

Some schools offer fee waivers for students with demonstrated financial need or for those who meet certain criteria. Don't hesitate to inquire about fee waivers, as they can significantly reduce your overall application costs.

Time and Effort

Each application requires considerable effort, from writing personal statements to tailoring your application materials to each school's unique requirements. Applying to too many schools can dilute the quality of your applications, as you may not have enough time to customize and perfect each one. Ensure that each application receives the attention it deserves.

Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation

Your personal statement is a critical component of your application. Make sure it is not only well-written but also tailored to reflect why you are a good fit for each specific school. This can be time-consuming, so be realistic about how many applications you can handle while maintaining high quality.

Similarly, coordinate with those writing your letters of recommendation. Giving them ample notice and providing them with information about each school can help them craft stronger, more personalized letters.

Strategies for Success

Start Early

Begin your research and application preparation early. The earlier you start, the more time you have to craft compelling application materials and respond to any unexpected challenges that arise.

Stay Organized

Keep a detailed spreadsheet or use a project management tool to track deadlines, application components, and school-specific requirements. This will help you manage your time effectively and ensure you don't miss any critical deadlines.

Seek Feedback

Don't hesitate to seek feedback on your application materials from trusted advisors, mentors, or law school admissions consultants. Constructive criticism can help you refine your materials and present the best version of yourself to admissions committees.

Visit Campuses if Possible

If you can, visit the schools on your list. Campus visits provide invaluable insights into the culture, facilities, and community of each school. They can also help you make a more informed decision if you receive multiple acceptances.

Final Thoughts

Deciding how many law schools to apply to is a personal decision that depends on your individual circumstances, including your credentials, budget, and career goals. While applying to 10-15 schools is a common strategy, the most important thing is to apply to a thoughtful mix of reach, match, and safety schools that you would be happy to attend.

Remember, the application process is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, do your research, and craft applications that reflect your strengths and aspirations. By approaching the process strategically and thoughtfully, you'll maximize your chances of acceptance into a law school that's the right fit for you and your future career in law.

Good luck!