Harvard Law School is a top choice for law students in the U.S. It has a tough acceptance rate of 9.6%. Students need a median LSAT score of 174 and a GPA of 3.93 to get in. Every year, over 8,000 students apply, but only about 822 get accepted.
This school is ranked 4th in the country by U.S. News & World Report. It’s famous for its great courses and top legal clinics. It’s a dream school for many.
Overview of Harvard Law School
Harvard Law School is a top legal program in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It’s part of Harvard University. The school is known for its tough courses, great teachers, and students from all over the world. It has over 500 courses, 47 legal clinics, and 88 groups for students.
Students can learn about many legal topics, like business law and international law. They also get to use Harvard University’s big resources. Plus, they can work with other top schools like the University of Cambridge.
Prestigious Legal Program
Harvard Law School is one of the best in the US for elite legal education. Only about 9.5% of applicants got in for the 2023-24 year. The students who got in scored really well on the LSAT and GPA tests.
Extensive Course Offerings and Clinics
- Harvard Law School offers over 500 courses and seminars, covering a vast array of legal disciplines.
- The school’s 47 legal clinics provide students with hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
- Students can choose from 88 student organizations, enabling them to explore their interests and engage in extracurricular activities.
Harvard Law School is a top choice for law students. It has great resources, talented teachers, and a diverse student body. This makes it a top place for getting a great legal education.
“Harvard Law School is a transformative experience, providing students with a rigorous academic foundation and unparalleled opportunities to engage with the legal profession.”
harvard law school acceptance rate
Getting into Harvard Law School is very hard. They only take 9.6% of applicants. Last year, they got over 8,000 applications and picked 822 students. To get in, you need to have top grades.
Median LSAT and GPA Requirements
The average LSAT score for Harvard Law students is 174. This is in the top 1% nationally. The average GPA is 3.93, showing they want top students. To stand a chance, you should aim for an LSAT score over 170 and a GPA of 3.82 or higher.
Competitive Admissions Statistics
Last year, Harvard Law School only accepted 10.1% of applicants. They got 8,170 applications and picked 822 students. This makes Harvard Law one of the top law schools in the US.
To summarize the key admissions statistics:
- Harvard Law School Acceptance Rate: 9.6%
- Median LSAT Score: 174
- Median Undergraduate GPA: 3.93
- LSAT Score Range: 25th percentile at 170, 75th percentile at 176
- GPA Range: 25th percentile at 3.82, 75th percentile at 3.99
To get into Harvard Law, you need to have amazing grades. It’s a tough process.
Admissions Process
Getting into Harvard Law School is very tough. You must go through a tough process. It looks at your grades, leadership skills, and if you’re a good fit. The main parts of the harvard law school admissions process are:
Application Components
- Resume
- Transcripts
- LSAT or GRE scores
- 2-3 letters of recommendation letters
- Personal statements, including a Statement of Purpose and a Diversity Statement
You need to show a strong application. It should highlight your top grades, leadership, and unique views. The application requirements help the committee understand if you’re right for the program.
Interview Expectations
Some may get a interview with a committee member, usually on Zoom. These 15-minute chats check if you’re a good fit. They talk about “Why Harvard Law School?” and “Why now?”. Being well-prepared and good at talking is key.
The harvard law school admissions process is very competitive, with a 9.5% acceptance rate. You need top grades, leadership skills, and a clear reason why you want to go to Harvard Law School.
“The Harvard Law School admissions process is designed to identify the most exceptional and well-rounded candidates who have the potential to thrive in our rigorous academic environment and make a lasting impact on the legal field.”
LSAT and GRE Requirements
Aspiring Harvard Law School students must show top academic skills to stand out. A high LSAT score is key, with a median score of 174. This score is in the 99th percentile nationally. Scores below 170 are unlikely to get you in.
Harvard Law School also looks at GRE scores. For the class of 2026, the middle 50% scored 167 on the Verbal, 165 on the Quantitative, and 5.5 on the Writing. Working hard on lsat scores or gre scores is crucial to meet Harvard’s high standards.
The acceptance rate at Harvard Law School is very low, around 9.5%. In the 2023-24 cycle, they got 8,393 applications and only admitted 798 students. With such a low rate, you need strong test prep to get noticed.
| Test | Median Score | Middle 50% |
|---|---|---|
| LSAT | 174 | 170-176 |
| GRE Verbal | – | 167-172 |
| GRE Quantitative | – | 165-170 |
| GRE Writing | – | 5.0-6.0 |
Working on getting top lsat scores and gre scores can boost your chances at Harvard Law School. This is a key step to getting into this top legal program.
Undergraduate GPA Considerations
Students wanting to get into Harvard Law School must do well on tests like the LSAT or GRE. They also need to show they did great in college. The average undergraduate GPA of those who got in is 3.93. The lowest and highest scores are 3.82 and 3.99, respectively. Keeping a high grade point average in college is key to getting into Harvard, no matter what you studied.
The Harvard Law School looks for academic excellence. They want students who can do well in tough classes. By checking college transcripts, they find people who always aimed for the top in their studies.
| Metric | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate GPA | 3.82 | 3.92 | 3.99 |
Harvard Law School picks students who are smart, curious, and can lead. They look for a strong undergraduate GPA to show you’re ready for their program. This way, you can reach your legal dreams at this top school.
Application Timeline
Aspiring Harvard Law School students must follow a detailed timeline to get into this top program. The application for the 2024 fall term opens on September 15, 2023. It closes on February 15, 2024. Harvard Law School uses a rolling admissions process. This means decisions come out as applications are checked.
Applicants should send in their stuff early. The sooner you apply, the more spots you might get. Harvard starts telling people about decisions in January 2024. All applicants hear back by early April.
For those wanting to apply early, the deadline is November 1, 2023. Decisions come out by mid-December. This early option is binding. Accepted students must drop all other law school plans and go to Harvard.
It’s key for future students to hit the law school application deadlines. Make sure to send in all needed stuff like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement.
| Application Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|
| Early Decision: November 1, 2023 | Mid-December 2023 |
| Regular Decision: February 15, 2024 | Early April 2024 |
Diversity in the Student Body
Harvard Law School aims for a diverse student body. The 2026 class includes people from many backgrounds. They come from STEM fields, music, the military, and have taken breaks before law school.
This mix of students is a big plus. It lets them learn from each other and see law from different angles. Harvard looks for students who bring new views and stories.
Unique Backgrounds and Experiences
- The admitted class at Harvard Law School includes students from all 50 states and 94 countries, showcasing a truly global and diverse student body.
- Women make up 53% of the admitted students, while 47% are men, reflecting the school’s commitment to gender diversity.
- First-generation students account for 20% of the admitted class, providing opportunities for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Harvard Law School values diversity in its students. It wants an inclusive place that prepares future leaders. This approach makes learning richer for everyone.
“Diversity is a core value at Harvard Law School, and we are committed to building a student body that reflects the diversity of the world we live in. This diversity is a strength that allows our students to learn from one another and gain a more holistic understanding of the legal profession.”
– Dean of Admissions, Harvard Law School
Gap Years Before Law School
Many law students take a gap year or two before starting law school. At Harvard Law School, 82% of the class of 2026 took a break. 69% took two or more years off, and 21% took four or more. During this time, students might work, do fellowships, earn a master’s degree, volunteer, or travel.
These experiences help students understand their goals better. They also gain practical skills. And they make their law school applications stronger by showing leadership, maturity, and a love for law.
Beneficial Experiences During a Gap Year
A gap year before law school is full of benefits. It can make a student’s application stronger and prepare them for law school. Here are some top activities for a gap year:
- Doing a prestigious fellowship or program to learn new skills or get into the legal world
- Getting a master’s degree in a field like public policy or international relations to show academic success
- Volunteering or working in public service, like teaching English abroad or in the Peace Corps, to learn leadership and talk to people from different cultures
- Traveling around the world to see new places and understand different cultures better
These activities make an applicant stand out to law schools. They also help students understand their career goals and the legal field they want to join.
But, taking a gap year should be planned well. Students should make sure they’re using their time wisely. Law school admissions want to see personal growth, leadership, and a real interest in law.
Financial Aid and Loan Options
Going to Harvard Law School is a big financial step. Tuition is $71,734 a year, and the total cost is about $107,000. But, the school has a Low-Income Protection Plan to help with loans. There are also scholarships, grants, and loans to make school more affordable.
Students should look into all financial aid options to cover the cost of this top law school. Harvard doesn’t give out scholarships based on grades. But, students who really need it can get grants and federal loans. These include the Direct Loan and Graduate PLUS Loans.
International students or those without a U.S. cosigner might want to look at Harvard Federal Credit Union (Harvard FCU). They offer loans with interest rates as low as 7.25% for 10 years. These loans can also be part of the school’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) after graduation.