So, you want to go to law school? But you’re not sure what it entails. Look no further! Here’s our law school “blueprint” (pun absolutely intended) on what is law school like and what to expect during each of the three years of law school.

Note: The different years of law school, and the students in them, are often referred to as 1L, 2L, or 3L. So, when we talk about “1L,” we mean the first year of law school, and so on. 

1L: The Foundations

Ah, 1L. The year most look back on and think, “I’m glad I never have to do that again!” It’s arguably the hardest of the three years. But don’t worry, it’s not as miserable as people make it out to be. In fact, you might even have…fun? Let’s dive in and see what law school 1L is like.

On the first day of class, you meet your section. Also called pods, mods, or any other name for a group, sections are composed of the students you take most (or sometimes all) of your first-year classes with. They generally range from 30-80 students, depending on the school.

As you take your seat in class, you know you’re experiencing the same course load as most 1Ls across the country. Though the order in which they’re taken may vary, 1Ls take the same core subjects: 

• Contracts
• Torts
• Property
• Criminal Law
• Civil Procedure
• Constitutional Law
• A course focused on legal writing and research 

After class begins, your professor calls on you unprompted. She asks you for the facts of a case from your reading. You’re nervous, but it’s okay. Everyone else isn’t thinking about what you’re saying. They’re just glad they weren’t the one called on. 

And that, my friend, was your first cold call. You learn that law school professors make their teaching points by eliciting answers from students. Sometimes who they call on is random, and sometimes there’s a schedule. Regardless, cold calls get easier each class  because you learn your first cold call was no exception–everyone else really is just thinking, “Thank God it’s not me.” Every. Time. 

Law School Workload

When you’re not in class, you’re reading for class. Because you’re assigned anywhere from 15-50 pages of reading per class per day. The more the class meets during the week, the less reading you’ll have for that class each night and vice versa. 

Yet this reading is not like college. You can’t skip it. To be prepared to talk about the cases in class, you create case briefs: a written summary of the important facts, issues, holdings, and reasoning by the judge in your own words. Thankfully, the skills you learned while studying for the LSAT come in clutch. You can parse through dense language to understand the arguments just like with Reading Comprehension passages. You can spot when the parties make flawed arguments, just like in Logical Reasoning. At first, each brief takes you a long time. But you get faster the more you do them. 

Law School Exams

With all this preparation, class participation must be part of the grade, right? Wrong. You learn your final exam is 100% of your grade (though some professors may also include a relatively small midterm). 

So, following the advice of 2Ls and 3Ls, you start finals preparation in October. You do so by outlining. Outlines are documents of all the material you learned in class condensed into one master study guide of rules, cases, and concepts. You quickly learn outlines are long, usually 50-150 pages. However, you also see that the process of synthesizing the material is what helps it all click.

After Thanksgiving, it’s all about practice exams. Just like with the LSAT, the best prep is doing actual problems. Luckily, most of your professors post prior exams and model answers to which you can compare your answer. And you find a great handful of students from your classes to form a study group to review exams together. 

However, the exams don’t look like the case briefs you’ve been writing for class. Instead, they look a lot more like that writing section of the LSAT you probably spent a little amount of time on. Because class is where you learn the rules of the law, and the final is where you apply them to hypothetical situations. 

Exams roll around. You’re nervous, but you’re ready to crush it. All of a sudden, your first term is over!

Preparing for Summer Law Jobs

There is one more thing to note about 1L. While learning how to do law school, you’ll also start preparing for your first legal jobs. Job applications for both of your law school summers start to open towards the end of your first term. (Yes, both!) That’s why your 1L grades, especially first semester, matter so much. A lot of schools even restrict extracurricular involvement during 1L because of it. 

Each legal career path has slightly different timing. You can meet with your law school’s career counselor to help you track deadlines, attend networking events, and target positions that fit your interests. 

Now the first year is done. It was challenging–no sugarcoating that. Your grades mattered, your workload was heavy, and the learning curve was steep. But it was also incredibly rewarding. You built consistent study habits just like you did when studying for the LSAT. You found classmates you enjoyed working with. And you studied subjects that, perhaps for the first time, actually apply to the career you want to pursue. And just like that, that’s what law school is like in your first year.

2L: Finding Your Path

2L is your time to explore new areas of law and get involved beyond the classroom. Join a journal or law review, compete in moot court or trial team, participate in affinity groups, and start completing externships or internships. The law school is your oyster. But be careful not to overcommit. Just because you can do everything, doesn’t mean you have to. 

As for classes, you finally have full control over your schedule. A balanced one usually includes:

• One bar-tested class (a subject that will appear on your state bar exam)
• One exam-based class
• One seminar (paper-based final)
• One experiential course, clinic, internship, or externship

Of course, that’s just a guideline. You might take more classes now to lighten your 3L year, or vice versa. You may also choose to start tackling other graduation requirements this year, like any substantial writing requirement your school imposes and/or the MPRE. The Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam is an ethics exam required to become an attorney.

If you haven’t secured a 2L summer job yet, this is also the year when you continue or ramp up your search.

2L is busy, but it’s also when you begin personalizing your law school experience. You know how to study, you’ve built friendships, and you finally get to dive into subjects that interest you most.

3L: Preparing for Your Career

You blink, and suddenly it’s 3L. You’ve made it to the home stretch.

So, what is law school like in your last year? You still have flexibility with your schedule. So take any classes, clinics, or externships you’ve been meaning to try. You’ll also want to finish up any lingering graduation requirements.

By now, law school feels more comfortable. If you front-loaded your classes during 2L, you might finally feel like you can breathe. Many students already have job offers from their 2L summer positions; if not, 3L fall is the time to apply.

This is also the year to savor. It’s your last before stepping fully into the professional world. So don’t stress too much about bar prep just yet. Most people don’t start studying until spring or after graduation.

Enjoy it. Take in every moment. You’ve earned it.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read through all three years, you have a realistic picture of what law school is like. All that’s left is—you guessed it—applying and getting in! 

Blueprint LSAT has helped thousands of pre-laws reach their law school dreams. A competitive LSAT score will help you stand out from the rest! Blueprint LSAT students increase their LSAT scores by 15 points on average. Whether you want the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, prefer to navigate the LSAT with instructors in a Live Course or 170+ Course, or even private LSAT tutoring, we have the study method that fits your learning style.

When you’re ready to apply, our Law School Admissions Consultants are here to help you build a strong application that powerfully highlights your unique strengths and enables you to secure that acceptance!

Further Reading

💰 How Much Does Law School Cost? A Breakdown for Future Lawyers: If you’re dreaming of becoming a lawyer, you’ve probably asked yourself this big, looming question at least once: How much does law school cost?

✅ Law School Entry Requirements: Do you know what you need to apply to law school? Check out our comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know before starting the application process.

Thinking about attending one of the top law schools in Alabama? In addition to its Southern charm, this southeastern U.S. state was at the center of the Civil Rights Movement and is significant for its historical and legal developments. Martin Luther King, Jr., led thousands of peaceful demonstrators to the steps of the Capitol in Montgomery on March 25, 1965 as part of the march from Selma. Alabama was also the scene of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which ultimately led to a United States Supreme Court decision ruling that segregated buses were unconstitutional.

The fight for justice in America is at the heart of this Southeastern state, and attending law school here is a great way to get involved in the struggle for human rights. 

Top Law Schools in Alabama

1. University of Alabama School of Law
2. Samford University Cumberland School of Law
3. Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law

These top law schools in Alabama* are also considered some of the top law schools in the U.S. with prestigious law programs and high bar passage rates. Keep reading to see what makes each school stand out in this Southern state.

*All data in this post was obtained from U.S. News and World Report.

1. University of Alabama School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #31
Tuition: $25,317 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.95
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 165
Acceptance Rate: 26.6%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 91.3%

The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, opened to students in 1831 and is the oldest and largest of the public universities in the state. If tuition is a primary consideration, this top law school comes with an affordable in-state price tag. It also has one of the highest ultimate bar passage rates at 96.9%, so you’re almost certain to pass the bar after graduation. Given Alabama’s importance in the struggle for civil rights, it’s a great place to learn how the law can be used to fight for social justice.

2. Samford University Cumberland School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #107
Tuition: $46,326 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.63
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 155
Acceptance Rate: 58.8%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 78.4%

Located in Birmingham, Cumberland School of Law comes in at #4 in trial advocacy. It was founded in 1847 and is the 11th oldest law school in the United States. The school has a fairly high acceptance rate, so you have a greater chance of getting here compared to other top programs.  

The application deadline falls on May 1, giving you ample time to submit your materials. Additionally, there is no fee to apply! The tuition falls in the middle range, and the student-faculty ratio is good at 9.5:1. 

3. Faulkner University Thomas Goode Jones School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #178-195
Tuition: $39,900 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA of Program Entrants: 3.3
Median LSAT Score of Program Entrants: 150
Acceptance Rate: 56%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 66.7%

Faulkner University, located in Montgomery, is a private, Christian law school. The school’s higher acceptance rate and lower median LSAT scores mean it’s a viable option for many applicants.  

The application deadline of July 15 falls much later than most other schools, giving you plenty of time to compile and submit your materials. As an added bonus, there’s no fee to submit! The tuition falls in the middle range, and the student-faculty ratio of 12.5: 1 allows for more personalized attention. 

How Do I Get Accepted to a Law School in Alabama?

Whether you’re applying to the best law school in Alabama or another part of the country, the process is the same. The first step in the law school admissions timeline is to take the LSAT. Although there are no required LSAT scores for law school, they all have median LSAT scores that give you a pretty good indication of how you compare to their previous incoming class. Remember, law schools want to attract the best, so make sure you give yourself the ultimate shot by getting a high LSAT score.

Further Reading

💻 What Is the LSAT? A Beginner’s Guide to the Law School Admission Test

🎓 A Step-By-Step Guide to Applying to Law School

📍 Download a free Law School Admissions Timeline

Ready to Crush the LSAT?

Blueprint LSAT Prep has the best LSAT prep courses tailored to your individual learning style. From a DIY Self-Paced Online LSAT Course to a Live LSAT Class or 170+ Course, and even private LSAT tutoring, we have the LSAT course designed to increase your LSAT score by 15 points, on average!

Don’t want to commit to a prep course right now? Get access to tons of free LSAT resources when you start a free trial of the Blueprint LSAT Self-Paced Course.

California is a top destination for undergraduate and graduate studies, and for good reason. As a renowned tourist hot spot, the third-largest state in the U.S., and home to the nation’s largest economy, it offers an unparalleled environment for education.

With so much to offer, selecting a law school in California can feel as daunting as picking a favorite restaurant for life. From the vibrant energy of Los Angeles to the academic prestige of Berkeley and the coastal charm of San Diego, the choices are as varied as they are abundant.

Lucky for you, we compiled a list of top law schools in California*, along with the LSAT and GPA scores you’ll need to be a competitive applicant.

*All data in this post was obtained from U.S. News and World Report. 

Top Law Schools in California

1. Stanford University Law School
2. University of California, Los Angeles School of Law
3. University of California, Berkeley School of Law
4. University of Southern California Gould School of Law
5. University of California, Irvine School of Law
6. University of California, Davis School of Law
7. Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
8. University of San Diego School of Law
9. Loyola Law School
10. University of California Law San Francisco
11.  

Not only are these California law schools among the top-rated law schools in the country with the highest echelon programs, but they also include all the benefits of an outdoor-focused Cali lifestyle.

1. Stanford University

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #1 (tie)
Tuition: $76,608 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.92
Median LSAT Score: 173
Acceptance Rate: 8.9%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 96.7%

Stanford is a private research university that’s considered one of the best schools in the world. Not surprisingly, Stanford Law School is tied for first place (with Yale) as the top law school in the United States. Tuition comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s lower than other top-five law schools like the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania. 

Competition to get in is tough, and great LSAT scores and grades are a must. As a result, the law school is fairly small. As of 2024, there were 565 students enrolled in Stanford Law School and the acceptance rate was 8.9%. 

2. University of California, Los Angeles School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #12
Tuition: $59,132 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.95
Median LSAT Score: 170
Acceptance Rate: 16.1%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 88.8%

If you find the allure of Los Angeles appealing, UCLA Law School might be your top pick. What this university lacks in history makes up for in a slightly lower tuition rate. This younger institution has only been around for 60 years, but has established its specializations in business law and policy, critical race studies, entertainment, media, and intellectual property. Plus, the law program offers real experience with deposition participation in actual cases. UCLA Law School also publishes more than ten law journals, including the Entertainment Law Review and the Journal of Law & Technology.

Students can also earn joint degrees through programs offered in conjunction with other academic divisions at UCLA, such as a JD/MBA or a JD/MA in Afro-American Studies through the UCLA Center for African American Studies.

3. University of California, Berkeley School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #13
Tuition: $66,454 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.87
Median LSAT Score: 170
Acceptance Rate: 17.3%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 88.2%

UC Berkeley School of Law is one of 14 schools and colleges located at the university and has a history of being aligned with current trends and a progressive culture. Berkeley has been at the forefront of intellectual property, privacy, and other tech-related areas of law. The school also offers specialized curricular programs in areas such as environmental, energy, and clean technology law. Students can tailor academics to their interests from the second semester onward, and can also create their own electives. If greater freedom in sculpting your law education is of high importance, then Berkeley is as good as it gets.

Rated the 13th best law school in the U.S. with a 17.3% acceptance rate, your chances of acceptance are a bit greater than at some of the other top-ranking schools. Significant legal figures from Berkeley Law include Chief Justice of the United States Earl Warren, California Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso, and Equal Justice Society president and founder Eva Paterson.

4. University of Southern California Gould School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #26
Tuition: $80,184 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.91
Median LSAT Score: 169
Acceptance Rate: 12.4%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 82.4%

Another popular Los Angeles law school option is the USC Gould School of Law. It is the oldest law school in the southwestern United States. Established in 1896, it became affiliated with USC in 1900 and is named after Judge James Gould, who graduated from Yale.

USC Gould is known for pioneering interdisciplinary and clinical legal education. The school has a later application deadline of April 1 and a higher tuition rate, but a more personalized teaching approach. The ratio of teacher to student sits at 5.8:1. 

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5. University of California, Irvine School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #38
Tuition: $58,578 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.81
Median LSAT Score: 167
Acceptance Rate: 17.4%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 86.9%

The UC Irvine (UCI) School of Law is ranked #38 nationally. UCI opened in 2009 with a class of 60 law students and is considered the first public law school in California in 50 years. Enrollment has grown to 473 students. The school’s curriculum prides itself on innovation and clinical education. More than 90% of students gain practical legal experience by participating in pro bono work. To date, UCI law students have provided more than 160,000 volunteer hours for legal services to people who could not afford them otherwise. There are over 100 pro bono projects available each semester for students to work on. 

The application deadline is May 1st and there is no application fee to submit. The tuition falls in the middle range, and the student-faculty ratio sits impressively at 5.8:1. So, if personalized attention is your preference, then UCI is the right school to consider.

6. University of California, Davis School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #50
Tuition: $57,409 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.68
Median LSAT Score: 163
Acceptance Rate: 33.2%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 82.7%

The School of Law at the University of California, Davis is located 20 minutes from Sacramento and an hour from the Bay Area. The school is recognized for its focus on law and policy and is favored for business law, criminal law, environmental, and natural resources law. This law school also offers externships for a semester in Washington, D.C. If politics-oriented law is in line with your goals, then this particular opportunity is a step in the right direction.  

The application deadline is March 15, and there is no application fee to submit. The tuition falls in the middle range, and the student-faculty ratio sits at 9.3:1.

7. Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #55
Tuition: $70,556 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.85
Median LSAT Score: 164
Acceptance Rate: 28.4%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 83.3%

If the beach-going lifestyle or a surfing side hustle to your law degree is particularly appealing, the Rick J. Caruso School of Law sports a scenic campus in Malibu, California. This law school at Pepperdine University is known for its high-ranking dispute resolution specialty. It also offers a Master of Dispute Resolution (MDR), allowing students to complete a joint JD/MDR or a joint MDR/Master of Public Policy.

If you’re interested in writing for a legal publication, Pepperdine boasts numerous legal journals, including the Pepperdine Law Review and the Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal. There is also the opportunity to participate in the school’s Global Justice Program and travel abroad for practical legal experience in international human rights, religious freedom, and global development.

8. University of San Diego School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #57
Tuition: $65,191 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.8
Median LSAT Score: 161
Acceptance Rate: 37.1%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 78.8%

The University of San Diego School of Law has the feel of a permanent vacation with campus buildings overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. The school offers both full-time and part-time class options and is a popular choice for those needing part-time flexibility. Notable areas of law at this San Diego school include international law, business and corporate law, and intellectual property law. Various clinics are offered, including the Technology Entrepreneurship Clinic, and opportunities via the Energy Initiatives Center and the Children’s Advocacy Institute.

University of San Diego School of Law also boasts popular law journals, including the San Diego Law Review and the Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues, in addition to the student-run newspaper, Motions.

9. Loyola Marymount University Law School 

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #71
Tuition: $68,512 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.72
Median LSAT Score: 162
Acceptance Rate: 30.6%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 78.8%

If old school Hollywood is calling, Loyola Law School is located in downtown Los Angeles. Interested students may be eligible to complete the Entertainment Law Practicum, which includes practical studio experience for Paramount Pictures, MGM, and Warner Bros. However, if entertainment law is not your area of interest, Loyola also ranks highly for its trial advocacy and tax law specialties.

Students also have the opportunity to work on the law school’s legal publications, including the Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review and the Loyola of Los Angeles International and Comparative Law Review.

10. University of California Law San Francisco

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #88
Tuition: $50,625 (full-time)
Median Undergrad GPA: 3.63
Median LSAT Score: 160
Acceptance Rate: 37.5%
First-Time Bar Passage Rate: 72.1%

Pass through the Golden Gate Bridge to arrive at the University of California, San Francisco. Popular concentrations include intellectual property law, social justice, and health sciences.

UC Law San Francisco also emphasizes legal writing and boasts a wide variety of journals, including the UC Law Journal on Gender and Justice and the UC Law Science and Technology Journal. Tuition sits on the lower end for a California law school, and the acceptance rate is fairly high at 37.5%.

Which Law School in California Is Right for Me?

We know choosing a law school is extremely difficult, especially when law schools in California have impressive stats and so many appealing features. If you have the drive, you’ll become a great lawyer no matter where you go to law school, but these are some of our top California law school picks, based on best offerings:

• California Law School with the Highest California Bar Passage Rate: Stanford University
• California Law School with the Highest Acceptance Rate: University of California Law San Francisco 
• Most Affordable California Law School: University of California Law San Francisco 

Ultimately, you need to decide what you’re looking for in a law school and what factors matter to you most. Does tuition rank the highest, the curriculum…or the proximity to the beach? Both are valid!

How Do I Get Accepted to a California Law School?

Whether you’re applying to the best law school in California or Alabama the process is the same. The first step in the law school admissions timeline is to take the LSAT. Although there are no required LSAT scores for law school, all of these law schools in California have median LSAT scores that give you a pretty good indication of how you compare to their previous incoming class. Remember, law schools want to attract the best of the best, so make sure you give yourself the ultimate shot by getting a high LSAT score.

Ace the LSAT

Blueprint LSAT Prep has the best LSAT prep courses tailored to your individual learning style. From a DIY Self-Paced Online LSAT Course to a Live LSAT Class or 170+ Course and even private LSAT tutoring, we have the LSAT course designed to increase your LSAT score by 15 points, on average! 

Don’t want to commit to a prep course right now? Get access to tons of free LSAT resources when you create a Blueprint LSAT account. 

Further Reading

⚖️ A Step-By-Step Guide to Applying to Law School: Consider this your step-by-step guide to navigating law school applications and the overall law school admissions timeline, complete with plenty of additional resources to help you perfect your application.

📖 Download Our ebook, “How To Get Accepted Into a Top Law School: We’ve compiled everything you need to know about top law schools and how to get accepted!

We know that with the launch of our new score-related series, many students must be at least a tad curious about those incredible achievers who score above the 165-172 range. That’s right, we’re talking about those LSAT scores at the tippy top and how they open golden gates upon golden gates: top law schools, full-ride law school scholarships, and packed paychecks. So let’s all stop daydreaming and get into the 173-180 review! After all, what can a 180 LSAT score actually do for you?

Breaking Down the 173-180 LSAT Score Range

First off, if you’re in this LSAT score range, congratulations! You’re officially above the mean, median, and mode (you’re welcome, stats fans). In fact, you’re besting more than 99.4% of your peers. Not bad at all. So, what does that mean for you sky-high, go-getters? 

You can apply to pretty much any law school with confidence. Scoring in this range makes you extremely competitive. The cream of the crop is on the table here, including the T14 law schools.

The following table shows the schools with a median LSAT score for admitted full-time student populations. These programs are at the top of the law school world, hence why most LSAT scores fall in the 173-180 range. 

Schools With Median LSAT Scores Between 173 and 180

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, U.S. News & World Report.

Remember, just because your score matches these averages doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get accepted. Law school admissions take into account many factors, and LSAT scores are just one—albeit important—element of your application. 

Does a 180 LSAT Score Affect My Legal Career?

Let’s be real for a second: The reason we (or at least most of us) go to law school is to eventually get employed and work as a lawyer. In addition to money, job security is a big issue. So, how do LSAT scores and our law school choice correlate to immediate employment at graduation? Let’s look at the schools listed above: 

Sources: 2023 U.S. Department of Education, U.S. News & World Report.

As you can see, things are looking pretty good. Compensation in the private and public sectors is all but maxed out. The lowest percentage of students with jobs straight after graduation is still above 88%. 

Here at the pinnacle, the correlation between LSAT score and salary isn’t obvious with our three measly data points, but if you check out our other entries in this series, it’ll be blindingly clear. Similarly, those in the 165-172 LSAT score range might’ve noticed that some top twenty law schools have higher employment rates and median public salary than Yale, Columbia, or Harvard. This should serve as a stark reminder that a school’s name and/or pedigree shouldn’t be your deciding factor when choosing a law school. 

Ultimately, while it’s very unlikely anyone will ask if you snagged a 180 LSAT score after graduation, achieving a 99th percentile LSAT score can only benefit your career prospects. You’re at the top of your game and job outlooks reflect that.

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Wait—Don’t Rush Your Law School Choice

Note that you should still verify that the school you’re looking at has the optimal prospects within your individual area of interest. Granted, having any of these top law schools listed on your resume will certainly help.

Whatever you choose, high LSAT scores and prestigious schools do make a difference, whether you plan to go into the public or private sector. A difference of about $125,000 between sectors is also nothing to sneeze at. So, be sure to consider what specific area of law you’re shooting for after graduation while you’re applying to law school. 

Bigger LSAT Scores. Bigger Law School Scholarships.

While we’re thinking of money, let’s consider the links between LSAT scores and scholarships. This data gets a lot more complex, as most scholarships (both those specific to a program and those not associated with a specific school) rely on several metrics outside of the LSAT score. However, we know that, even with competitive law school admissions, schools have reason to heavily incentivize high-scoring applicants to attend their programs.

Namely, having students who fall into this high 173-180 LSAT score range helps their statistics and, therefore, their rankings. Additionally, schools that offer full rides often lean heavily on LSAT scores as a deciding factor in awarding those scholarships. With a score in the 173-180 range, you will be an extremely compelling candidate for scholarships at many programs. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re in this range of scores, the sky really is the limit. You’ve got your pick of the programs. Additionally, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to pay off your student loans faster than your peers or potentially have your tuition covered. But before you pick one of these top schools, make sure it’s one you would be happy to attend. With this score, you can virtually go anywhere. So, all that’s left to do is make your choice.

Wondering how to score within this competitive range? We can help! Enroll in the Blueprint LSAT 170+ Course to get a guaranteed 170 score or your money back*! Or get personalized LSAT support by working with an experienced Blueprint LSAT tutor. Not ready to commit to a course? Get access to a bunch of free LSAT resources when you create a Blueprint LSAT account. 

All law schools are not built the same and many factors go into choosing the right law school for you.

One important factor prospective law students often overlook is the size and strength of a law school’s alumni network. Alumni groups are pivotal to a future lawyer’s journey. Among other things, they can offer resources, mentorship, and invaluable networking opportunities that can shape professional futures.

The Importance of Law School Alumni Networks

All law schools want to attract the best of the best and soon [ideally] you’ll be amongst those ranks. Alumni are intended to go out into the legal world and make their own stamp on the industry.

The strength and activity of a law school’s alumni network can be a significant differentiator when choosing a law school. Every school has notable alumni who shine a spotlight on that school. In turn, you too can also benefit from this form of trickle-down economics as you start to carve out your career path.

If a law school’s alumni network is particularly active, this can set you up with valuable advice, resources, mentorship opportunities, and connections that will help you throughout your career.

Camaraderie is strong at some schools—it never hurts to have built-in friends!

Let us delve into the multifaceted roles that law school alumni networks play in shaping the careers of future lawyers.

A Resource for Mentorship and Guidance

Law school alumni networks are treasure troves of experience and wisdom. Having navigated the challenges of that specific law school and the legal profession, alumni can provide mentorship and guidance to current (or even future) students.

This mentorship can take various forms, from one-on-one advice sessions to panel discussions and informal meet-ups. It offers insights into the realities of legal practice, job market trends, and career development strategies.

Networking and Career Opportunities

Networking is a critical component of professional success in the legal field. Law school alumni networks open doors to job opportunities, internships, and clerkships, often not advertised publicly. These connections can be crucial in securing first jobs or coveted positions in prestigious firms or organizations.

Alumni can also offer practical advice on resume building, interview skills, and career planning.

It’s easier to start on a path with help from someone who has been in your shoes. 

What To Look For in Law School Alumni Networks

So what should you look for in a law school’s alumni network when applying to a law school? Here are three key factors to consider.

1. Size and Reach of the Network

The scope of a law school’s alumni network can significantly impact your future career opportunities. A larger network increases the probability of finding mentors and professional contacts in various fields within the legal world and expands your geographical reach.

2. Active and Engaged Alumni

School spirit matters! Ok, maybe they don’t have to attend the yearly homecoming game, but the more involved alumni are with the school and within the alumni network itself plays a big role in your experience with them.

Engaged alumni are a testament to a school’s community spirit and commitment to ongoing student support. When alumni frequently participate in school events and mentorship programs and offer career guidance, it reflects a robust, supportive community.

3. Alumni Success Stories

Success stories are more than just a source of inspiration. They offer a window into the school’s standards and set a benchmark for what you can aspire to achieve. Additionally, they provide a realistic preview of the career paths pursued by the school’s graduates and offer insights into potential future opportunities.

Sign up to get expert tips and exclusive invites to free LSAT classes and law school admissions workshops!

Networking Tips for Law Students

We might be getting a little ahead of ourselves, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t give you a heads-up of how to network after we just explained why you should.

Let us explore these strategies to understand how to integrate networking into your law school experience from Day 0 (i.e. today).

Start Early

The foundation of a strong professional network is laid at the very beginning of your law school journey. Take advantage of every opportunity to connect with alumni by participating in school-hosted events, joining student organizations that facilitate these interactions, and actively engaging with guest speakers and visiting alumni. Some pre-law groups at your undergrad institution might already host similar events to expose you to the law school early.

This early engagement broadens your network and helps you understand the diverse career paths in law.

Be Genuine and Curious

Authenticity in networking is paramount. You can likely tell one someone is being overly nice or “fake” with you, and we promise alumni can too.

When you meet alumni, show a genuine interest in their career journey and the insights they can offer. Ask questions that reflect your curiosity about the legal field and their specific experiences. They truly are a wealth of information! This genuine approach is more likely to lead to meaningful and lasting connections.

Follow Up and Stay in Touch

Relationships are the name of the game when it comes to networking, but they don’t happen overnight or after one encounter. You need to nurture your connections.

After an initial interaction with an alum, a thoughtful follow-up email can make a lasting impression. Keep them informed about your academic and professional journey, and reach out periodically to keep the connection alive without being too “pushy”. 

Offer Value

Networking is not a one-way street. Consider ways to bring value to your connections. This could be through offering to volunteer at alumni events or helping out with a project they are involved in. 

Don’t disregard law school alumni networks when choosing schools to apply to and, eventually, commit to. They could be major catalysts for your law career.

Embark on Your LSAT Journey With Blueprint

What’s another big factor when applying to law schools? Your school’s median LSAT score! A competitive LSAT score could turn a law school from a reach school into a safety school.

Blueprint LSAT students are 5.5x more likely to score a 170+ than the average LSAT test taker. With live course options, a self-paced course, and private tutoring, we have LSAT prep that fits your learning style!

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After you’ve wrapped up your LSAT prep, crushed your LSAT, and applied to law school comes one more hurdle: the law school interview!

The law school interview is unique from most other typical interviews. The law school interview is primarily designed to investigate prospective student potential, interest in the law school, and potential fit within the law school.

By the end of the interview, admissions committees should be able to determine whether you will be a strong law student, whether you will contribute to the campus culture, and whether you are actually interested in going to their law school. 

Should I Even Do the Interview if It’s Optional?

Yes! While many schools make the interview an optional part of the admissions process, it is an “option” you want to take advantage of. The goal is to stand out against candidates with similar LSAT scores and/or GPAs. This is an opportunity to show the school another side of you and to demonstrate that you really want to attend this particular law school.

If you pass up the opportunity then you may lose out on an acceptance that goes to someone with similar raw numbers. Dress professionally. Act professionally. Be on time! 

Sign up to get expert tips and exclusive invites to free LSAT classes and law school admissions workshops!

Overall Goals for Your Interview

You want to show the interviewer that admitting you to their school is a no-brainer! To do that, you’ll want to be sure you show the following:

1. Show That You Are Likely To Be a Great Student

By the end of the interview, you want the people observing you to understand that you are an intelligent person who will excel in law school. Take your time to think through your responses to each question. Most importantly, be engaged! This will help demonstrate that you are going to be an engaged student who will participate enthusiastically in class discussions. 

2. Show That You Will Represent the Law School Well

Interviewers will want to know that you will be an excellent representative of their law school as you enter your professional career. Take time to discuss your goals. It is totally fine if you do not have them completely figured out. Ultimately, your professional career will reflect back on your legal alma mater. Show them that you are personable and can interview well. If you interview well here, you will probably interview well for a job. Law schools want students who are likely to get those highly sought-after jobs in the legal field.

Finally, take time to show the interviewer why you are interested in their law school. Move beyond the numbers. Does the law school offer a program, clinic, and/or course that is of particular interest to you? Are there any professors that you would love to study under? The more that you can convince the school that you are likely to matriculate if given an offer, the better your odds.

Common Law School Interview Formats

Law schools tend to employ four common interview formats: A recorded interview, a one-on-one interview, a panelist interview, and a group interview. Although your approach should not change dramatically for each format, you should research and prepare accordingly. 

Recorded Video Format 

Law schools are increasingly using a recorded video interview format. While it can be somewhat more rigid than the other options, it does have some advantages. Namely, it gives a larger group of people the opportunity to review your interview and consider your replies. 

Because the recorded interview will also rely on preselected questions, it may be somewhat easier to prepare for. To begin your interview, you will log in to the law school’s website. Most interviews have about five questions.

You will typically have about a minute to think about your reply to each question before the recording begins. Take that time to consider your response and to calm yourself down. You want to sound professional and relaxed. Avoid the common trap of talking too fast when being recorded! 

One on One 

A one-on-one interview will typically be conducted by someone from the law school admissions committee or an alumni of the school. The person will likely report their recommendations back to the admissions committee. If possible, take time to research the person and come up with questions about their career and their perspective on law school. 

Panelist Interview 

A panelist interview is similar to a one-on-one interview except you will speak with several people at once. Although this can be somewhat intimidating, make sure to come off as relaxed but excited to be there. Don’t feel rushed to answer questions.

Similar to a one-on-one interview, take time to research the people interviewing you and come up with questions about their career and their perspective on the school.

Group Interview 

Some law schools conduct larger group interviews where you will interview alongside other prospective law students. These are designed to get a feel for the type of student that you might be once in law school. In this circumstance, the interviewer(s) will be looking to see who is engaged in the process and intellectually curious. Take time to answer questions and explain your justification for each answer. 

Common Law School Interview Question Types

The types of law school interview questions you’ll encounter typically fall into four categories: prior experiences (work and academic), professional aspirations and goals, reasons for attending law school, and questions about your intellectual curiosity.

While the types of questions you’ll be asked can depend on the interview format (for example, the recorded interview questions tend to fall squarely into these four categories), you’ll want to be prepared to speak to any of these. Each can highlight components of why the law school should admit you over a candidate with similar numbers. 

Below is a list of common questions for each question type:

 Prior Experience:

• Why did you choose your major / undergrad? 
• What was the most challenging undergrad course and why? 
• Who was your favorite college professor and why?
• Tell us about a time you can to problem solve at work

Professional Aspirations: 

• Why do you want to be a lawyer?
• What are your long term goals and how do you plan to get there?
• What stimulated your interest in the law?
• What would be your ideal first job out of law school?

Reasons for Law School:

• Why are you applying to law school?
• When did you decide to apply to law school? 
• What is your biggest concern in going to law school?
• What might separate you from other law applicants?

Intellectual Curiosity:

• What is your favorite book?
• What do you do in your spare time?
• If you could invite anyone, living or dead, to dinner, who would it be and why?
• What are you passionate about outside of the law? 
• Tell us about a thesis paper you have written.

Final Interview Advice

Be flexible! With the exception of the recorded video interview, these interviews allow the interviewer to respond and ask follow-up questions in real time. This means you might get a question that you did not prepare for. That is ok!

If this happens, take your time (even a brief pause) to come up with a thoughtful answer. Be prepared for your interview, but be ready to go off script. Allow yourself to be flexible and to respond to unexpected questions without letting your nerves get the best of you. 

If you’d like some extra support with preparing for your interviews, Blueprint can help! Check out our Law School Admissions Consulting packages and learn how we can help you!

That’s a good question. As of 2016, some law schools are now accepting the GRE or the LSAT from prospective law students.  Since either exam could be a good choice, let’s look at the pros and cons of each test in terms of law school admissions. 

The LSAT is the “standard” law school admissions test. It is the “Law School Admissions Test” after all. The LSAT has been used for decades to assist law schools in making admissions determinations by predicting student success in law school. Since 1991, the LSAT has been scored in a range from 120-180. The LSAT is offered roughly 8 times per year. 

The GRE stands for the Graduate Record Examination and is aimed to predict graduate student success. Since 2011, the GRE has been scored in a range from 130-170. The GRE is offered year round.

Do All Law Schools Accept the GRE? 

No, and according to US News & World Report, only about 70 law schools currently accept the GRE. However, this number is steadily increasing. It is unclear whether the GRE will ever rival the LSAT in terms of law school opportunities. Before taking the GRE, make sure to check whether the law schools you plan to apply to accept this test. 

Do All Law Schools Accept the LSAT?

Yes! Although not all law schools require an LSAT score, every ABA-accredited law school accepts the LSAT. Therefore, with an LSAT score you will be able to apply to any ABA-accredited law school.

How is the GRE Formatted?

The GRE is broken into verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The Analytical Writing section contains two essay prompts and the test taker has thirty minutes per essay (one hour total) to compose a written (typed) response. The Verbal and Quantitative sections contain five multiple-choice sections. One of the five will be experimental and will not count towards your score. The verbal reasoning sections are thirty minutes per section and the quantitative reasoning sections are thirty-five minutes per section. 

How is the LSAT Formatted?

The LSAT is broken into three thirty-five-minute sections: one Reading Comprehension section, two Logical Reading sections (as of August 2024), one experimental unscored section, and one unscored Argumentative Writing section. The Reading Comprehension section involves reading short passages (usually 3-5 paragraphs) and then answering questions based on the reading. The Logical Reasoning section involves answering questions based on short stimuli (e.g. what must be true, what is the flaw, etc).

Every LSAT has one experimental section that can be any of the above, although you will not know which section that is. The experimental section will not count toward your LSAT score. The Argumentative Writing section is also unscored and can be taken up to one year after your LSAT test date.

What are the Advantages of Taking the GRE?

If you are sure that you want to get an advanced degree, but are not 100% sold on going to law school, then the GRE might be the right exam for you. Other than law school and medical school, nearly every other graduate program accepts the GRE. However, less than half of ABA-accredited law schools currently accept the GRE. Therefore your options for law school may be  somewhat limited. 

Additionally, you can choose which GRE you want to submit. Unlike the LSAT, if you take the GRE more than once, you can pick which exam the law school will view. That said, although law schools will be able to see all of your LSAT scores, most will only place emphasis on your best LSAT score. Finally, the GRE is offered year round so you will have more opportunities to pick a test date that works for you. 

What are the Advantages of Taking the LSAT?

The primary advantage of the LSAT is that all law schools will accept it. More options for law schools means a higher chance of getting into a highly ranked law school. 

Also, there is no math on the LSAT. So if you despise math and don’t want to do math problems  to get into law school, the LSAT is your best bet. 

Finally, there is more information on the impact of the LSAT on admissions. Therefore,  you can better predict your odds of admission at a given law school with an LSAT score. Let’s face it, applying to law school can be expensive. It helps to have a good estimate of your safety, target, and reach school prior to applying.  score can be more helpful in creating a good list of safety, target, and reach schools.

Which Exam Will Give Me the Better Odds of Admission? 

It depends. However, according to US News & World Report, which determines law school ranking (and substantially influences employment opportunities for law school grads), the GRE is growing, but law schools still don’t look at the GRE quite the same as the LSAT. Because of this, at least for now, the LSAT has the  edge. 

Can I Take Both?

If you really want to take two exams, you can, but we don’t recommend it.  Since law schools will be able to see your LSAT score, and since schools generally prioritize the LSAT over the GRE, it is advisable that you don’t take both exams. Although a high GRE score can somewhat mitigate a low LSAT score, law schools are required to report the LSAT scores of their incoming class. They cannot completely disregard a lower LSAT score. Therefore, if you take both, law schools will prioritize your LSAT score. Accordingly, you should make a judgment call and pick the one that better fits your career and law school goals.

Finally, if you are in doubt, reach out to your target  law schools and see what they advise. Although a law school might not be able to give you a definitive answer, it may be able to help point you in the right direction for your career goals. 

And take a practice LSAT test. You might be surprised by your performance. Get a free one when you create a Blueprint LSAT account! Don’t write off the LSAT because it seems difficult. It’s not just you. The LSAT is hard. But, once you understand how to crack the code, it becomes a lot easier to master. And that’s what we’re here for!

Blueprint LSAT students increase their LSAT scores by 15 points, on average! Whether you have the discipline to study on your own with a Self-Paced Course, want to navigate the LSAT with instructors in a Live Course, or prefer one-on-one attention through tutoring, we have the study method that fits your learning style.

April LSAT scores are out! As predicted, most everyone taking the April test received their scores at or around 9:00am Eastern on Wednesday, May 18. For all of you applying this cycle, we hope it went well! For the rest of you, did you know that you can apply with an April LSAT score? Turns out a little over 10% of the top-100 law schools accept the April LSAT.

Now let’s get into the numbers.

According to LSAC data, 9,565 test takers took the LSAT in April, a 47% decrease from 2021. This matches the broader pattern we’re seeing, with a 40% drop in testing volume for January-April this year, compared to the year before. Applying to law school in 2022 will no doubt be competitive, but 2021 was the year everyone wanted to go to law school. While the numbers have varied month-to-month, admissions officials are predicting that the final applicant pool for the current cycle could be down approximately 10% over 2021.

This is good news for most of you testing right now. If you’re planning to apply in the fall, you’ve not only gotten ahead of the admission process, but you’ll be competing against fewer applicants next year. Not only that, but the proportion of 170+ scores has dropped this year, meaning that there are dual factors decreasing the number of 170+ scores competing for spots at top schools next year. The same holds true for scores in the 160-170 range. Correspondingly, a greater proportion of test takers this cycle are scoring in the 140-160 range.

So what do all those numbers mean? Two things. First, you can feel more confident with a “good-but-not-great” score, whatever that means to you and the schools on your list. Second, it means that the value of a great score is higher than it was last year. Whether you’re looking for a reason to be done or a reason to push further, you’ll find support in these numbers and can feel good about your decision. That said, a higher LSAT score does catch attention (the good kind), so if you’ve got time and motivation to keep grinding and keep pushing your score higher, go for it! The possibility of a few more points, and the host of rewards that come with them, is often worth the effort.

April 2022 LSAT Make Up Tests Recap

The other big story about the April LSAT is the number of delays people experienced. It’s intensely frustrating when you’ve worked hard and gotten your mind right for test day, only to have delays running up to two hours or significant interruptions while you’re testing. Stay strong, LSAT warriors! For those of you who retested due to these test implosions, LSAC reported that those 1,000+ test takers who did retest saw smooth sailing the second time around. So yes, very frustrating, but you likely saw the February 2011 LSAT as your make up exam. This is an unreleased exam that has been a favorite in recent years. Some students have seen this exam readministered in 2020 (June, July, October, or November), and even as recently as January 2022.

For all of you April LSAT takers, including those of you who retested in May, congratulations on making it through! Every LSAT experience is an opportunity to learn and to improve. Now, does anyone care to comment on the ABA officially recommending the elimination of the standardized test requirement for the admission to law school?

Kentucky is a southeastern state with a lot of activity, including horse racing, automobile manufacturing, bluegrass music, college basketball, moonshine and bourbon—in fact, 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky. The culture of Kentucky is considered blended. The state is mostly Southern, but with Midwest and Southern Appalachia influences. Kentucky is bound by the Ohio River in the north and the Appalachian Mountains in the east. Louisville is the state’s largest city and where the Kentucky Derby takes place. Kentucky also takes credit for the world’s longest cave system, which can be found in Mammoth Cave National Park, in addition to long, impressive navigable waterways, streams and the largest man-made lakes east of the Mississippi River. This mishmash state blended with natural and man-made wonders has a slice of everything, including three Top Law Schools as per the US News and World Report. Keep reading to determine if attending law school in Kentucky is right for you. 

Top Law Schools in Kentucky

1. 1.  University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law
2. 2. University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law
3. 3.  Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law

There are three high-ranking law schools in Kentucky. Each comes with a top-rated law program. Keep reading to see if you meet the requirements to qualify as a competitive candidate. 

1. 1.  University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #67

Tuition: $25,218 (full-time)

Average GPA: 3.62

Average LSAT Score: 157

Acceptance Rate: 45.7%

Bar Passage Rate: 90.6%

Also coming in at number 67, alongside the University of Kansas School of Law, is the J. David Rosenberg College of Law at the University of Kentucky. Located in Lexington and initially founded from a law program at Transylvania University in 1799 (not the home of Dracula, but fun to imagine; rather, a private university also located in Lexington, Kentucky). The law program officially began operations in 1908 and became one of the first public law schools in the nation. 

The dean of the College of Law is Mary J. Davis, the first female dean. Alongside other firsts, in 1913, the school became the first in the nation to institute a trial practice program.

Student-run law journals include the Kentucky Law Journal, which is the tenth oldest law review published in the United States, established in 1881; and the Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture and Natural Resources Law, a multi-disciplinary journal of law, science and policy.

The application deadline for J. David Rosenberg College of Law is April 30. Full-time tuition for in-state students is $25,218 and on the higher end for out-of-state students at $51,374. The Bar passage rate is an impressive 90.6% and you’ll need a 157 LSAT score to be in the running, but the good news is the acceptance rate is fairly high at 45.7%. 

2. 2.  University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #94

Tuition: $23,898 (full-time)

Average GPA: 3.56

Average LSAT Score: 156

Acceptance Rate: 51.5%

Bar Passage Rate: 87.4%

The Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at University of Louisville (Brandeis) was established in 1846 and is the oldest law school in Kentucky and the fifth oldest in the country. The school has a law clinic that offers students a chance to gain experience on moot court teams. They also run skills competitions and have three student-edited law journals.

Boasting a high Bar passage rate at 87.5%, alongside a high acceptance rate at 51.5%, in addition to tuition on the more affordable end at $23,898 for full-time in-state students and $28,898 for full-time out-of-state students, the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law comes with many desirable facets. 

Application deadline falls on April 15, so be sure to get your package in on time, especially since it coincides with tax season.  

3. 3.  Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #147-192

Tuition: $23,033  (full-time)

Average GPA: 3.37

Average LSAT Score: 153

Acceptance Rate: 65.2%

Bar Passage Rate: 65.5%

The Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights was founded in 1893. There is a deep sense of justice laid out in the foundation of the school. It was named for U.S. Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, who was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864.  

Full-time and part-time options are offered, in addition to joint degrees in JD/Master of Business Administration, JD/Master of Health Informatics and JD/Master of Business Informatics. 

The average LSAT score is slightly lower than other top schools at 153 and the acceptance rate is higher than average at 65.2%. The Bar passage rate is significantly lower than the other two top schools in Kentucky at 65%. Tuition for full-time in-state students is $23,033 and in the mid-range for full-time out-of-state students at $36,735. If you’re planning to attend part-time, tuition is $12,625 for in-state and $20,003 for out-of-state. 

How Do I Get Accepted to a Law School in Kentucky?

Whether you’re applying to the best law school in Kentucky or another part of the country, the process is the same. The first step in the law school admissions timeline is to take the LSAT. Although there are no required LSAT scores for law school, all of them have median LSAT scores that give you a pretty good indication of how you compare to their previous incoming class. Remember, law schools want to attract the best of the best, so make sure you give yourself the ultimate shot by getting a high LSAT score.

Boost Your Chances of Law School Acceptance

Blueprint LSAT Prep has the best LSAT prep courses tailored to your individual learning style. From a DIY Self-Paced Online LSAT Course to a Live LSAT Class and even private LSAT tutoring, we have the LSAT course designed to increase your LSAT score by 15 points, on average! 

Don’t want to commit to a prep course right now? Get access to a bunch of free LSAT resources when you create a Blueprint LSAT account. And when you’re finally ready to make the final jump into LSAT prep, we’ll be here to help!

There’s more to Kansas than wheat, oil and that cyclone scene from “The Wizard of Oz.” Named after an American Indian tribe that lived in the region 12,000 years ago, Kansas is known as the “Air Capital of the World” because of its contribution to the aircraft industry.

This Midwestern state, bordered by Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado, is the 15th largest state by area and the 34th most populous. In the state’s capital, Topeka, you can take a ride on a 1908 vintage carousel or explore the vast and rare sites in the largest city, Wichita, including a 23-acre open-air history museum named the Old Cowtown. Because this is Kansas, after all, and if Dorothy is worthy of quoting, “there’s no place like home,” let’s rephrase that to “there’s no place like Kansas.”

This state is unique, unexpectedly inspiring and home to two Top Law Schools. Check it out! 

Top Law Schools in Kansas

1. 1.  University of Kansas School of Law
2. 2.  Washburn University School of Law

There are two high-ranking law schools in Kansas. Both come with a top-rated law program. Keep reading to see if you meet the required GPA and LSAT scores and if attending law school in Kansas is right for you. 

1. 1.  University of Kansas School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #67

Tuition: $22,769 (full-time)

Average GPA: 3.69

Average LSAT Score: 158

Acceptance Rate: 53.9%

Bar Passage Rate: 91%

Coming in at number 67 as a Top Law School according to the US News and World Report, is the University of Kansas (KU) School of Law, which is a public institution located in Lawrence. Popular legal concentrations at this school include Media, Technology, Tribal Law, Business and Commercial Law. There are also more than 10 clinics offered, including two that train students to counsel clients about elder law and criminal prosecution.

There are two student-edited journals at this school: the Kansas Law Review and the Kansas Journal of Law and Public Policy. KU School of Law also operates the Center for International Trade and Agriculture; the Tribal Law and Government Center; and the Shook, Hardy, and Bacon Center for Excellence in Advocacy.

The KU School of Law has an impressive Bar passage rate of 91% in relation to the average LSAT score of 158. The yearly tuition is also on the more affordable end at $22,769 for full-time in-state students and $28,804 for full-time out-of-state students. Application deadline is March 15, so be sure to get your package together in time. 

2. 2.  Washburn University School of Law

U.S. News Top Law School Ranking: #105

Tuition: $23,861 (full-time)

Average GPA: 3.53

Average LSAT Score: 155

Acceptance Rate: 49%

Bar Passage Rate: 81.8%

The Washburn University School of Law is a public law school established in 1905 and located in the state capital of Topeka. The school has a law clinic that functions as an in-house general practice law firm and provides representation in the areas of Children and Family Law, Criminal Defense, State Tribal Court Practice, Civil Litigation, Criminal Appellate Advocacy, Small Business and Transactional Law. 

There are three student-edited journals at this school: The Washburn Law Journal, Washburn Lawyer and the Washburn Agricultural Law and Tax Report. The school operates six centers including the Business and Transactional Law Center, the Children and Family Law Center, the Center for Excellence in Advocacy, the Center for Law and Government, Center for Oil and Gas Law and the Center for International and Comparative Law.

​​Tuition is on the more affordable end at $23,861 for full-time in-state and $36,447 for full-time out-of-state. Application deadline falls on August 1, providing ample time to get your package together. There is no fee to submit and the student-faculty ratio is 8.1:1, assuring you personalized attention. 

How Do I Get Accepted to a Law School in Kansas?

Whether you’re applying to the best law school in Kansas or another part of the country, the process is the same. The first step in the law school admissions timeline is to take the LSAT. Although there are no required LSAT scores for law school, all of them have median LSAT scores that give you a pretty good indication of how you compare to their previous incoming class. Remember, law schools want to attract the best of the best, so make sure you give yourself the ultimate shot by getting a high LSAT score.

Prepare for a Law School in Kansas

Blueprint LSAT Prep has the best LSAT prep courses tailored to your individual learning style. From a DIY Self-Paced Online LSAT Course to a Live LSAT Class and even private LSAT tutoring, we have the LSAT course designed to increase your LSAT score by 15 points, on average! 

Don’t want to commit to a prep course right now? Get access to a bunch of free LSAT resources when you create a Blueprint LSAT account. And when you’re finally ready to make the final jump into LSAT prep, we’ll be here to help!