Selecting a Law School

If possible, apply to 6-10 law schools, as this will greatly increase the likelihood that you will be admitted and have a choice as to where to attend. One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is applying to too few schools. 

Group schools into categories based on a realistic assessment of your qualifications and an evaluation of the likelihood of admission. Apply to schools according to the following categories:  

• 2-3 "reach/dream" schools 

• 2-4 "realistic" schools 
• 2-3 "safety" schools 

Comparing your LSAT score and your undergraduate GPA with those of students admitted to a particular school is a common means of identifying "reach," "realistic," and "safety" schools. Data on all U.S. and Canadian law schools can be found in the LSAC Official Guide to ABA-Approved Law Schools. You can assess your own chances of admission to various schools using LSAC’s LSAT-GPA calculator or 7Sage’s Law School Admissions Predictor. You may also review the US News & World Report Rankings as you consider your options.