Enter your LSAT score and GPA to estimate your admission probability at every ABA-approved law school. Our model uses official ABA 509 disclosure data and adjusts for soft factors like URM status, work experience, and Early Decision timing.
Range: 120-180
Range: 0.00-4.00
Powered by the latest ABA 509 Disclosure Data
Our admission model combines hard data with holistic adjustments to give you a realistic picture of your competitiveness.
Input your LSAT score (120–180) and cumulative CAS GPA (0.00–4.00) as calculated by LSAC. These are the two most heavily weighted factors in law school admissions.
Optionally adjust for URM status, years of work experience, and whether you plan to apply Early Decision. Each factor shifts your probability based on documented admissions trends.
Your profile is compared against the median LSAT and GPA of matriculated students at every ABA-approved school, using official 509 disclosure reports filed annually.
Each school is classified as a Reach (<40%), Target (40–75%), or Safety (>75%) based on your calculated probability. Results are sorted by admission likelihood.
Every ABA-approved law school is required to file an annual Standard 509 Information Report with the American Bar Association. This report discloses the median LSAT score and median undergraduate GPA of each entering class, along with acceptance rates, enrollment figures, and demographic data. Our calculator uses this official data as its foundation.
The core algorithm compares your LSAT and GPA against each school's medians using a weighted scoring model. Research consistently shows that the LSAT carries more predictive weight than GPA in admissions decisions—our model reflects this with an approximate 60/40 weighting in favor of the LSAT. This aligns with the findings published by LSAC's own research division and the practices described by admissions professionals.
The resulting "base probability" is then adjusted by soft factors. Each adjustment is calibrated to reflect documented admissions trends: URM applicants receive a meaningful boost that reflects the well-documented diversity considerations in holistic review; work experience provides a moderate advantage that increases with years of professional service; and Early Decision applicants receive a boost that reflects the higher acceptance rates typically associated with binding commitments.
Based on LSAC research and documented admissions practices. The LSAT is the single strongest predictor of first-year law school performance.
Reflects documented diversity considerations in holistic review
Binding ED commitments historically yield higher acceptance rates
Valued by schools like Northwestern, Harvard, and UVA
Demonstrates maturity and professional development
Admission competitiveness varies dramatically by school tier. Here is a breakdown of the LSAT and GPA ranges that typically correspond to each level of selectivity.
Yale, Stanford, Harvard, Chicago, Columbia, NYU
Penn, UVA, Michigan, Berkeley, Duke, Northwestern, Cornell, Georgetown
UCLA, USC, Vanderbilt, WashU, Notre Dame, Emory, BU
Strong regional schools with excellent local employment
While LSAT and GPA are the most significant predictive factors, law school admissions are holistic. These qualitative elements can make or break a borderline application.
Your personal statement is the primary vehicle for demonstrating who you are beyond your numbers. A compelling narrative that explains your motivation for law school, connects your experiences to your goals, and showcases your writing ability can distinguish you from hundreds of applicants with identical stats. Admissions officers read thousands of these—specificity and authenticity are what stand out.
Strong letters from professors or professional supervisors who know you well attest to your academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and character. The best letters provide specific examples of your analytical abilities and work ethic. Generic letters from prominent people who barely know you are far less effective than detailed letters from people who can speak to your capabilities.
Work experience demonstrates maturity, professional skills, and leadership. Schools like Northwestern and Harvard explicitly value applicants with meaningful professional backgrounds. Even 2–3 years of post-graduate work can provide the perspective and discipline that make you a stronger law student and a more compelling applicant.
Law schools are committed to building diverse classes. Being an underrepresented minority (URM), a first-generation college student, or having an unusual background provides important context to your achievements. A well-crafted diversity statement can highlight how your perspective will enrich classroom discussions and the legal profession.
Leadership roles in student organizations, community service, varsity athletics, or significant creative achievements demonstrate the well-roundedness that admissions committees value. Quality matters more than quantity—deep commitment to a few activities is more impressive than superficial involvement in many.
Applying Early Decision (binding) or early in the Regular Decision cycle provides a measurable advantage. Most schools practice rolling admissions, meaning seats fill as the cycle progresses. Submitting a complete application by October or November maximizes your chances, particularly at schools where you are a borderline candidate.
Not every applicant has a balanced profile. Understanding where you fall on the LSAT/GPA spectrum is critical for building a smart school list.
High LSAT, Low GPA. You scored well above a school's median LSAT but your GPA falls below the 25th percentile. This is the most common "non-traditional" profile.
Splitters can be unpredictable in admissions outcomes. Some schools are more "LSAT-friendly" (Georgetown, Northwestern) while others weigh GPA more heavily. A strong GPA addendum explaining the circumstances behind your grades is essential.
Strategy: Cast a wide net. Apply to more schools than a balanced applicant would, as outcomes are harder to predict.
Both metrics near or above median. Your LSAT and GPA are both competitive for your target schools. This is the most predictable profile.
Balanced applicants benefit most from soft factors. A compelling personal statement, strong letters, and meaningful work experience can push you from "target" to "likely admit" at schools where your numbers are competitive.
Strategy: Focus on perfecting your application materials. Your numbers open doors—your narrative closes the deal.
High GPA, Low LSAT. Your GPA is above the 75th percentile at your target schools, but your LSAT falls below the median. This is the most challenging profile.
Because the LSAT is weighted more heavily, reverse splitters face an uphill battle at highly selective schools. However, some schools (like Berkeley and Michigan) have historically been more GPA-friendly.
Strategy: Consider retaking the LSAT. Even a 2–3 point increase can dramatically shift your outcomes at target schools.
Timing matters. Most law schools use rolling admissions, meaning earlier applications have a structural advantage. Here is the optimal timeline for the current cycle.
Begin intensive LSAT preparation. Take 2–3 full-length practice tests to establish a baseline, then follow a structured study plan. Most successful applicants study for 3–6 months.
Sit for the LSAT. If your score is below your practice test average, consider retaking in October. Schools only see your highest score under the current LSAC policy.
Write your personal statement, diversity statement (if applicable), and GPA addendum. Request letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors who know you well. Begin filling out applications on LSAC.
Submit your applications as early as possible. Early Decision deadlines are typically in November. For Regular Decision, submitting by Thanksgiving puts you in the first wave of review.
Schools begin issuing decisions on a rolling basis. You may receive offers, waitlist notifications, or requests for additional information. Respond promptly to any school communications.
Compare financial aid packages, visit admitted students' weekends, and negotiate scholarships. Use competing offers as leverage. The deposit deadline is typically April 15.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on historical admission data and should be used as a general guide only. Actual admission decisions depend on many factors beyond LSAT and GPA, including personal statements, letters of recommendation, work experience, extracurricular activities, and other holistic factors considered by admissions committees. No calculator can predict the outcome of an individual application with certainty. We recommend using this tool as a starting point for your law school research and consulting with a pre-law advisor for personalized guidance.
Common questions about law school admissions, the LSAT, and how to use this calculator effectively.
Admission calculators use historical data to estimate probabilities and are generally reliable for gauging overall competitiveness. Our model is based on official ABA 509 data, which is the same data that admissions consultants use. However, no calculator can account for qualitative factors like the strength of your personal statement, the specificity of your letters of recommendation, or the unique institutional priorities of each school in a given cycle. Use the results as a directional guide—not a guarantee.
Yes. Applicants with a high LSAT and low GPA are called "splitters," and they are admitted to top schools every cycle. A 175 LSAT can compensate for a 3.2 GPA at many T14 schools. The key is to pair your strong LSAT with a compelling GPA addendum that explains the context behind your grades, strong letters of recommendation, and meaningful work experience. Schools like Georgetown, Northwestern, and Columbia have historically been more receptive to splitter profiles.
Yes, and its importance is growing. Schools like Northwestern explicitly prefer applicants with professional experience, and Harvard's median age of matriculation has risen to 25, reflecting a preference for applicants who have spent time in the workforce. Even 2–3 years of post-graduate work demonstrates maturity, professional skills, and a clearer sense of purpose—all of which strengthen your application. For borderline candidates, work experience can be the tipping factor.
Early Decision (ED) is a binding commitment—if admitted, you must attend that school and withdraw all other applications. In exchange, ED applicants typically see higher acceptance rates (often 10–20 percentage points higher than Regular Decision). Regular Decision is non-binding and allows you to compare offers. ED is a powerful strategic tool if you have a clear first-choice school, but it eliminates your ability to negotiate financial aid against competing offers.
If your score is more than 3 points below your consistent practice test average, a retake is strongly advisable. Under current LSAC policy, most schools consider only your highest score. A 2–3 point increase can shift your classification at target schools from "reach" to "target" or from "target" to "safety." The marginal return on LSAT points is highest in the 165–172 range, where each point can open doors to significantly more selective schools.
Your CAS (Credential Assembly Service) GPA is calculated by LSAC using a standardized methodology that may differ from your university's calculation. LSAC includes grades from all undergraduate institutions, uses a standardized 4.0 scale, and may weight certain courses differently than your school did. Your CAS GPA is the number that appears on your LSAC report and is the GPA that law schools use for admissions and ranking purposes. Always use your CAS GPA when entering data into this calculator.
Most admissions consultants recommend applying to 10–15 schools with a balanced mix: 3–4 reach schools, 4–5 target schools, and 3–4 safety schools. Splitters and reverse splitters should apply to more schools (15–20) because their outcomes are less predictable. Each additional application costs approximately $45–$100 in fees (plus the CAS report fee), so budget accordingly. Our calculator can help you identify which schools fall into each category.
URM stands for "Underrepresented Minority" and typically includes applicants who identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Law schools consider URM status as part of their holistic review process to build diverse classes. The impact varies by school, but URM applicants with competitive numbers often see meaningfully higher acceptance rates. This reflects the legal profession's commitment to diversity and the educational benefits of a diverse student body.
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