How Law School Admissions Work Step by Step

Quick answer: you take the LSAT, send your transcripts and letters through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service (CAS), and apply to each school. Schools look mainly at your LSAT and GPA, then read your personal statement, resume and letters. Many use rolling admissions, so applying early often helps.

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The Steps

Create an LSAC account and register for the LSAT. See how to register.
Take the LSAT and finish LSAT Writing.
Sign up for CAS and send your transcripts.
Ask for letters of recommendation.
Write your personal statement and resume.
Build your school list.
Apply, then wait for decisions, waitlists and scholarship offers.

What Schools Look At

Factor	How it is used
LSAT	A major factor. Medians are public, see the chart.
GPA	Also major. Schools use your LSAC GPA.
Personal statement	Shows who you are and how you write.
Letters	Show your ability from another person’s view.
Work experience	Can add a lot, especially after some years out.
Character and fitness	Honest disclosures matter.

How Competitive Is It?

In fall 2025, the average ABA school accepted about 36% of applications, from about 4% at Yale to the mid 60s at the highest. See all acceptance rates, and check your own chances.

FAQ

When should I apply?

Many schools open in the early fall, and applying early often helps. Check each school.

How Law School Admissions Work

The Steps

What Schools Look At

How Competitive Is It?

FAQ

When should I apply?

What is rolling admissions?

Do I need to retake the LSAT?

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