Splitter Law School Admissions and Strategy

Quick answer: a splitter has an LSAT above a school’s numbers and a GPA below them. Because the LSAT is often weighed heavily, a splitter’s chances can be better than a reverse splitter’s at many schools, but it varies. Apply widely, and explain your GPA if there is a real reason.

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What a Splitter Looks Like

You are a splitter at a specific school, not everywhere. A 170 and a 3.2 is a splitter at a school with a 165 median LSAT and a 3.7 median GPA. Use the table in our LSAT and GPA chart, or enter your numbers in the admissions calculator.

Why GPA Still Matters

Schools report both medians, and the GPA median is a public number too. A low GPA can pull a school’s GPA numbers down, so you may be a harder sell at some schools, even with a great score.

How to Apply as a Splitter

Find your true LSAC GPA.
Apply to more schools, including some above your GPA range.
Apply early where you can.
Write a short addendum if there is a real reason for your grades, such as illness or a hard first year.
Show growth, such as better grades later or strong work experience.

What to Avoid

Making excuses in your addendum.
Assuming your LSAT alone is enough.
Only applying to schools where your GPA is far below range.

FAQ

Is being a splitter bad?

No, but it makes outcomes harder to predict.

Should I retake the LSAT as a splitter?

If your score could rise past a school’s 75th percentile, it may help. See should I retake.

What is the opposite of a splitter?

A reverse splitter has a high GPA and a lower LSAT.