Quick answer: a balanced list has reach schools where you are below the medians, target schools where you are near them, and safety schools where you are clearly above them. Our free admissions calculator sorts all 196 ABA schools for you in seconds.
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How to Sort Schools
| Type | Your numbers vs the school | How many to apply to |
|---|---|---|
| Safety or likely | Above both medians, near or above the 75th | 2 to 3 |
| Target | Near the medians | 3 to 5 |
| Reach | Below the medians but inside the range | 2 to 4 |
| Long shot | Below the 25th percentile | 0 to 2 |
How to Build Your List
- Enter your LSAT and LSAC GPA in the calculator.
- Remove any school you would not actually attend.
- Check location and where its graduates work.
- Check cost and scholarship odds.
- Check acceptance rates and bar passage.
- Decide how many applications you can afford and finish well.
Common Mistakes
- Applying only to reaches.
- Picking safeties you would never go to.
- Ignoring cost until the end.
- Using old numbers. Medians move each year.
Is There Really a Safety School?
Nothing is guaranteed in admissions, and schools sometimes pass on strong applicants. That is why “likely” is a better word than “safety.”
FAQ
How many law schools should I apply to?
It depends on your budget and goals. Many people apply to 8 to 12.
Should I apply early?
Yes, where you can. Many schools use rolling admissions.
How should I treat scholarships?
Include a few schools where you are above the 75th percentile.