Harvard Law School is one of the most sought-after destinations for law school applicants in the world. Admission is extremely competitive — and your LSAT score is one of the most important factors in whether your application gets a serious read.
This guide gives you the exact LSAT numbers at Harvard Law, what they mean for your application, and honest advice on your realistic chances based on where your score lands.
Already have a score? Use our LSAT score calculator to see your percentile and whether Harvard Law is within your current range.
Quick answer: Harvard Law School’s median LSAT is 174, with a 25th percentile of 171 and a 75th percentile of 176. Its median GPA is 3.96. A 174 is about the 98th percentile among all test takers. These are the 2025 ABA 509 numbers.
Harvard Law School LSAT Score and GPA Data
| Metric | 2025 Value |
|---|---|
| 25th Percentile LSAT | 171 |
| Median LSAT | 174 |
| 75th Percentile LSAT | 176 |
| 25th Percentile GPA | 3.89 |
| Median GPA | 3.96 |
| 75th Percentile GPA | 4.00 |
| First-Year Class Size | 579 |
| Acceptance Rate (2025) | 9.2% |
| Applications (2025) | 8,872 |
| Offers (2025) | 816 |
Most admitted students here scored 171 to 176. If you are below the 174 median, a 170+ scoring Odyssey tutor can build your plan around your weak spots.
Big gap? Book a free strategy call to map out your retake.
Not ready to pay? Try a free 3-week LSAT class first.
Want to see where you lose points? Take a free practice test.
Strong score. Make the rest of your application match with Odyssey admissions consulting.
Prefer a class? The live online LSAT course is $1,500 (was $3,900), from $101/mo with Affirm.
Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Studying near Boston? Odyssey has in-person LSAT tutors in Boston, plus online sessions. See Boston LSAT tutoring →
What are your odds at Harvard Law School? Enter your LSAT and GPA in the law school admissions calculator, or check merit money with the scholarship calculator.
Harvard Law School Acceptance Rate
Harvard Law School’s acceptance rate was 9.2% for fall 2025. It made 816 offers from 8,872 applications, and 483 of those admitted students enrolled. That is below the 36.1% average, and it ranks 6th lowest of the 194 ABA schools with data. See all law school acceptance rates.
What LSAT Score Do You Need for Harvard Law School?
- 176 or higher – Your LSAT is a clear strength and may support scholarship leverage.
- 174 to 176 – You are in a strong competitive range if your GPA and application materials are solid.
- 171 to 174 – You are plausible but below the median. The rest of your application matters more.
- Below 171 – Treat Harvard Law School as a reach unless your GPA or background is exceptional.
Half of the entering class scored between 171 and 176. In GPA, the middle half ran from 3.89 to 4.00. If your GPA is below 3.96, aim above the median LSAT. Find your real number with the LSAC GPA calculator.
How Harvard Law School Compares
| Law school | 25th | Median | 75th | Median GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard Law School | 171 | 174 | 176 | 3.96 |
| University of Chicago Law | 171 | 174 | 176 | 3.97 |
| Yale Law | 171 | 174 | 177 | 3.96 |
| Columbia Law | 169 | 173 | 175 | 3.92 |
| Cornell Law | 168 | 173 | 175 | 3.92 |
| Northwestern Law | 167 | 173 | 175 | 3.96 |
Should You Retake for Harvard Law School?
If your current score is below 171, a retake is usually worth considering. If you are near 174, the decision depends on your GPA, timing, scholarship goals, and practice-test trend. Read should I retake the LSAT.
Harvard Law Is Test-Optional — But LSAT Still Matters
Harvard Law accepts both the LSAT and the GRE. The school has no stated preference for either exam. However, the vast majority of admitted students still submit LSAT scores, and the LSAT remains the dominant metric in law school admissions broadly.
If you are applying with a GRE score, Harvard will evaluate it, but you should understand that your score will be compared to the LSAT scores of other applicants in ways that are harder to predict.
What Else Does Harvard Law Look For?
Beyond LSAT and GPA, Harvard Law’s admissions office evaluates:
- Personal statement — Your writing quality and ability to articulate why law, why Harvard, and what you bring to the community
- Letters of recommendation — Typically 2–3 letters; professional and academic recommendations both matter
- Resume and work experience — Post-undergraduate work experience, research, public service, and leadership
- Diversity and background — First-generation college students, underrepresented backgrounds, and non-traditional paths are valued
- Optional essays — HLS offers optional addenda for explaining gaps, low grades, or other application factors
The personal statement carries particular weight at Harvard because the school receives so many applications from candidates with near-perfect numbers. Standing out as a person — not just a score — matters.
Harvard Law School LSAT FAQ
What LSAT score do you need for Harvard Law School?
The median is 174. Aim for 174 or higher, and 176 or higher for your best scholarship odds.
What GPA do you need for Harvard Law School?
The median GPA is 3.96, and the middle half of the class ran from 3.89 to 4.00.
How big is the class at Harvard Law School?
The 2025 first-year class had 579 students.
The Bottom Line
For Harvard Law School, aim for at least 171 to be inside the enrolled-student range, 174 to be competitive, and 176+ to make your LSAT a strength. See the top 100 law school LSAT chart.
Peer Schools to Compare
Comparing Harvard with other top schools? See the LSAT ranges for Yale Law, Stanford Law, and Columbia Law.
Official Sources to Check
Use this guide for planning, then verify current test rules, score reporting, application requirements, and school disclosures with primary sources before making final decisions.