The University of Chicago Law School is consistently ranked among the top 4–5 law schools in the country and is a core member of the T6. Known for its rigorous intellectual culture, the law and economics tradition, and exceptional faculty, Chicago attracts students who thrive in academically demanding environments. Its career outcomes — BigLaw, clerkships, academia — rival any school in the country.
This guide covers Chicago Law’s LSAT requirements, admissions data, career outcomes, and what makes a competitive application. Read more about the highest LSAT score and what it takes.
See where your score stands with the free LSAT Score Calculator.
Quick answer: University of Chicago Law’s median LSAT is 174, with a 25th percentile of 171 and a 75th percentile of 176. Its median GPA is 3.97. A 174 is about the 98th percentile among all test takers. These are the 2025 ABA 509 numbers.
University of Chicago Law LSAT Score and GPA Data
| Metric | 2025 Value |
|---|---|
| 25th Percentile LSAT | 171 |
| Median LSAT | 174 |
| 75th Percentile LSAT | 176 |
| 25th Percentile GPA | 3.87 |
| Median GPA | 3.97 |
| 75th Percentile GPA | 4.00 |
| First-Year Class Size | 203 |
| Acceptance Rate (2025) | 9.7% |
| Applications (2025) | 6,581 |
| Offers (2025) | 641 |
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 Chicago? Odyssey has in-person LSAT tutors in Chicago, plus online sessions. See Chicago LSAT tutoring →
What are your odds at University of Chicago Law? Enter your LSAT and GPA in the law school admissions calculator, or check merit money with the scholarship calculator.
University of Chicago Law Acceptance Rate
University of Chicago Law’s acceptance rate was 9.7% for fall 2025. It made 641 offers from 6,581 applications, and 191 of those admitted students enrolled. That is below the 36.1% average, and it ranks 7th lowest of the 194 ABA schools with data. See all law school acceptance rates.
What LSAT Score Do You Need for University of Chicago Law?
- 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 University of Chicago Law 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 3.87 to 4.00. If your GPA is below 3.97, aim above the median LSAT. Find your real number with the LSAC GPA calculator.
How University of Chicago Law 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 University of Chicago Law?
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.
UChicago Law Career Outcomes
- BigLaw: Chicago places approximately 65–70% of its graduates in large law firms. Strong placement in Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., and nationally.
- Federal clerkships: Chicago has one of the highest federal clerkship rates of any law school. Circuit court clerkships are accessible, and SCOTUS clerkships are achieved regularly.
- Academia: Chicago is the top law school for students pursuing careers in legal academia. A disproportionate share of law professors at elite schools are Chicago graduates.
- Government and policy: Chicago’s law and economics orientation gives graduates a distinctive analytical toolkit valued in regulatory agencies, the DOJ, and think tanks.
- Corporate and finance law: Chicago’s deep Chicago market presence and national BigLaw footprint make it a top choice for transactional and corporate practice.
UChicago Law’s Intellectual Culture
Chicago Law is famous — and occasionally feared — for its Socratic method intensity and theoretical depth. First-year coursework is demanding and includes courses in economics and social science as part of the legal curriculum.
Students who thrive at Chicago tend to love ideas, enjoy debate and argument, and are energized rather than intimidated by intellectual rigor. Students who prefer a more practice-oriented, less theory-heavy environment may find Columbia or NYU a better cultural fit.
Visiting the campus and speaking with current students is particularly important for Chicago — the culture is genuinely distinctive and applicants should self-select accordingly.
University of Chicago Law LSAT FAQ
What LSAT score do you need for University of Chicago Law?
The median is 174. Aim for 174 or higher, and 176 or higher for your best scholarship odds.
What GPA do you need for University of Chicago Law?
The median GPA is 3.97, and the middle half of the class ran from 3.87 to 4.00.
How big is the class at University of Chicago Law?
The 2025 first-year class had 203 students.
The Bottom Line
For University of Chicago Law, 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.