Law School Admissions Update 2025: A Surge in Competition

The 2025 admissions cycle has seen a significant spike in law school applications. According to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), application volume has risen by approximately 21% compared to the previous year. This means the competition for law school seats—especially at top institutions—is fiercer than ever.

 

For example, Georgetown Law received over 14,000 applications for just 650 seats, dropping its acceptance rate to around 4.6%. Similarly, the University of Michigan Law School reported the highest number of applications in its 166-year history.

 

General Guideline: Apply to 12 Schools

Applying to law school in the U.S. is a competitive and somewhat unpredictable journey. With nearly 200 ABA-accredited law schools to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So how many schools should you apply to?

 

To maximize your chances, Spark Prep recommends applying to around 12 schools, divided into three categories:

• 5 "Reach" Schools: These schools have admissions criteria above your current academic profile. They’re your ambitious, dream schools.

• 5 "Midrange" Schools: These are schools where your qualifications closely align with their average admits. You stand a solid chance here with strong preparation.

• 2 "Safety" Schools: These schools typically admit students with slightly lower stats than yours. They serve as reliable backup options.

This strategy helps balance your odds without overwhelming your application workload.

 

School Categories: Reach – Midrange – Safety

1. Reach Schools – Dream Big

These are top-tier institutions with very selective admissions. Schools like Yale, Stanford, and Harvard have acceptance rates averaging only around 12.6%. While the odds may be slim, a strong and well-prepared application makes applying worthwhile.

 

2. Midrange Schools – Smart Choices

These schools match your profile in terms of GPA and LSAT. They often offer excellent legal education and career outcomes, even if they’re not as widely known. Don’t underestimate them—they might be your best fit.

 

3. Safety Schools – Peace of Mind

Choose 1–2 schools where your chances of admission are very high. These might be less competitive institutions, more affordable options, or schools located in the state where you plan to practice law.

 

When Should You Apply to More Than 12 Schools?

You might consider applying to more than 12 schools if:

• Your GPA and LSAT are imbalanced, and you want to hedge your bets with different admissions criteria.

• You have strong soft factors, like unique work experience, extracurriculars, or compelling personal background.

• Your application includes special circumstances, such as academic fluctuations, disciplinary issues, or personal challenges.

Applying broadly in these cases spreads your risk and boosts your chances.

 

When Can You Apply to Fewer Than 12 Schools?

On the other hand, 5–8 schools might be enough if:

• You’re only considering a specific state or city.

• You're targeting a specialized program, such as Environmental or Human Rights Law.

• You’re on a tight budget, as each application costs $75–$100.

• You prefer to invest time in tailoring applications to a smaller set of schools.

 

🎓 Important: Regardless of how many schools you apply to, make sure each one is somewhere you'd genuinely be happy to attend.

 

Final Advice from Spark Prep

Whether you choose to apply to 6, 12, or 20 schools, the most important things are:

• Know your goals and long-term career direction.

• Choose schools based on fit, not just prestige.

• Submit well-prepared, personalized applications—not a bulk submission hoping for the best.

This article is based on insights from “How Many Law Schools Should You Apply To?”