Choosing the Right Law School: How to Build Your Application List
Selecting the right law schools to apply to is a critical decision in the admissions process. Many students make the mistake of applying only to top-ranked schools without considering personal fit, financial costs, and career goals. The best approach is to create a balanced school list with a mix of reach, target, and safety schools.
1. Understanding Reach, Target, and Safety Schools
To build a realistic yet ambitious school list, you need to categorize schools based on your LSAT score and GPA.
✅ Reach Schools:
Schools where your LSAT score and GPA are below the median.
These are your dream schools, but they are not guaranteed.
Example: If a school’s median LSAT is 170 and your score is 165, it’s likely a reach school.
Some students with strong extracurriculars, work experience, or diversity factors may still get admitted.
✅ Target Schools:
Schools where your LSAT and GPA are around the median.
You have a solid chance of admission but still need a strong application.
Example: If a school’s median LSAT is 165 and your score is 164-166, it’s a target school.
✅ Safety Schools:
Schools where your LSAT and GPA are above the 75th percentile.
These schools are your backup options in case reach and target schools don’t work out.
Example: If a school’s median LSAT is 160 and you have a 165+, it’s a safety school.
Even if you don’t plan to attend, applying to safety schools can increase your chances of receiving scholarship offers.
Tip: Many students apply to 2-4 reach schools, 3-5 target schools, and 2-3 safety schools.
2. Where to Find Reliable Data on Law Schools
When researching law schools, it’s essential to use accurate and up-to-date data. Here are the best resources:
✅ 7Sage Law School Predictor (7sage.com/predictor)
Uses historical admission data to predict your chances of getting accepted.
Considers LSAT scores, GPA, and application timing.
Not perfect, but provides a general guideline for categorizing reach, target, and safety schools.
✅ ABA 509 Reports (abarequireddisclosures.org)
Official data released by the American Bar Association (ABA) for every accredited law school.
Includes LSAT and GPA medians, employment statistics, bar passage rates, and tuition costs.
More reliable than law school rankings alone.
✅ Law School Transparency (LST) Reports (lsd.law)
Provides detailed breakdowns of job placement, bar passage rates, and salary data.
Helps assess whether a school aligns with your career goals.
3. Consider Location, Specialties, and Career Goals
A school’s rank is important, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Consider these factors:
✅ Location Matters:
Do you want to work in a specific city or state?
Some law schools have strong regional reputations (e.g., Fordham for New York, Loyola for Los Angeles).
✅ Specialized Programs:
If you’re interested in public interest law, corporate law, or environmental law, check whether a school has a strong program in that area.
Example: Georgetown excels in international law, while NYU is known for tax law.
✅ Cost and Debt Considerations:
Tuition varies significantly—some schools offer generous scholarships, while others leave students with heavy debt.
Check if the school has Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs) for students entering public interest law.
Consider applying to schools that might offer you scholarships based on your LSAT and GPA.
4. Apply Early for a Competitive Advantage
Most law schools use rolling admissions, meaning the earlier you apply, the better your chances of acceptance and scholarships.
✅ Ideal Timeline:
Submit applications between September and November for the best results.
Many schools start reviewing applications as soon as they open, meaning spots fill up quickly.
Applying early also gives you a boost in borderline cases (e.g., if your LSAT is slightly below the median).
5. Don’t Ignore Scholarship Negotiations
Even if you’re accepted to your dream school, you may want to negotiate financial aid packages.
✅ How to Leverage Multiple Offers:
If you receive a scholarship from a safety school, use it to negotiate with higher-ranked schools.
Some schools are willing to match or improve financial aid offers if they want to recruit you.
Always ask politely but confidently—many law schools expect applicants to negotiate.
Final Thoughts: Be Strategic & Use KAPi Resources
Choosing the right law schools to apply to is about strategy, self-awareness, and research.
Take advantage of Kappa Alpha Pi’s resources, LSAT Prep Course, and mentorship programs.
Apply to a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools.
Use reliable data (ABA 509 reports, 7Sage predictor, and Law School Transparency).
Apply early and negotiate for scholarships.
By following these steps, you’ll maximize your chances of getting into a great law school without taking on unnecessary debt. 🚀
