GPA for Law School
Real GPA data for T14 and other law programs, the GPA vs. LSAT tradeoff explained, and a clear path for low-GPA applicants.
T14 Law School GPA Medians (2025)
These figures represent approximate 75th percentile GPA medians. Actual admitted class medians vary by year — always check each school's current ABA 509 disclosure.
| School | 75th Pctile GPA |
|---|---|
| Yale Law School | 3.93 |
| Harvard Law School | 3.92 |
| Stanford Law School | 3.90 |
| Columbia Law School | 3.89 |
| University of Chicago | 3.90 |
| NYU School of Law | 3.86 |
| Penn Carey Law | 3.90 |
| Michigan Law | 3.80 |
| Duke Law | 3.83 |
| Northwestern Pritzker | 3.85 |
| Cornell Law | 3.84 |
| Georgetown Law | 3.78 |
| UCLA Law | 3.80 |
| UT Austin Law | 3.80 |
What GPA Do You Need?
T14 Law Schools
Yale/Harvard typically 3.9+
Top 25 Law Schools
Varies significantly by school
Top 50 Law Schools
LSAT can compensate
Regional Schools
Strong LSAT still helpful
GPA vs. LSAT: The Index Score
Law school admissions uses an index score — a weighted combination of GPA and LSAT. Neither number alone determines your admission. Both matter simultaneously.
High LSAT / Lower GPA
A 175 LSAT can meaningfully offset a 3.5 GPA at many programs. LSAT is the one number you can control right now.
High GPA / Lower LSAT
A 3.9 GPA can soften the impact of a slightly lower LSAT, but a strong LSAT is still generally required for T14 admission.
Low GPA Strategy
- 1.Write a GPA addendum — briefly explain any extenuating circumstances (illness, personal hardship, work obligations) that affected your grades. Be factual and concise, not defensive.
- 2.Demonstrate an upward trend — if your grades improved significantly in your junior and senior years, that trend is noted favorably.
- 3.Maximize the LSAT — this is the single highest-leverage variable. Take a prep course; take it more than once if needed.
- 4.Target schools strategically — use LSAC data to find schools where your LSAT puts you at or above the 75th percentile. A low GPA hurts less when your LSAT is exceptional relative to their pool.
Helpful tools for students
Your LSAT score matters as much as your GPA
Princeton Review's LSAT prep guarantees a 10+ point improvement. A strong LSAT can compensate for a GPA below law school median.
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