@CaseyPak What matters is being at or above the GPA median a school is targeting that year. Usually, that means slightly higher than it was the previous year (though the medians are so high now that increases of the kind we've seen likely aren't sustainable)
Hi everyone! Silly question but what is defined as a score period? Super new to this-- took LSAT back in Jan and Feb of 2026-- and planning to take it again in Sept and Nov! Thank you!
Hi @SofiyaBerman, to answer your question -- You already have a score (172) above the median (171). Continuing to take the LSAT when your score is already good enough will make the admissions office think that you're targeting a different school. Admissions can't send out an infinite amount of invitations, so they have to be particular about who they choose to invite. Why send an invite to someone who appears to be targeting another school? That's the logic.
I'm trying to figure out if cum laude is enough to be a splitter or just enough to qualify in general? I hope it means I'm a splitter because Lord knows I'm horrible at standardized test 😭 (it's the timed stress)
It's interesting that the four buckets are (from what I understand, correct me if I'm wrong) only competing agaisnt each other - I'm actually really pleased with that!
What's the lowest GPA you could reasonably expect to get into Yale with if you had a really, really good LSAT score? I had no intention at all of going to grad school because I thought it would be both unaffordable and unnecessary for my career, and wound up with a 3.74 as it wasn't more of a priority. I am here seven years later and my career has started, surprisingly, to require legal experience. I'm just wondering if the "top" is possible, or what I could hope for.
Amazing and impeccable explanation, I have been wondering for some time what the medians mean in the Law school application process. Wish you the best everyone!
I had to postpone taking the test this year due to two back to back surgeries which took me 4 months to heal. I now have finally started to prepare for LSAT. I work full-time so have limited time to devote to preparation. Besides LSAT I have school applications to complete.
My GPA is 3.9. I've registered for Feb 2026. Should I change it to April 2026? Or should I miss another year and thoroughly prepare for LSAT and school applications?
If I apply now, I basically only have a couple of schools to get into (which is ok). And I need GOOD scholarship because these schools are EXPENSIVE!
@MnM I'm in a similar situation to you, was originally planning to take January 2026 LSAT for the 2026 cycle, but decided to push it to June 2026 for the 2027 cycle. That way I have ample time to study and prepare my application, and be at an advantage for admissions to apply early. Plus the earlier you apply, the better chances are for scholarships. Take that as you will; whatever test date you decide to choose, I wish you luck!
I graduated college in 2022. I had rushed to take my LSAT when I really was not prepared for it. I took it 3 times and was never happy with my score and got waitlisted or denied, never accepted. I finally built the courage to begin studying again. I am now 25 and feel like it is too late and often get discouraged. I did well in college (3.7 gpa), worked in a. law office for 8 years and have been a certified paralegal for 3 years, yet I still feel like my history of poor lSAT scores will drag me down!
@victoriaisstudying I think you'll be okay. Maybe talk to someone at 7Sage, or another program, to see if they believe submitting an addendum with your application will help. And if so, just own being young and not trying and highlight how you've grown over the years.
If it's too late for you, then I'm frickin' cooked, lol! I'm 42! But they're going to have to tell ME that it's too late! If this is something you want, you should go for it. You might not get in anywhere again, but don't allow fear to be the reason you don't get where you want to be. Make them deny you, don't cut yourself out of the running. Also, when you apply, make sure to apply to schools that you might have thought were beneath your resume. Yale and Southwestern Law school students who pass their state bar are all called the same thing: "attorney at law."
@APBookninja Still trying to decide. I'm leaning towards all-online, but I'm worried that will limit my law school experience, getting to know my cohort, who could all be important contacts in the future... However, I'm also worried about paying bills every month, and know that I kneed to keep working full time to make sure that happens.
@CallMeEric I understand that. Unfortunately with a mortgage and young kids I have no choice but to do online, at least for the 1st year. I think I'll wait until after that to decide if I want to switch to in person at one of the law schools in the slightly nearby vicinity.
@CallMeEric@APBookninja hey y'all, I am 34 and honestly I have debated this question too as I know for sure I will not have the option to do a full-time program because of life and responsibilities. But as I am finishing my masters up, online, I do think that I would want my law school experience to be in person. I am not sure where you are located, but I am in CT and there are some programs in both CT/NY that have part-time "night" classes. Not sure if this is something you looked into, but it is worth giving it a try.
Also Eric, thank you for your words! I had this convo with a classmate earlier this week regarding doubting myself. I have done many things and have been fortunate enough to not only have an educational but lived and work experience, but I still doubted finally taking this step. She said the same thing, don't take yourself out of the game and instead fight to find your seat. I am a firm believer that it will work out as it should and I am also winging it (with my trust and faith) that I will be in law school soon.
@Dpolanco I live in North FL so I unfortunately don't have an option for part time or nights nearby. The couple schools in my area require you to only work 20 hours per week and the only part time anywhere near is in Miami which is like a 6-7 hour drive each way so that isn't possible. Therefore my only option is online or online for one year then switch to in person, if I am able. I'm glad you have a local option nearby you. It definitely opens up more possibilities.
@APBookninja whew, that is rough! Honestly, going to school full-time was something that deterred me before I knew I had a part-time option because I knew it would not be realistic. Miami seems so far away, would you have better luck crossing over to GA (if there is anything close up your way). I am grateful that overall CT is very small so if I have to dry north an hour to stay "local" that is okay, but thankfully since I am closer to NY the train in also isnt that bad. When I did my undergrad there were times I would just drive into Fordham, but granted I was zooming from work to class and that program was also part-time.
@Dpolanco I checked GA and anything there is too far. My realistic options are the new law program at Jacksonville University or UF. Possibly FSU but that would be a very long commute. But I couldn't attend any of those until year 2 since they all have the 20-hour work week restriction for year 1. It's lucky you all have the train option up there. They were talking about building one down here, but it got shot down which was a huge disappointment for many of us.
@CallMeEric this makes me feel so much better! Though it is entertaining to see all the kids write about being 25 and 'too old' heheh. We don't disintegrate at 29.... Also looking for mostly online myself - I run a company and wow is even just studying the LSAT a whole new beast! I am thinking of doing an animal law program as well though, so could get some experience through other education in person.
Hello! I graduated undergrad with a 3.88 in Social Work. I have years of work experience and internships with vulnerable populations, especially with the houseless population and the Hispanic/Latino community and domestic violence. I currently work with my state’s govt doing eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs so I’m really involved in seeing policy and laws impacting the population and how laws impact work being done. I am also on the Advisory Board of a local nonprofit that focuses on LGBTQ+ populations. i have always wanted to go to law school but self doubt had me stuck. My goal is a 170+ with hopes of getting into a T14 school and i’m really interested in Georgetown Law, schools in the DMV, east coast and the chicago area.
What happens when you already have a master's degree, and thus two GPAs? My undergrad was pretty bad (I was pretty sick with a chronic illness back then) but my grad GPA is quite good. Do law schools consider both GPAs?
@JaredKebbell I'm in the exact same boat. I didn't do well (for various reasons) in my undergraduate at all, but I excelled at my Masters. I believe that as that shows that we have grown, and have demonstrated our ability to improve and adapt, that we'll be just fine. I'm certain they'll take that into accountability.
@JaredKebbell Hey ! So from my understanding on the LSAC website, is that they will request all your transcripts, so I assume that includes your masters. I am also finishing up my program, I have a capstone in February, but I am also hoping they add it because undergrad was a wild time in my life (personal life struggles).
@JaredKebbell I think Dean Z talked about this in the A2Z podcast. From my understanding of what she said, the LSAC GPA is calculated using just undergraduate credits. So in terms of which bucket you are in, they'll use your undergraduate. But your master's will also play a factor in painting a bigger picture, and the admissions process, will take account all the factors as a whole, which is why they ask for all transcripts.
@hannahlejeune from what i gathered from this video, not that much. Try your absolute best on the LSAT, don't slack off and do it even when you are unmotivated. Start thinking of a personal statement that will make you stand out and shows your personality. What is unique about you so that they don't forget you?
i had 3.3 as undergrad in bioengineering and completed a master in Mechanical as well. (2 years work experience) Leaning towards including an addendum as well. Would this be a good choice.
Sounds like if one applies to multiple schools the greater the chance of getting into one for one reason or another out of the four buckets will suit a schools qualifier.
Greetings! My name is Lex, I'm a non-trad from the Silicon Valley and planning to take the November LSAT for the first time. I lost my decade long cybersecurity job 2 years ago while in a coma, following a fire that left me disabled (and nearly un-alived).
After wasting the last year applying to literally thousands of jobs, having countless dead end interviews, and otherwise doing everything to find a new job - I realized my skills are quickly becoming obsolete and need to go back to school one way or another.
I've always dreamt of being a lawyer and making a positive difference in the lives of others. So here I am, turning 35 next month, and shooting for a 170+ for a chance to attend USF, USC, Stanford, UCLA, USD, Hastings, SCU, Davis, Berkeley, Pepperdine or Irvine. UGPA is 3.1 so I know its quite the ambitious goal, but hey "you miss 100% of the shots you never take"!
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77 comments
when you say above the gpa median, what if you are in the median? what bucket does that mean
@CaseyPak What matters is being at or above the GPA median a school is targeting that year. Usually, that means slightly higher than it was the previous year (though the medians are so high now that increases of the kind we've seen likely aren't sustainable)
Hi everyone! Silly question but what is defined as a score period? Super new to this-- took LSAT back in Jan and Feb of 2026-- and planning to take it again in Sept and Nov! Thank you!
@JessS Hey! Basically, it's your scores from the last five years. If you have even older takes, you don't have to report them.
Could someone explain why retaking to get a 175 after getting a 172 would "convince [admissions] that you consider UVA just a safety school"?
Hi @SofiyaBerman, to answer your question -- You already have a score (172) above the median (171). Continuing to take the LSAT when your score is already good enough will make the admissions office think that you're targeting a different school. Admissions can't send out an infinite amount of invitations, so they have to be particular about who they choose to invite. Why send an invite to someone who appears to be targeting another school? That's the logic.
@imchammad Gotcha, thank you!
I'm trying to figure out if cum laude is enough to be a splitter or just enough to qualify in general? I hope it means I'm a splitter because Lord knows I'm horrible at standardized test 😭 (it's the timed stress)
@Tombee64 I got magna cum laude and am the exact same haha
It's interesting that the four buckets are (from what I understand, correct me if I'm wrong) only competing agaisnt each other - I'm actually really pleased with that!
I'm applying to schools as a splitter; I graduated undergrad with a 3.0 due to several factors. So, my plan to try to get a 170+
What's the lowest GPA you could reasonably expect to get into Yale with if you had a really, really good LSAT score? I had no intention at all of going to grad school because I thought it would be both unaffordable and unnecessary for my career, and wound up with a 3.74 as it wasn't more of a priority. I am here seven years later and my career has started, surprisingly, to require legal experience. I'm just wondering if the "top" is possible, or what I could hope for.
@ATay 3.74 GPA is very good..... stop flexing
@AnuChoytun They're obviously not flexing. The 25th percentile is a 3.9 at Yale and a 3.74 is significantly below that. The median is a 3.96
How did people manage to land a legal related job while studying for the LSAT? My city is dry for new B.A. graduates
so if i have the correct LSAT score but not the GPA, I could still get in.
@katelynkroll this is great because I have not the best GPA.
Super helpful insight!!
Amazing and impeccable explanation, I have been wondering for some time what the medians mean in the Law school application process. Wish you the best everyone!
The audio on the video is currently not working
Gpa, age, work history be damned. These law schools will see how great I am and they'll beg me to apply 😤
Amazing info.
That was interesting... I'm wanting to stay local... helpful to know to look at the school's median LSAT scores so I know what I need to make.
I had to postpone taking the test this year due to two back to back surgeries which took me 4 months to heal. I now have finally started to prepare for LSAT. I work full-time so have limited time to devote to preparation. Besides LSAT I have school applications to complete.
My GPA is 3.9. I've registered for Feb 2026. Should I change it to April 2026? Or should I miss another year and thoroughly prepare for LSAT and school applications?
If I apply now, I basically only have a couple of schools to get into (which is ok). And I need GOOD scholarship because these schools are EXPENSIVE!
@MnM I'm in a similar situation to you, was originally planning to take January 2026 LSAT for the 2026 cycle, but decided to push it to June 2026 for the 2027 cycle. That way I have ample time to study and prepare my application, and be at an advantage for admissions to apply early. Plus the earlier you apply, the better chances are for scholarships. Take that as you will; whatever test date you decide to choose, I wish you luck!
I graduated college in 2022. I had rushed to take my LSAT when I really was not prepared for it. I took it 3 times and was never happy with my score and got waitlisted or denied, never accepted. I finally built the courage to begin studying again. I am now 25 and feel like it is too late and often get discouraged. I did well in college (3.7 gpa), worked in a. law office for 8 years and have been a certified paralegal for 3 years, yet I still feel like my history of poor lSAT scores will drag me down!
@victoriaisstudying I think you'll be okay. Maybe talk to someone at 7Sage, or another program, to see if they believe submitting an addendum with your application will help. And if so, just own being young and not trying and highlight how you've grown over the years.
@victoriaisstudying
If it's too late for you, then I'm frickin' cooked, lol! I'm 42! But they're going to have to tell ME that it's too late! If this is something you want, you should go for it. You might not get in anywhere again, but don't allow fear to be the reason you don't get where you want to be. Make them deny you, don't cut yourself out of the running. Also, when you apply, make sure to apply to schools that you might have thought were beneath your resume. Yale and Southwestern Law school students who pass their state bar are all called the same thing: "attorney at law."
@CallMeEric I'm 36 and just starting this journey. Are you going to do an online law program or are you able to attend a local law school?
@APBookninja Still trying to decide. I'm leaning towards all-online, but I'm worried that will limit my law school experience, getting to know my cohort, who could all be important contacts in the future... However, I'm also worried about paying bills every month, and know that I kneed to keep working full time to make sure that happens.
@CallMeEric hello! I'm 42 as well. We are not cooked, at least, I hope not. LOL
@CallMeEric I understand that. Unfortunately with a mortgage and young kids I have no choice but to do online, at least for the 1st year. I think I'll wait until after that to decide if I want to switch to in person at one of the law schools in the slightly nearby vicinity.
@CallMeEric @APBookninja hey y'all, I am 34 and honestly I have debated this question too as I know for sure I will not have the option to do a full-time program because of life and responsibilities. But as I am finishing my masters up, online, I do think that I would want my law school experience to be in person. I am not sure where you are located, but I am in CT and there are some programs in both CT/NY that have part-time "night" classes. Not sure if this is something you looked into, but it is worth giving it a try.
Also Eric, thank you for your words! I had this convo with a classmate earlier this week regarding doubting myself. I have done many things and have been fortunate enough to not only have an educational but lived and work experience, but I still doubted finally taking this step. She said the same thing, don't take yourself out of the game and instead fight to find your seat. I am a firm believer that it will work out as it should and I am also winging it (with my trust and faith) that I will be in law school soon.
@Dpolanco I live in North FL so I unfortunately don't have an option for part time or nights nearby. The couple schools in my area require you to only work 20 hours per week and the only part time anywhere near is in Miami which is like a 6-7 hour drive each way so that isn't possible. Therefore my only option is online or online for one year then switch to in person, if I am able. I'm glad you have a local option nearby you. It definitely opens up more possibilities.
@APBookninja whew, that is rough! Honestly, going to school full-time was something that deterred me before I knew I had a part-time option because I knew it would not be realistic. Miami seems so far away, would you have better luck crossing over to GA (if there is anything close up your way). I am grateful that overall CT is very small so if I have to dry north an hour to stay "local" that is okay, but thankfully since I am closer to NY the train in also isnt that bad. When I did my undergrad there were times I would just drive into Fordham, but granted I was zooming from work to class and that program was also part-time.
@Dpolanco I checked GA and anything there is too far. My realistic options are the new law program at Jacksonville University or UF. Possibly FSU but that would be a very long commute. But I couldn't attend any of those until year 2 since they all have the 20-hour work week restriction for year 1. It's lucky you all have the train option up there. They were talking about building one down here, but it got shot down which was a huge disappointment for many of us.
@CallMeEric this makes me feel so much better! Though it is entertaining to see all the kids write about being 25 and 'too old' heheh. We don't disintegrate at 29.... Also looking for mostly online myself - I run a company and wow is even just studying the LSAT a whole new beast! I am thinking of doing an animal law program as well though, so could get some experience through other education in person.
@Dpolanco I'm 34 as well, love to see it
the median gpa at the law school my friend is at is 4.0.......... bruh
Hello! I graduated undergrad with a 3.88 in Social Work. I have years of work experience and internships with vulnerable populations, especially with the houseless population and the Hispanic/Latino community and domestic violence. I currently work with my state’s govt doing eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs so I’m really involved in seeing policy and laws impacting the population and how laws impact work being done. I am also on the Advisory Board of a local nonprofit that focuses on LGBTQ+ populations. i have always wanted to go to law school but self doubt had me stuck. My goal is a 170+ with hopes of getting into a T14 school and i’m really interested in Georgetown Law, schools in the DMV, east coast and the chicago area.
What happens when you already have a master's degree, and thus two GPAs? My undergrad was pretty bad (I was pretty sick with a chronic illness back then) but my grad GPA is quite good. Do law schools consider both GPAs?
@JaredKebbell I'm in the exact same boat. I didn't do well (for various reasons) in my undergraduate at all, but I excelled at my Masters. I believe that as that shows that we have grown, and have demonstrated our ability to improve and adapt, that we'll be just fine. I'm certain they'll take that into accountability.
@JaredKebbell Hey ! So from my understanding on the LSAC website, is that they will request all your transcripts, so I assume that includes your masters. I am also finishing up my program, I have a capstone in February, but I am also hoping they add it because undergrad was a wild time in my life (personal life struggles).
@JaredKebbell I think Dean Z talked about this in the A2Z podcast. From my understanding of what she said, the LSAC GPA is calculated using just undergraduate credits. So in terms of which bucket you are in, they'll use your undergraduate. But your master's will also play a factor in painting a bigger picture, and the admissions process, will take account all the factors as a whole, which is why they ask for all transcripts.
i have a 2.9 undergrad gpa.. how cooked am i
@hannahlejeune from what i gathered from this video, not that much. Try your absolute best on the LSAT, don't slack off and do it even when you are unmotivated. Start thinking of a personal statement that will make you stand out and shows your personality. What is unique about you so that they don't forget you?
@hannahlejeune literally no even slightly crispy. You're fine!
@hannahlejeune Not cooked if you do well on this test. a 173 and up could get you into some very very good schools.
i had 3.3 as undergrad in bioengineering and completed a master in Mechanical as well. (2 years work experience) Leaning towards including an addendum as well. Would this be a good choice.
Sounds like if one applies to multiple schools the greater the chance of getting into one for one reason or another out of the four buckets will suit a schools qualifier.
Greetings! My name is Lex, I'm a non-trad from the Silicon Valley and planning to take the November LSAT for the first time. I lost my decade long cybersecurity job 2 years ago while in a coma, following a fire that left me disabled (and nearly un-alived).
After wasting the last year applying to literally thousands of jobs, having countless dead end interviews, and otherwise doing everything to find a new job - I realized my skills are quickly becoming obsolete and need to go back to school one way or another.
I've always dreamt of being a lawyer and making a positive difference in the lives of others. So here I am, turning 35 next month, and shooting for a 170+ for a chance to attend USF, USC, Stanford, UCLA, USD, Hastings, SCU, Davis, Berkeley, Pepperdine or Irvine. UGPA is 3.1 so I know its quite the ambitious goal, but hey "you miss 100% of the shots you never take"!
@LexMilana Don't forget Loyola
My GPA is fair.