How Many Law Schools You Should Apply To (& How to Choose One) [2025]

Some people send out 20+ applications, hoping to land in their dream schools or anywhere. Others gamble everything on just a few top choices. But the real key isn’t applying to more schools, it’s being smart when you put your list together. smartly.

This guide breaks down what actually matters when creating your law school list—like your LSAT scores, goals, budget, and even location—so you can build a strategic mix of target, reach, and likely schools that maximize your odds without burning you out.

Read: How to Get Into Law School: Advice from an Expert

How Many Law Schools Should You Apply To?

The short answer is that 8 to 12 law schools is the sweet spot for most applicants. Too few, and you risk not getting into any; too many, and you’re buried in work, unnecessary application fees, and ultimately decision paralysis if you are admitted to a lot of schools

Let’s break it down by scenario:

• If you have a high LSAT score and GPA, you might lean toward fewer applications focused on top-tier programs.
• If your scores are closer to average, a broader mix of likely, target, and reach schools gives you better odds.
• If you’re targeting specialized programs, like environmental law, public interest law, or tech, you’ll want to research schools based on their curricula and opportunities like clinics and externships..

Some students apply to 15+ law schools, but that’s often more about anxiety than strategy. Focus on applying to the right schools, not only as many as possible.

Why the Number of Law Schools On Your List Matters

When it comes to law school admissions, strategy matters more than volume. Sure, applying to more schools may seem like it will increase your odds, but if you’re not thoughtful about which schools you're targeting, you're just throwing money and time away.

Each law school application takes significant effort: drafting a tailored personal statement, optional essays, and required supplements, managing application fees, securing recommendation letters, and juggling multiple deadlines. More than that, once acceptances roll in, the stress of choosing between many law schools can become overwhelming if you didn’t narrow your list up front.

The right number isn’t just a statistic – it’s about making strategic choices that reflect your academic profile, your career goals, and your personal preferences, giving you the best possible chance of admission to a desired program.

The Law School Application Pyramid Strategy

Building a strong application list is like building a pyramid—it should have a balanced foundation with the right mix of:

• Reach schools (Ambitious): These are competitive programs where your chances are lower, but still possible. You might not meet all their admission requirements, but you’re still within range. There is no harm in putting a dream school on the list - the admissions process is holistic, and you won’t get in if you don’t apply!
• Target schools (Realistic Matches): These are programs where your LSAT scores, GPA, and profile line up well with their accepted students. You can find data on the last incoming class by googling, “Name-of-school ABA 509 Report”.
• Likely schools (You would be surprised if you don’t get in): These schools have higher acceptance rates, and you’re confident about being admitted.

A good rule of thumb? Apply to 2-3 likely schools, 3-5 target schools, and 2-3 reach schools. That gives you about 8-12 schools total, a healthy number that keeps your options open without spreading you too thin. This strategy works for most students, whether you're applying straight out of college or after a few years in the workforce.

Things to Consider Before Finalizing Your List

Before you hit submit on those applications, step back and evaluate a few things.

LSAT Scores and GPA

Your academic profile plays a huge role in determining where you're likely to get in. Take time to compare your LSAT scores and GPA with each school's medians. If you’re significantly above them, that school could be a target or a likely choice. If you’re below, it might be a reach. Knowing where you stand gives you clarity—and saves you from surprises at the end of the cycle.

Read: LSAT Prep 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Succeeding on the Exam and Top 30+ Free Resources for the LSAT

Career Goals and Legal Interests

Your list should reflect not just where you can get in, but where you can thrive. If you’re interested in a specific area of law, like civil procedure, human rights, or tech, look into top law schools with strong programs, faculty, or clinics in that field. Your desired career trajectory should influence where you apply.

Geographic Preferences

If you know where you want to land and practice law after you obtain your JD, consider putting some likely schools in that city or area on your list. Regionally reputed schools can be a great option for you if you aren’t planning to move to New York and work in Big Law. You can easily find bar passage rates and career data with a simple Google search.

Where you attend law school impacts your lifestyle, job prospects, and post-grad network. Think about where you’d want to live for the next three years, and even beyond. Some graduates remain local, while others move across the country. Consider your personal reasons, ties to a region, or plans to practice law in a particular state.

Explore: Ranking the Top Law Schools in New York: A Detailed Analysis

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Cost is a major factor for most students. Some law schools offer better scholarships or financial aid than others. Research total tuition, living expenses, and whether schools offer application fee waivers. Two schools with similar reputations could have very different price tags, which is an important consideration

Competitiveness and Acceptance Rates

Finally, be realistic about your admission possibilities. Aim for a well-rounded list with a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. Applying only to top programs with ultra-low acceptance rates is risky, especially if you haven’t built in schools where your stats are a strong match.

Read: Acceptance Rates & Class Profiles of the T14 Law Schools

How to Choose a Law School That’s Right for You

When deciding where to apply or where to attend, it should be more than just rankings. Ask yourself:

• What’s the campus like? Is it an urban or rural law school campus?
• What’s the vibe of the student organizations? Is it a competitive atmosphere or more collegial?
• What is the student/faculty ratio, and how available are the faculty?
• How’s the faculty, and what areas of law do they specialize in?
• What’s the bar passage rate and job placement record?
• Are there strong connections to firms or clinics in your area of interest?
• Does the particular law school offer a particular program you’re interested in?

Ultimately, understanding how to choose a law school means looking beyond prestige and focusing on where you’ll thrive academically, socially, and professionally.

The Bottom Line

There’s no magic number, but there is a smart approach. Craft a balanced list of law schools that match your academic profile, career goals, and personal values. Think about cost, fit, and where you can open doors for your future.

Get Expert Help to Build Your Best List

Building your law school list is one of the most strategic steps in the process. If you want expert help tailoring it to your goals, Indrani S. is a Yale Law alum who’s guided countless applicants through this exact stage. Book a free intro call to get clarity and confidence in your list.

Here are a few other resources you may find helpful as you put together your law school applications:

• Early Decision Application Deadlines of the Top Law Schools
• JD Application Deadlines of the T20 Law Schools
• LSAT vs. GRE for Law School–Which to Take and How to Ace Both
• Everything You Need to Know About LSAC and the CAS Report for Law School
• The Top 10 Environmental Law Schools in the US
• Pepperdine Caruso School of Law: Program and Application Overview
• The Role of Internships in Law School Applications

FAQs

Is applying to 20 law schools too many?

• For most students, yes. It can get expensive and overwhelming. Focus on quality over quantity with a strong mix of likely, target, and reach schools.

What is the recommended number of law schools to apply to?

• Usually, 8 to 12 schools is ideal. That gives you enough options without making your application season chaotic.

What GPA do most law schools require?

• It depends on the school, but top programs expect 3.7 or higher. Some other schools may admit applicants with lower GPAs if they bring life experiences or high LSAT scores.

How do you get into the top 10% of law schools?

• It takes strong grades, time management, and choosing a program that fits your learning style. Your law school application essays are essential to the process, so be sure you take time to hone them well. Success depends on effort, not just rankings.

Should I apply to law schools in different geographic regions?

• Yes, applying to schools in various regions can broaden your options and potentially increase your chances of acceptance. It also allows you to compare different markets for legal employment, cost of living, and lifestyle preferences. However, consider your willingness to relocate and where you intend to practice law, as some schools have stronger regional reputations and alumni networks.​