How to Get Into the UPenn Law School (Carey) — Acceptance Rate, Ranking, & Application

How Hard is It to Get Into University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School?

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States, consistently ranked among the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2023–2024 rankings, it holds the #4 spot nationally. The acceptance rate at the University of Pennsylvania Law School is approximately 9.8%, making it highly selective.

For the Class of 2026, the school received 6,467 applications, admitted 638 students, and 245 students enrolled, resulting in a yield rate of 38%. The competitive admissions process reflects Penn Carey Law’s commitment to building an academically exceptional and professionally diverse entering class.

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

Acceptance Rate Over Time

Also read: T14 Law Schools: Acceptance Rates & Class Profiles

Programs Offered by University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

• Juris Doctor (JD) Program - A rigorous three-year program that prepares students for the practice of law, emphasizing both theoretical and practical aspects of engaging legal education. ​Master of Laws (LLM) Program - A full-time, one-year program designed for lawyers trained outside the United States, offering a customizable curriculum to focus on specific areas of law or to explore new interests.
• Master of Comparative Laws (LLCM) Program - An advanced, one-year program for students who have already earned an LLM degree in the U.S., providing further specialization in comparative law.
• Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) Program - The highest law degree offered, focusing on extensive legal research culminating in a dissertation under the guidance of faculty, suitable for those pursuing academic or high-level legal careers.
• Master in Law (ML) Program - Designed for professionals and scholars from other disciplines who seek to gain a foundational understanding of law to enhance their careers.
• Joint Degree Programs - Opportunities to pursue accelerated three-year JD/master’s degree programs in collaboration with other Penn schools, such as the Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey JD/MBA Program with Wharton Business School, and programs with the School of Engineering and Applied Science for degrees like JD/MSE or JD/MCIT.
• Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities - Students can take classes outside the law school, allowing for a broader educational experience and the ability to tailor their studies to specific interests.
• Clinical Programs and Externships - Experiential learning opportunities that enable students to engage in real-world legal practice through clinics and externships with government agencies, non-profits, and public interest settings.
• Wharton Business and Law Certificate (WBLC) - Available to LLM students, this program offers business and law education taught by Wharton faculty, enhancing the interdisciplinary understanding of law and business.
• Public Service Program - Through the Toll Public Interest Center (TPIC), students have opportunities to engage in pro bono work, reflecting the school's commitment to public interest initiatives.
• Global Engagement Opportunities - Programs designed to provide students with international perspectives and experiences, preparing them for global legal practice.

Admissions Requirements — Who Gets Into Penn Carey Law?

The admissions committee at uPenn Law evaluates each application holistically, considering academic excellence, personal background, leadership potential, and commitment to the legal profession. Applicants who want to practice law at uPenn should demonstrate a strong academic record, excellent standardized test scores, and compelling personal experiences that reflect intellectual curiosity, resilience, and purpose.

Penn Carey Law Admissions Stats: LSAT, GPA, & Class Profile

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School enrolls a diverse, driven, and highly accomplished class each year.

• Women: 50%​
• Students of Color: 49%​
• LGBTQ+ Students: 28%​
• STEM Majors: 24%
• First-Generation College Students: 12%
• Average Age: 24​
• Undergraduate Institutions Represented: 119

What LSAT Score Do You Need for Penn Carey Law?

• 25th Percentile: 168
• 50th Percentile: 172
• 75th Percentile: 174

To be competitive for uPenn Law, applicants should aim for a score of at least 172. That said, students have been admitted with scores below the 25th percentile if other parts of their application file are exceptionally strong, such as their personal statement, work experience, or letters of recommendation.

Explore: Top 30+ Free Resources for the LSAT

How to Get Into Penn Carey Law With a Low LSAT Score

• Write an outstanding personal statement that clearly explains your motivation and potential in the legal profession.
• Submit an LSAT addendum if there are valid circumstances behind your low score.
• Take the GRE if it better showcases your strengths.
• Strengthen your work experience to show maturity and leadership.Apply early to maximize your chances during a less crowded review window.

Read: How to Get the Best LSAT Score for Law School: Maximizing Your Potential

What GPA Do You Need for Penn Carey Law?

• 25th Percentile: 3.66
• 50th Percentile: 3.92
• 75th Percentile: 3.98

The GPA expectations at the University of Pennsylvania Law School are steep. Applicants with lower GPAs can still be admitted, but they must demonstrate excellence in other areas—especially through professional accomplishments, a strong narrative, and persuasive letters of recommendation.

How to Get Into Penn Carey Law With a Low GPA

• Ace the LSAT or GRE to offset GPA concerns with strong standardized test scores.
• Use your personal statement to provide context for academic setbacks.
• Highlight advanced coursework or graduate-level courses that show academic growth.
• Submit a GPA addendum if applicable.
• Secure top-tier professional experience that reinforces your potential.

How to Apply to Penn Carey Law

Penn Carey Law Application Deadlines (2024 – 2025)

• Application Opens: September 1, 2024.​
• Priority Deadline (Early Decision): November 15, 2024.​
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025.​
• Decisions Released: On a rolling basis starting in January 2025.

Penn Carey Law — Application Overview

• Application Form via LSAC - Applicants must complete and electronically sign the application form available through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).​
• Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report - This report includes all undergraduate and graduate transcripts and must be submitted through LSAC.
• Letters of Recommendation - Two letters are required, with the option to submit up to four. These should be submitted via the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service.​
• Personal Statement and Optional Essays - A personal statement is mandatory; applicants may also submit optional essays to provide additional context or information.​
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae - A current resume or CV detailing educational background, work experience, and other relevant activities is required.​
• Standardized Test Scores: Penn Carey Law accepts LSAT, GRE, or GMAT scores. Official score reports for all standardized tests must be submitted.​
• Optional Addenda - Applicants may include an addenda to explain any aspects of their application, such as discrepancies in academic records or test scores.​
• Interview - Interviews are conducted by invitation only and are extended at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

Eligibility

All applicants must hold or expect to receive a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) before enrolling. Penn Carey Law welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including transfer applicants, international students, and undocumented students. Reapplicants are considered without prejudice and are encouraged to highlight growth since their last application.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should explain why you seek admission to uPenn Law, how your experiences have shaped your goals, and how you’ll contribute to the Penn Carey Law community. You may also submit optional essays to describe aspects of your background or interests that may not appear elsewhere in your application file.

Read: How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Letters of Recommendation

Strong letters should come from professors, employers, or mentors who can speak directly to your qualifications for law school. The LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service is used to submit and manage these letters.

Read: How Many Letters of Recommendation for Law School: A Comprehensive Guide

Law School Resume

Your law school resume should clearly outline your academic background, leadership roles, internships, professional experience, and achievements. Use clear formatting and concise bullet points. Consider getting feedback from top law school admissions coaches before submitting.

Read: Crafting Your Law School Resume: Template and Tips

Different Types of Applicants — Requirements for uPenn Carey Law

uPenn Carey Law is committed to student diversity and welcomes applicants from a wide range of paths—including community college graduates, military service members, transfer applicants, international applicants, and those pursuing an advanced degree. Each application is reviewed holistically, with the goal of assembling a class that reflects the richness of the broader society and legal landscape.

5 Expert Tips on How to Get Into uPenn Carey Law

1. Emphasize Interdisciplinary Interests

One of the defining strengths of uPenn Carey Law is its strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary education. The school offers numerous joint degrees through partnerships with top-ranked programs at the University of Pennsylvania, including Wharton (business), the Perelman School of Medicine (healthcare), and the School of Engineering and Applied Science (technology). If your background or career goals touch on fields outside of law, this is a major advantage.

In your application, clearly articulate how your interdisciplinary interests align with uPenn Carey Law’s offerings and how you plan to leverage those opportunities to expand your impact in the legal field. Demonstrating that you understand and value this unique feature of the program shows the admissions committee that you’re not only a strong candidate—but the right fit for Penn.

2. Showcase Public Service Commitment

Public interest is deeply embedded in the culture at uPenn Carey Law. Through the Toll Public Interest Center (TPIC), students engage in meaningful community-based legal work, and the school’s pro bono pledge reinforces its commitment to service. If you’ve participated in volunteer work, non-profit legal advocacy, community organizing, or similar efforts, be sure to highlight them.

Go beyond listing activities—reflect on what those experiences taught you and how they shaped your decision to pursue law. Demonstrating a sustained and thoughtful commitment to public service aligns strongly with the mission and values of uPenn Carey Law and helps set you apart from applicants with purely academic or corporate motivations.

3. Write a Strategic Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the most powerful tools in your application, especially at a school like uPenn that values nuance, reflection, and purpose. Avoid generic language or overused legal clichés like “I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since I was a child.” Instead, focus on crafting a narrative that is clear, introspective, and tightly linked to your academic and professional path.

Use the statement to highlight major turning points in your journey, lessons learned, and the goals that now drive you toward a legal career. If written well, your personal statement won’t just fill a requirement—it will tie your entire application together and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

4. Demonstrate Fit with Penn’s Culture

Beyond stats and resumes, uPenn Carey Law is looking for students who will thrive in its collaborative, forward-thinking, and diverse environment. The school places a strong emphasis on building a welcoming community that works collaboratively, and the faculty is known for producing forward-looking scholarship across disciplines.

When crafting your application, show that you’ve researched the school’s ethos and that your values match its mission. Discuss your openness to different perspectives, your ability to work with others, and your desire to contribute meaningfully to a vibrant academic setting. Schools like uPenn are looking not just for scholars—but for thoughtful peers and future colleagues.

5. Make the Most of Optional Essays

Many applicants overlook or rush through the optional components of their application—but these can be pivotal in painting a fuller picture of who you are.u Penn Carey Law offers optional essays that allow you to describe aspects of your identity or background that might not be reflected in other parts of your application.

This could include experiences tied to gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or major life challenges you’ve overcome. Use these essays not just to inform, but to connect the dots between your lived experience and your potential contributions to the uPenn Carey Law community. Authentic, well-written optional essays can significantly enhance the depth and relatability of your candidacy.

Read: How to Nail the Law School Optional Essays/Statements: Standing Out from the Crowd

The Bottom Line

• uPenn Carey Law has a competitive acceptance rate (~9.8%) and top-10 national ranking.
• Aim for a 172+ LSAT and a 3.9+ GPA for the best shot at admission.
• The admissions process is holistic, considering both stats and story.
• Strong personal statements, recommendation letters, and professional experience can offset weaker scores.
• uPenn Law values public interest, interdisciplinary study, and diverse life experiences.

Work with top law school admissions coaches to craft a standout application and gain an edge at elite programs like Penn Carey Law.

FAQs

Does Penn Carey Law accept the GRE or GMAT in place of the LSAT?

• Yes, applicants can submit GRE or GMAT scores instead of the LSAT.

Is there a preferred undergraduate major for admission?

• No, Penn Carey Law does not require a specific pre-law educational background or course of study.

How does the admissions committee evaluate multiple LSAT scores?

• The committee considers all LSAT scores but places emphasis on the highest score achieved.

Are interviews part of the admissions process?

• Interviews are conducted by invitation only and are not required for all applicants.

Can I apply to Penn Carey Law if I have a criminal record?

• Yes, applicants with a criminal record can apply. It's important to provide full disclosure and context regarding any incidents.

Does Penn Carey Law offer deferrals for admitted students?

• Deferral requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and are typically granted for compelling reasons.

Are international applicants required to submit TOEFL scores?

• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, which can be satisfied by TOEFL scores unless they have completed a degree in an English-speaking institution.

What financial aid options are available for students?

• Penn Carey Law offers a range of financial aid options, including need-based grants, loans, and a loan repayment assistance program for graduates pursuing public interest careers.

Is work experience required for admission?

• While not mandatory, relevant work experience can strengthen an application by demonstrating professional development and commitment to the legal field.

How does Penn Carey Law support diversity and inclusion?

• The school is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community through various initiatives, student organizations, and support services aimed at promoting equity and representation within the legal profession.