Have Schools Tightened Up Their Requirements to Get into Law School?

It is an undeniable fact that the requirements to get into law school are constantly evolving. Over the past couple of years, we have observed a significant rise in law school applications, which has led to a tightening of admission standards. However, the trend is not uniform, with some law schools increasing their class sizes to meet targeted admissions standards, while others are reducing applications, reflecting a more complex landscape.

Surprising Trends in Law School Applicant Trends

Steven Haddock, a seasoned legal educator, noted that despite an upward trend in law school applications, law schools are not necessarily becoming stricter in their standards. According to Niches and other analyses, big picture trends in law school applications suggest an increase. In a detailed analysis of law school application trends, it seems that top law schools might see a modest rise in the median LSAT scores by one point in the current cycle. This subtle increase underscores the fact that admission standards have become more stringent as more candidates vie for places.

The Economics of Law School and Law Jobs

However, the rising applications should not be seen as a definitive indication of increasing selectivity. Despite the slight increase in admission standards, the financial realities of law school and the post-graduation job market have led to a decrease in applications. Law school is an expensive endeavor, with tuition fees often exceeding $75,000. Moreover, the jobs awaiting new graduates do not always justify this significant investment. While a top graduate can earn an impressive $150,000 annually, an average starting salary is around $60,000, which is a far cry from a return on such an expensive educational investment.

Furthermore, a large portion of law school graduates end up in positions that do not require a law degree or admission to the bar. This adds to the pressure on lower-tier schools to remain competitive. Third-tier schools are increasingly scraping the bottom of the applicant pool, admitting barely qualified candidates. Some of these institutions are even closing their doors or merging with nearby schools due to poor bar passage rates and low job placement statistics. Some third-tier schools fail to fill all their spots, indicating a significant decrease in the number of applications.

Law School Admissions Criteria: Fluctuations and Trends

Law school admissions criteria vary according to the number of applicants. In years when the number of applicants is lower, law schools can afford to be more selective in whom they admit. Conversely, when applicant pools are larger, schools may let in more students while maintaining the same admission standards.

The greatest need for lawyers exists in the low-paying sectors, such as criminal defense and family law. Despite this, the dynamics of law school applications indicate a shift in the landscape. Aspiring law students are increasingly questioning the value proposition of their education and career path, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the law school admissions process.

In conclusion, the trend in law school applications and their corresponding admission standards has shown both tightening and loosening. The economic realities of law school and the job market are significant factors in this fluctuation. Whether this will continue to trend upwards or stabilizes remains to be seen, but it highlights the ongoing evolution in the legal education and professional landscape.