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.