Law School Grid

Boston College provides an online tool called a Law School Locator.  This places law schools on a grid, one axis of which is GPA, the other is LAST score.  Each school has a range for both scores, known as the 25-75 range.  The number on the left is the 25th percentile, i.e. 25% of the last entering class scored less than this number.  The number on the right is the 75th percentile, i.e. 25% of the last entering class scored more than this number.  In other words, 50% of the last entering class came in within this range.  These numbers can be used to give you a list of schools who might likely accept you, if you have these scores.  Keep in mind that the last entering class is not the same as your entering class, as many law schools are getting more competitive as more college graduates are considering a career in law.  The second way to use these scores is to give yourself something to shoot for.  Pick your top five choices for law school, and shoot for the 75th percentile in both GPA and LSAT for the most competitive one.

It is a good idea to try a practice exam, of which many are available online.  Scores will go up with practice, and certain courses, such as Critical Thinking and Logic, in Philosophy.  Gettysburg College also offers LSAT prep courses in the fall and the spring.  More information can be found on the Center for Career Development's website, or specifics about the next upcoming course can be found by contacting them directly via e-mail.

Please keep in mind, while GPA and LSAT scores are the two most important elements in getting into law school, they are certainly not exclusive, nor are they the most important in deciding where you want to go.  More information on the application process can be found by contacting the Center for Career Development.  Questions about where to go, what to consider when choosing a school, or when choosing a career in law, contact Thomas F. Jurney, JD, who is full-time faculty teaching law-related courses and is also the prelaw advisor at Gettysburg College.

Finally, while the numbers are important, if a student sincerely desires to do great work, and feels the field of law is the best way to do so, there is always a way for that career choice to become a reality.