How many people who take LSAT go to law school?

Q: How many people who take LSAT go to law school?

A: Not everyone who takes the LSAT ultimately enrolls in law school. Historically, about 55% to 65% of LSAT takers in a given cycle go on to enroll in an ABA-accredited law school. This means a significant portion (35-45%) take the test for other reasons, such as gauging their readiness, applying to non-ABA programs, or fulfilling requirements for other graduate degrees.

Q: What are the recent enrollment trends?

A: Following a surge in applicants in the 2020-2021 cycle, the number of test-takers who enrolled has stabilized. For the 2022 entering class:

  • There were approximately 105,000 LSATs administered (including retakes).
  • About 38,000 first-year students enrolled in ABA law schools.
  • This represents an enrollment rate of roughly 36% of test administrations, but note that this number is diluted by repeat test-takers. A more accurate picture is that the majority of unique applicants who score competitively and apply broadly do gain admission somewhere.

Q: What factors determine whether an LSAT taker goes to law school?

A: Key factors include:

  1. LSAT Score & GPA: These are the primary determinants of admission outcomes.
  2. School Selectivity & Application Strategy: Candidates with lower scores who apply only to top-tier schools may not gain admission anywhere, while those with strategic school lists are more likely to enroll.
  3. Personal Circumstances: Admission offers may not align with financial aid offers, leading some to defer or decline.
  4. Career Alternatives: Some take the LSAT to keep options open but later choose different paths.

Q: What is the typical path from LSAT to enrollment?

A:

  1. Take the LSAT (often more than once to maximize score).
  2. Apply to Law Schools: The average applicant applies to 5-8 schools.
  3. Receive Admission Offers: A candidate with a score near the national median (~152) has a strong chance of admission to at least one ABA-accredited school if they apply broadly.
  4. Matriculate: The candidate chooses an offer and enrolls.

Q: What percentage of applicants get into any law school?

A: The overall acceptance rate to at least one ABA-accredited law school is historically high typically around 70-75% of all applicants. This means most people who complete an application and have a reasonable LSAT score/GPA do get in somewhere, though it may not be their first-choice school.

Q: How can TheEntryPass help me navigate this process?

A: At TheEntryPass, we help candidates move from being an "LSAT taker" to a "law school enrollee" through strategic planning:

  • LSAT Score Optimization: Guidance on setting target scores and preparation timelines.
  • School List Strategy: Building a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools to maximize admission chances.
  • Application Positioning: Framing your entire profile to appeal to admissions committees beyond just your numbers.

For the most current data on LSAT administrations and law school enrollment, refer to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at www.lsac.org.