More people are applying to law schools, and those with top LSAT scores are also increasing
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Securing a spot at a top law school could become more difficult this year, as more people with high scores on the Law School Admission Test are submitting applications.
Law.com reports on the latest numbers and offers possible reasons for the increase in scores and applicants.
The number of applicants with LSAT scores of 175 to 180 is up 99%; those with scores of 170 to 174 is up 53.4%; and those with scores of 165 to 169 is up 26.6%, according to the Law School Admission Council.
There are 1,431 people in the top 175 to 180 group, 4,096 in the 170 to 174 group, and 6,942 in the 165 to 169 group.
The total numbers are also increasing. Applicants are up 20% compared to this point last year and up 16.8% compared to two years ago.
The data is for applicants to ABA-accredited law schools through March 4.
Law.com points out that the surge has tapered from November numbers, when the number in applicants from the same point a year ago was up 32%.
One reason for the higher LSAT scores could be the May 2020 introduction of the LSAT Flex test, which is taken from home and is shorter than the traditional test, according to Law.com. That means that test-takers may be more comfortable and less fatigued than those who have taken the longer test.
In addition, the council is offering free online LSAT prep in partnership with the Khan Academy, a program that is especially popular with Black and Latino applicants. Those groups are also showing more interest in law school. Black applicants are up 24.2%, and Latino applicants are up 20.1%.
Law.com spoke with experts about possible reasons for the increased interest in law school. Their theories include:
• Current issues have put law in the spotlight.
• People opt for law school because of a difficult job market for new college graduates.
• People stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic have time to apply to law school.
