Deciding to apply to law school is one of the biggest steps in your academic and professional journey. But once you’ve made the decision, the next question naturally comes up: how many law schools should I apply to?
The truth is, there’s no universal answer. The number depends on your GPA, LSAT score, financial resources, career goals, and even location preferences. In this article, we’ll break it all down in a simple, practical way so you can build a smart law school application strategy.
We’ll also look at related perspectives, such as insights from Reddit, considerations for Canada, and tips for maximizing your chances of admission.
Why the Number of Applications Matters
Applying to law school isn’t just about filling out forms—it’s about strategy. Each application requires time, money, and effort. On average, law school applications cost between $75–$100 per school (including CAS fees and application fees).
If you apply to too few schools, you risk getting no offers of admission. Apply to too many, and you might waste resources and feel overwhelmed. The sweet spot is usually somewhere in the middle.
So, how many law schools should you apply to? Most experts recommend between 8 and 12 schools, though the exact number can shift depending on your situation.
The 3 Categories of Law Schools
A tried-and-true strategy is to divide your applications into three groups: reach, target, and safety schools.
- Reach Schools
- These are highly competitive programs, often in the top 20.
- Your LSAT and GPA may be below their medians, but you still want to aim high.
- Example: Yale, Harvard, Stanford.
- Target Schools
- These are schools where your stats align closely with their median LSAT and GPA.
- You have a realistic shot of being admitted.
- Safety Schools
- These are programs where your LSAT and GPA are higher than their medians.
- While nothing is guaranteed, you stand a strong chance here.
A balanced application list usually includes 2–3 reach schools, 4–6 target schools, and 2–3 safety schools.
How Many Law Schools Should I Apply To?
Now, let’s address the central question head-on.
For most applicants, 8 to 12 law schools is the ideal range. This number allows you to spread risk across different tiers without overwhelming yourself.
- Applying to fewer than 5 schools is risky unless you’re highly competitive or set on just one or two programs.
- Applying to 15+ schools can work if money isn’t a concern, but it may dilute the quality of your applications.
Remember, it’s not just about how many schools you apply to, but which schools you choose and how well you tailor each application.
How Many Law Schools Should I Apply to Reddit Discussions
If you’ve ever searched “how many law schools should I apply to Reddit,” you’ll find dozens of threads with advice from past applicants.
Here are some key takeaways from Reddit law school communities:
- 8–12 schools is the sweet spot. Most users agree that this gives you a good balance.
- Be realistic. One Redditor shared that applying to only “dream” schools left them with no acceptances.
- Quality > quantity. Many students who applied to 15–20 schools later admitted they couldn’t personalize their applications well.
- Location matters. Redditors often recommend applying to schools in the region where you want to practice law.
The general Reddit consensus aligns with expert advice: apply to enough schools for safety, but not so many that you burn out.
How Many Law Schools Should I Apply to Canada?
If you’re considering Canadian law schools, the situation is a bit different. Unlike the U.S., Canada has fewer law schools overall—about 24 accredited institutions.
So, how many law schools should I apply to in Canada?
- Most Canadian applicants apply to 4–6 schools.
- Since the number of schools is smaller, you’ll likely apply to almost all that align with your language preference (English or French), location, and career goals.
- Admissions in Canada are often more GPA-focused compared to U.S. schools, so your academic performance may weigh more heavily.
Another factor is cost: Canadian law school applications generally cost less per school than in the U.S., making it easier to apply to multiple.
Factors That Determine How Many Schools You Should Apply To
1. Your GPA and LSAT Score
- If your stats are strong (above the 75th percentile at many schools), you can apply to fewer schools.
- If your stats are weaker, you should apply to more to hedge your bets.
2. Budget
- Applications can add up quickly. If money is tight, prioritize quality over quantity.
- Apply to schools where you meet or exceed their median stats.
3. Career Goals
- Do you want BigLaw or a federal clerkship? Then top-ranked schools matter.
- Do you want to practice locally? Focus on regional schools with strong connections in that area.
4. Geographic Preferences
- Some applicants only want to study in one city or state.
- If you’re flexible, you can broaden your list.
5. Scholarship Opportunities
- Applying to a wider range of schools may increase your chances of merit aid offers.
How Many Law School Should I Apply To If My Stats Are Average?
This variation of the question—“how many law school should I apply to”—is common among students with mid-range GPAs and LSAT scores.
If you’re in this category:
- Apply to at least 10–12 schools.
- Make sure you have at least 3–4 safety schools.
- Leverage strong essays, work experience, or recommendation letters to stand out.
Related Post: Best Pen for a Lawyer: Choosing the Perfect Writing Tool for Legal Professionals
Tips for Building Your Law School List
- Start with ABA-approved schools (in the U.S.) or accredited schools (in Canada).
- Check employment outcomes. A school’s rank matters, but so do its job placement stats.
- Look at bar passage rates. This is a strong indicator of academic support.
- Consider location. You’ll likely practice law where you study.
- Research costs. Tuition varies widely, and scholarships can change your decision.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Only applying to dream schools. Even if you’re a strong applicant, always have safeties.
- Not applying broadly enough. Sometimes unexpected schools offer the best scholarships.
- Ignoring fit. Just because a school is ranked highly doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
- Rushing applications. A polished application to 10 schools is better than a sloppy one to 20.
Final Thoughts
So, how many law schools should you apply to?
For most U.S. applicants, 8–12 schools is the magic range. This gives you a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety options. If you’re applying in Canada, the number is usually 4–6 schools due to fewer programs available.
At the end of the day, the right number depends on your goals, stats, budget, and personal preferences. Don’t stress about applying to the “perfect” number—focus on applying smartly to the schools that will help you build the legal career you want.
Key Takeaways
- Apply to 8–12 schools in the U.S. and 4–6 schools in Canada.
- Divide your list into reach, target, and safety schools.
- Consider your GPA, LSAT, budget, and location preferences.
- Advice from Reddit supports a balanced approach: quality over quantity.
- Don’t forget to personalize applications for each school.
By building a thoughtful list of law schools, you’ll maximize your chances of admission, scholarships, and ultimately, career success.
