How to Get Into Stanford Law School (2024-2025)
Learn how to get into the prestigious Stanford Law School in this guide.
Posted December 9, 2024
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How Hard Is It to Get Into Stanford Law School?
Stanford Law School (SLS), part of Stanford University, is consistently ranked among the most prestigious law schools in the world. Its rigorous academics, focus on interdisciplinary education, and location in Silicon Valley make it a top choice for aspiring lawyers.
For the J.D. Class of 2027, Stanford Law School received 4,863 applications, extended offers to 353 applicants, and enrolled 174 first-year students, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 7.26%. This highly selective process highlights the need for a compelling application that balances strong academics, professional achievements, and impactful personal statements.
As a private university located in Palo Alto, California, Stanford Law School's proximity to San Francisco, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities in fields like corporate governance, intellectual property law, and environmental law. Standing out in the admissions process requires demonstrating leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to the legal profession.
Stanford Law Acceptance Rate Over Time
| Class Year | Applications Received | Offered Admission | Enrolled 1Ls | Acceptance Rate | Yield Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 4,863 | 353 | 174 | 7.26% | 49.3% |
| 2026 | 4,500 | 330 | 165 | 7.33% | 50.0% |
| 2025 | 4,200 | 320 | 160 | 7.62% | 50.0% |
| 2024 | 4,000 | 310 | 155 | 7.75% | 50.0% |
| 2023 | 3,800 | 300 | 150 | 7.89% | 50.0% |
What Programs Does Stanford Law School Offer?
Stanford Law School programs cater to a diverse range of legal interests and emphasize interdisciplinary cooperation. Below are its key offerings:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program
SLS provides a robust education in foundational legal concepts, including constitutional law, criminal law, and corporate law. This Stanford program emphasizes interdisciplinary education through access to Stanford’s broader academic ecosystem.
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program
Specializations include corporate governance, international economic law, and environmental law, offering tailored opportunities for advanced legal education.
Doctor of Juridical Science (J.S.D.) Program
This research-focused program is ideal for scholars pursuing international legal studies or careers in academia.
Joint Degree Program
Stanford offers multiple joint degree options, allowing Stanford law students to combine their J.D. with degrees in areas like public policy or business.
Clinical Education and Public Interest Law
SLS emphasizes hands-on learning through clinics, including the Environmental Law Clinic and the International Human Rights Clinic, ensuring students gain practical experience in areas like public service and advocacy.
The Robert Crown Law Library, a cornerstone of SLS, provides students and faculty access to world-class legal resources, supporting research in constitutional law, corporate law, and more.
Admissions Requirements — Who Gets Into Stanford Law School?
Stanford Law Admissions Stats: LSAT, GPA, & Class Profile
Stanford’s law school admission council takes a holistic approach, considering academic metrics, professional experiences, and life experiences to select an exceptional and diverse entering class.
Class Profile
- Women: 50%
- Students of Color: 45%
- LGBTQ+: 20%
- Military Service: 5%
- Admitted Students: 174
Academic Metrics
| Percentile | GPA | LSAT Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 75th | 3.99 | 175 |
| 50th | 3.95 | 173 |
| 25th | 3.83 | 171 |
How to Get Into Stanford Law With Lower GPA or LSAT Scores
If your GPA or LSAT score is below Stanford Law School’s median, you can still create a competitive application by emphasizing other areas of strength. Stanford's holistic admissions process values well-rounded candidates who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a clear commitment to the legal profession. Focus on these strategies to enhance your application:
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement is a critical part of your application and provides an opportunity to share your unique story. Discuss significant life experiences, challenges you’ve overcome, and the motivations that drive your pursuit of a legal career. Use this narrative to highlight qualities like resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to your goals. Connect your journey to Stanford’s key strengths, such as its focus on human rights, international trade, or its interdisciplinary approach to education. A compelling personal statement can help the admissions committee see beyond academic metrics and understand your potential to contribute meaningfully to the Stanford Law community.
Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are essential for providing a personal and detailed perspective on your abilities and potential. Seek out professors, mentors, or employers who can speak to your intellectual achievements, leadership capabilities, and character. Strong letters should include specific examples of your academic work, professional accomplishments, or leadership initiatives. These endorsements can provide the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your strengths and readiness for Stanford’s rigorous curriculum, reinforcing your ability to thrive in a collaborative and challenging environment.
Highlight Relevant Professional Training
Professional experiences can demonstrate your readiness for law school and offset lower academic metrics. Showcase internships, full-time roles, or volunteer work in fields like public service, environmental law, or corporate law. Discuss specific projects or responsibilities where you’ve contributed to meaningful outcomes, emphasizing how these experiences have prepared you for Stanford’s programs. For instance, participation in advocacy work or legal research can highlight your practical skills and commitment to the legal profession. This not only strengthens your application but also provides context for how your career goals align with Stanford’s offerings.
Apply Early and Strategically
Submitting your application early in the admissions cycle can provide a competitive edge. Early submission ensures your materials are reviewed while more spots are available, increasing your chances of acceptance. A completed application demonstrates enthusiasm and preparedness, which can positively influence how your candidacy is perceived. Additionally, applying early allows you to address any potential weaknesses with thoughtful addenda or supplemental essays, ensuring your application is as polished and comprehensive as possible.
How to Apply to Stanford Law School
Stanford Law Application Deadlines (2024-2025)
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2025
Application Requirements
- Application Fee: $85 (waivers available)
- Standardized Test Scores: LSAT or GRE
- Transcripts: Submitted via LSAC
- Letters of Recommendation: Two required
- Personal Statement: Highlight goals, values, and alignment with Stanford’s mission
- Optional Essays: Include diversity statements or Stanford Law essays to provide additional context
5 Expert Tips on How to Get Into Stanford Law School
- Leverage Stanford’s locationDiscuss how studying near Silicon Valley provides opportunities to explore intellectual property law, corporate governance, and innovation-focused legal issues.
- Show commitment to public interest law: Stanford values applicants with a demonstrated passion for public service or advocacy in fields like human rights or environmental law.
- Highlight interdisciplinary ambitions: Reference how Stanford’s law science technology programs or joint degree offerings align with your career goals.
- Prepare for the Interview: If invited, articulate how you’ll make a distinctive contribution to Stanford’s collaborative community.
- Personalize your essays: Tailor your optional short essays and personal statement to emphasize why Stanford Law School is the ideal fit for your academic and professional aspirations.
The Bottom Line
- Aim High in Academics: Target an LSAT score of 173+ and a GPA of 3.95 for competitive standing.
- Emphasize Leadership and Public Service: Highlight contributions to public interest law and other impactful fields.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your materials to reflect Stanford’s strengths, such as its focus on constitutional law or interdisciplinary cooperation.
- Apply early: Submitting your application early in the cycle maximizes your chances of being reviewed while more spots are available and shows enthusiasm and preparedness.
Seek Expert Guidance: Expert law admissions coaches can help craft standout essays, including Stanford Law essays, and strengthen weak areas of your application.
FAQs
Does Stanford require Act 2024?
- Stanford will resume requiring either the SAT or the ACT for undergraduate admission, beginning with students applying in fall 2025 for admission to the Class of 2030. Stanford will remain test-optional for students applying in fall 2024 for admission to the Class of 2029.
How difficult is it to get into Stanford Law School?
- It's very difficult to get into Stanford Law School. In comparison to the national average acceptance rate, which is 41%, Stanford Law's acceptance rate is exceptionally low. However, try not to get too hung up on the acceptance rate. A polished application will always boost your chances!
What is the lowest GPA to get into Stanford?
- Stanford University is a holistic institution with no GPA or standardized course requirements. However, the estimated average high-school required GPA is around 4.18. The chances are 3.75, plus, good; 3.5-3.75, average plus; 3.25-3.5 average minus; 3-3.24, possible; and below 3, low.
Is Stanford in the Ivy League?
- Stanford University is not in the Ivy League because it is located on the West Coast of the US, whereas the Ivy League universities are primarily in the Northeast. A. Cornell University, with its main campus in Ithaca, New York, has the largest physical campus among the Ivy League schools.
Why is Stanford so prestigious?
- Stanford University's global reputation stems from its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, innovation, and a vibrant campus culture.
Which law school is better, Yale Law or Stanford or Law?
- Stanford Law School is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is consistently ranked in the top five law schools by U.S. News & World Report. Yale Law School is also accredited by the ABA and frequently earns the number one ranking in the same publication.
Read: Stanford Law School Vs. Yale Law School: An In-Depth Comparison
Which is better for law Harvard or Stanford?
- Stanford Law School has been at the forefront of legal innovation, with its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and its commitment to public service. Harvard Law School, on the other hand, has produced some of the most influential legal minds in history, including former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Franklin D.
