What Is The Harvard Law Average GPA? // Ambitio

Key Takeaways

The Harvard Law Average GPA falls between 3.93 and 3.99, signaling the need for near-perfect academic performance.
Strong GPAs and LSAT scores are important, but Harvard also values leadership, diversity, and unique experiences.
Don’t stress if your GPA isn’t perfect—focus on showcasing your complete profile, from letters to personal achievements.

3.93 to 3.99—that’s the median GPA range for students admitted to Harvard Law School. It’s a number that can make even the most ambitious law school hopefuls break out in a cold sweat. But that’s the reality. Getting into Harvard Law means competing with applicants whose academic records are nearly spotless. So, if you’re thinking that a GPA in the low 3s will cut it, brace yourself—it probably won’t.

But let’s be real for a second. The pressure to achieve an almost perfect GPA can feel crushing. Many applicants have stellar resumes, internships, and extracurriculars, yet they still worry that their GPA might not be good enough. The good news? While GPA matters, it’s not the only thing that matters. There’s more than one path to impressing that admissions committee—you just need to know how to present yourself as a complete package.

What Is GPA And Why Does Harvard Care About It?

GPA is that magical number that supposedly sums up years of hard work, sleepless nights, and countless cups of coffee. In other words, your GPA is like a quick review of your academic life—without the drama and plot twists. But when it comes to Harvard Law School, this number isn’t just a quick glance; it’s more like a spotlight.

So, why does Harvard care so much about GPA? Here are a few reasons:

Consistency in Academic Performance

A high GPA shows that you’ve maintained excellence over time, not just on one lucky test. Harvard Law School wants law students who can handle the rigorous workload, and a strong GPA suggests you can.

Predictor of Success

Admissions committees look for indicators that a student will thrive in their challenging environment. The median GPA of 3.93 to 3.99 for Harvard Law’s student body reflects the expectation of strong academic ability.

Competition

With thousands of applications coming in each year, Harvard needs ways to differentiate candidates. A GPA in the top percentile—just like a median LSAT score of 174—is one way they narrow down the applicant pool.

Reflects Work Ethic and Discipline

Law school is no walk in the park. A solid GPA shows you have the discipline to push through, which is essential for Harvard’s demanding curriculum.

What Is The Harvard Law School Acceptance Rate For Admission?

Harvard Law School’s acceptance rate hovers around 12-13%, making it one of the most competitive law schools in the world. For the 2024 entering class, over 7,000 applicants submitted their GPA and LSAT scores, but only 798 were offered admission. With a median LSAT score of 174 and a GPA of 3.94 or higher, the admissions committee carefully selects students with exceptional academic backgrounds. Getting into Harvard Law School requires more than just numbers—applicants need strong letters of recommendation, well-crafted written statements, and a commitment to the study of law and related disciplines.

What Are The Other Things That Really Matter To Harvard University?

To get into Harvard Law School requires more than just numbers—applicants need strong letters of recommendation, well-crafted statement of purpose, and a commitment to the study of law and related disciplines.

Here are a few things that Harvard loves:

Requirement	Details
GPA and LSAT Scores	Median LSAT: 174, Median GPA: 3.94 or higher.
GRE Scores	Competitive GRE scores are considered (Verbal: 5.5, Quantitative: Top percentile).
Letters of Recommendation	Strong academic letters of recommendation from professors or employers are recommended.
Personal Statement	Well-crafted personal statement showcasing commitment and goals.
Extracurriculars & Leadership	Significant extracurricular involvement or leadership roles.
Interview (if invited)	Interviews are conducted by invitation for selected candidates.
Work Experience (optional)	Previous professional experience, while not mandatory, is valuable.
Diversity and Background	Harvard values diversity in background, experience, and perspective.

Conclusion

In the end, getting into Harvard Law School is tough, but not impossible. Yes, the numbers—your GPA and LSAT—are critical, but they’re not everything. Harvard wants more than just academic stars. They want future lawyers who bring something different to the table—whether that’s leadership, a unique background, or real-world experience.

So, if your GPA isn’t perfect, don’t panic. Focus on what makes you stand out as a person, not just as a student. Admissions committees look for the full package, and if you can show them that, you’re already ahead of the game.

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FAQs

What is the history of Harvard Law School?

Harvard Law School (HLS) was founded in 1817, making it the oldest continuously operating law school in the United States. It was established as a law department of Harvard University and has significantly influenced legal education through its introduction of the case method and standard first-year curriculum

What degrees does Harvard Law School offer?

HLS offers three main degree programs: the Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), and Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.). The J.D. program is a three-year full-time course, while the LL.M. and S.J.D. programs cater to advanced legal studies

What is the acceptance rate for Harvard Law School?

The acceptance rate for HLS is approximately 7%, making it one of the most selective law schools in the country. Each year, about 600 students are admitted into the J.D. program out of thousands of applicants

How many students and faculty members are at Harvard Law School?

HLS has around 1,990 students enrolled annually, including approximately 1,750 J.D. students. The faculty comprises over 100 full-time professors, along with visiting professors and lecturers, creating a student-to-faculty ratio of about 7:1

What is the first-year curriculum like at HLS?

First-year students at HLS are required to take core courses such as Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Property, and Torts. They are divided into sections of about 80 students to foster community learning

What are the bar passage rates for graduates of Harvard Law School?

HLS boasts a bar passage rate of approximately 99%, reflecting its strong preparation for legal practice and high success rates among graduates taking the bar exam

What Is The Average GPA For Harvard Law School Admission?