Penn Law: The University of Pennsylvania Law School

The University of Pennsylvania Law School or Penn Law is a member of the Ivy League and one of the oldest and most selective law schools of U.S. Though ranked at an overall 7^th position by the U.S. News & World Report, it is also ranked at first position by the Princeton Review on career prospects. Based on placements of graduates at different top law firms, the National Law Journal, too, ranks Penn Law as the No. 1 law school in U.S. in terms of offering career prospects and opportunities to students.

Penn Law began its emphasis on cross-disciplinary education much earlier than most law schools and emphasizes profession and job-oriented study through joint/dual degree programs, courses and certificates. The University Of Pennsylvania Law School has always focused on the employability of its students rather than focusing solely on theoretical jurisprudence.


Penn Law had its modest beginnings in a series of law lectures given in 1790 by James Wilson, one of the signatories of the United States Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. Following the lectures of Wilson, the University started offering a full-time program in law from 1850 and formed the first template of modern legal education under the administration of George Sharswood, who is recognized as one of the greatest innovators of legal education in America.

Penn law has a huge campus of over 269 acres contiguous to the West Philadelphia University City District.

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Total fees at Penn Law, come to something below $70,000 including Tuition and fees, General Fee, Technology Fee, Books, Room and Board, Insurance and Miscellaneous fees. A sum curiously lower than most law schools who don't even make it to the top 100 in rankings. Exclusively, tuition and fees consist close to $46,000.

Admissions are difficult. The average LSAT scores for applicants vary between 166-171, the GPA is between 3.56 and 3.90, and out of an average of 6000 applicants, only about 250 are selected. Regular Decision applicants are admitted on a rolling basis from January to May. Applications are expected and are disposed of early.

The personal statement plays a vital role and is given emphasis during selection.

Two letters of recommendation are required, and up to four letters of recommendation are accepted.

Differing from other law schools in its admissions process, Penn Law requires at least one supplemental essay from the applicant.

Like other law schools, Penn Law has a system of allowing binding Early Decision applications that guarantee a decision by December 31.

The University of Pennsylvania Law School also was featured in a list of top law schools analyzed and ranked by LawCrossing CEO Harrison Barnes. This list can be found here: Top Law Schools Analyzed and Ranked by America's Top Legal Recruiter.