A Surge in Law School Applications as LSAT Changes and Key Political Events Fuel Interest
Strong Start to 2024 Law School Admission Cycle: 26% Increase in Applicants
The 2024 law school admission cycle is off to an impressive start, with a 26% rise in the number of applicants compared to last year. Additionally, the number of applications submitted to law schools has soared by 37%. While the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which administers the LSAT, anticipates this early surge may slow down, current data signals that law schools will likely see a competitive applicant pool this year.
Factors Driving the Surge in Law School Applicants
Several key factors are contributing to this sharp increase in law school applications. The upcoming U.S. presidential election, recent Supreme Court rulings, and the visibility of legal professionals like Democratic candidate Kamala Harris—who highlights her background as a prosecutor—are all pushing more people to pursue careers in law. LSAC interim president Susan Krinsky emphasized these influences in a recent early data analysis.
“We see multiple signs that this year’s admission cycle is starting on a very robust path,” Krinsky said, pointing to these sociopolitical events as potential motivators for increased interest in law school.
Impact of the LSAT Changes on Law School Applications
Another critical factor driving the surge is the removal of the notorious "logic games" section from the LSAT in August. The logic games were widely regarded as one of the most challenging parts of the test, requiring applicants to solve complex hypothetical scenarios. The LSAC eliminated this section following a 2019 settlement with two blind LSAT takers who argued that the logic games violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This change likely spurred many prospective students to take advantage of the revised test format, contributing to a rush of early applications. Law school admissions consultant Mike Spivey noted that the removal of the logic games likely prompted many to take the LSAT this fall. He predicts that by the time the cycle closes in the spring, the total number of applicants will have increased by 10% to 15%. However, he cautions that the increase in high LSAT scores may make it more difficult for lower-scoring candidates to secure a spot.
Growth in LSAT Participation and Registrations
However, there are some caveats to consider when analyzing this year’s early data. At this point last year, schools had received only 15% of their total applications for the cycle. Additionally, many law schools delayed opening their applications last year due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision barring the use of race in admissions decisions. The delay led to fewer early applications in 2023, making this year’s numbers appear even more significant in comparison.
Krinsky warned that this early surge might be slightly overstated, as current applicants have had several extra weeks to submit their applications compared to last year. Therefore, the year-over-year comparisons may not be entirely accurate.
What This Means for Aspiring Law Students
Aspiring law students should be aware that competition for spots may be stiffer than in previous years. With an increase in applicants and higher LSAT scores, law schools may become more selective. Those considering applying should ensure their applications stand out with strong personal statements, compelling letters of recommendation, and unique extracurricular experiences.
In conclusion, the 2024 law school admission cycle is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. A combination of political, legal, and educational changes is driving more people to pursue a legal education. Prospective students should prepare thoroughly to increase their chances of success in this increasingly competitive environment.
