The race for law school seats is heating up, with a dramatic 26% jump in applicants compared to last year, marking a strong start to the new admission cycle. Applications to law schools are up by an impressive 37%, sparking excitement and curiosity about what’s fueling this surge.
One key factor could be the removal of the infamous “logic games” from the LSAT, a change made in August that may have encouraged many to jump at the chance to take the revamped test. The logic games, notorious for their tricky hypothetical scenarios, were dropped following a 2019 settlement with two blind test-takers who argued the section violated disability laws. With this section gone, the LSAT may have become more accessible and less intimidating for many applicants, boosting the numbers.
While the early surge is notable, it’s expected to level off as the cycle progresses. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which administers the LSAT, noted that most law schools only began accepting applications in September and early October, so the full picture is still developing. However, current data suggests law school is increasingly seen as a top career path, possibly influenced by factors like upcoming elections, recent Supreme Court decisions, and political figures highlighting their legal careers.
Admissions consultant Mike Spivey predicts a total applicant increase of 10% to 15% by spring, although higher LSAT scores this cycle may intensify competition, making it harder for those with lower scores to secure spots.
Another point of interest is the 31% rise in registrations for the LSAT’s November sitting, underscoring the test’s continued appeal despite the changes. However, this early data comes with some caveats. Last year, many law schools delayed their application openings due to adjustments following the Supreme Court’s ruling on race in admissions, skewing year-over-year comparisons.
While the data paints a promising picture for aspiring lawyers, it’s still too early to know just how competitive the final numbers will be.
