The current law school admissions cycle has seen a remarkable surge in applicants, with a 26% increase in people seeking to enroll next fall compared to this time last year. The number of applications submitted to law schools has jumped by an impressive 37%, reflecting a growing interest in legal careers.
While the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), which administers the LSAT, anticipates the early rush to slow as application deadlines approach, several factors suggest this year’s admissions cycle could remain highly competitive. Susan Krinsky, the LSAC’s interim president, noted that the strong start indicates a robust year ahead for law school enrollment.
A combination of events may be driving this increase. The upcoming U.S. presidential election, high-profile Supreme Court decisions, and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’ emphasis on her prosecutorial career could be sparking renewed interest in the legal field.
Another factor contributing to the surge is the recent removal of the LSAT’s notorious “logic games” section, which many considered the most difficult part of the exam. The LSAC eliminated the section in August, following a 2019 legal settlement with two blind test-takers who argued the games violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. As a result, more candidates may have rushed to take the updated LSAT, further boosting applicant numbers.
Law school admissions consultant Mike Spivey predicts an overall 10% to 15% increase in applicants by the end of the cycle, driven in part by an influx of higher LSAT scores. This, however, could make it more challenging for lower-scoring applicants to secure a spot in competitive programs.
The rise in applicants tracks with a 13% jump in LSAT takers from August through October. Registration for the November LSAT is also up by 31% compared to last year, underscoring the heightened interest in legal careers as the profession continues to evolve amid political and social changes.
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