How to Get Into Columbia Law School (2026)
Learn how to get into Columbia Law School in this guide.
Posted December 31, 2025
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Table of Contents
How Hard Is It to Get Into Columbia Law School?
Columbia Law School (CLS) is one of the most prestigious and competitive law schools in the United States, with an acceptance rate of approximately 11.9% for the most recently reported J.D. class. For that cycle, Columbia received around 9,476 applications, extended offers to approximately 1,131 applicants, and enrolled a class of 444 students.
Columbia Law is consistently ranked among the top U.S. law schools and is known for its rigorous academics, elite faculty, and deep ties to the legal, corporate, and public sectors in New York City and beyond. As part of the Ivy League, CLS attracts a diverse and exceptionally qualified applicant pool from across the country and the world. With a strong student-faculty ratio and ample resources, Columbia offers students access to academic mentorship, real-world legal experience, and a powerful alumni network.
Standing out in Columbia’s admissions process requires more than just strong stats. The admissions committee looks for candidates with exceptional academic records, top-tier LSAT scores, a compelling personal statement, and a demonstrated commitment to making an impact through the legal profession. This guide provides updated insights on how competitive Columbia Law School is—and what it takes to get in.
Columbia Law Acceptance Rate Over Time
| Class Year | Applications Received | Offers of Admission | Enrolled 1Ls | Acceptance Rate | Yield Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2027 | ~9,476 applicants | ~1,130 admitted | 444 enrolled | ~11.9% | ~39.3% |
| Class of 2026 | 9,463 | 1,120 | 444 | 11.84% | 36.7% |
| Class of 2025 | 7,671 | 901 | 394 | 11.75% | 39.96% |
| Class of 2024 | 7,754 | 948 | 415 | 12.23% | 38.29% |
| Class of 2023 | 6,969 | 859 | 440 | 12.3% | 51.2% |
Read: T14 Law Schools: Acceptance Rates & Class Profiles
Programs Offered by Columbia Law School
Programs of Columbia Law School cater to diverse academic and professional interests in the legal profession:
Juris Doctor (J.D.) Program
The J.D. program provides students with a robust foundation in legal theory and practice. This traditional degree offers opportunities to specialize in areas like corporate law, constitutional law, and international law.
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program
Designed for international lawyers and advanced legal scholars, the LL.M. program emphasizes the flexibility to tailor studies to individual interests.
Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.) Program
The J.S.D. program focuses on advanced legal research, political science, and the production of significant contributions to legal scholarship.
Dual Degree Programs
CLS offers several law degree options for both local and international students to pursue a combination of law and public policy, business, or international affairs through partnerships with other schools, such as Columbia Business School.
Admissions Requirements — Who Gets To Attend Columbia Law School?
Columbia Law Admissions Stats: LSAT, GPA, & Class Profile
A diverse and accomplished group of students who attend Columbia Law School admits should exemplify academic excellence and leadership. Graduates of the program are widely recognized for their achievements, with at least one graduate from Columbia Law achieving leadership roles in top law firms, corporate organizations, and public service annually.
Class Profile
- Women: ~54.4%
- Students of Color: ~40%
- LGBTQ+: ~23%
- First‑Generation College Students: ~16%
- International Students: ~10%
- Admitted Students: ~1,130 (of ~9,476 applicants)
- Enrolled 1Ls: 444
Academic Metrics
| Percentile | GPA | LSAT Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 25th | 3.71 | 169 |
| 50th | 3.85 | 173 |
| 75th | 3.93 | 175 |
The admissions committee evaluates applicants holistically, considering factors such as personal statements, recommendations, and professional experiences.
What LSAT and GPA Do You Need for Columbia Law School?
LSAT Requirements
The median LSAT score for Columbia Law’s Class of 2027 is 173, with the middle 50% of admitted students scoring between 169 and 175. Applicants aiming to maximize their chances of admission should target an LSAT score at or above 173, which aligns with the typical profile of successful candidates.
GPA Requirements
The median GPA for admitted students is 3.92, with the middle 50% ranging from 3.85 to 3.98. These academic benchmarks reflect the high level of academic achievement expected of Columbia Law applicants.
While GPA and LSAT scores are critical components, Columbia Law School uses a holistic admissions process. The committee also carefully evaluates personal statements, letters of recommendation, work or research experience, leadership, and overall potential to contribute meaningfully to the Columbia community and the legal profession.
How to Get Into Columbia Law With a Low GPA/Test Score
Applicants with lower-than-average GPAs or test scores can still be competitive by emphasizing Applicants with lower GPAs or LSAT scores can strengthen their Columbia Law School application in the following ways:
- Write an outstanding personal statement – Applicants should use their personal statement to highlight unique experiences, leadership, or a commitment to effecting change through law.
- Secure strong recommendations – Letters from professors or employers can affirm intellectual ability and potential contributions to the community.
- Retake the LSAT or submit GRE scores – Improving an LSAT score or providing competitive GRE results can make an application more compelling.
- Apply early – Early submission gives an advantage during the review process when more spots are available.
- Highlight leadership or professional achievements – Professional or academic accomplishments can demonstrate readiness for the rigors of Columbia Law School programs.
- Highlight Columbia Law moot courts – Applicants interested in litigation or advocacy should showcase participation in moot courts or similar extracurricular activities that emphasize legal education skills
- Emphasize professional readiness – Highlight work or volunteer experiences that demonstrate how Columbia’s education prepares students for leadership in legal study.
How to Apply to Columbia Law School
CLS Application Deadlines (2026)
- Applications Open: September 15, 2025
- Early Decision Deadline: November 15, 2025
- Regular Decision Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Financial Aid Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Housing Priority Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Deferral Request Deadline: May 15, 2026
Columbia Law School evaluates applications on a rolling basis once they are complete, so submitting your application early in the cycle, shortly after the September 15 launch, can be beneficial. Applications completed after the regular deadline may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis ,but are not guaranteed
Application Requirements
- Application Fee: $85 (fee waivers available)
- Standardized Test Scores: LSAT or GRE (no later than January 2025)
- Transcripts: Submit via the LSAC CAS system.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least two are required.
- Resume: A concise, one- to two-page document detailing academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements.
- Personal Statement: No specific word limit, but applicants should focus on clarity and impact.
- Optional Essays: CLS provides prompts for diversity statements and other essays to further explain professional goals or background.
5 Expert Tips on How to Get Into Columbia Law School
- Leverage Columbia’s location in New York City – Applicants should connect their career aspirations to the professional opportunities offered by New York City and Columbia Law School partnerships with legal, financial, and cultural institutions.
- Emphasize leadership and impact – Columbia values leaders who have driven change or contributed to their fields. Examples of initiative and innovation should be highlighted in resumes and essays.
- Research and mention programs of interest – Applicants should discuss how specific programs and legal education opportunities align with their professional goals, such as clinics in corporate law or international law.
- Prepare for the interview – If invited, applicants should articulate their motivations for pursuing law and how Columbia Law School resources align with their long-term plans.
- Stand out with a unique personal statement – A compelling personal statement can showcase not just academic and professional accomplishments but also an applicant’s values and vision for their legal career.
The Bottom Line
- Academic excellence is key: Aiming for a median LSAT score of 173 and a GPA of 3.85 or higher increases competitiveness.
- Personal statements matter: Unique and well-crafted personal statements can set an application apart.
- Leverage Columbia Law School strengths: Applicants should highlight how Columbia Law School's resources and location align with their professional and academic interests.
- Start early and stay strategic: Early preparation ensures a polished application and greater chances of success.
Partner with Law Admissions Experts: Admissions coaches can provide critical guidance on applications, essays, and interview preparation to help applicants get into Columbia Law School and succeed. You can also join one of Leland’s law school application bootcamp or free law school events, where top admissions coaches break down real questions, common mistakes, and what it takes to stand out.
See: The 10 Best Law School Coaches: Who to Hire and Why
Read these next:
- How to Get Into Harvard Law School
- Stanford Law School: Acceptance Rates, Deadlines, & How to Get In
- How to Get Into Yale Law School
- How to Get Into Duke Law School
- How to Get Into the University of Chicago Law School
FAQs
What are my odds of getting into Columbia Law School?
- Getting into Columbia Law School is relatively difficult: approximately 1 out of every 10 applicants is accepted.
What is the lowest LSAT score accepted at Columbia Law School?
- LSAT: There is no minimum LSAT score in the consideration process for admission to Columbia Law School.
What does Columbia Law School look for in applicants?
- Academic strength is essential. They look for factors in your application that indicate that you will be able to keep up with the academic discourse at Columbia, including your prior academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Is Columbia a better law school than Stanford?
- Columbia Law School is currently recognized as the fourth-best law school in the US, trailing only Yale, Stanford, and Harvard (and tied with the University of Chicago). Of the more than 7,000 students who applied for the class of 2020, only about 16% were accepted.
Is Columbia Law an Ivy League?
- Columbia Law School (CLS) is the law school of Columbia University, a private Ivy League university in New York City.
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