How to Make a Smart Law School List: Factors That Really Matter

When it comes to applying to law school, creating your school list is one of the most important strategic decisions you'll make. It's not just about prestige or rankings, your list should reflect your goals, values, and where you’ll thrive.

As former admissions professionals, we’ve reviewed thousands of applications and guided students from every background. Here's how to make a law school list that gives you your best shot at success, and a future you're excited about.

Why Your Law School List Matters

A strong list is about more than "where you can get in." It’s about:

• Maximizing your admission chances across a range of schools,

• Aligning your education with your career goals, and

• Finding the right fit—financially, professionally, and personally.

A well-balanced list gives you options and confidence during a stressful process.

What to Consider When Building Your List

1. Your Academic Profile (GPA + LSAT)

Start by understanding how your numbers compare to each school's median stats. Most schools publish their LSAT and GPA percentiles in their ABA 509 disclosures.

Use this data to sort your schools into:

• Reach schools: Your stats are below the medians.

• Target schools: You’re right around the median.

• Likely (or safety) schools: Your stats are above the 75th percentile.

GradMissions Tip: Aim for about 10–12 schools with a balanced mix: 2–3 reach, 4–6 target, and 2–3 likely.

2. Location, Location, Location

Where you go to law school can shape where you launch your legal career. Many firms, judges, and public interest organizations hire locally. Ask yourself:

• Do I want to practice in this state or region?

• Do I have personal or professional ties here?

• Will I enjoy living in this city (cost of living, culture, weather)?

Don’t underestimate the importance of your day-to-day environment—you’ll be there for three intense years.

3. Career Goals and Specializations

If you already have a sense of your interests (e.g., public interest, corporate law, bioethics, environmental law), look for schools that support those goals.

Consider:

• Clinics and experiential learning

• Journals and centers in specific fields

• Joint degree programs (JD/MPH, JD/MA, etc.)

• Faculty who are leaders in the field

Tip: Some schools are powerhouses for specific areas of law. Do your homework to find out which ones align with your interests.

4. Employment Outcomes

What kinds of jobs do graduates actually get? Law school is a major investment, be sure your schools provide strong outcomes.

Check:

• % of grads in JD-required roles within 10 months

• Numbers of federal/state clerkships

• Breakdown of law firm job sizes

• Public interest or government job placement

All of this can be found in each school’s ABA 509 report and on sites like Law School Transparency.

5. Affordability and Scholarships

Law school costs vary widely, and scholarship generosity isn’t always tied to rankings.

Questions to ask:

• What’s the total cost of attendance?

• What are the average scholarships and debt at graduation?

• Is the school known for offering merit aid?

• Do I qualify for a fee waiver to apply?

Tip: Sometimes, a slightly lower-ranked school will offer a major scholarship that opens up doors you didn’t expect. Keep an open mind.

6. School Culture and Fit

Law school is intense. Fit matters.

Look into:

• Class size and section structure

• Culture: collaborative vs. competitive

• Diversity and sense of community

• Opportunities to connect with faculty and alumni

• Student orgs that reflect your values and interests

Attend info sessions, student panels, or campus tours if you can (even virtual ones help).

Pro Tips From the GradMissions Team

• Use LSAC’s UGPA/LSAT search tool, LSData.org, and Law School Transparency to gather info.

• Keep a spreadsheet to track deadlines, application fees, essays, and scholarship options.

• Start your research early—and consider applying early decision if a school is your top choice.

Ready to Build Your List with Confidence?

We help students every year build smart, tailored school lists that lead to real acceptances, real scholarships, and real results.

If you want one-on-one guidance from former admissions deans who actually care about your outcome, check out our Curated Application Experience—or grab a free 20-minute strategy session to get started.