Yale Law Class Profile: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re considering applying to Yale Law School, you’re eyeing the literal best. No, really—Yale Law School is ranked #1 out of 196 law schools, and for good reason. Students from all over the world, with diverse backgrounds and experiences, come together at Yale University to learn, grow, and shape the future of law.

But what exactly makes up the Yale Law class profile? Let’s get into the numbers, requirements, and everything you need to know to give yourself the best shot at acceptance.

• Yale Law Class Profile: By the Numbers
• Yale Law School Acceptance Rate
• Yale Law School Programs Offered
• Yale Law School Requirements
• How to Get into Yale Law School
• Yale Law School Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Yale Law Class Profile: By the Numbers

If you’re considering applying to Yale Law School, it’s important to understand what makes up the incoming class. Here’s a quick breakdown of the Yale Law class profile with key statistics to help you get a clear picture of the school’s competitive and diverse student body.

Yale Law class size

First off, let’s talk about Yale Law’s class size. For the Class of 2027, Yale admitted 204 students. This relatively small class size means you’ll get a close-knit, community-based experience—something that larger law schools can’t always offer.

You’ll have more opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations with professors and peers. If you prefer a more intimate classroom setting, this could be a huge plus for you.

Yale Law average GPA

Yale Law doesn’t have an official GPA cutoff, but it’s known for being highly selective. To help you gauge where you stand, here’s the GPA and LSAT distribution for the Class of 2027:

As shown, the GPA ranges from 3.22 at the low end to 4.27 at the high end, with a median GPA of 3.96. For the LSAT, the low score starts at 155, and the high score is 180, with the median score at 174.

To be competitive, you’ll want to aim for at least the 4 GPA range or higher. Keep in mind that Yale Law requirements are holistic, so while a high GPA is important, they also take other factors into consideration like your personal background, work experience, and essays.

Diversity and background

One of the most impressive things about the Yale Law class profile is its diversity. The student body is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Here’s what the profile looks like:

Yale Law values diverse academic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. The Class of 2027 comes from 86 different undergraduate institutions, 38 states, and 12 countries.

Scholarships, fellowships, and memberships

Yale Law attracts some of the brightest minds. Among the current class, you’ll find:

These students bring leadership, vision, and impact to the school. If you’re planning to apply, think about how you can contribute to this dynamic community of achievers.

Yale Law School Acceptance Rate

Getting into Yale Law School is highly competitive, and the acceptance rate reflects just how selective the admissions process is. Here’s a look at the acceptance rates over the past few years:

With an acceptance rate of 5.25% for the most recent cycle, getting into Yale Law is incredibly competitive.

Yale Law School Programs Offered

Yale Law School offers five degree-granting programs to cater to different career paths in the legal field. Here’s an overview of the programs available:

With these different programs, Yale Law offers plenty of flexibility for students at various points in their careers, whether you’re working toward your J.D., deepening your expertise, or preparing for an academic path. Whatever you choose, Yale Law provides the top-notch education you need to get there.

Joint degrees

Yale Law School also gives students the chance to earn a graduate degree or doctorate alongside their J.D. Some of the joint degree options include:

• J.D.–M.A. (Master of Arts)
• J.D. and MEM (Master of Environmental Management)
• J.D.-MBA (Masters of Business Administration)

These joint degree options allow Yale Law students to broaden their knowledge and pursue careers at the intersection of law and other fields. Whether it’s business, the arts, or environmental management, these programs give you the flexibility to specialize in multiple areas while earning your J.D.

Yale Law School Requirements

Yale Law’s admissions process is holistic, meaning they look at the full picture, considering your academic performance, personal experiences, and achievements. Here’s what you’ll need to submit for your application:

• Bachelor’s degree. You must receive, or expect to receive by the summer of the year you’re applying, a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. All offers of admission are contingent upon graduation.
• Transcripts. You must submit transcripts from each institution you’ve attended (including study abroad programs and graduate schools). These should be sent to LSAC through their system.
• LSAT or GRE scores. Yale Law accepts both LSAT and GRE scores. The LSAT score should be from the past five years, and the GRE score should be submitted by the application deadline.
• Personal statement. You must submit a personal statement that helps Yale Law learn about the personal, academic, or professional qualities you would bring to the community. Your personal statement should be approximately two double-spaced pages, formatted in a professional 12-point font.
• 250-word essay. You are required to submit an essay (no more than 250 words) discussing an idea or issue of personal interest. This is an opportunity for you to showcase how you engage intellectually and how you would contribute to the Yale Law community.
• Optional essay. While optional, this essay lets you provide additional information about your background, leadership experiences, or challenges you have overcome. You should choose one of four prompts and write approximately one double-spaced page.
• Letters of recommendation. Yale Law requires at least two letters of recommendation from professors who can speak to your academic abilities. If you have been out of school for a while, letters from employers or others who know you well are acceptable.
• Résumé. You must submit a résumé outlining your academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements. This résumé should be 1-2 pages in length.
• Activity sections. Applicants must submit a statement about what they did during their undergraduate education, including extracurricular activities, employment, internships, and any significant projects. If applicable, include post-college activities.
• Addenda. You may submit additional addenda if necessary to clarify any aspects of your application, such as gaps in your academic history or explanations of any academic performance concerns.
• Interview. Yale Law selects some applicants for interviews as part of the admissions process. If you are selected, you will receive further information, including potential interview questions.

With these application components in mind, make sure to give yourself ample time to prepare. Yale Law looks for applicants who are not only academically accomplished but also bring a diverse set of experiences and perspectives to the table.

How to Get into Yale Law School

Getting into Yale Law School is highly competitive, but with the right strategy, you can maximize your chances. Below are the key factors to focus on to help you stand out during the application process:

1. Aim for a strong academic record and LSAT score.

Yale Law is known for its academic rigor. While there is no strict cutoff, most successful applicants have stellar GPAs and LSAT scores. Here’s how to boost your chances:

• Target your weakest areas. Review your previous LSAT practice tests to identify areas where you’re scoring the lowest. Focus on improving these areas, particularly if you’re scoring below the median on any section.
• Take full-length, timed practice exams. Yale looks for applicants who can handle the program’s intellectual demands. Take multiple full-length exams under timed conditions to improve your test-taking endurance and time management.
• Review key subjects thoroughly. Yale Law values applicants who excel in fundamental subjects like critical reasoning and logical analysis. Spend extra time reviewing these areas if they’re your weakest.

2. Submit a compelling personal statement.

Your personal statement is a crucial part of your application. This is your chance to show Yale Law who you are beyond your test scores and grades. Here’s how to write an effective essay:

• Be authentic. Yale looks for applicants who have unique stories and who are self-aware. Tell a story that showcases your motivations, values, and why you want to pursue law.
• Highlight your fit with Yale. Mention why Yale Law is the best place for you and how its values align with your academic and professional goals. Show that you’ve done your research on Yale’s program and community.

Your personal statement should be about two double-spaced pages, using a standard 12-point font. Make sure to include your name, LSAC number, and the title “Personal Statement” in the header.

3. Secure strong letters of recommendation.

Yale Law School requires at least two letters and will accept up to three letters of recommendation. These letters should preferably be from professors who can speak to your academic abilities and character.

Letters from employers, college deans, coaches, chaplains, colleagues, and others may be helpful, but are not preferred. As much as possible, they should not replace letters from two faculty recommenders.

Tips to secure strong recommendation letters:

• Build relationships early. Engage actively with professors, attend office hours, and get involved in research. This will help you build the kind of relationships that lead to strong, personalized recommendations.
• Choose recommenders who know you well. Opt for individuals who can provide detailed examples of your strengths, whether from class, research, or extracurricular activities. A generic letter won’t have the same impact.
• Give your recommenders all the details. Share your goals, your reasons for applying to Yale, and any specific points you want them to emphasize in their letter. Providing a CV or a personal statement can help them tailor their recommendation.

4. Set yourself apart with the application essays.

Applicants are required to write no more than 250 words on an idea or issue from their academic, extracurricular, or professional work that particularly interests them. This topic doesn’t need to be related to law. It’s an opportunity for you to show how you would engage intellectually with the Law School community.

Tips to write compelling essays:

• Utilize the 250-word limit thoughtfully. While the word limit is short, it’s an opportunity to be concise and clear. Make every word count by focusing on one specific idea or example. Prioritize quality over quantity—this is your chance to show depth of thought in a limited space.
• Provide specific examples. Whether discussing your academic interests, experiences, or challenges, provide concrete examples that highlight your ability to contribute to Yale’s intellectual community. Show how these experiences have shaped your perspective and approach.
• Be authentic. Yale values genuine applicants. Don’t try to craft “perfect” answers; instead, focus on your true passions and experiences. This will give Yale a clear sense of who you are and how you would engage with their community.

5. Take advantage of the optional essays.

Yale Law School provides applicants with the opportunity to submit an optional essay. While it’s not required, this essay can be an important chance to showcase additional information that may not be covered elsewhere in your application.

The essay should focus on a specific personal, professional, or academic experience, and not on why you wish to attend Yale Law.

Here are the prompts for the optional essays:

• Option 1. The Law School has a strong tradition of public service and encourages its students to contribute to the community in a wide variety of ways. Describe a community that has been particularly meaningful to you. Discuss what you have gained from being a part of this community and what you have contributed to this community.
• Option 2. The Law School encourages its students and alumni to be leaders, innovators, and changemakers across many different sectors. Describe one of your most important accomplishments and explain why it is important to you. Discuss how you demonstrated leadership, helped innovate, and/or drove change as part of that accomplishment.
• Option 3. The Law School values determination and resilience and recognizes that these traits are critical to success at the Law School and in the legal profession. Describe a significant challenge, disappointment, or setback that you have faced. Discuss how you approached this experience and what you learned from it.
• Option 4. In order to succeed at the Law School and in the legal profession, you must be able to have discussions across differences and be open to changing your mind. Describe a time when you changed your mind on an important topic after discussing it with a person with whom you disagreed or learning additional information. Discuss what you learned from this experience.

Tips for writing the optional essay:

• Be specific. Choose one of the prompts and focus on a concrete example that illustrates your personal qualities. Yale Law is looking for applicants who can contribute to their community, so highlight how your experiences have shaped who you are.
• Don’t repeat your personal statement. While your personal statement is about your overall goals and motivations, the optional essay allows you to dig deeper into a specific value Yale Law prioritizes, such as leadership, public service, or resilience.
• Show your growth. Whether you’re discussing leadership, setbacks, or changing your mind, make sure to reflect on how the experience influenced your growth and how it will contribute to your success at Yale Law.

By carefully considering which essay to submit and providing a thoughtful response, you can further differentiate yourself and highlight qualities that align with Yale’s values.

6. Prepare for the interview (if invited).

If you’re invited to interview, it’s an opportunity for Yale Law to assess how well you’ll fit in with their collaborative and intellectually demanding environment. Here’s how to prepare:

• Know Yale’s values and curriculum. Yale emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and diverse perspectives. Be ready to discuss how these elements align with your own goals and how you’ll contribute to their community.
• Show passion and authenticity. Don’t try to give “perfect” answers. Be genuine about your experiences, why you want to become a lawyer, and why Yale is your top choice. Show your passion for law and your excitement about Yale.
• Ask thoughtful questions. At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about Yale’s programs, faculty, or culture. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the school and have done your research.

An interview is your chance to demonstrate how you’ll thrive in Yale’s collaborative environment, so be prepared to showcase your personality and passion.

Yale Law School Application Deadlines

Staying on top of application deadlines is key to a stress-free admissions process. Here’s a quick guide to the deadlines so you can stay on track.

It’s important to stay organized and plan ahead to make sure your application is submitted on time. Keep these dates in mind and be ready to send in your materials before each deadline. Best of luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the Yale Law School requirements for admission?

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, transcripts from all schools attended, and either LSAT or GRE scores. Yale Law also requires a personal statement, a 250-word essay, at least two letters of recommendation, a résumé, and other supporting materials like addenda and activity sections.

2. What is the typical GPA of admitted Yale Law students?

Yale Law does not have an official GPA cutoff, but admitted students typically have an excellent academic record. The Yale Law GPA for the Class of 2027 shows a median GPA of 3.96, with the high end reaching 4.27. While your GPA is important, remember that Yale Law takes a holistic approach, meaning they also consider other factors like personal background, leadership, and experiences.

3. How big is the Yale Law class size?

The Yale Law class size for the Class of 2027 is relatively small, with just 204 students. This smaller class size offers a more intimate and collaborative environment compared to other law schools. You’ll have greater opportunities for one-on-one interactions with professors, and the close-knit community allows for deeper discussions and more personalized attention.

4. What is the Yale Law School acceptance rate?

For the 2024 cycle, the Yale Law School acceptance rate was just 5.25%. This makes Yale Law School incredibly competitive, so it’s essential to make sure that every part of your application is strong, from your GPA and LSAT scores to your personal statement and essays.

Takeaways

As you get ready to apply to Yale Law School, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

• The Class of 2027 includes students from 86 different undergraduate institutions, 38 states, and 12 countries, highlighting Yale’s commitment to diversity. With 50% of students identifying as people of color and 22% identifying as LGBTQ+, it’s clear that Yale Law values varied experiences and perspectives.
• While there’s no official cutoff, most accepted students have an impressive GPA. The Class of 2027 had a median GPA of 3.96, with the high end reaching 4.27. A strong academic record, combined with other factors like personal background and professional experiences, can help strengthen your application.
• With only 204 students in the Class of 2027, Yale Law provides an intimate setting where you can engage closely with professors and peers. If you value a more collaborative, less competitive environment, the small class size could be a major advantage.
• With an acceptance rate of 5.25% for the most recent application cycle, getting into Yale Law is incredibly selective. However, the holistic admissions process means they evaluate applicants on more than just academic performance: your experiences, essays, and recommendations all matter.
• Need more help? With all the moving parts of an application, it might be worth getting some expert guidance. An admissions consultant can give you that extra edge and help you craft the best application possible.