Washington, D.C. – August 28, 2025, The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has reported a surge in applications for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking the highest number of law school applicants since 2011 and the most diverse applicant pool in the organization’s history. With 76,619 individuals applying—nearly 8% higher than the 70,815 during the pandemic boom—the data signals a robust rebound in interest in legal education amid economic uncertainties and evolving perceptions of the profession. This influx, detailed in LSAC’s latest volume summary, includes over half a million total applications, reflecting heightened competition for spots at top programs and a continued push for inclusivity despite the 2023 Supreme Court ruling banning affirmative action in higher education admissions.
The increase comes after a period of steady growth: Applications rose 21% from the previous year, with early-cycle data showing a 25% uptick in applicants by mid-2024. Experts attribute the boom to several factors, including strong job placement rates for law graduates—reaching record highs with median salaries exceeding $190,000 at Big Law firms—and a perceived stability in the legal field amid broader economic volatility. “The legal profession’s resilience, coupled with high-profile media coverage of lawyers’ roles in social justice and corporate governance, has reignited interest,” said Aaron Taylor, executive director at AccessLex Institute. Additionally, the removal of the LSAT’s logic games section in 2024 and the American Bar Association’s flexibility on standardized testing have lowered barriers for some applicants.
Diversity stands out as a hallmark of this cycle. For the first time, underrepresented minority applicants—Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Pacific Islander—comprise over 43% of the pool, up from 40% in the previous year and surpassing historical highs. Black applicants have increased by 36%, Hispanic applicants by 29%, and first-generation college students by 24%, according to LSAC data. Women now make up 52% of applicants, continuing a trend where female candidates outnumber men. This diversity persists even post the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ban, as law schools adapt by emphasizing holistic reviews, expanded essay prompts on personal backgrounds, and targeted outreach to underrepresented groups. “Schools have done an excellent job reassuring candidates that they are still wanted,” noted Susan Krinsky, LSAC’s executive vice president of operations.
The applicant pool’s strength is evident in LSAT scores: 15,869 candidates scored 160 or higher, a 28% increase from last year, with top bands (170+) up 40%. Regional trends show the Northeast (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey) leading with 39,622 applications, followed closely by the Midsouth and Great Lakes regions. Top schools like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford are reporting record interest, with early data from T14 institutions showing median LSAT scores rising by 1-2 points year-over-year. However, this surge could intensify competition, with experts predicting class sizes may expand by only 5% despite a potential 12% applicant increase, making the cycle roughly 7% more selective.
| Key Metrics for 2024-2025 Cycle | Change from 2023-2024 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Applicants | +21% (76,619 total) | Highest since 2011; up 8% from pandemic peak |
| Total Applications | +25% (over 500K) | Reflects multiple applications per candidate |
| Underrepresented Minorities | +7% (43% of pool) | Most diverse ever; Black +36%, Hispanic +29% |
| Women Applicants | +26% (52% of pool) | Continuing dominance over male applicants |
| First-Gen College Students | +24% | 7,893 applicants |
| High LSAT Scorers (160+) | +28% (15,869) | Top bands up 40%; increased retakers |
Challenges remain, however. The affirmative action ban’s long-term effects may not fully manifest until 2028, as current applicants entered the pipeline pre-ruling. Diversity advocates worry about potential declines, but early 2025 enrollment data shows minority representation holding steady at around 40-44% in top schools like UVA, UCLA, and Cornell. Economic factors, including student debt concerns and AI’s potential disruption to entry-level legal work, could temper enthusiasm, though robust hiring—despite some summer associate dips—bolsters appeal.
Law schools are responding with expanded scholarships, mentorship programs, and virtual recruiting to sustain momentum. “This cycle is a testament to the enduring allure of law as a path to impact and opportunity,” Taylor added. As the admissions process unfolds, with nearly 7,000 offers still pending at top 100 schools, applicants are advised to focus on holistic applications emphasizing personal narratives and community involvement. For the latest trends, LSAC’s daily updates provide real-time insights into this transformative year for legal education.