What LSAT score do you need for Yale Law School?

Yale Law School does not use an LSAT cutoff. The Class of 2028 LSAT range shows a 25th percentile of 171, median of 174 and 75th percentile of 177, with a full range from 155 to 180.

What GPA do you need for Yale Law School?

Yale Law School does not use a GPA cutoff. The Class of 2028 GPA range shows a 25th percentile of 3.90, median of 3.96 and 75th percentile of 4.00, with a full range from 3.23 to 4.23.

Does Yale Law School accept the GRE?

Yes. Yale Law School accepts LSAT or GRE scores for J.D. admission. Yale's Class of 2028 profile says 92% of students submitted LSAT scores and 8% submitted GRE scores.

What is a good GRE score for Yale Law School?

Yale's Class of 2028 GRE medians were 166 Verbal, 167 Quantitative and 5.5 Analytical Writing. GRE applicants should still show exceptional academics, writing, recommendations and professional or public-service impact.

When is the Yale Law School application deadline?

For the Class of 2030 cycle, Yale Law School says the application opens September 1, 2026, submissions begin October 1, 2026 and applications must be submitted by February 15, 2027.

Does Yale Law School have rolling admissions?

Yale Law School says there is no advantage in likelihood of admission to applying earlier in the application cycle. Applications are considered approximately in the order they become complete.

What makes a strong Yale Law School application?

A strong Yale Law School application combines excellent academics, high LSAT or GRE readiness, persuasive personal and optional essays, strong recommendations, leadership, public service, professional experience, intellectual maturity and clear contribution to the law school community.

Does Yale Law School interview applicants?

Yes. Yale Law School says some applicants are selected to interview as part of the evaluation process, and an interview is necessary for admission if selected.

Yale Law School Acceptance Rate 2026: LSAT, GPA & Admissions

Q: What is the Yale Law School acceptance rate for 2026?

For 2026 planning, the best official ABA 509 reference shows Yale Law School with a 4.06% acceptance rate, 226 offers of admission and an extremely small entering class. Applicants should treat Yale Law as one of the most selective law schools in the world.

Q: Is Yale Law School hard to get into?

Yes. Yale Law School is extremely hard to get into. The recent ABA 509 acceptance rate is 4.06%, and Yale's own class profile shows 5,647 applicants, 204 J.D. students matriculated and an 88% yield on new offers.

⚖️ Yale Law School acceptance rate 2026 guide

Yale Law School Acceptance Rate 2026: 4.06%, LSAT, GPA, GRE & Admissions Strategy

4.06%

Direct answer: Yale Law School’s latest ABA 509 report lists an acceptance rate of 4.06% with 226 offers of admission. Yale’s own Class of 2028 profile lists 5,647 applicants, 204 J.D. students matriculated, and an 88% yield on new offers.

Yale Law is not a “numbers-only” school. The median profile is elite — 174 LSAT and 3.96 GPA — but Yale says it uses holistic review, no GPA cutoff, and no standardized test cutoff.

This guide gives fast answers: acceptance rate, LSAT range, GPA range, GRE option, application deadline, CAS, essays, recommendations, interview, fee waiver, international rules, and practical admissions strategy.

📊 Acceptance rate 📚 LSAT & GPA 📅 Deadlines ✅ Checklist

4.06% ABA acceptance rate

Yale Law’s 2025 ABA 509 report lists a 4.06% acceptance rate.

174 Median LSAT

Class of 2028 LSAT range: 171 / 174 / 177 for 25th, median and 75th percentiles.

3.96 Median GPA

Class of 2028 GPA range: 3.90 / 3.96 / 4.00 for 25th, median and 75th percentiles.

$85 Application fee

Yale Law lists an $85 application fee, with LSAC and need-based fee waiver options.

Quick navigation for Yale Law applicants

📊 Acceptance rate answer 📚 LSAT, GPA and GRE profile 📅 Application timeline 📄 Application components 🎯 Who is competitive? ✍️ Essays and recommendations ✅ Submission checklist ❓ 10 FAQs

Yale Law School acceptance rate 2026: clear answer first

Search question	Official-data answer	What it means for applicants
Yale Law School acceptance rate	4.06% in the latest ABA 509 report.	Yale Law is an extreme reach for every applicant, including high-LSAT applicants.
Offers of admission	226 offers listed in the ABA 509 report.	The class is tiny compared with the applicant pool.
Class profile applicants	5,647 applicants in Yale’s Class of 2028 profile.	Thousands of strong applicants compete for about 200 seats.
Matriculated students	204 J.D. students matriculated in the Class of 2028 profile.	The entering class is intentionally small.
Yield	88% yield on new offers in Yale’s profile.	Most admitted students choose Yale, so few admits are made.

Important: Yale notes that ABA terms and Yale’s own class-profile definitions can differ. For applicants, the practical takeaway is the same: admission is extraordinarily selective.

Yale Law competitiveness = 4.06% admit rate + 174 median LSAT + 3.96 median GPA + elite writing + standout recommendations + unusual impact

Yale Law LSAT, GPA and GRE profile

Metric	Low	25th	Median	75th	High
GPA	3.23	3.90	3.96	4.00	4.23
LSAT	155	171	174	177	180
GRE Verbal	160	164	166	170	170
GRE Quantitative	158	165	167	170	170
GRE Analytical Writing	4.5	5.0	5.5	6.0	6.0

LSAT answer

A 174+ is around Yale’s median. A 177+ is around the 75th percentile. But Yale says no score cutoff guarantees admission.

GPA answer

A 3.96 is around Yale’s median. A 4.00 is around the 75th percentile. Lower GPAs need exceptional context and impact.

GRE answer

Yale accepts GRE. The Class of 2028 medians were 166 Verbal, 167 Quant and 5.5 Writing.

LSAT vs GRE

Yale’s profile says 92% submitted LSAT and 8% submitted GRE. Use the test that best proves your readiness.

Do not overread the low end: Yale’s range includes admits below the 25th percentile, but those applicants likely had exceptional context, accomplishments, recommendations or life experience.

Yale Law School application timeline

Step	Date / rule	Applicant action
Application opens	September 1, 2026	Prepare CAS, transcripts, recommenders and essays before submission opens.
Submission begins	October 1, 2026	You can submit once your file is ready.
Final deadline	February 15, 2027	Submit before this date and allow time for LSAC processing.
Earlier application advantage	Yale says there is no admissions advantage to applying earlier.	Submit the strongest complete file, not the fastest weak file.
Complete file	Application materials, CAS report, LSAT/GRE score and two recommendation letters.	Yale will not hold your application for extra letters, later scores or additional materials.

Best timing strategy: Apply when your essays, CAS report, test score and two strongest letters are ready. Yale says applying earlier does not increase the likelihood of admission.

Yale Law application components: what you need

LSAC CAS subscription LSAC electronic application $85 application fee Need-based fee waiver option Bachelor’s degree by summer 2027 Transcripts from every institution LSAT or GRE Personal statement Optional essay if used well Two recommendation letters Activities / resume context Interview if selected

Component	Official detail	Common mistake
CAS	Yale requires applicants to subscribe to LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service.	Starting transcripts too late; Yale suggests allowing LSAC processing time.
Application fee	Non-refundable $85 fee; automatically waived for LSAC fee-waiver recipients.	Paying before requesting a need-based Yale fee waiver; Yale says fees cannot be refunded after payment.
Transcripts	Submit transcripts from each college or university attended, including study abroad and graduate/professional work.	Assuming a summary on one transcript replaces official records from every institution.
Test	LSAT or GRE is required for J.D. admission.	Waiting for a later score when your file is otherwise complete; Yale will not hold the application.
Recommendations	Two letters are required for completion.	Choosing famous recommenders instead of people who can write in detail.
Interview	Some applicants are selected, and interview is necessary for admission if selected.	Treating the interview as casual instead of part of evaluation.

Who is actually competitive for Yale Law?

Numerically strong

LSAT near 174+ or GRE near Yale medians, GPA near 3.96+, rigorous academic record and strong writing.

Distinctive impact

Leadership, public service, research, organizing, policy work, military service, journalism, entrepreneurship or unusual professional achievement.

Academic maturity

Yale’s class profile shows 89% were at least one year out of college and 50% were at least three years out.

Risky profile

High numbers but generic essays, thin recommendations, unclear motivation for law, weak judgment, or no evidence of contribution.

Important class context: Yale’s profile says 25% of the Class of 2028 held an advanced degree, 12% were STEM majors, and students represented 85 undergraduate institutions.

Yale Law essays and recommendations: what matters

Personal statement: explain why law and why you Yale says the personal statement should explore reasons for attending law school, legal interests, and qualities you would bring to the Law School and profession.

Do not write only a prestige essay Yale already knows it is selective. Show intellectual direction, judgment, values and contribution.

Make recommendations detailed A strong Yale letter should show analytical ability, writing, judgment, classroom performance, research depth, leadership or professional maturity.

Use optional space strategically Optional essays should add something new. Do not repeat the personal statement with different wording.

Prepare for possible interview If selected, be ready to discuss motivation, experience, legal interests, community contribution and judgment.

International applicants: quick answers

Question	Yale Law answer	Applicant action
Is the J.D. process different?	Yale says the process is virtually the same regardless of country of origin.	Use LSAC/CAS and follow the J.D. application rules.
Is LSAT or GRE required?	Yes. All J.D. applicants must take LSAT or GRE.	Choose the test that best proves law-school readiness.
Is TOEFL required?	Yale says it does not require TOEFL for any J.D. applicants, regardless of citizenship or native language.	Do not confuse J.D. rules with LL.M. rules.
Are international transcripts reviewed?	Yes. Yale reviews academic performance through official transcripts in the LSAC CAS report.	Start transcript processing early because international documents can take longer.
Is aid available?	Yale says international students have similar need-based aid access to domestic students.	Prepare financial aid documents carefully and on time.

Yale Law admissions video note

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No YouTube URL was provided for this article.

To avoid VideoObject schema errors, this page does not include fake video schema. Send the exact YouTube link and upload date, and the article can include an embedded video with complete VideoObject schema.

For now, applicants can use Yale Law’s official admissions pages and the “Navigating Law School Admissions” podcast resources linked from Yale.

Yale Law application checklist: scan before submitting

Start with the 4.06% reality Yale Law is not just “reach.” It is among the hardest law schools to enter.

Choose LSAT or GRE early Most enrolled students submitted LSAT, but Yale accepts GRE. Pick the test where you can show exceptional strength.

Prepare CAS and transcripts Submit every college, study abroad, graduate or professional transcript through LSAC.

Secure two serious letters Yale completes the file with two recommendations and will not hold for extra later letters.

Write essays with substance Show legal motivation, intellectual maturity, contribution and judgment. Avoid prestige-only writing.

Do not rush just to be early Yale says earlier submission does not improve admission likelihood.

Submit by February 15, 2027 Build in LSAC processing time so the application can become complete before review.

Common mistakes that hurt Yale Law applicants

Thinking 174 LSAT guarantees admission: Yale denies many high-score applicants.
Applying with a generic personal statement: Prestige is not a reason; contribution and direction matter.
Choosing weak recommenders: Detail beats status. Yale needs evidence, not vague praise.
Submitting before essays are ready: Yale says early submission does not improve chances.
Ignoring CAS timing: LSAC transcript and report processing can take weeks.
Waiting for extra letters: Yale will not hold a complete application for additional letters.
Confusing J.D. and LL.M. rules: International J.D. applicants do not need TOEFL under Yale’s J.D. FAQ.
Using optional essays as repetition: Optional material should add new information.
Weak professional judgment: Yale explicitly values ethics, professionalism, respect and resilience.
No law-school reason: Strong applicants explain why law is the right tool for their goals.

Official Yale Law links and sources

The key official details are included above. Use these pages to verify final requirements, dates, fees and application rules before submitting.

Yale Law Profiles & Statistics

Class profile, LSAT, GPA, GRE, yield, applicants and student background data.

Open profiles and statistics

Yale Law by the Numbers

Admissions stats, class size, LSAT/GPA medians and Yale explanation of profile data.

Open Yale Law numbers

Yale Law Application Process

CAS requirement, opening date, submission date, deadline, completion rules and interview note.

Open application process

Yale Law Application Components

Fee, fee waivers, transcripts, personal statement and holistic review details.

Open application components

Yale Law ABA Disclosures

Standard 509 report, bar admission report and consumer information.

Open ABA disclosures

Yale Law International Applicants

J.D. international applicant rules, LSAT/GRE, TOEFL, transcripts and financial aid notes.

Open international applicant page

FAQs about Yale Law School acceptance rate 2026

What is the Yale Law School acceptance rate for 2026?

The latest ABA 509 report lists Yale Law School’s acceptance rate as 4.06%, with 226 offers of admission.

Is Yale Law School hard to get into?

Yes. Yale Law is extraordinarily selective. Yale’s Class of 2028 profile lists 5,647 applicants, 204 matriculated J.D. students and an 88% yield on new offers.

What LSAT score do you need for Yale Law?

Yale has no LSAT cutoff, but the Class of 2028 LSAT percentiles were 171 at the 25th, 174 median and 177 at the 75th.

What GPA do you need for Yale Law?

Yale has no GPA cutoff, but the Class of 2028 GPA percentiles were 3.90 at the 25th, 3.96 median and 4.00 at the 75th.

Does Yale Law accept GRE?

Yes. Yale accepts LSAT or GRE for J.D. admission. In the Class of 2028, 92% submitted LSAT and 8% submitted GRE.

What GRE score is competitive for Yale Law?

Yale’s Class of 2028 GRE medians were 166 Verbal, 167 Quantitative and 5.5 Analytical Writing.

When is the Yale Law application deadline?

For the Class of 2030 cycle, applications open September 1, 2026, submissions begin October 1, 2026 and the final deadline is February 15, 2027.

Does applying early help at Yale Law?

Yale says there is no advantage in likelihood of admission to applying earlier in the cycle. Submit when your file is strongest and complete.

Does Yale Law require an interview?

Some applicants are selected to interview, and Yale says an interview is necessary for admission if selected.

How can I improve my Yale Law application?

Improve your application by building an exceptional LSAT/GRE and GPA profile, choosing serious recommenders, writing specific essays, showing meaningful impact and submitting a complete CAS-based application by the deadline.