Lori Meadows
Harvard Law School is one of the most famous law schools in the world and attracts thousands of applicants annually. With such high competition, applicants need to write a compelling personal statement and prepare application components that stand out. Harvard Law School offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program, a three-year course designed for individuals who wish to practice law in the United States. The program offers core courses, specialized electives, and opportunities for research and writing. Applicants should aim for an LSAT score of around 170 and a GPA of 3.89. Harvard Law School also offers need-based financial aid for international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Degree Offered | Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree or equivalent |
| Application Requirements | LSAT score of around 170, GPA of 3.89, essays, extracurricular activities, interviews |
| Financial Aid | Need-based financial aid available for international students, Robert Gordon Menzies Scholarship for Australian citizens |
| Acceptance Rate | Below 20% for all applicants, lower for international students |
| Selection Factors | Work experience, leadership, energy, ambition, sound judgement, ability to overcome adversity, high ideals, concern for the welfare of others |
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What You'll Learn
Financial aid and scholarships
Harvard Law School is expensive, with tuition fees for the 2025-2026 academic year set at $80,760. When you include health insurance, housing, food, books, and other personal expenses, the total cost comes to at least $121,800. However, there are several financial aid and scholarship opportunities available for international students.
Harvard Law School provides generous financial aid packages based on need. International students can apply for need-based grants, student loans, and financial aid packages, which are determined using the same formula that applies to US students. After being admitted, students receive an email with directions to log into the SFS Self-Service Portal, where they can submit the Student Application form and receive a personalized list of requirements.
Harvard University scholarships for international students vary depending on the school a student enrolls in. Students from other countries are eligible to receive financial assistance on the same basis as Americans. International students can also receive need-based financial aid packages and Harvard College offers jobs and scholarship money. To find out more about Harvard University scholarship programs, international students can contact the Harvard University Committee on General Scholarships.
There are also external scholarships that international students can apply for, such as the Robert Gordon Menzies Scholarship, which offers Australian citizens up to $60,000 for postgraduate study at Harvard. The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship grants $15,000 of financial aid to international law students over three years, and Stanford University offers need-based scholarships to international students, with some receiving full-ride scholarships. Additionally, international students can seek part-time employment on campus, earning up to a total of $3,500 over the academic year.
It is important to note that financial aid packages are determined after students have been admitted to Harvard Law School, and the application process for financial aid opens after admission. Therefore, it is beneficial to start researching and applying for scholarships and financial aid options early in the application process.
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LSAT score and GPA
Harvard Law School is one of the most competitive law schools globally, with a rigorous yet flexible curriculum. As an international student, you should be prepared for a highly selective admissions process, with acceptance rates for international applicants often below 20%.
To increase your chances of admission, you should aim for a high LSAT score, typically around 170, and a strong GPA of approximately 3.89. These numbers may vary depending on the specific law school and its requirements. For example, Chicago Law School recommends a higher LSAT score of 173 and a GPA of 3.94.
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardised test that assesses your critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills. It is a crucial component of your application and demonstrates your ability to handle the academic rigours of law school. A high LSAT score, combined with a strong GPA, indicates your potential for academic success and enhances your application.
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) reflects your academic performance over your undergraduate degree. While the specific weightage of GPA in the admissions process may vary, it is an essential factor in evaluating your academic capabilities and consistency. A high GPA demonstrates your ability to excel academically and handle the demanding nature of a Harvard Law education.
To maximise your chances of admission, focus on achieving a competitive LSAT score and maintaining a strong GPA throughout your undergraduate studies. Additionally, take the time to research the school, prepare compelling application components, and showcase any cross-disciplinary experiences and global perspectives in your essays and interviews.
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Work experience and leadership
Harvard Law School is one of the most famous and competitive law schools in the world, with a rigorous yet flexible curriculum. The admissions committee seeks to identify characteristics that are important to academic success in law school, as well as qualities that will contribute to the diversity of perspective and experience, general excellence, and vitality of the student body.
Harvard Law School strongly promotes public service as an integral aspect of lawyers' training, requiring the completion of at least 50 hours of pro bono work before graduation. Harvard Law School students gain practical experience while serving the public through an extensive clinical program, term-time externships, and several student-practice organizations. Summer Public Interest Funding (SPIF) is guaranteed for all students who work in public service during either or both summers between matriculation and graduation. Therefore, it is important to highlight any pro bono work or public sector internships in your personal statement, essays, or interviews.
Harvard Law School offers an extensive curriculum in international law, and many global law firms outside the United States practice US law and require lawyers trained with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The JD degree is a three-year postgraduate program that first gives students the intellectual foundations for legal study, then allows them to focus their studies on areas of particular interest. The program offers a wide range of courses and seminars, allowing students to pursue many interests and gain practical experience through externships and clinical programs.
Harvard Law School also offers dual-degree programs that allow students to earn two degrees, such as a JD and an MBA or MPP. These programs provide opportunities for interdisciplinary study, which Harvard highly values. Thus, it is important to highlight any cross-disciplinary experiences in your application.
Additionally, Harvard Law School offers need-based financial aid for both domestic and international students. All students who demonstrate financial need according to federal and institutional guidelines are eligible to receive financial assistance. The Low-Income Protection Plan (LIPP) is a loan forgiveness program that helps relieve the repayment burden of educational loans for JD graduates who choose to work in lower-paying jobs, including full-time jobs in non-profit organizations, government, academia, or certain law-related jobs in the private sector.
In conclusion, when applying to Harvard Law School as an international student, it is important to highlight any work experience and leadership qualities, especially those related to public service and interdisciplinary study. Harvard Law School offers a wide range of opportunities for practical experience and curriculum choices, and financial aid is available for those who demonstrate need.
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Extracurriculars and personal statement
Getting into Harvard Law School is no easy feat, especially for international students. The school is not only one of the most famous law schools in the world, but it is also one of the most competitive. As an Ivy League school with a rigorous yet flexible curriculum, it attracts thousands of applicants from around the world each year.
Harvard Law School offers a Juris Doctor (JD) program, which is a three-year postgraduate degree designed for individuals who wish to practice law in the United States. The program offers a wide range of courses and seminars, allowing students to pursue a broad and diverse curriculum or specialize in specific areas of law.
When it comes to extracurricular activities and the personal statement, there are several things to keep in mind. Harvard Law School seeks students who can bridge law with other fields, so be sure to highlight any cross-disciplinary experiences in your application. If you have done any pro bono work or public sector internships, be sure to mention them in your personal statement, as Harvard has a strong public interest focus. The school also values work experience, demonstrated leadership, and intangible qualities such as energy, ambition, sound judgment, and concern for the welfare of others.
In your personal statement, it is important to showcase your unique qualities and experiences that will contribute to the diversity of the student body. Highlight any global perspectives and leadership potential that you possess. If you have any international interests or experiences, be sure to mention them, as Harvard Law School values a diverse student population. Additionally, if you are interested in interdisciplinary study, combining law with other fields, or have experience in comparative and international law, be sure to emphasize this in your application.
To increase your chances of getting into Harvard Law School, it is recommended to take the time to research the school and prepare a compelling application. This includes studying for and achieving a high score on the LSAT or GRE, as well as working with a law admissions consultant to ensure your application stands out.
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Harvard Law School's acceptance rate
Harvard Law School is one of the most selective law schools in the world, with an acceptance rate of approximately 7.5% to 11%. This low acceptance rate indicates that only the top applicants are chosen each year. The admissions process at Harvard Law School is extremely competitive, with a recent admissions cycle resulting in an acceptance rate of 9.5%. Out of the 8,393 applications received in 2022, only 798 were accepted.
Harvard Law School offers a range of programs to cater to different legal professionals and aspiring legal students. The Juris Doctor (JD) program is the primary degree offered by Harvard Law and is designed for individuals who wish to practice law in the United States. The program is three years long and offers core courses, specialized electives, and opportunities for research and writing. Harvard Law also offers the Master of Laws (LLM) program, which is designed for international lawyers or those who have already earned a law degree and wish to specialize further. The LLM program provides opportunities for students to pursue advanced legal studies in areas such as international law, corporate law, and intellectual property.
To increase your chances of acceptance to Harvard Law School, it is important to have a strong academic record, competitive test scores, and substantial accomplishments. Harvard Law School requires applicants to submit their LSAT scores, with a median score of between 171 and 176 for admitted students. Additionally, applicants should aim to have a high GPA, as this can increase their chances of acceptance. Other factors that Harvard Law School considers include work experience, leadership, and intangible qualities such as energy, ambition, and resilience. The school also offers financial aid in the form of grants and loans to help students manage the cost of attendance.
Harvard Law School's applications typically open in mid-September and close in mid-February, with the first round of acceptances beginning in January and continuing until March. The school provides accommodations and support to students with documented disabilities on an individual basis.
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Frequently asked questions
Harvard Law School is extremely competitive, so you will need excellent qualifications. Aim for an LSAT score of around 170 and a GPA of 3.89. You will also need a bachelor's degree or equivalent before you start the Juris Doctor (JD) program.
Harvard Law School wants to see applicants who can bridge law with other fields, so make sure your application highlights any cross-disciplinary experiences. Also, mention any pro bono work or public sector internships you have completed. Harvard has a strong public interest focus, so be sure to include this in your personal statement, essays, or interviews.
Harvard Law School is one of the most famous law schools in the world and has a worldwide reputation and global network. The school offers more than 500 courses and seminars, which is more than any other law school. The curriculum is rigorous yet flexible, and the school is committed to the full inclusion of students with disabilities.
Yes, both international and domestic students are eligible for need-based financial aid at Harvard Law School. All students who demonstrate financial need according to federal and institutional guidelines can receive financial assistance. Additionally, the Low-Income Protection Plan (LIPP) is a loan forgiveness program that many Harvard law graduates can qualify for.
