Applying to law school is one thing. Choosing where to go? That is a whole different challenge.

Students comparing law schools often rely on hard data – things like LSAT scores, GPA ranges, employment outcomes, and rankings. While that data is important, it is not the full picture. One of the most essential factors cannot be found on a website, in a ranking table, or in a 509 disclosure. It is called fit, and we will talk about that too.

So here are 7 factors, both statistical and personal, that should guide your decision-making process when comparing law schools:

1. LSAT Scores and Undergraduate GPAs

Nearly all applicants apply to a mix of reach, target, and safety schools. A smart way to strategize where you apply, and assess your chances, is by looking at a school’s most recent entering class profile.

While the median LSAT and GPA are commonly referenced, make sure you are also reviewing the 25^th and 75^th percentiles. These reflect the middle 50% of enrolled students and offer a more complete picture of where your numbers fall in comparison. If you are below a median but still within the range, you are in the school’s “admissible” window.

Bottom line: do not count yourself out. Let the school make the decision – not you. And if you have a dream school, apply. Sometimes, long shots land.

2. Scholarships Awarded and Scholarship Retention

Merit-based scholarships are a major factor in law school decision-making. To gauge your chances of receiving one, compare your LSAT and GPA to a school’s median numbers.

But do not stop there! Dig into scholarship retention rates. Are students keeping their awards after the first year? If not, ask why. High attrition might suggest GPA requirements that are harder to maintain than they seem.

Every ABA-accredited school publishes scholarship retention data in its ABA Standard 509 Disclosure, which you can usually find on the school’s website. However, these reports reflect past years, so it is a good idea to check directly with the school to see if their scholarship policies have changed.

3. Bar Pass Rates

You cannot practice law until you pass the bar. While bar prep happens after graduation, your legal education (especially the foundational 1L curriculum) can set you up for success.

Look at how often a school’s graduates pass the bar on their first attempt and compare it with the state average and with peer institutions. This is not the only measure of academic strength, but it is a meaningful one.

4. Employment Outcomes

Law school is a significant investment, and for most students, the return on that investment comes in the form of employment.

Examine a school’s ABA Employment Summary or NALP report to find:

• What percentage of graduates are employed 10 months after graduation?
• How many are in full-time, JD-required roles?
• How many are working in your preferred geographic region or legal field?

And ask this key question: how many students wanted those jobs in those places? Employment stats are not just about outcomes – they are about alignment.

5. Location, Location, Location

Where a law school is located matters, both during your three years as a student and beyond. Ask yourself:

• Do I want to live and study in this city or state?
• Does the school have strong alumni connections and placement in the region?
• If it is a national law school, do I feel comfortable making connections here that will serve me elsewhere?

Also factor in lifestyle, cost of living, access to externships or clinics, and proximity to courts or law firms.

6. Areas of Specialization (But Do Not Overcommit!)

Some students are drawn to law schools that tout strong programs in specific areas – environmental law, IP, public interest, etc. That is fine, but do not choose a school only based on a specialization.

Why? Two reasons:

• Faculty who lead those programs may not be teaching when you are eligible for their courses.
• You may change your mind about what kind of law you want to practice (and most students do!).

Make sure the overall quality of the school (academic support, faculty access, curriculum breadth) is strong regardless of specialization.

7. Fit (The Factor You Cannot Quantify)

Now for the most important part of the puzzle: How does the school feel to you?

This is about culture, community, and gut instinct. Do you feel like you belong there? Would you be proud to be part of this community?

To evaluate fit:

• Visit campus (if possible)
• Sit in on a class
• Talk to current students and faculty
• Notice how accessible the professors are
• Observe classroom dynamics – do students feel heard? Do faculty seem engaged?

Every law school has its own personality. Some are highly competitive, while others are collaborative. Some are urban and fast-paced, and others are close-knit and community-oriented. Choose a school where you can see yourself growing…not just surviving.

Final Thoughts

There is no “perfect” law school, just the one that is right for you. Use the data. Do your research. But also trust your instincts.

If you are overwhelmed by the options, start by narrowing down what matters most: affordability, career support, location, academic fit, or maybe even something as simple as whether you felt welcomed during a visit. The right school will not just check the boxes – it will fill like a place where you belong.

For more data and comparison tools, check out Law School Transparency, a great resource for making informed decisions.

photo credit: Justice Gavel via photopin (license)