3.1 GPA and 157 LSAT: How Hard is it to Get Into a Good Law School?
- Shana Ginsburg
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
Today, we’re tackling one of the most common—and complex—questions: How hard is it to get into law school with a 3.1 GPA and a 157 LSAT score?
The short answer: it depends. The long answer? It depends on the schools you're targeting, how your numbers stack up against their medians, and how well you leverage the parts of your application you can control.
📊 Your Numbers: 3.1 GPA and 157 LSAT—Where Do You Stand?
Let’s start with the data. According to the ABA Standard 509 reports, here’s how your stats compare across law school tiers:
Tier | Example Schools | Median LSAT | Median GPA | Your Percentile |
T-14 | Yale, Harvard, Stanford | 174–175 | 3.90–3.96 | Below 25th percentile |
Top 30–50 | Fordham, UC Hastings, American, Cardozo | 160–164 | 3.50–3.70 | Near or below 25th percentile |
50–90 | Loyola Chicago, Suffolk, Drexel, Stetson | 155–159 | 3.20–3.50 | Around median |
90+ | New York Law School, Widener, Western Michigan | 150–154 | 2.90–3.20 | Above median |
💡 Translation: You’re unlikely to be competitive at T-14 schools based on numbers alone, but you’re in the running—or even above average—for many schools ranked 50 and below.
🏛️ Top 50: Dream Big, But Be Strategic
Schools like Yale, Stanford, and Harvard expect LSAT scores in the 170s and GPAs near 3.9+. With a 157 LSAT and 3.1 GPA, you’re well below their 25th percentile. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply—it means you’ll need to write your way in. Think compelling personal statements, standout work experience, and exceptional letters of recommendation.
Schools like Cardozo (LSAT median: 162, GPA median: 3.60) are more accessible. Your LSAT is slightly below their median, and your GPA is below—but not disqualifying. These schools admit students below the 25th percentile who show promise in other areas.
🧭 Where You’re Competitive: Schools Ranked 90+
American University (LSAT median: 160, GPA median: 3.49) and schools like Suffolk (LSAT median: 154, GPA median: 3.30) and Drexel (LSAT median: 156, GPA median: 3.45) are well within reach. Your LSAT is at or above their median, and your GPA is close. These schools offer strong regional placement and generous scholarships.
At schools ranked 90+, like New York Law School (LSAT median: 152, GPA median: 3.10), you’re above median. That means you’re not just competitive—you’re a strong candidate.
Why Rankings Matter—But Aren’t Everything
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Lower-ranked schools often offer more generous scholarships to attract students. For example, Widener and WMU Cooley frequently award full or partial tuition to applicants with LSAT scores above their median.
Job Market Access
Top-tier schools have stronger pipelines to BigLaw and federal clerkships. But don’t underestimate regional schools—many have robust alumni networks and strong placement in local firms and government roles.
ROI: Return on Investment
A T-14 degree may open doors, but it comes with a hefty price tag. A full scholarship at a lower-ranked school could mean graduating debt-free and still landing a solid job—especially if you excel academically and hustle during internships.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Self-Reject
If you’re sitting on a 3.1 GPA and 157 LSAT, don’t let rankings alone dictate your path. You’re competitive at dozens of ABA-accredited schools. And remember: the bottom 25% of seats at many schools go to students who prove their worth beyond the numbers.
So polish your essays, strengthen your resume, and apply broadly. Your law school journey starts with strategy—not perfection.
Ready to Launch Your Law School Journey?
At Ginsburg, we specialize in helping students like you navigate the admissions process with precision and confidence. Whether you're targeting a top-tier school or maximizing scholarship opportunities, we’re here to help you craft a winning application.
📩 Contact us today—and let’s turn your law school goals into reality.
