Can a Splitter Reach the T14?

Applying to law school can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a “splitter”—someone with a high LSAT score and a low GPA (or the reverse). 

In this LSAT Demon Daily podcast episode, we answered a question from Isaac, a prospective law student wondering if his academic profile can get him into top schools, and how to approach the application process to give himself the best chance of success. 

Isaac’s case highlights several common concerns about applications, LSAT preparation, and strategic planning that other splitters and non-traditional applicants can learn from.

GPA Impact

Isaac graduated with a 3.21 GPA in education, but after factoring in lower grades from community college courses, his official LSAC GPA may drop further to around 3.0. If your GPA is similar, you might be wondering how this could affect your chances of getting into law school.

While a 3.0 GPA is below the median for most law schools, it doesn’t make admission impossible. GPA is just one part of the broader application, which includes a personal statement, letters of recommendation, work experience, and most importantly, your LSAT.

For a splitter, the LSAT score can weigh even more heavily. It can help law schools see the full picture. A strong LSAT score could help compensate for a lower GPA. 

In Isaac’s case, although his GPA isn’t impressive, it’s not an insurmountable obstacle. If he maximizes his LSAT performance, he can make himself an attractive candidate, despite the GPA.

The Power of the LSAT

Starting with an LSAT diagnostic of 147, Isaac is aiming for a score of 169 or higher. Achieving this level could make a significant difference for a splitter like him.

Many law schools prioritize the LSAT in admissions because it’s a standardized metric, unlike GPAs, which vary in rigor across institutions. For Isaac, securing a high LSAT score will elevate his application beyond his GPA.

If you’re aiming to reach the T14 (the top 14 law schools in the U.S.), getting an LSAT score in the upper 160s or even the 170s is critical. Law schools in this tier tend to be very selective, but a strong LSAT score can get admissions committees to take a second look, especially if it’s well above the median LSAT score for their incoming class.

Deciding When to Apply to Law School

Isaac plans to take the LSAT in November and January, which would have him applying mid-cycle or later. But for the best chance of success, waiting and applying at the start of the next cycle is better. 

Applying at the beginning of the cycle gives you better chances for admission and scholarship opportunities, as schools are more flexible earlier in the process.

You’ll find that choosing to delay your application by a cycle can be incredibly liberating. It allows you to focus fully on achieving your best possible LSAT score without the added pressure of rushing your applications. Deciding to wait a year can create room for a stronger application and relieve some of the stress associated with meeting tight deadlines.

Researching and Applying Broadly

To maximize your admissions opportunities, applying to a broad range of schools is essential. While it’s reasonable to apply to a few aspirational schools, casting a wide net allows you to consider options you may not have previously considered.

Applying broadly means submitting applications to schools across a range of rankings. You should have schools where your chances of admission are safe, those that match your numbers, and those that might be a reach based on your application profile. And looking beyond your region can open up your options even more.

Planning the Application Process

For anyone serious about law school, a step-by-step approach can help clarify each part of the process. 

iGLAD: 

1. Investigate

2. GPA

3. LSAT

4. Apply

5. Decide

Start by investigating the profession—reach out to lawyers, visit firms, and confirm that law is the right choice for you. 

Then, focus on getting your best GPA possible. Once your GPA is done, like Isaac’s is, focus on getting a high LSAT score. 

Once you’ve completed the LSAT with your best score, shift your focus to applications.

Waiting until the next cycle to apply means you can submit applications at the very beginning of the process, giving yourself the best chance of securing admissions and scholarships. This approach also gives you the time you need to research and apply to schools. If you’re applying broadly (and you should), you should probably apply to around 20 schools or more.

Making a Decision

The law school decision-making process involves more than just accepting an offer. You’ll likely receive responses that vary—some schools may offer scholarships, others might accept you without aid, and still others might waitlist you. 

By applying early and broadly, you can increase your chances of receiving multiple offers, including part or complete scholarships or even a stipend.

When the results come in, make a well-informed decision by comparing each offer based on factors such as tuition, job placement rates,  and location. Think carefully about your career goals, and how each law school will help you reach them. And if the right opportunity doesn’t materialize, consider taking a year to reapply with an improved application.

Conclusion

If you’re in a similar situation to Isaac, reaching the T14 or your dream school may be possible, but it depends on securing the highest LSAT score you can and approaching your applications strategically. 

The splitter route isn’t easy, but by focusing on what you can control and not rushing the process, you’ll maximize your chances of receiving offers and scholarships from a range of schools.

If you have more questions about the admissions process, sign up for our upcoming Admissions Course.