How to Get Into Boston College Law School (2025)

How Hard Is It to Get Into Boston College Law School?

Boston College Law School (BC Law) stands out as a competitive institution, consistently ranked 29th among top law schools in the U.S. This places the law school at Boston College alongside other elite programs in terms of academic rigor and prestige.

With an acceptance rate of 11%, BC Law is more selective than many college law schools, including regional competitors, but slightly less so than Ivy League law schools like Harvard, which has an acceptance rate of around 6%.

This balance of accessibility and excellence makes BC Law an attractive option for aspiring legal professionals seeking a top-tier education without the ultra-low odds of admission seen at the most selective schools. With a law school student population of around 700 students, BC Law fosters a vibrant and collaborative community.

Acceptance Rate Over Time

Programs Offered by Boston College Law School

Boston College Law School offers various programs tailored to prepare students for various legal careers:

Juris Doctor (JD) Program: Provides a strong foundation in legal principles and practical skills.

Joint Degree Programs:

• JD/MBA (Business Administration)
• JD/MA (Philosophy)
• JD/MSW (Social Work)

L.L.M. Program: Designed for international students or those with a foreign law degree to deepen their understanding of U.S. law.

Certificate Programs:

• Compliance and Risk Management
• Intellectual Property Law
• Human Rights.

Admissions Requirements — Who Gets Into Boston College Law School?

Boston College Law School seeks students with strong academic backgrounds, diverse experiences, and a commitment to the legal profession. The admissions committee evaluates candidates holistically, considering LSAT or GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and work experience. Leadership roles, community involvement, and a demonstrated interest in public service can also strengthen an application.

Class Profile

Boston College Law School’s incoming class is known for its academic excellence and diverse backgrounds.

• Women: 55%
• Students of Color: 35%
• LGBTQ+: 12%
• STEM Majors: 20%
• International Students: 10%

Boston College Law School’s student-faculty ratio is 6.6:1, which allows students to benefit from personalized attention and mentorship from their professors.

Below are some key statistics for the most recent entering class:

LSAT Scores

• 25th Percentile: 160
• 50th Percentile: 164
• 75th Percentile: 167

A competitive LSAT score is crucial for admission to Boston College Law School. While the 25th percentile score is 160, aiming for a score in the 164–167 range increases your chances of acceptance. Prospective students should focus on consistent study, practice exams, and, if needed, professional tutoring to achieve their target score.

GPA

• 225th Percentile: 3.50
• 50th Percentile: 3.74
• 75th Percentile: 3.88

While a GPA of 3.74 (median) is typical for admitted students, BC Law values a holistic application. Applicants with GPAs closer to the 25th percentile can enhance their profiles by showcasing exceptional LSAT scores, leadership roles, or significant legal experience.

How to Apply to Boston College Law School

Boston College Law School Application Deadlines (2024 - 2025)

• Application Opens: September 2024
• Early Decision Deadline: December 1, 2024
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025
• Rolling Admissions: Decisions released as applications are reviewed, typically by April 2025
• Seat Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025

Application Overview

For a complete Boston College law school overview, here are the essential components you’ll need to prepare for your Boston College Law School application:

• Personal statement - Explain why you want to attend BC Law and your qualifications.
• Resume - Highlight academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements.
• Letters of recommendation - Two are required, preferably from academic or professional sources.
• LSAT/GRE scores - Submit via LSAC.
• Transcripts - Required from all post-secondary institutions.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit a complete application through LSAC. International students must also provide TOEFL scores unless they have completed a degree at an English-speaking institution.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should convey your motivations for pursuing a legal career and attending Boston College Law School (BC Law). To create a compelling statement, follow these guidelines:

1. Start with a strong opening. Begin with a personal anecdote or a unique aspect of your background that highlights your passion for law.
2. Align with bc law’s values. Research the school’s mission and emphasize how your goals and values align with theirs, such as a commitment to public service or social justice.
3. Highlight key achievements. Showcase specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills, leadership, or dedication to the field of law.
4. Be authentic and reflective. Share your personal journey and growth, focusing on experiences that shaped your decision to pursue law.
5. Conclude with a vision. End with a clear articulation of how BC Law will help you achieve your career aspirations and contribute to the legal profession.

Letters of Recommendation

BC Law values recommendations that provide insight into your academic abilities, work ethic, and character. When selecting recommenders, choose individuals who know you well and can provide detailed examples of your skills and accomplishments. Ideal recommenders include professors, employers, or supervisors who can speak to your analytical thinking, leadership qualities, and commitment to the field of law.

To ensure an effective recommendation letter:

• Provide your recommender with a clear understanding of your goals and achievements.
• Share your resume and any relevant academic or professional projects to help them craft a more personalized letter.
• Encourage them to highlight specific instances that demonstrate your suitability for BC Law.

Law School Resume

Your resume should emphasize your academic achievements, professional experiences, and extracurricular involvement. Be sure to include leadership roles, internships, and volunteer work. For personalized assistance, consider consulting with a top law school admissions coach.

Different Types of Applicants — Requirements for Boston College Law School

Boston College Law School welcomes a diverse range of applicants, including international students, career changers, and those pursuing dual-degree programs. Each group has specific requirements to consider:

• International Students - Applicants who earned their undergraduate degree outside the U.S. must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they have completed a degree program at an English-speaking institution. Additionally, they should provide credential evaluations through LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service to ensure academic qualifications meet U.S. standards.
• Career Changers - Applicants transitioning from other professions are encouraged to highlight transferable skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication. Strong letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues in their previous fields can demonstrate their readiness for legal studies.
• Dual-Degree Applicants - Students interested in joint programs, such as the JD/MBA or JD/MSW, must apply separately to each program and meet the respective admissions criteria. Collaboration between BC Law and other graduate schools ensures a seamless application process, but candidates should demonstrate how the dual degrees align with their career goals.

5 Expert Tips on How to Get Into Boston College Law School

Prepare early and strategically

Start studying for the LSAT or GRE at least six months in advance using a structured plan. Focus on practice tests and identify weak areas to improve your score, aiming to meet or exceed BC Law’s median LSAT score of 164.

Read: Top 30+ Free Resources for the LSAT

Tailor your personal statement

Highlight experiences that align with BC Law’s values, such as public service, social justice, or leadership. Demonstrate how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to the school’s community.

Network with the BC Law community

Attend admissions events, webinars, and campus tours to connect with faculty, current students, and alumni. Use these opportunities to gather insights and demonstrate your interest in BC Law.

Emphasize relevant experiences

Highlight internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to the legal field. If possible, include experiences that showcase your leadership, critical thinking, or commitment to community service.

Submit a polished and complete application early

Ensure your application materials, including your resume, letters of recommendation, and personal statement, are error-free and well-organized. Applying early demonstrates enthusiasm and increases your chances of being accepted into a competitive admissions process.

The Bottom Line

Boston College’s law school ranking scores significantly among the top law schools in the U.S., offering a competitive and holistic admissions process. The median LSAT score for accepted students is 164, and the median GPA is 3.74. International students and career changers are encouraged to apply, with tailored support available. BC Law’s programs consistently perform well in law school specialty rankings, particularly in areas like Environmental Law and Health Law.

Take the next step toward your legal career—consult a top law school admissions coach today to perfect your application!

FAQs

How hard is it to get into Boston College Law School?

• With an acceptance rate of 11% and a median LSAT score of 164, Boston College Law is a competitive law school. Strong academics, a compelling personal statement, and relevant experience are key to gaining admission.

What LSAT score do I need for Boston College Law?

• Aiming for an LSAT score between 164–167 will put you in a competitive range for admission, as this falls within the 50th to 75th percentile of recent accepted students.

What GPA do you need to get into BC Law?

• The median GPA for admitted students is 3.74, with most students falling between 3.50 and 3.88. A lower GPA can be offset by a strong LSAT, personal statement, or legal experience.

Does Boston College Law accept the GRE?

• Yes, Boston College Law accepts both the LSAT and GRE. Applicants can submit either test through LSAC as part of their application.

What programs does Boston College Law School offer?

• BC Law offers a JD program, several joint degrees (JD/MBA, JD/MA, JD/MSW), an LL.M. for international students, and certificates in areas like Compliance, IP Law, and Human Rights.