Law School Admissions: This year…
By Daryl CapuanoGeneral Education Advice“Why this year?!” Deena was nearly in tears.
I knew Deena since she was a high school student at East Lyme High School and worked on SAT prep and college counseling. Now we were working on LSAT Prep and law school admissions counseling.
I know. Not to self-reference, but I applied to law school – many moons ago- in a similar time. Law school admissions had shot up. I know I would have been admitted to Harvard the previous year – haha – so I will always claim!!!
Nonetheless, it worked out for me and it will work out for those who (1) prepare vigorously and (2) really want to become lawyers.
Nonetheless, the facts are worth noting:
In recent admissions cycles, law schools across the U.S. have witnessed a striking rebound in applicant numbers. In 2025, applicants rose by about 18 % year-over-year — the most significant single‑year jump since the early 2000s. lsac.org+4Reuters+4University at Buffalo School of Law+4 Some institutions are reporting application increases in the 20‑30 % range. Boston University+2ABA Journal+2
This uptick follows smaller but consistent growth in 2024 (approximately +5.7 %) and builds on signs of renewed optimism for legal careers after years of quieter enrollment trends. Reuters+2LawHub+2
What’s Driving the Increase?
1. Economic uncertainty & job market softness
With a challenging early‑career job market, many recent college graduates are looking at law school as a pathway to stability, prestige, and clearer career trajectory. Newsweek+3Boston University+3Reuters+3 The perception that legal careers still offer “safe-ish” returns is influencing more applicants to convert interest into applications.
2. Heightened civic, social & political engagement
Given the proliferation of legal issues in public discourse — around AI, civil rights, climate legislation, and regulatory battles — many prospective students view law as a vehicle for influence and justice. Boston University+2University at Buffalo School of Law+2 In years of political transition, interest tends to intensify. Newsweek+2Axios+2
3. Changes to the LSAT / test landscape
The LSAT has undergone structural changes (e.g. removal of the Analytical Reasoning (“logic games”) section) that may have eased some barriers or shifted preparation strategies. lsac.org+3University at Buffalo School of Law+3Milestone College Prep+3 Meanwhile, more test takers and higher average scores mean stronger applicant pools. University at Buffalo School of Law+2lsac.org+2
4. The “pent-up” or “delayed application” effect
Some of the surge may reflect deferred decisions — people who postponed applying earlier due to uncertainty (e.g. during pandemic years or policy changes) now coming forward in force. ABA Journal+1 Some schools suggest that delayed cycles or application timing shifts have distorted year-to-year comparisons. 2Civility+1
If you need help with law school admissions, I understand and am happy to help.

CEO, The Learning Consultants and Connecticut’s top private education consultant
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