Boston College Law School: Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements

Are you interested in becoming part of a dedicated community of faculty, students, and alumni at Boston College Law School? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the school, its admission requirements, and what it takes to gain acceptance.

Overview of Boston College Law School

Founded in 1929 and nestled on a 40-acre wooded campus in Newton, Massachusetts, just minutes from downtown Boston, Boston College Law School (BC Law) is one of the six professional graduate schools at Boston College. BC Law combines an academically challenging curriculum focused on legal doctrine, research, writing, and analysis with a diverse set of over 200 elective courses and a wide range of options for immersive practical experience.

Reflecting its Jesuit heritage, BC Law has established programs in human rights, social justice, and public interest law. BC Law's attention to mentoring relationships goes far beyond the classroom walls. The school’s 13,000 alumni make up a deep and supportive network that will serve as the foundation of a graduate’s professional life for decades to come. BC Law graduates often refer to their time in law school as some of the best years of their lives, and their fondness for the school shows in their enthusiasm and support.

Boston is one of the country’s leading centers for major law firms and corporations-including many high-tech and biotech companies-as well as government agencies and nonprofits. The school’s clinical and externship programs take full advantage of these opportunities to immerse students in the kinds of experiences that help them learn what it means to practice law.

Acceptance Rate

Admission to BC Law is among the most selective in the United States. In the most recent admissions cycle, Boston College Law received about 6,128 applicants and offered admission to 813 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 13.3%. This makes BC Law more selective than many college law schools, including regional competitors, but slightly less so than Ivy League law schools like Harvard.

Here’s a look at the acceptance rate over time:

	Class of 2027	Class of 2026	Class of 2025	Class of 2024	Class of 2023
Applications Received	7,235	7,100	6,950	6,800	6,500
Offers of Admission	793	810	825	840	850
Enrolled 1Ls	560	550	540	530	520
Acceptance Rate	11%	11.4%	11.9%	12.4%	12.9%
Yield	70.6%	68%	65.5%	63.1%	61.2%

Admission Requirements

While the Boston College Law School acceptance rate may seem intimidating, gaining admission to this law school is not impossible! BC Law values academic excellence and looks for applicants who have demonstrated strong academic performance, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine passion for learning. However, they recognize that academic achievements alone do not define a candidate's potential for success in law school. In addition to academic credentials, BC Law considers the personal qualities and experiences that applicants bring to the table. They value students who have a sense of purpose, integrity, and a commitment to social justice.

BC Law seeks to ensure its students are good for the community-students who enhance society while gaining experiences that will enable them to excel. Ultimately, they approach admissions holistically, examining the entirety of prospective students’ potential and experiences-including any extenuating circumstances.

Here is a complete list of the application materials BC Law uses to assess these traits:

GPA: BC Law’s matriculants in the most recent cycle had a median GPA of 3.8. The 25th percentile was 3.64 and the 75th percentile was 3.89. Students should aim for a GPA of at least 3.8 to be considered competitive applicants.
LSAT/GRE Score: BC Law gives students the option to submit either an LSAT or GRE score, with no preference for one over the other. The median Boston College Law School LSAT score of matriculants was 167.
Personal Statement: Students are required to submit a personal statement demonstrating their interest in and capacity to study law. This statement should be up to three pages, double-spaced, and highlight your experiences, motivations, and aspirations related to pursuing a legal education at Boston College Law School.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required by all BC Law applicants. These letters will be most meaningful if they’re written by professors that taught you and can attest to your potential to succeed in law school.
Resume: BC Law also asks that its applicants prepare a comprehensive resume that outlines their educational background, work experience, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and any other relevant accomplishments or qualifications. Your resume should be one to two pages long.
Optional Essays: Students have the option to submit a diversity essay or addendum if they feel it will help the admissions committee make the most informed decision. Your diversity statement should expand on your background, experiences, perspectives, or any other factors that contribute to your unique identity. Your addendum, on the other hand, should explain any weak parts of your application, like a low GPA or LSAT score.
Transcripts: Required from all post-secondary institutions.
TOEFL Scores: International students must also provide TOEFL scores unless they have completed a degree at an English-speaking institution.

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:

Statistic	Average	25th Percentile	50th Percentile (Median)	75th Percentile	Range
GPA	3.74	3.50	3.74	3.88	3.0-4.0
LSAT	164	160	164	167	150-170
GRE Quant	157	155	157	160	150-165
GRE Verbal	160	157	160	163	155-165
GRE Writing	4.5	4.0	4.5	5.0	4.0-5.5

Application Process and Deadlines

Applications to BC Law School are submitted through LSAC.

Here are the Boston College Law School Application Deadlines for 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

Early Decision applications at BC are binding, meaning students must commit to attending this law school if they are accepted into it. Applicants who apply Early Decision will receive an expedited review, with special consideration that BC Law is the applicant's first choice.

Read also: History of the BU Bridge

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.

How to Craft a Compelling 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:

Start with a strong opening: Begin with a personal anecdote or a unique aspect of your background that highlights your passion for law.
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.
Highlight key achievements: Showcase specific accomplishments that demonstrate your skills, leadership, or dedication to the field of law.
Be authentic and reflective: Share your personal journey and growth, focusing on experiences that shaped your decision to pursue law.
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.

Securing Effective 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.

Building a Strong 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.

Different Types of Applicants

Boston College Law School welcomes a diverse range of applicants, including international students, career changers, and those pursuing dual-degree programs.

International Students: International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores unless they have completed a degree program at an English-speaking institution.
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.

Programs Offered

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. In the first year, all students take Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Property Law, Criminal Law, and Torts. In addition, an intensive, two-semester legal reasoning, research, and writing course called Law Practice is required. In the spring semester, students are allowed to take a three-credit experiential learning elective. These typically include courses such as Deals and Disputes, Evidence, Introduction to Civil Litigation Practice, Legal Interviewing and Counseling, and Negotiation.
Joint Degree Programs:
- JD/MBA (Business Administration)
- JD/MA (Philosophy)
- JD/MSW (Social Work)
L.L.M. law.
Certificate Programs:
- Compliance and Risk Management
- Intellectual Property Law
- Human Rights

BC Law students are encouraged to participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities, from traditional clinical programs and long- or short-term externship, to skills-based courses and advocacy programs. BC Law houses its clinical and externship programs within the Center for Experiential Learning. The center includes the Legal Services LAB, a working law firm staffed by students and faculty serving clients from local communities.

Selected students have the opportunity to participate in BC Law student journals, including the prestigious Boston College Law Review. Boston College Law School also supports nearly a dozen different internal competitions, including negotiation, client counseling, moot court, and mock trial. In addition, selected students may compete in national and international moot court competitions judged by faculty, state and federal judges, and practicing attorneys. These competitions allow students to enhance negotiation, counseling, and oral advocacy skills. BC Law students consistently outperform their peers.

Tuition and Financial Aid

At $69,600 for tuition alone, attending BC Law will be a huge financial investment. Along with your tuition, you will have other expenses such as transportation, books, supplies, and housing. With all of these expenses combined, the median first-year BC Law student can expect to pay over $71,415.

Fortunately, BC Law considers all entering students for merit-based scholarships to help reduce their costs of tuition. They all offer several other scholarships, including their notable Ruth-Arlene W. Howe Black Student Leadership Program, which awards $5,000 scholarships to two current students to be used towards their tuition. You can also earn merit scholarships and public service scholarships to help pay for your schooling, as well as outside scholarships and loans. Both full-time and part-time students can also earn money through student employment programs and opportunities.

Nearly 90 percent of incoming students are awarded financial aid, and 94 percent of these students receive scholarship assistance as part of their financial aid awards. Select students are named dean’s scholars and are awarded full-tuition scholarships. Other entering students are awarded full-tuition public service scholarships because of their demonstrated commitment to public interest law. Scholarships awarded for the first year will be automatically renewed for the second and third years provided that students make satisfactory academic progress.

The Financial Aid Office administers the Law School’s scholarship program, federal and private loan programs, and the Federal Work-Study Program. All prospective students admitted to the law school are considered for merit scholarships.

Life at BC Law

The BC Law campus is designed to foster the growth of community and to provide a learning environment that allows for both formal and informal interaction among faculty, students, and staff. The law library encourages individual or group study, with its desk and lounge areas, computer centers, audiovisual resource rooms, and private study rooms. With its soaring atrium entry and light-filled spaces, the East Wing includes classrooms and faculty offices, administrative offices for a career services center and a career resources library, two conference rooms, and the John J. and Mary Daly Curtin Center for Public Interest Law (a suite of offices for student groups working on public service projects). The East Wing’s brick exterior complements the law library and the Stuart House administration building, as well as the Barat House building, home of the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy. The three buildings form an attractive courtyard for outdoor use by the law school community. The school’s Center for Experiential Learning is housed in the Smith Wing and provides a central location for students, faculty, and clients working together on clinical and externship programs. All academic, administrative, library, and service facilities are accessible to persons with physical disabilities.

BC Law is a unique community focused upon the development of the whole person, nurturing students not just academically, but socially and spiritually as well. The school has a vibrant social life. The Law Student Association (LSA) and 40 other active student groups host many scholarly events during the year, including distinguished speakers and lecturers, relevant film screenings and discussion panels, and jointly sponsored events during Diversity Month, such as Culture Shock, which examines the role of privilege in society. The school holds a welcome reception in the fall, as well as dean’s office-hosted events, such as Oktoberfest and Harvest Desserts, town meetings, and mentoring programs with faculty and alumni.

The dedicated staff at the Boston College Office of Residential Life’s Off-Campus Housing Office provides services and resources to all graduate students in their housing search. Each year, the Office of Residential Life hosts a housing fair to help in the search for housing in local neighborhoods. The Roommate Finder and Roommate Locator are online databases for students seeking roommates to occupy a current or new apartment.

BC Law has an associate dean for external relations, diversity, and inclusion who focuses on assisting our diverse students in acclimating to law school and the legal profession through special events and workshops, as well as pipeline programs with law firms, corporations, and nonprofits. Home to the John and Mary Daly Curtin Center for Public Interest Law programs, BC Law has a long, celebrated tradition of public service. The Office of Career Services has a dedicated director of public interest programs who helps coordinate the school’s various efforts (including the Public Interest Designation Program, Pro Bono Program, spring break trips to Navajo Nation, immigration-focused projects, and service to areas of need such as New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina) and advises students pursuing careers in public service. BC Law’s public interest scholarships assist students with tuition, and the school’s Francis X. Bellotti Loan Repayment Assistance and Forgiveness Program (LRAP) assists with debt relief for graduates working in public interest-related positions.

Career Opportunities

The Career Services Office assists students and alumni in identifying their talents and finding meaningful employment. The office offers over 130 career-development programs throughout the academic year. Our signature program, 1L Bootcamp, sets the stage with early professional skill development and significant practitioner and practice-area exposure. At the heart of what we do is working one-on-one with every student who walks through our door. Annually, our team spends nearly 2,000 hours providing career counseling.

The alumni of Boston College Law School are passionate about their commitment to help current students. Nearly every week, alumni are on campus to help out with programming. Beyond campus, Boston College Law School alumni are very approachable. This is especially important to those who are beginning to form their professional networks.

After completing their JD program at Boston College Law School, graduates entering private law firms earn a median starting salary of $215,000. JD graduates pursuing public sector legal careers start at approximately $68,000. Additionally, 7.6% of graduates obtain prestigious judicial clerkships, and 10.1% pursue public interest law careers. of JD graduates were employed at jobs that required a JD within 10 months of graduation. For JD graduates from Boston College Law School, the bar exam pass rate is 95.9% on the first attempt.

The Boston area is a new lawyer’s dream, with thousands of law firms, a variety of industries, and the support of BC Law alumni who live and work here.

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.
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.

Is BC Law Right for You?

BC Law is one of the most cost-effective private law schools in the nation. Our Office of Admissions and Financial Aid is committed to serving the needs of our students. We provide information and support regarding scholarship aid, federal and private loans, work-study, budgeting, and debt management. Our community is diverse-in backgrounds, interests, and experiences.

BC Law faculty foster collaborative relationships and encourage teamwork and support, both academically and personally. The curriculum is designed to help students develop the framework needed to become leaders who can adapt successfully to changes in society and the legal profession. BC Law’s attention to mentoring relationships goes far beyond the classroom walls. The school’s 13,000 alumni make up a deep and supportive network that will serve as the foundation of a graduate’s professional life for decades to come.

With a law school student population of around 700 students, BC Law fosters a vibrant and collaborative community.

FAQs

1. Is Boston College a Good Law School?

Yes, Boston College Law School is widely recognized as a reputable and respected institution for legal education. It has established itself as one of the top law schools in the country and is well known for its rigorous programs, distinguished faculty, and unparalleled opportunities.

2. Is Boston College Law School Hard to Get Into?

Based on the BC Law School acceptance rate, this law school is highly selective. It will be challenging to get into, but not impossible! You can maximize your chances of success by demonstrating a strong academic record, submitting a well-crafted personal statement, and securing strong letters of recommendation. Ensure that your application also reflects your achievements, experiences, and commitment to pursuing a career in law.

3. What LSAT Score Do I Need to Get Into Boston College?

BC Law does not have LSAT cut-offs and there isn’t any guarantee you will get into this law school with a certain score. However, to ensure you present the most competitive application, you should aim for an LSAT score of around 167. 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.

4. What GPA Should I Have to Get Into BC Law School?

Students should aim for a GPA of at least 3.8 to be considered competitive applicants. 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.

5. What Sets Boston College Law School Apart From Other Law Schools?

BC Law provides a unique educational environment that prepares students for impactful legal careers. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, it fosters a values-based education, emphasizing ethics and social justice. The law school offers a holistic approach to legal education, integrating theory with practical skills and encouraging students to consider the broader impact of the law. It offers numerous externships, clinics, and pro bono opportunities and is located in Boston, a legal hub teaming with opportunity.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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