Below please find some updates regarding the current 2024-2025 Application Cycle, as well as a few highlights celebrating the success of students who applied during the previous 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle!
The Current State of the Law Admissions Cycle
It is not uncommon to see increase in application numbers during gubernatorial election years or other times of potential significant changes in law and policy in society. Early LSAT taker numbers indicated that the 2024-2025 was likely to be a more competitive and larger volume cycle than most recent previous years, however, even early predictions of volume have been exceeded at many schools.
Currently, overall applicant numbers are up approximately 20% from last year, with some schools experiencing even greater increases in numbers. Overall LSAT taker numbers are up approximately 17% from last year, with the largest increase found in takers receiving scores in the 165-180 range. Several law schools have reported that they have already reached the same number of total applicants as last year, with many application deadlines still 4-6 weeks from now.
It is an encouraging sign for legal education that so many talented individuals are looking to pursue this profession, however, it does mean that the competition for admission this cycle is very high. Although law schools will have increased volumes of applicants to choose from this year, they will be mindful of the total number of applicants that they can admit and enroll. Law schools will critically assess the total number of students they believe they can fully support in relation to course availability and capacity, providing services and resources, and helping secure full-time positions following graduation. Some schools will admit larger classes this year, however, many schools will maintain very similar class sizes to prior years.
While we are still actively in the midst of the 2024-2025 application cycle, we are beginning to hear from more applicants this year who are receiving positive outcomes. However, application decisions are moving slowly this year and if you are at 24-25 cycle applicant rest assured you are not alone in waiting on responses with many applicants now waiting for some application decisions beyond the general expectation for 6-8 weeks.
If you're applying this cycle keep in mind that increased competition does not automatically mean decreased success. With the right strategy opportunity for success is high!
Looking Back…
As we enter the last months of the 2024-2025 cycle it can be helpful to take encouragement from the success of University of Illinois applicants from years past.
Although we heard from many of last year’s applicants about their successful outcomes, we are excited to share recently confirmed data on the success of our 2023-2024 applicants!
- 90%+ admit rate for University of Illinois seniors…
- Over 2,245 total applications submitted by Illinois applicants…
- Illinois applicants submit an average of 7.7 total applications…
- Over 250 applicants accepted to one or more law school!
- Female applicants made up the majority of Illinois applicants…
- Illinois applicants matriculated to 65 different law schools across the country…
Looking Ahead…
If you are beginning your plans and preparation for the 2025-2026 application cycle, we encourage both University of Illinois students and alumni to begin connecting with the PLAS Office. Below are some resources to get you started!
- Sign-Up for the 2025-2026 Application Bulletin (Bulletins begin in April)
- Determine your general Application Timeline
- Check-Out the 24 Month Application Planner
- Attend an upcoming Application Roadmap Workshop
- Meet with a Pre-Law Advisor!
- Consider an LSAT Study Group this Spring – sign-ups due February 14!
Whatever your stage in the pre-law path – be sure to stay in touch with the Pre-law Advising Office and let us know how we can support your journey to law school!