University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania Law School is one of the oldest and most selective law schools in the country. Located in Philadelphia and known as Penn Law, it consists of a small population of just over 700 students. Individuals are able to explore the areas of law that most interest them, and they are provided with many professional opportunities both before and after graduation. The school has a considerably high passage rate for the bar examination with over 90% of students generally passing successfully. Students are also given chances to interact with the more than 100 faculty members on a regular basis.

Penn Law students are encouraged to seek out specializations in the law field and there are currently more than 20 joint and dual degree programs. They can also participate in classes in other departments and earn certificates in subjects like East Asian Studies or Gender and Sexuality Studies. Some students choose to combine a JD degree with another degree; they can earn an MBA through the Wharton School or a master’s in City and Regional Planning through the School of Design.

By graduation, students must complete at least 70 hours of pro bono work. (Penn was the first law school in the nation to come up with this requirement.) Many individuals become involved in legal clinics during their studies. Another tradition of the school is to participate in public service. However, about 75% of students still choose to go into private practice after graduation.

The school is not just about academics; there are more than 100 student organizations on campus. Groups like Penn Law Boxing and Urban Law Reform are some of the most popular among students. Individuals can also write for the “University of Pennsylvania Law Review,” which is the oldest law journal in the country. While the overall culture of Penn Law academics can be rigorous, students often spend their time following their passion for the law whether that leads them to public service opportunities or a job placement at a top law firm. Students interested in a strong alumni network and dedicated faculty are encouraged to consider Penn Law.

2017 acceptance rate: 17.60%

Number of 2017 applicants: 5,601

Number of 2017 matriculants: 234

LSAT (median): 169

GPA (median): 3.89

LSAT (25 to 75 percentile): 163 to 170

GPA (25 to 75 percentile): 3.54 to 3.94

Early Decision Round 1: Application must be received by November 15. Application file (all required documents) must be complete by December 1. Decisions are sent by December 31.

Early Decision Round 2: Application must be received by January 7. Application file (all required documents) must be complete by January 15. Decisions are sent by January 31.

March 1 is the regular application deadline and the application file (all required documents) must be complete by March 15. Because admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, we encourage applicants to submit their applications well before the deadline.

University of Pennsylvania law school students must start in the fall.

Tuition (2018-2019): $61,608

Room, board and other (2018-2019): $29,784

Total estimated cost of attendance (2018-2019): $91,392

Students who receive grants: 49%

Median grant amount: $20,935

Conditional Scholarships

The University of Pennsylvania Law School does not award conditional scholarships that may be reduced or eliminated based on academic performance other than failure to maintain good academic standing.

Employment Statistics
Employed full-time, long-term, bar passage required: 90.6%
Employed full-time, long-term, JD advantage: 6.3%

Career Placement Results
BigLaw: 58.6%
Federal Clerkships: 10.9%

Transfers
Net Transfers: +5
Transfers Out: 4

Average Bar Passage Differential (first time takers): 16.74%