Law School Recommendation Letter Count Statistics

In this post, we will examine various statistics related to law school recommendation letters, shedding light on the importance of these documents in the admissions process. Insights such as the number of recommendation letters required by top law schools, applicant behaviors, and the preferences of admissions officers will be explored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role these letters play in shaping a candidate’s application.

Statistic 1

"An estimated 45% of law schools consider the source of the recommendation letter as important as the content."

Statistic 2

"Around 40% of applicants feel that their recommendation letters were a significant factor in their acceptance."

Statistic 3

"Most top law schools require at least two recommendation letters."

Statistic 4

"Over 80% of law schools accept up to three recommendation letters."

Statistic 5

"Law schools typically advise that at least one recommendation letter should come from an academic source."

Statistic 6

"Roughly 65% of law schools allow the submission of recommendation letters electronically."

Statistic 7

"60% of applicants who made multiple law school applications used the same recommendation letters for all."

Statistic 8

"Nearly 75% of applicants request recommendation letters from professors."

Statistic 9

"Approximately 70% of applicants submit more than the minimum number of recommendation letters."

Statistic 10

"30% of applicants consider their recommendation letters as outstanding or beyond positive."

Statistic 11

"Only 20% of applicants consult a professional service for drafting or reviewing their recommendation letters."

Statistic 12

"A survey found that 55% of law school admissions officers place high importance on recommendation letters."

Statistic 13

"On average, applicants ask for recommendation letters three months before the application deadlines."

Statistic 14

"Nearly 90% of law schools specify the maximum number of recommendation letters they accept."

Statistic 15

"Only about 10% of applicants submit four or more recommendation letters."

Statistic 16

"More than 60% of applicants follow up with recommenders to ensure timely submission of their letters."

Statistic 17

"About 50% of law schools offer guidance on their websites on how to solicit recommendation letters."

Statistic 18

"Among top 14 (T14) law schools, all but one require at least two recommendation letters."

Statistic 19

"The most competitive law schools often receive recommendation letters recognizing the applicant's critical thinking skills."

Statistic 20

"25% of law schools explicitly state that family members should not write recommendation letters."

The statistics paint a clear picture of the significance of recommendation letters in the law school application process. The majority of law schools value both the content and the source of these letters, with most requiring at least two and accepting up to three letters. It is advised that at least one letter comes from an academic source, and applicants often submit more than the minimum required. While most applicants request letters from professors, only a fraction seek professional assistance in crafting them. The timing of asking for recommendation letters is crucial, with applicants typically requesting them three months in advance. With a substantial percentage of law schools offering guidance on soliciting recommendation letters, it is evident that this aspect plays a key role in the admissions process.