Top Law Coach School Profile: Cornell Law School
My Top Line: Many applicants are scared off by the cold temperatures and remoteness of Ithaca, but the classic college town is truly "Gorges," as locals joke. The Cornell Law community is small and close-knit, with opportunities in bigger cities after the first year. Acceptance to Cornell Law can be easier than at top-ranked schools in more urban settings.
Cornell Law School, known as Cornell Law, is an Ivy League law school in Ithaca, New York. Cornell Law was established in 1887 and is one of the smallest elite law schools in the U.S.
Is Cornell Law Hard To Get Into?
Cornell Law is one of the best law schools in the United States and is highly selective. The school has an acceptance rate of 15.4 percent, according to the latest available data from Fall 2021.
What GPA Do I Need To Get Into Cornell Law?
If you plan on applying to Cornell Law, you’ll want to have strong credentials, beginning with your GPA. The 25th and 75th percentiles for GPA in 2021 were 3.75 and 3.95, respectively. The median GPA was 3.86, the highest recorded median GPA across the last decade (2011-2021).
What LSAT Score Do I Need To Get Into Cornell Law?
A solid score for a Cornell Law application is a 169 or above. The 25th and 75th percentiles for LSAT scores in 2021 were 169 and 173, respectively. The median LSAT score was 171, the highest recorded median score in the last decade (2011-2021). You can apply to Cornell Law with your GRE scores as an alternative to the LSAT.
[Next Read: Law School Admissions Trends Since the Pandemic]
Is Cornell Law a Good School?
Cornell Law is an Ivy League law school considered one of the best in the United States. The school is a top-tier law institution that produces hundreds of accomplished lawyers each year.
Cornell Law Ranking
Cornell Law is ranked amongst the best law schools in the country. The United States News & World Report’s 2022 rankings placed Cornell 12th on the list of the best law schools in the United States. Cornell Law has consistently remained a part of the “T14,” shorthand for the 14 top law schools in the country.
Cornell Law Acceptance Rate
Cornell Law had an acceptance rate of 15.4 percent for the Fall 2021 admissions. Of those accepted, around 200 students, or 21 percent, enrolled full-time in the 1L class for Fall 2021. The school has historically had a reputation for being highly selective.
Cornell Law Graduation Outcomes
Cornell Law has some of the best graduation outcomes in the country. According to the latest available employment data from 2020, the median salary for 2016-17 Cornell Law graduates was $179,153. Approximately 40.3 percent of these graduates made at least $190,000. Of the 193 total Cornell Law Class of 2021 graduates, 74.1 percent were employed in national law firms, 6.2 percent in public service, and 3.6 percent in federal clerkships. One percent of graduates were employed by small law firms throughout the country.
How Much Does Cornell Law Cost?
According to the 2019-20 data, the average tuition at Cornell Law was $67,833. The total cost of living in Ithaca, New York, including books and living expenses, was $23,524. This amount has increased by 3.12 percent per year over the last five years. About 16.6 percent of students paid the full price of tuition, with the remaining 83.4 percent securing discounts on tuition through scholarships. Half of those students with scholarships successfully secured at least $20,000.
Cornell Law does not provide any conditional scholarships to students. You can learn more about scholarships and student financial aid on the school’s official website.
Does Cornell Law Accept the GRE?
In addition to the LSAT, Cornell Law School accepts GRE scores for admissions. The school receives the GRE reports directly from the ETS (Educational Testing Services). For those applicants submitting GRE scores, declaring five-year scores is a requirement. Failure to disclose scores can lead to an application’s rejection.
What Are the Downsides of Attending Cornell Law?
Cornell Law is located in Ithaca, New York, a small city of roughly 30,000 people which is dominated by Cornell University and Ithaca College. Located roughly four hours from New York City, Ithaca is a far cry from a big city. A predominantly rural area, some people find Ithaca peaceful and beautiful with excellent outdoor sports. By contrast, others can find Ithaca isolated, cold, and boring. Consider whether you’d appreciate the small size and close community of Cornell Law, or if you’d prefer a bigger and livelier campus community.
[Check out Top Law Coach School Profiles for NYU Law, Berkeley Law, and Georgetown Law]
