Washington University School of Law has quietly become one of the most competitive law schools in the country. With an LSAT median of 175, WashU is no longer flying under the radar. The school is known for its strength in intellectual property, AI and law, environmental law, clinical education, and empirical legal research. Its class of ~261 students makes it smaller than many peer schools, and its campus in St. Louis offers a lower cost of living than coastal alternatives.
This guide walks you through how to get into WashU Law.
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Step 1: Know the Numbers
WashU Law Class of 2028:
- LSAT: 75th: 176 | Median: 175 | 25th: 165
- GPA: 75th: 4.00 | Median: 3.96 | 25th: 3.58
WashU Law Class of 2027:
- LSAT: 75th: 176 | Median: 173 | 25th: 163
- GPA: 75th: 4.00 | Median: 3.96 | 25th: 3.45
WashU’s numbers moved significantly this cycle. The LSAT median jumped from 173 to 175, and the 25th percentile rose from 163 to 165. That 175 median puts WashU in the same statistical range as Yale, Harvard, and Chicago. GPA stayed flat at the median (3.96) but the 25th percentile rose from 3.45 to 3.58, tightening the floor.
The wide LSAT spread (165 to 176) is worth noting. It means WashU is still willing to take applicants in the mid-160s if the rest of the application is strong, but the center of gravity has shifted dramatically upward. Splitters with a 175+ LSAT and a below-median GPA still have a path. Reverse splitters face a steeper climb given how high the LSAT floor has risen.
Aim to be at or above at least one median to be competitive. Above both puts you in a stronger position. Below both medians, this is a prayer, not a reach.
For context on how medians affect your strategy, see How to Build a Smart Law School List.
Step 2: Written Statements and Essays
Personal Statement
WashU’s prompt is open-ended: write about significant experiences and sources of personal motivation. The statement should be approximately one to three pages, double-spaced. WashU looks for authenticity and a genuine voice; the statement should explain why you want to go to law school and show why you will succeed as a law student.
For more on how to write a personal statement, see my Personal Statement Examples and Personal Statement Guide.
Experiences, Perspectives, Skills, and Character Qualities (Diversity / Perspective Statement) (Optional)
WashU invites you to share information about your experiences and perspectives that would contribute to the educational environment. The school notes that providing race, ethnicity, and/or gender identity is always optional and not a factor in admissions or scholarship decisions. The prompt focuses on unique perspectives, skills, and character qualities that improve classroom discussion and community.
For more on how to write a diversity or perspective statement, see my Diversity Statement Examples and Diversity Statement Guide.
Why WashU Law Addendum (Optional)
WashU allows you to submit an optional addendum addressing your specific interest in WashU Law and its areas of expertise. The application specifically mentions WashU’s leadership in legal AI education as one example.
For more on how to write a Why X essay, see my Why X Essay Guide.
For more on making all of these essays work together, see my Cohesive Narrative Guide.
Addenda (Optional)
WashU’s published admissions guidance describes optional addenda as a place to explain lived experiences and distinct perspectives you would bring to the class. The experience need not be an unusual achievement; focus on what it adds to the committee’s understanding of your application.
Character and Fitness (Required if applicable)
Disclosure questions. WashU’s published JD admissions guidance says applicants must answer character and fitness questions about matters including past legal proceedings and undergraduate disciplinary actions. Use the current application for the exact questions and exclusions.
Explanations. For any yes answer, provide a conduct explanation describing the matter.
I’ll be publishing a guide to addenda and character and fitness.
Step 3: Resume
Upload your resume with your application. There is no stated page limit, but 1-2 pages is standard.
Tips:
- Focus on outcomes and contributions, not just titles
- Strong verb + result + concise framing
- Include professional, academic, leadership, and service experience
- Leave off high school unless something is exceptional
For more on preparing your resume, see my Resume Examples and Resume Guide.
Step 4: Letters of Recommendation
WashU does not require letters of recommendation, but recommends submitting two (you may submit up to four). Letters can be submitted through LSAC. At least one should be academic if you are a recent graduate. If you have been out of school for several years, professional letters from supervisors who can speak to your analytical skills and writing are appropriate.
Choose recommenders who can write with specifics. A detailed, evidence-rich letter will always outperform a vague endorsement.
For more on recommendations, see my LOR Guide (Applicants) and LOR Guide (Writers).
Step 5: Interviews
WashU offers interviews as part of the admissions process. Based on recent applicant reports, interviews are conducted by admissions officers and typically last 10-15 minutes. Common questions include why WashU, why law, a time you showed resilience, career plans, and something fun about yourself.
Prepare as you would for any professional conversation. Have a clear answer for “Why WashU” that goes beyond rankings. Be ready to discuss your resume and goals. Follow up with a thank-you email.
Step 6: Deadlines and Early Decision
Application Mechanics
WashU has no application fee. You can apply through LSAC or directly on WashU’s website. WashU accepts the LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next. If you have taken both the LSAT and the GRE, the LSAT score takes precedence. If you’re considering the GRE, read my LSAT vs. GRE guide before deciding.
Deadlines
- Binding Early Decision: No deadline. WashU’s ED program is rolling: you can apply ED at any point during the cycle. ED applicants receive a decision and, if admitted, a scholarship award (at least 50% tuition) within two weeks of completing their application, resume, personal statement, transcript(s), and a personal interview with the Office of Admissions. If admitted through ED, you must withdraw all other applications and commit to attend within two business days.
- Regular Decision: Rolling admissions. Apply early for best results.
- Application opens: September, via LSAC or directly on WashU’s website.
WashU evaluates applications on a rolling basis. In recent cycles, WashU has delayed issuing decisions until January rather than starting in September as it historically did, likely to evaluate the full applicant pool before setting admissions targets. Earlier applications generally receive earlier decisions and stronger scholarship consideration.
For a full breakdown of early decision strategy, see Should You Apply Early Decision to Law School?
Step 7: Scholarships
Merit Scholarships
All admitted applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. WashU’s scholarships are unconditional: once awarded, they renew for the full three years as long as you remain in good academic standing.
Webster Society Scholarship
WashU’s flagship public interest scholarship provides full tuition for three years plus an annual stipend to entering JD students with exemplary academic credentials and an established commitment to public service. Webster Scholars participate in a dedicated speaker series, mentorship programming, and a dinner hosted by the university chancellor.
Need-Based Aid
WashU offers need-based grants and participates in federal financial aid programs. File FAFSA for loan eligibility.
Loan Repayment Assistance (LRAP)
The Mel Brown Family Loan Repayment Assistance Program supports graduates beginning careers in public service positions.
For more on scholarship strategy, see How to Negotiate Law School Scholarships.
Step 8: What WashU Law Is Known For
Clinics
WashU operates 20 distinct clinics and externships, and every interested JD student is guaranteed at least one clinical or externship experience during their second or third year. Key clinics include:
- Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic: Teams of law students and students from other WashU schools provide legal and technical assistance on environmental and community health issues. Professors Tara Rocque and Elizabeth Hubertz lead the clinic and were finalists for the William H. Danforth St. Louis Confluence Award for environmental justice advocacy. The clinic’s landmark 2019 report on environmental racism in St. Louis catalyzed community partnerships.
- Civil Rights, Community Justice, and Mediation Clinic: Directed by Professor Karen Tokarz, the Charles Nagel Professor of Public Interest Law. Students handle discrimination cases and provide free mediation services in eviction courts. In 2023, the Mediation Project assisted 1,500 tenant households with pre-filing eviction mediations and received a $1.4 million grant to expand.
- Appellate Clinic: Students brief and argue cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Recent wins include a First Amendment retaliation appeal in the Eighth Circuit and an excessive-force appeal in the Fourth Circuit.
- Wrongful Conviction Clinic: Co-directed by Tricia Rojo Bushnell (Executive Director of the Midwest Innocence Project) and Megan Crane. Represents clients convicted of crimes they did not commit in Missouri and neighboring states.
- First Amendment Clinic: Defends free speech, press, assembly, and petition rights through direct client representation. Has represented the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in obtaining court orders to unseal documents in cases of public interest.
- Entrepreneurship and Intellectual Property Law Clinic: Students advise startups and nonprofits on entity formation, IP strategy, and compliance.
- Criminal Justice Clinic: Students work with the Missouri State Public Defenders System on criminal defense matters.
- Children’s Rights Clinic: Representation of children in legal proceedings.
- Congressional and Administrative Law Externship: Third-year students spend a semester in Washington, DC, working for Congressional offices or federal agencies.
- Government Lawyering Externship: Students work in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Signature Programs and Research Centers
- The Cordell Institute: Focuses on intellectual property and technology law. Co-directed by Professor Neil Richards, whose research addresses privacy law and the regulation of AI-powered technologies.
- Center for Empirical Research in the Law (CERL): Directed by Professor Pauline Kim. Supports faculty and student research using data-driven methodology to study legal questions. A distinctive resource for students interested in quantitative approaches to law.
- Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute: A center for instruction and research in international and comparative law, named for the Nuremberg prosecutor. Professor Leila Nadya Sadat, a leading voice on international criminal justice, directed the Institute from 2007 to 2021 and remains a driving force in its mission.
- AI Collaborative at WashU Law: Launched in spring 2025. WashU became one of the first law schools in the country to provide formal AI training to students and faculty. Faculty across the school are integrating AI into research and teaching.
- Law and Business Concentration: Students can take courses across the law school and the Olin Business School.
Notable Faculty
- Neil Richards: Koch Distinguished Professor in Law and co-director of the Cordell Institute. Leading scholar on privacy law, information governance, and the regulation of AI. Author of influential work on trust and digital technology.
- Pauline Kim: Director of CERL. Research on AI-driven decision-making in employment, housing, and credit markets.
- Leila Nadya Sadat: James Carr Professor of International Criminal Law. Former longtime director of the Whitney R. Harris World Law Institute (2007-2021). Leading authority on the International Criminal Court and crimes against humanity. Published in CNN, consulted by international bodies.
- Jonathan Choi: Specializes in AI and law, applying natural language processing to empirically study tax law, statutory interpretation, and judicial behavior. One of the first scholars to rigorously test large language models on legal tasks.
- Travis Crum: Expert on voting rights and the Voting Rights Act. Published in the Columbia Law Review on race-based redistricting.
- Rachel Sachs: Health law scholar. Published on drug approval policy and the intersection of FDA regulation and public health.
Journals
- Washington University Law Review: Founded 1915. One of the oldest and most respected law reviews in the country. Publishes six issues per year. Publishes scholarly analysis of legal issues.
- Washington University Journal of Law and Policy: Symposium-based publication centering each volume around a specific theme. Explores law through interdisciplinary and global perspectives.
- Washington University Global Studies Law Review: Student-edited international legal journal.
- Washington University Jurisprudence Review: The only student-edited, in-print journal of law and philosophy in the United States.
Pro Bono and Experiential Learning
WashU guarantees summer funding for 1L students working in public service internships. The Public Interest Law and Policy Speakers Series brings 10 prominent lecturers to campus annually. The Trial and Advocacy Program (TAP) has won the Emil Gumpert Award for Excellence in Teaching Trial Advocacy from the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Culture and Environment
WashU’s smaller class size (~261) creates a tighter community than many peer schools. Half of all first-year courses are taught in small sections of 45 or fewer students. Faculty are accessible and engaged. The law school occupies Anheuser-Busch and Seigle Halls on the main university campus.
St. Louis is significantly more affordable than peer-school cities. The cost of living advantage stretches scholarship dollars further. The city has a growing food scene, professional sports, and access to Forest Park (one of the largest urban parks in the country). The St. Louis legal market includes dozens of major corporate headquarters, creating a strong local market for firm placements, with national reach through OCI.
Step 9: Tips for Your Why WashU Essay
The optional Why WashU addendum is your chance to demonstrate genuine, researched interest. Here is how to make the most of it:
Do real research. Talk to current students or alumni. Look into a professor whose work connects to your goals. Identify a clinic where your background would let you contribute. WashU’s AI Collaborative, Cordell Institute, and environmental justice work are all distinctive, but only cite them if they connect to your actual interests.
Connect your goals to what WashU specifically offers. If you are interested in tech policy, reference the AI Collaborative and Professor Choi’s NLP research. If environmental justice is your path, the Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic is a natural fit. If you want to pursue empirical legal research, CERL is nearly unmatched.
It is fine to build on your personal statement. If your PS establishes a legal interest, this addendum is a natural place to show how that interest led you to WashU specifically. Just make sure you are adding school-specific substance.
Avoid generic statements. “WashU has a great reputation and a rising ranking” says nothing useful. “Professor Kim’s research on algorithmic decision-making in hiring aligns with my experience auditing automated HR tools at [Company]” is the level of specificity that stands out.
Want Help Getting Into WashU Law?
WashU’s numbers have risen dramatically, but the school still values more than stats. The flexibility of the application (optional essays, emailed materials) means you have room to shape how you present yourself. Use that flexibility strategically.
If you want my help, you know what to do.
Explore my services Book a free consultation
For school-specific strategies, check out my deep dives on Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Chicago, Columbia, NYU, Penn, UVA, Michigan, Duke, Northwestern, Berkeley, Cornell, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt.
Related Reading
→ How to Build a Smart Law School List
→ Should You Apply Early Decision to Law School?
→ How to Negotiate Law School Scholarships
→ 6 Proven Steps to Get Off a Law School Waitlist
→ How to Get Into Law School Below Both Medians
→ What Holistic Law School Admissions Really Means
→ Blog Directory
Note: While I try to keep this guide up to date, always verify deadlines, requirements, and policies at the WashU Law website before applying.
Think you spotted an outdated requirement or something that doesn’t look right? Email moshe@sharperstatements.com with the school and a link to the current information.