Kaplan Survey: Law School Applications Up Again; 2026–27 Cycle Likely to Stay Competitive

A Kaplan survey released in late September shows the recent surge in law school applications continued through the 2025–26 admissions year. Applications rose 8% over the prior year, following an 18% increase the year before. Surveyed admissions officers are largely expecting the 2026–27 cycle to be as competitive or more competitive than the last, and they point squarely to the U.S. political climate as a significant factor driving interest in legal careers.

The reported 8% growth in applications builds on a sharp uptick the year before. The survey indicates this trend is not a one-off. More than 90% of admissions officers who responded said they expect the upcoming cycle to match or exceed the previous cycle's competitiveness. That combination of sustained growth and expectations of continuing demand suggests applicants will face higher competition for seats, scholarships, and selective program placements.

Why applicants are flocking to law school

Practical implications for applicants

• Expect competition: With application volumes up and admissions officers bracing for another competitive cycle, applicants should assume lower margins for error in admissions decisions.
• Strengthen every component: Because seats and scholarships are likely to be more contested, applicants should invest time in maximizing academic records, LSAT or credential strengths, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
• Consider timing and fit: Applying early where rolling admissions apply, and targeting schools that align with your background and goals, will help manage risk in a crowded field.

What law schools and admissions teams face

Admissions offices will likely need to process higher volumes, reevaluate scholarship strategies, and manage yield uncertainty. The survey suggests many admissions professionals are preparing for another intense season rather than a slowdown.

The survey summary appears alongside coverage of other legal-education topics, including bar exam results and debates about accreditation. Those issues may shape prospective students' decisions in ways the survey does not measure directly.

Application volumes have risen significantly for a second consecutive year, and admissions officers expect the competitive environment to continue into 2026–27. The U.S. political climate is cited as a central reason for the surge. Prospective applicants should plan for a crowded admissions season and tighten all elements of their candidacy accordingly.