Law Schools With Spring Admissions

A minority of ABA-approved law schools offer spring admissions, a January or spring start instead of the standard fall entry, often aimed at applicants who apply late or reapply. Spring cohorts are usually smaller, and not every program offers one. Which schools currently offer a spring or January start is published on each school's own admissions page.

By Ali Unar, JD candidate at Georgetown Law and founder of Lovare Institut. Last updated August 2026. Every figure on this page was verified in August 2026 against the sources listed below.

What are spring admissions at law school?

Spring admissions let you begin law school in January or the spring term instead of the standard fall start. Only a minority of ABA-approved schools offer this option, and spring cohorts are usually smaller than fall classes. Spring entry often suits applicants who decide late, reapply, or need extra time to strengthen an LSAT score.

Which law schools offer spring admissions?

Because spring or January start programs are relatively uncommon, the schools offering them change from year to year. The specific schools offering a spring start are not captured in a single verified dataset here.

Confirm each school's current spring or January start policy on its own admissions page before relying on it.

Who should consider a spring start?

A spring start suits applicants who missed the fall cycle, want to retake the LSAT for a higher score, or received a spring offer from a school they prefer. It can also help candidates who need a semester to line up finances or transcripts. The tradeoff is a smaller entering cohort and a slightly offset academic calendar.

How does spring admission affect aid and timing?

Spring admission can change how scholarships and class scheduling work, since some aid and course sequences are built around the fall cohort. Ask each school how a spring start affects merit aid, course availability, and graduation timing. Your LSAT and GPA against the school's medians still drive whether you are admitted, so target schools accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

Can you start law school in the spring?

Yes, a minority of ABA-approved law schools let you start in January or the spring term instead of the fall. These spring cohorts are usually smaller, and the option is not offered everywhere, so confirm availability on each school's admissions page. Spring entry commonly suits late deciders, reapplicants, and those retaking the LSAT.

What are my chances of getting into law school?

Your chances depend mostly on how your LSAT and GPA compare to each school's published medians, whether you apply for a fall or spring start. Applicants at or above both a school's median LSAT and median GPA are admitted at high rates. Compare your numbers to each school's ABA 509 figures to estimate your odds.

How many law schools should I apply to?

Most applicants apply to roughly 6 to 12 law schools, split across reach, target, and safety tiers based on how their LSAT and GPA compare to each school's medians. If you are considering spring admission, include the few schools that offer it alongside your standard fall-cycle targets to keep your options open.

Verified August 2026.