Spring Start Law Schools

Spring-start law schools let you begin the J.D. in January instead of the usual fall term. Only a minority of ABA-approved schools offer a spring start, often as a smaller cohort that later merges with the fall class. A spring start can suit applicants who decide late, need a higher LSAT score, or want extra prep time.

By Ali Unar, JD candidate at Georgetown Law and founder of Lovare Institut. Last updated August 2026. Figures on this page were verified in August 2026 or point readers to the current source.

What are spring-start law schools?

Spring-start law schools admit some first-year students in January rather than the traditional August or fall term. These January entrants often form a smaller cohort that catches up over the summer or merges with the fall 1L class later on. Spring start is much less common than fall entry, and only a minority of ABA-approved schools offer it. about 196 ABA-approved law schools.

Which law schools offer a spring or January start?

A limited set of ABA-approved schools, more often regional programs, run a spring-start or January-admission option, and the roster changes over time. Because it is not a standard feature, the reliable way to find these programs is to check each school's admissions page or ask the admissions office directly. Do not assume a school offers spring entry without confirming. see the linked source (see the linked source).

What are the pros and cons of starting law school in the spring?

Spring start carries clear trade-offs.

• Pros: a path for late deciders, extra time to raise an LSAT score, a smaller starting cohort, and sometimes a second admissions chance.
• Cons: an off-cycle schedule that can complicate summer jobs and on-campus interviewing, a smaller initial network, and less conventional course sequencing.

Is a spring start right for you?

Weigh a spring start against your timeline and goals.

1. Consider whether starting sooner outweighs waiting for a fall cycle.
2. Check whether the spring cohort merges with the fall class and when.
3. Ask how the timing affects summer employment and recruiting.
4. Confirm financial aid and scholarship availability for spring entrants.

Frequently asked questions

Can you start law school in the spring?

Yes, you can start law school in the spring at a minority of ABA-approved schools that offer a January or spring-start option. Most schools admit first-year students only in the fall, so spring entry is the exception rather than the rule. If a spring start appeals to you, confirm which target schools offer it. see the linked source (see the linked source).

Which law schools have a January start?

Only a limited number of ABA-approved schools, more often regional programs, offer a January or spring start, and the list changes over time. Because it is not a standard offering, there is no fixed roster to memorize. Check each target school's admissions page or contact its admissions office to confirm a January start. about 196 ABA-approved law schools.

Is it easier to get in for a spring start?

A spring start can sometimes be a bit easier to gain admission to, since the applicant pool for a smaller off-cycle cohort may be shallower, but this is not guaranteed and varies by school. Admissions standards for spring entrants are generally similar to fall. Treat any perceived edge as school-specific and confirm it rather than assuming. see the linked source (see the linked source).

Does a spring start delay graduation?

A spring start does not necessarily delay graduation, because many programs let January entrants catch up through summer coursework and merge with the fall class. At some schools, spring starters graduate on an off-cycle timeline instead. Ask each school how its spring cohort progresses and when it finishes, since the structure varies. see the linked source (see the linked source).

Sources

• ABA-Approved Law Schools

Verified August 2026.