What does it take to get into the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law? The utah law school acceptance rate is one of the first numbers prospective students search for, since it offers a quick benchmark for how competitive admission really is.
This guide breaks down recent admissions data, score ranges, and practical steps to strengthen your application.
Overview of this Law School
The S.J. Quinney College of Law is the University of Utah’s only law school and one of the most respected public programs in the Mountain West region. Located in Salt Lake City, it offers strong programs in natural resources, environmental law, and litigation, plus a well-regarded clinical program.
Its moderate class size allows close faculty mentorship and a competitive edge in regional markets like Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden.
Admitted Students’ Score Range
LSAT Scores
Based on the most recently available cycle, admitted students typically post:
- Median LSAT: approximately 161–163
- 25th to 75th percentile: roughly 156 to 165
GPA Scores
- Median GPA: approximately 3.65–3.75
- 25th to 75th percentile: roughly 3.40 to 3.85
These figures reflect recent trends and can shift each cycle, so treat them as benchmarks rather than exact targets.
Class Size and Acceptance Rate
The College of Law typically enrolls around 100 to 110 students each fall, with applicant volume between 900 and 1,100 candidates per cycle.
Based on these figures, the utah law school acceptance rate typically falls between 30 and 40 percent, making it moderately selective compared to many regional and national law schools. Rates fluctuate year to year based on applicant pool strength and available seats.
How to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance
LSAT Prep Strategy
Aim to test at or above the school’s median score. Use official LSAC practice exams, review timed sections weekly, and target weak areas like logical reasoning instead of generic studying.
Personal Statement
Skip the generic “why I want to be a lawyer” narrative. Connect a specific experience to your motivation, and consider mentioning interest in Utah’s strengths, such as natural resources or environmental law.
Letters of Recommendation
Choose recommenders who know your analytical and writing abilities well, such as professors or supervisors, rather than those with the most prestigious titles.
Work Experience
Paralegal work, internships, research roles, or leadership positions can strengthen an application, especially for candidates with a GPA slightly below the median.
Application Timing
Submit in the fall, ideally by December. Many programs use rolling admissions, so early applications generally improve your odds as seats fill.
Final Thoughts / Quick Summary
S.J. Quinney College of Law offers a solid legal education with a moderately competitive admissions process. A median LSAT near 161–163 and GPA around 3.65–3.75 puts applicants in a strong position, while an acceptance rate of 30 to 40 percent means a well-crafted application still matters.
Focus on LSAT preparation, a genuine personal statement, and early submission to maximize your chances.
Disclaimer: Admissions statistics, including LSAT scores, GPA figures, and acceptance rates, vary from year to year. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or admissions advice. Readers should confirm current figures directly on the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law’s official admissions page or through official ABA 509 disclosures before making application decisions.