The Continuing Decline In LSAT Takers

Which states have seen the biggest declines in LSAT takers?

Over at the Law School Tuition Bubble, Matt Leichter noticed that LSAC has released the newest batch of information on LSAT takers.

In particular, LSAC released the most recent numbers on LSAT takers by U.S. state of permanent residence.

Leichter punched the numbers into a chart but it was a little low res for me, so here are some big graphs (click to enlarge):

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Some takeaways:

  • People seem to have gotten the message that maybe law school isn’t the best place to be right now. We already know the “best and the brightest” are avoiding law school in droves.
  • That being said, while LSAT takers continue to trend downwards, they also appear to be leveling off.
  • As Leichter noted, it’s interesting that Minnesota has the largest percentage decline and that two law schools are merging there. Perhaps Minnesota is the canary in the coal mine? Minnesota bears close watching in the next few years.
  • If I were in a law school in a state with over a 40% decline in test takers, I would be nervous about the school’s future.
  • If I were a practicing lawyer in a state with over a 40% decline in test takers, I might start to feel better about the job market in the future.

Anything interesting jump out at you?


Keith Lee practices law at Hamer Law Group, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama. He writes about professional development, the law, the universe, and everything at Associate’s Mind. He is also the author of The Marble and The Sculptor: From Law School To Law Practice (affiliate link), published by the ABA. You can reach him at keith.lee@hamerlawgroup.com or on Twitter at @associatesmind.

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