Syracuse University

NY · Private · Mid-Atlantic

Acceptance rate: 35% (2,752 applicants)
Median LSAT: 158 (middle 50%: 154–160)
Median GPA: 3.60 (middle 50%: 3.18–3.77)
Tuition: $64,650 (per year)
Bar passage: 84.8% (+1.0 pts vs. state average)

Deadlines

Priority: March 15, 2027
Complete applications by rolling: July 15, 2027
Binding Early Decision: Jan. 15, 2027

Essays

Personal statement (2 pages maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

Use your personal statement to tell us who you are in ways the rest of your application cannot. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself beyond your numbers and resume. We want to read about the experiences, relationships, and moments that have shaped who you are and led you to law school. What led you to law, and what do you hope to accomplish with your degree?

Why Syracuse (1 page maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

Optional - provide a brief essay regarding your decision to apply to Syracuse University College of Law.

GRE addendum

Applicants must also submit with their application an addendum explaining their choice to take the GRE over the LSAT.

Why JDi statement

Why JDi Statement (if applying to JDinteractive program).

Optional addenda (See application)

Optional Addenda (see application for details)

Editor's notes

Apply early in the fall. Syracuse reviews on a rolling basis for both admission and merit money, starts making offers in January, and says outright that sooner is better. The July 15 deadline is when the door closes, not when you should aim.
Early Decision here is binding and comes with a catch: you'll likely confirm your enrollment before you see your financial aid award. Syracuse says ED admits get the same merit consideration, but you lose the chance to compare offers. Only choose it if Syracuse is your first choice at any price.
With one two-page personal statement and no other essays, the statement does all the talking. Make it specific, and check that the résumé and letters cover different ground so nothing repeats.
Look at who enrolls. The fall 2026 class came from 38 states and 203 colleges, and a third came from New York. If you're from somewhere else, you're typical, not unusual.