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Hofstra Law School: Acceptance Rate & Requirements

November 16, 2023
10 min read

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Reviewed by:

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 11/16/23

Want to join a law school where everything is possible? Read on to learn more about how to get into Hofstra Law School!

Hofstra Law School’s mission is to prepare, challenge, and inspire its students to make a real difference in the world. By providing them with a rich education that equips them with the experiential skills needed to thrive in any career, Hofstra produces outstanding leaders. 

Interested in learning more about how you can get into this law school and join its long list of exceptional graduates? This guide has got you covered!

Hofstra Law School Acceptance Rate: 43-44%

Hofstra Law School has an acceptance rate of around 43-44%. While the school hasn’t disclosed specifics on how many students were admitted from the 2023-2024 cycle, it has maintained an acceptance rate between 42-46% over the last few years.  

Year Number of Applicants Number of Accepted Students Acceptance Rate
2023 2,192 n/a ~43-44%
2022 2,264 1,013 44.7%
2021 2,831 1,197 42.2%
2020 2,555 1,174 45.9%

How Hard Is It to Get Into Hofstra Law School?

Getting into Hofstra Law School is moderately challenging. Around 4 out of every 10 applicants successfully secure admission, indicating just under half of them are accepted.

Female and two male students looking at computer screen

Hofstra Law School Programs Offered & Ranking

Hofstra Law offers the following programs to its prospective students:

Programs Offered Length of Program Key Information
Juris Doctor (JD) 3 years A typical JD degree, offered full-time and part-time
Master of Laws (LLM) 1 year A specialized degree in American Legal Studies or Family Law, or an online LLM in Health Law and Policy
JD Dual Degree 4 years Students can pursue a JD along with an MBA or MA in Bioethics

Ranking

Hofstra Law holds the 140th position among the top law schools nationwide. It’s recognized for its excellence in trial advocacy, which stands out as the 22nd best in this field.

Hofstra Law Admissions Statistics

The Hofstra Law School acceptance rate is only moderately competitive, and so are its LSAT and GPA medians

Hofstra Law School Average GPA: 3.6

Hofstra Law School’s median GPA for the 2023 entering class was 3.6. This average is comparatively lower than that of T14 schools, where median GPAs typically hover around 3.9.

Hofstra Law School Average LSAT Score: 156

The entering class of 2023 at Hofstra Law had an average LSAT score of 156. This score falls around the 53rd percentile, which is not considered particularly difficult to achieve. 

Hofstra School of Law Requirements

Checklist

Hofstra Law School searches for individuals who possess a strong academic foundation, critical thinking abilities, a commitment to justice, and a genuine passion for the law. To assess these traits, they require the following application materials:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a subject of your choice
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • LSAT scores
  • A 2-page personal statement
  • A resume that provides a concise and comprehensive overview of your academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements
  • 2 optional letters of recommendation
  • No application fee

Hofstra School of Law Optional Letters of Recommendation

Students may submit two letters of recommendation with their application. These recommendations can provide useful insight into your academic performance, potential, and accomplishments. 

While they are optional, you are highly encouraged to submit these recommendations. They will be best received if written by professors who can attest to your preparedness for law school.

Hofstra School of Law Personal Statement

Your personal statement provides an opportunity for you to present yourself, your background, your ideas, and your qualifications to the judges. 

This application component should humanize you and share aspects of your life and character that are otherwise missing from your application but are crucial for the admissions committee to know. Your statement should be around two pages, double-spaced. 

Most personal statements answer at least one of the following prompts:

  • Why Hofstra?
  • Why law school?
  • What unique personal story has shaped your values and goals?
  • What’s a significant personal or professional challenge you've faced and how has it influenced your goals and character?

Personal Statement Example

"What are you thankful for?" It's a question everyone in my family had to answer as we sat around the Thanksgiving table with rumbling stomachs and eager eyes. There was the usual fare of answers—family, good health, good friends. It became almost routine for me to express gratitude for the tradition itself, thankful that we gathered each year to appreciate one another. However, beneath the sweet gesture lay a reality—I was reaching the end of high school with no clear direction for what came next. No career plans, just a multitude of unanswered questions.
Wanting something more concrete to be thankful for, I decided to take a gap year to figure things out. It just so happened that this year coincided with a wave of protests in and around my hometown, all rallying for climate change advocacy. Amidst the passionate advocates, standing under the blistering heat, I discovered my calling.
The environmental movement became more than a cause; it became a community where I found purpose and passion. We didn't just attend protests; we immersed ourselves in them. We actively engaged with policymakers, scientists, and community leaders to deepen our understanding of the complexities surrounding climate change. It was during these experiences that I recognized the crucial role of law in shaping environmental policy and ensuring accountability.
Participating in protests became a consistent part of my gap year, but it wasn't just about holding signs and chanting slogans. It was about learning—the ins and outs of environmental law, the nuances of policy-making, and the legal battles fought in courtrooms for the protection of our planet. This newfound knowledge transformed my activism into a more informed and strategic pursuit.
The urgency of the cause and the dedication of the activists stirred a sense of responsibility within me. I began to understand that I wanted to contribute meaningfully to this movement, to be part of the solution. This newfound clarity became the compass that guided me as I charted my course toward higher education. My gap year transformed from a period of uncertainty to a transformative journey of self-discovery and commitment.
Applying to Hofstra Law School is the next step in my commitment to effecting change. The intersection of law and the environment is where I see myself making a lasting impact. Hofstra Law, with its reputation for producing graduates dedicated to making a difference, is the ideal place for me to embark on this journey of purpose and impact
As Thanksgiving approaches this year, I look forward to a different kind of gratitude. Instead of vague sentiments, I'll be able to express my thanks for choosing to do more for this Earth and for finding a career that aligns with my values and passions.”
Why It Works

The essay takes a unique approach by starting with a commonplace Thanksgiving question but steers it towards an unconventional path where the author candidly addresses their initial lack of concrete plans and abundance of unanswered questions.

In doing so, the writer demonstrates vulnerability and transparency, which adds depth to their narrative. They also demonstrate how their gap year served as a strategic intervention to navigate this uncertainty, allowing the author to discover and solidify their genuine passion for law. They demonstrate clear drive and motivation. 

Female student writing on paper

Hofstra Law School Tuition & Scholarships

Tuition at Hofstra Law is $68,860 a year. With additional 1L expenses, the total estimated cost to attend Hofstra ranges from $86,693-$103,698 a year for full-time students.

Here are the direct and indirect costs you can expect to pay as a Hofstra Law student:

Expense Cost (Living On Own) Cost (Living on Campus) Cost (Living With Family)
Tuition and Fees $68,860 $68,860 $68,860
Food & Housing $25,303 $21,765 $8,448
Books & Equipment $1,800 $1,800 $1,800
Personal Expenses $4,050 $3,900 $3,900
Stafford Loan Fees $220 $220 $220
PLUS Loan Fees $1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Transportation $1,965 $1,643 $1,965
Total $103,698 $99,688 $86,693

Scholarships

Hofstra Law has a robust merit scholarship program and offers high-achieving students the Legal Scholars Award, which can cover full tuition. Around 96% of the Fall 2023 entering class received financial grants or scholarships.

Hofstra School of Law Application Deadlines

Hofstra Law opens its applications on October 1st, 2023, and closes them on April 15th, 2024 for regular applicants. Hofstra offers a non-binding early action application, which is due November 15th, 2024.

As you begin gathering your application materials for Hofstra, you should keep these key deadlines in mind:

Application Stage Dates & Deadlines
Applications open October 1, 2023
Early action application (nonbinding) deadline November 15, 2023
Early application decision period December 15, 2023
Regular application deadline April 15, 2024
Regular application decision period 6-8 weeks after application completion

Both application types are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning the later you wait to apply, the fewer spots there will be available.

Hofstra School of Law Bar Passage Rate: 73%

Hofstra Law School has a first-time bar passage rate of almost 73%. This rate suggests it effectively prepares its students to meet the expected standards to navigate the complex legal landscape.

Female student studying from book

How to Get Into Hofstra School of Law: 3 Tips to Improve Your Admission Chances

Want to elevate your application? Follow these tips to maximize your chances of getting into Hofstra Law: 

Excel Academically with a Focus on Writing Skills

Hofstra Law places emphasis on strong academic performance. Ensure your undergraduate GPA is competitive, and consider showcasing strong writing skills, as effective communication is crucial in legal practice.

Craft a Personal Statement Reflecting Commitment to Social Justice

Hofstra Law is committed to social justice, so tailor your personal statement to reflect your passion for justice and equity. Share experiences that highlight your dedication to making a positive impact through legal education.

Showcase Relevant Legal and Advocacy Experience

Another one of the crucial tips to get into Hofstra Law is to highlight any legal or advocacy-related experiences in your resume. This could include internships, volunteer work, or involvement in community organizations. Emphasize how these experiences have shaped your understanding of and commitment to the field of law.

What Does Hofstra Law School Look For?

Overall, what Hofstra Law is looking for is candidates who demonstrate a genuine passion for the law, supported by a track record of academic excellence and practical experiences that showcase their dedication to making a positive impact in the legal field. 

FAQs

You can find the answers to any remaining questions about Hofstra Law School below!

1. Is Hofstra Law School Hard to Get Into?

No, Hofstra Law School is not particularly difficult to get into. It has a high acceptance rate and relatively low LSAT and GPA medians.

2. What LSAT Score Do You Need for Hofstra Law School?

Students should aim for an LSAT score of 156 to fall within the competitive range of previous successful applicants.

3. Is Hofstra a Good Law School?

Hofstra Law is generally considered a reputable institution. It offers a strong academic program, emphasizing experiential learning and providing specialized centers in various legal fields. 

With a supportive community, proximity to New York City, and comprehensive career services, Hofstra Law provides students with valuable opportunities for networking and professional development.

4. Can I Get Into Hofstra Law School With a 147 LSAT Score?

Considering Hofstra’s median LSAT score is 156, you will likely not be considered a competitive applicant with a score of 147. Consider retaking the LSAT and working on improving your score.

If you’re set on Hofstra, and the application deadline is fast approaching, you should still apply but strengthen your other application components to try to make up for this low score. Write a compelling personal statement, highlight your other academic achievements, and prove your dedication to the legal field.

If there were extenuating circumstances that led to your low LSAT score, write an addendum so the admissions committee can consider your circumstances when reviewing your application. 

5. What GPA Do I Need to Get Into Hofstra Law School?

Students should aim for a GPA of 3.6 when applying to Hofstra Law. 

Final Thoughts

With strong connections to the bustling New York legal market, expert faculty, and comprehensive curriculums, Hofstra can help you turn all of your ambitions into reality! The possibilities are limitless with this institution, so take the first step and submit a winning application! 

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Plan Smart. Execute Strong. Get Into Your Dream School.

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