Kaplan Survey: Political Climate and 2024 Election Results Are Driving Law School Applicant Surge
Among other survey results:
- Group Thinking: 52 percent say it’s important for them to attend a law school where their fellow students generally share their own political and/or social beliefs.
- Fitting In: 38 percent say they are concerned about how their personal political views will be received by other law school students and/or faculty and administrators.
- Speaking Out: 64 percent believe that law schools should issue official statements addressing important current events that impact society. This comes at a time when many higher education leaders are struggling with how to address major public policy changes.
- Future Candidates: 31 percent of pre-law students say they would consider running for office at some point in their career.
“We know there’s a surge in law school applications—and our survey helps explain why, pointing to today’s charged political climate and 2024 election as key motivators. Many aspiring lawyers aren’t just thinking about practicing law—they’re thinking about shaping policy, driving systemic change, and even running for office. It’s a pattern we saw after the 2016 election, and it’s repeating now. While concerns about a possible recession may also be influencing decisions, politics stands out. Still, law school is a major, long-term investment—make sure it’s a path you’re passionate about pursuing.”
For more information, contact
*Based on the results of a Kaplan survey of 306 of its LSAT® students and prospective students in
LSAT® is a registered trademark of the
About Kaplan
Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250515363038/en/
Press Contact:
Twitter: @KaplanEdNews
Source: