BYU Law School Admitted Students Without LSAT Scores

The institution has utilized an exemption program for nearly one-third of its first-year JD class.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in College Applications

BYU Law School Admitted Students Without LSAT Scores

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Roughly 30% of first-year students at BYU Law School were admitted through a program that waives the LSAT requirement. This pathway serves as an alternative for applicants who meet specific GPA and standardized test benchmarks.

Why it matters

The exemption offers a route for prospective students to bypass the financial and preparatory demands associated with taking the LSAT. It allows BYU Law to evaluate candidates through a holistic review of writing and critical thinking skills.

To qualify for the exemption, applicants must hold an undergraduate GPA of 3.85 or higher and possess an ACT or SAT score in the top 15%. This policy applies to students within the 112-person JD class of 2029.

The players

BYU Law School

This institution is located in Provo and provides legal education through its Juris Doctor program.

American Bar Association

This national organization oversees the accreditation and testing standards for law schools across the United States.

The details

The program requires candidates to forgo reporting LSAT, GRE, or JD Next scores during the application process, and the school has rescinded admission for those who failed to adhere to this rule. By focusing on academic performance indicators like the 3.85 GPA minimum, the school emphasizes a holistic review process that evaluates professional aptitude beyond a singular test score.

2015: ABA began allowing a 10% class exemption.
2024: ABA voted to allow up to 100% exemption.
September 22, 2025: Admissions information session held.
September 1 to May 1: BYU Law application window.
October 21, 2026: BYU Law Fair.

Roadmap

BYU Law School has leveraged the 2024 American Bar Association authorization to expand its test-optional pathway to nearly one-third of its incoming class. This shifts the school away from traditional metrics and mirrors a broader movement in legal education toward holistic review.

Applicants to the school in Provo can bypass the $253 LSAT fee and associated score preview costs if they meet the GPA and ACT or SAT requirements. Students should ensure they do not report standardized test scores if they intend to use this exemption, as admission can be rescinded for policy violations.

The takeaway

The rise of test-optional admissions allows high-achieving undergraduate students to save significant time and money during the application process. Prospective applicants should carefully evaluate their GPA to see if they meet the specific thresholds required to qualify for this alternative entry path.