New survey results from global educational services provider Kaplan confirms what others have hypothesized about over the past few months: Politics is indeed playing a role in this year’s 20 percent increase in law school applicants, reminiscent of the big applicant boost in the aftermath of the 2016 election.* Among the more than 300 pre-law students Kaplan surveyed, 53 percent say the current domestic political climate impacted their decision to apply. And in a separate survey question, 42 percent of pre-law students specifically said the results of the 2024 presidential election factored into their decision to pursue law school.
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.
Amit Schlesinger, Kaplan’s executive director of legal and government programs, says:
“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 Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com.
*Based on the results of a Kaplan survey of 306 of its LSAT® students and prospective students in February 2025.
LSAT® is a registered trademark of the Law School Admission Council, Inc, which does not review or endorse specific test preparation materials or services.
About Kaplan
Kaplan, Inc. is a global educational services company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions help students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximize employee recruitment, retainment, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 27 countries/regions continue Stanley’s mission as they serve about 1.3 million students and professionals, 16,000 corporate clients, and 2,700 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC). Learn more at kaplan.com.
Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC)
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