How to Apply

The Yale Law School Launchpad Scholars Program, powered by Latham & Watkins, is for applicants who are planning to apply to law school in the fall of 2027, with the goal of enrolling in law school in the fall of 2028. The program is open to current college students as well as college graduates. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3 at the time they apply and must be 18 years old by the time the program begins. Please note that if you are pursuing or have completed a graduate degree, you must still meet the undergraduate GPA requirement (regardless of your graduate GPA). There is no cost to apply to, or participate in, the program.

The program is open to everyone, but we especially welcome applicants who would benefit from additional resources to maximize their opportunities for a legal career.

Scholars will be selected based on their potential for academic excellence, leadership promise, engagement with their communities, and ability to work collaboratively with individuals from many different backgrounds and perspectives.

Yale Law School is committed to equal opportunity and accessibility to all candidates who show great academic and personal promise irrespective of citizenship status.

Please find the dates for 2026 application cycle listed below.

Applications for Launchpad Scholars Program 2025-2026 cycle have closed. Applications for the 2026-2027 cycle will open on February 19, 2026. The materials required for each round are as follows:

First Round Materials: Due by April 15, 2026 at 11:59pm ET

• Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
• Résumé
• Responses to two Short Answer Questions with an optional third Short Answer Question
• One Recommendation Form minimum and up to two Recommendation Forms maximum. (Your recommenders will be asked to complete an electronic version of this recommendation form.)

Second Round Materials: Due by May 31, 2026 at 11:59pm ET, for selected applicants

• Complete a diagnostic LSAT (The LSAT diagnostic is requested so that we can better understand applicants’ starting point with respect to testing. There is no minimum score requirement.)
• Draft a weekly study schedule outlining anticipated commitments during the program
• Register for your 20-minute interview (interviews will be conducted on June 2-5, 2026)