Rise in law school applications yields academically excellent incoming class

The University of Tennessee College of Law last month welcomed a new class of high academic achievers from the largest pool of applicants in recent years.

The 124 members of the class of 2024 represent 64 universities and colleges institutions and were selected from a pool of 1,519 applicants, a 34% increase in applications over last year. 

The incoming students’ median grade point average is 3.66, up from 3.63 in 2020; and median Law School Admissions Test scores are 160, up from 159. 

Interim Dean Doug Blaze said the impressive academic credentials of the entering class is an indication of the college’s strong recruitment efforts. 

“We had one of the largest groups of prospective students in recent years expressing an interest in attending law school at the University of Tennessee,” Blaze said. “These are highly qualified and academically excellent students, and we look forward to benefitting from their contributions to our college.” 

The University of Tennessee College of Law Admissions Office seeks to recruit and admit students with excellent credentials as well as a wide range of backgrounds. The median age of the class is 23, and they come from 17 states. Forty-seven percent of the students are women; 20% are people of color.

“Across the board, we are committed to excellence and diversity and that is reflected in the people who make up our community,” Admissions Director Sarah Busse said. “This class exhibits both academic excellence and dedication to legal study and service.”