Applying to Law School
LSAT
The
Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test
developed by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC).
The LSAT is designed to predict a candidate’s potential
for success during the first year of law school. The LSAT consists
of five 35-minute sections of multiple choice questions in three
different item types: reading comprehension, analytical reasoning
and logical reasoning. A 35-minute writing sample is administered
at the end of the test. LSAC does not score the writing sample,
but copies of the writing samples are sent to all schools to which
a candidate wishes to apply. The LSAT is scored on a scale from
120-180.
The LSAT is offered four times each academic year: In June, October,
December and February. The June test is given on a Monday afternoon;
the others are administered on a Saturday morning. For observers
of Saturday Sabbath, alternative test dates are available. For students
planning to attend law school immediately upon graduation, it is
advisable to take the LSAT by the June of the summer preceding their
senior year. This administration will allow students to get their
scores back in time to participate in all early assurance/admissions
programs and to be at the forefront of the application process at
all schools the following fall. Furthermore, June LSAT takers will
still have the option to take the test again in a timely fashion
should they decide to cancel their scores or simply should they
feel they need to improve on their earlier performance. October
and December LSAT administration during the senior year can still
be viable options, although the later release of the scores may
somewhat negatively impact a student's candidacy at schools that
operate on rolling admission. Very few law schools will accept scores
from the February LSAT administration of the same year of expected
matriculation.
Law Services reports LSAT scores for five years, but some law schools
will not accept a score that is older than three years. Consequently,
if you plan on working for a while prior to applying to law school,
please check the longevity of your test scores at the specific institutions
in which you may be interested.
You must prepare for the test. Preparation efforts
should focus both on becoming familiar with the types of questions
asked and the ability to develop the stamina to endure the test
within its set time limits. Introducing yourself to the LSAT early
in your college career is a good idea, especially if you have a
history of poor performance on standardized tests. Choose the kinds
of courses that will help you develop the skills necessary for a
strong performance on the LSAT: good reading comprehension skills,
logical thinking, and the ability to read critically. Being able
to think quickly and logically will help tremendously on a timed
exam like the LSAT. While a preparation course may be a good option
for studying for the LSAT, it cannot replace a disciplined regimen
of self-study as well. Prior to paying the expense of a preparation
course, it is a good idea to invest first in the preparation materials
available through the Law
School Admission Council. In fall and winter The Career Center offers an LSAT Familiarization Course to help students jumpstart their preparation. For schedule and registration details, send an e-mail to careercenter@umich.edu.
Those needing special
accommodations both in terms of time and/or
equipment may request special arrangements in advance, although
they may face a lengthy and cumbersome procedure. These individuals
are advised to initiate the process well in advance of the test
registration deadline.
For more information on the LSAT, please refer to the current version
of the LSAT/LSDAS Information booklet available in The Career Center
or see the LSAC’s website.
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