PREPARING FOR LAW SCHOOL APPLICATION Explore Center Love South 127

Application Components  LSAT  CAS (Credential Assembly Service)  Secondary Applications Personal Statement  Letters of Recommendation or Evaluations  Dean Certification/Recommendations

LSAT

What is the LSAT  The Law School Admission Test (LSAT)  Standardized, multiple-choice examination  Assesses SKILLS, not KNOWLEDGE Logical Reasoning (2 sections) Analytical Reasoning Reading Comprehension Writing Sample  Score range:  Offered 4 times a cycle – typically, June, September/October, December, February  Preparing for the exam means THINKING like the exam 4

Reading Comprehension  Comparative reading 1 long passage AND/OR 2 smaller passages used to compare Questions might compare passages to each other or be independent questions about each passage  Passage followed by group of questions on basis of what is STATED or IMPLIED 5

Reading Comprehension Continued  All questions measure ability to read lengthy and complex passages  Comparative reading questions reflect nature of law school work  Understanding arguments from multiple texts by applying skills Comparison Contrast Generalization Synthesis  Determine relationships and draw reasonable inferences 6

Reading Comprehension Continued  More than one choice could be correct  Need to choose the BEST  Questions may ask  Main idea or primary purpose  Meaning or purpose of words or phrases  Information explicitly stated  Information or ideas inferred  Organization  Application of information to a new context  Tone of the passage or author’s attitude 7

Reading Comprehension Continued  Approach  Passages drawn from variety of subjects No formal education or training in any required  Do not introduce information  Read all questions related before choosing response  Note transitions from one idea to the next  Mark key parts of the passage – underline, circle, etc. 8

Reading Comprehension Continued  Use reading strategies that work best for you  Strategy must be effective under timed conditions  Options Read entire passage first Read questions first Skim selection and questions, then reread 9

Analytical Reasoning  Commonly referred to as the GAMES  Questions based on set of conditions  Understanding structure of relationships & ability to draw logical conclusions  Make deductions from a set of statements, rules or conditions related to persons, places, things, or events 10

Analytical Reasoning continued  Common question structures  Assignment  Ordering  Grouping  Spatial  Structures can be either fixed or variable  Some relationships are implied  No formal training in logic is required 11

Analytical Reasoning continued  Approach  Diagram the question & highlight the text  Answer questions less difficult, more obvious  Do not introduce information  Not intended to trick  Pay attention to words that describe relationships  Questions are independent of each other 12

Logical Reasoning  Questions based on reasoning in brief statements or passages  Answer one or two questions about each passage  More than one choice could be correct  Need to choose the BEST  Questions do not require outside knowledge  Use the information that is presented  2 scored LR sections = 50% of exam! 13

Logical Reasoning continued  Abilities needed  Recognizing the point or issue  Detecting the assumptions involved  Drawing reasonable conclusions  Identifying and applying principles  Identifying the method or structure of an argument  Detecting reasoning errors and misinterpretations  Determining how additional evidence or argumentation affects an argument or conclusion  Identifying explanations and recognizing resolutions of conflicting facts or arguments 14

Logical Reasoning continued  Approach  Read carefully and understand meaning Question AND each answer choice  Do not pick an answer just because it is true  Answer based on information given even if you don’t agree Work within the context of the passage Questions do not involve tricks or hidden meanings 15

Writing Sample  1 writing prompt  Decision prompt Make a choice between 2 positions or courses of action No right or wrong answer  Not scored but will be sent as part of CAS School Report 16

Preparing for the LSAT  Understand the different question formats  Full-Length Practice Test  Assess where you are without practice  Understand weaknesses  Learning style  Individual v. Commercial  Methods to practicing  Each section or question type  Mix in full length exams under timed conditions  Practice develops  Skills  Time Management 17

Study Resources  LSAC.org Website  Free question descriptions and explanations  Full-length exams – Free and for purchase  The Official LSAT Handbook  Library Reserves  LSAT Strategies, Practice & Review – Kaplan 2011  Test-prep books (include full-length exams)  Commercial courses (Kaplan, etc.) 18

Practice LSATs on Campus  Free! Full length proctored exams  Sponsored by the Explore Center  Register at cas.unl.edu/appointmentscas.unl.edu/appointments 19

Taking the LSAT  When to take…Ideally  June between Junior/Senior year  June the year before you wish to start law school  Allows for Multiple tests, if needed Early application to schools  Modify application cycle for the LSAT you choose  Register early for preferred test sites  On-line  Release scores to advisers  20

Credential Assembly Service CAS

 Centralized application service used by all law schools  Fill out one application  Letter of Recommendation/Evaluation Service  Transcript request form 22 CAS

 Purchase service for number of schools you are applying to  Report includes LSAT scores, transcript information, grade conversion, and writing sample  School reports are sent to schools (upon law school request)  CAS will send updates as necessary (i.e. multiple LSATs, new transcripts, etc.) CAS

 Apply at time of LSAT or later  Allow 4-6 weeks of processing before school can request information  Cost  $155 for 5 years of service (includes one school report, 3 letters of recommendation, and access to all ABA approved law schools secondary applications and some non-ABA approved law school applications)  $21 for each additional school Plan enough, but you can purchase more  24 CAS

 3 Tier Approach  Comparable Schools Comparable LSAT/GPA Use Official ABA Guide (Searchable, On-Line) Interest areas Geographical  “I’m In” Schools  Long Shots or Dream Schools  CAS Web Applications  Look for fee waivers or discounts 25 Choosing Schools

 Start thinking about possible schools  Review resources The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools  Speak to law school representatives  Attend open houses – 2 law schools here in Nebraska University of Nebraska College of Law Creighton University School of Law  MINK – first week of September  LSAC Forums 26 Choosing Schools

 Part-time vs. Full-time  Geographic considerations  School reputation  Areas of specialization  Placement rate  Financial aid  School size  Joint Degree programs  Student body  Library/Facilities  Student organizations  Student services  Academic rigor  Faculty/Staff  Clinical programs  BAR pass rate for first time takers  WIDE range among schools  Personal factors 27 Choosing Schools

 An essay and an advertisement  Not much time to make an impression  3-5 minutes for reader first time through  Approach as you would an interview  If you want to tell them something in person, put it in your essay  If it is in your application or resume (if accepted), avoid or minimize in personal statement.  Expand information only 28 Personal Statement

 Possible Themes  Unique  Adversity  Stories From past Characteristics  Motivation  3 Drafts Minimum  The Unknown Reviewer  2 – 2 ½ pages  Will depend on school  Personalize or not?  Resources  Explore Center  Writing assistance center 29 Personal Statement

 Accepted by most law schools  Check to be sure before sending  Provide explanations  Concerns or issues  Trends  Exam performance  Legal issues  Do not make excuses – tell it as it is 30 Addendums

 Supplemental materials for admissions committees  Knowledge of your academic performance and aptitude  Choose writers carefully!  If going right out of undergraduate program include faculty  Others to consider – employers, professional contacts  CAS service  Service for up to 4 letters included in registration fee  Ability to send school specific letters 31 Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation

 Someone who knows you well  Ask personally, early, AND often  How to request  In person  Set follow-up meetings  Can they write you a STRONG letter for the school(s) you are applying to?  Volunteer information about yourself and your plans – include # of schools you are applying to, interest areas 32 Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation

 Provide ALL of the necessary materials (resume, copy of personal statement, etc.)  Include necessary documents  CAS matching form  Stamped envelopes  Waive your right to read the letter  Send a thank you note 33 Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation

 Pay attention to deadlines  Early decision application programs vs. early assurance programs  Spring start programs  Last LSAT available – are there exceptions?  Applying for financial aid and scholarships opportunities  Dean Certification/Recommendation Forms 34 Additional Considerations

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