Tutorial Applying to Law School: Information You Need to Know

This tutorial will introduce you to the law school application process.

Acronyms You Need to Know ABA (American Bar Association) Candidate Referral Service (CRS) LSAC (Law School Admissions Council) LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) LSDAS (Law School Data Assembly Service)

What is the ABA & What Does it Do? American Bar Association (ABA) −Serves as the national representative of the legal profession −Accredits law schools −Provides continuing educational for individuals working in the legal profession −Assist lawyers and judges through programming −Provides information about the law

What is CRS & What Does it Do? Candidate Referral Service (CRS) −A database of candidate information −Allows law schools to search for potential applicants based on specific criteria (GPA, age, race, citizenship, etc.) −Law schools typically send program information to registered users who match specified characteristics −Registration is not mandatory but recommended

What is LSAC & What Does it Do? Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) LSAC’s membership is made up of all law schools approved by the American Bar Association This organization −Administers the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) −Oversees LSDAS (Law School Data Assembly Service) −Coordinates the Candidate Referral Process −Sponsors Law School Forums −Publishes test preparation books and law school guides

Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Required admission exam for all ABA approved law schools Administered 4 times a year Half-day exam Costs $123 Consists of five 35-minute, multiple choice sessions (4 are scored) Includes a writing sample which is not scored by LSAC, but is sent to the schools to which you apply

LSAT (Continued) Score scale is Taking the test multiple times = an average score used by most schools Scores are reported in an average of 3 weeks Most schools require the LSAT to be taken no later than December for fall enrollment the following fall. However, it is recommended that the test be taken sometime between June and October.

What is LSDAS and What Does It Do? LSDAS stands for Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) It is responsible for −Coordinating law school applications −Standardizing and centralizing academic records and biographical information of applicants Most applicants are required to register with LSDAS as this is the only way most ABA- approved schools will accept applications Registration costs $113

LSDAS (Continued) Each law school to which you apply will receive a report from LSDAS containing: −An undergraduate academic summary −Copies of all undergraduate, graduate, and law/professional school transcripts −LSAT scores and writing sample copies −Copies of letters of recommendation that are processed by LSAC

These steps were taken from: Steps for Applying to Law School

Step 1: Prepare to take the LSAT Numerous resources are available to help you prepare The following materials are found in the Career Resource Library: −Peterson’s Graduate Programs in Business, Education, Health, Information Studies, Law & Social Work −Cracking the LSAT −LSAT & LSDAS Information Book −LSAT Practice Test −Law School Admission Reference Manual

Step 2: Research Potential Law Schools Review the Internet −Click here for the official guide of ABA-approved law schools: −Click here for the official guide of Canadian law schools: epage.asp epage.asp Attend a Law School Forum Contact law schools and request information Visit campuses Talk to current students and alumni

Step 3: Register to take the LSAT The LSAT is offered 4 times a year There are three ways to register −Online −Phone −Mail Make sure to receive an Admissions Ticket. This will permit you to enter the test site to take the exam

Step 4: Register with LSDAS The two ways to register with LSDAS include −Online −Mail Remember, LSDAS coordinates the application process and is required of most ABA approved schools

Step 5: Request Transcripts Allow enough time for processing Request that transcripts be sent to LSAC Most schools charge for official transcripts, so be prepared to pay a transcript fee

Step 6: Request letters of recommendation Submit letters of recommendation to either −The law school or −LSAC Each school determines how they will process letters of recommendation. Therefore, it is essential to refer to each school’s application procedures

Step 7: Take the LSAT Get a good night’s sleep Eat breakfast Don’t forget to bring your Admission Ticket the day of the test! You will not be admitted without the ticket Follow the testing site’s procedures regarding what you can and cannot bring

Step 8: Apply to Specific Law Schools This is done electronically via LSAC when applying to US schools −This is why registering with LSAC is imperative. Schools to which you apply to will then request your LSDAS report (LSAC will coordinate this process)

Web Resources

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