PREPARING FOR LAW SCHOOL APPLICATIONExplore 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: 120-180 Offered 4 times a cycle – typically, June,

September/October, December, February Preparing for the exam means THINKING like the

exam

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.)

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Practice LSATs on Campus

Free! Full length proctored exams Sponsored by the Explore Center Register at cas.unl.edu/appointments

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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 www.lsac.org

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Credential Assembly Service

CAS

Centralized application service used by all law schools

Fill out one application Letter of Recommendation/Evaluation

Service Transcript request form

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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

http://www.lsac.org/

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Personal Statement

Possible Themes Unique Adversity Stories

From pastCharacteristics

Motivation 3 Drafts Minimum

The Unknown Reviewer

2 – 2 ½ pages Will depend on

school Personalize or not? Resources

Explore Center Writing assistance

center

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Additional Considerations

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