Preparing for Law School Application

1. Preparing for Law School Application Explore Center Love South 127

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

3. LSAT

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. Analytical Reasoningcontinued • 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

12. Analytical Reasoningcontinued • 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

13. 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!

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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.)

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

20. 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

21. CAS Credential Assembly Service

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

23. 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.)

24. 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/

25. Choosing Schools • 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

26. 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

27. Choosing Schools • 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 Part-time vs. Full-time Geographic considerations School reputation Areas of specialization Placement rate Financial aid School size Joint Degree programs Student body

28. Personal Statement • 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

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

30. Addendums • 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

31. Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation • 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. Additional Considerations • 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

35. The Explore CenterLove South 127402-472-3605explorecenter@unl.edu Contact Us!