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The Magic Ticket to Law SchoolJan 04 '01 (Updated Jun 05 '01) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line As it stands right now, the LSAT is generally the single biggest factor for admissions into law schools. Whether it should be that way is another question. Generally the single most important factor for gaining admission into law school, the LSAT looms large for prospective law students. A high score is like a "magic ticket" to law school. The "other" number, G.P.A., is typically 2nd--often a close second. The rationale for why the LSAT is 1st is because it is a common factor for all applicants whereas identical G.P.A.'s can mean wildly different things. Along these lines, it matters which undergraduate institution one receives one's G.P.A. (a similar G.P.A. from Princeton will pull more weight than Podunk Community College). Furthermore, a curriculum with A's in upper level, challenging courses would likely look more appealing than the same grades in an easy, "chopped liver" courseload. This article is the sequel to "If you Want to Go to Law School" and so talks about the two additional sections of the LSAT, gives tips, and also broader assessments of this "magic ticket" to a J.D. (juris doctorate) program. It also precedes the 3rd article in this series on "What the LSAT Means". The 2 Unscored Sections Still Matter: 1) Writing Sample: While it is not part of the 120-180 score, a copy of this sample goes to the schools one applies to. It basically gives a hypothetical scenario, asks you to choose a position, and then defend that position as persuasively and clearly as possible. This section is NOT optional. 2) Experimental: the test makers also throw in one experimental section where they are trying out questions for future LSATs. One is not told which section is the experimental so it is crucial to try one's best on every section. If you try to guess which section is experimental and are wrong, then your score can really take a nosedive. Recommendation: I would recommend the Kaplan course in general. I wish I did the Kaplan course before I started using the Barron's book, which was much less helpful. Trying to incorporate what Barron's told me led to having to un-learn it so that I could use what Kaplan said. If I did Kaplan in the first place, I wouldn't have had to unlearn and then learn Kaplan's methods, which I found to be superior overall. And no, Kaplan isn't paying me to say this--on the contrary, I paid Kaplan a good chunk of cash for their program/materials! Let me just add as well that these programs only help if you really apply yourself to it rather than just going through the motions. It May Work For You! Although the LSAT is a limited tool, you may find yourself liking the weight placed on the LSAT if you do well on it! I would desire that this 3 part series (this article, "If You Want to Go to Law School" and "What the LSAT Means") would help you towards that goal while helping to keep this test in perspective. Best wishes to those who plan to take it and redeem this magic ticket into law school!  |
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