LSAC's New Interpretive Guide to the LSAT

The LSAC has just released its Interpretive Guide for LSAT Score Users. This report reiterates that scores are comparable from test to test. Although your 160 might place you in higher relative standing on the February test than the June test, the LSAC reminds you that it still represents the same ability level, regardless. The LSAC also notes that:

• The test-taker volume for the 2008–2009 testing year was approximately 6.5 percent higher than that reported for the 2007–2008 testing year.
• The mean LSAT score for the 2008–2009 testing year was 0.17 higher than the mean LSAT score for the 2007–2008 testing year.
• Slight differences were noted between the percentile ranks for the two testing periods.

Even still, the LSAC is reminding test score users (i.e., prelaw advisors and law school admissions folks) that a 160 is a 160 is a 160.

-UNLV Prelaw

What Do Lawyers Do?

From LSAC Forums:

A panel of attorneys representing a diverse cross-section of practice areas will
inform participants about the profession. Panelists will describe their career
paths and offer details on the skills needed to represent clients effectively.
This panel will be especially helpful to participants who do not know practicing
lawyers.

Find the video here.

Redesigned LSAC Website

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has announced the complete redesign of the LSAC website. This has been in the works for more than two years, and it debuted on Monday, 4/27/09. According to the LSAC's Anne Brandt, students will "encounter a much more intuitive and easy-to-use site for all of their interactions with LSAC."

The biggest change is probably in the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) service. The complicated letter classifications have been eliminated. All you have to do now is assign your letters to the various law schools as you desire.

LSAC Fee Waivers 2009-2010

The Law School Admission Council dedicates funds, through its Fee Waiver Program, to support law school access for all applicants regardless of their ability to pay for the LSAT and associated services. Applicants can apply online for fee waivers directly through LSAC, or through an ABA-approved law school.

1. General Information
The 2009-2010 LSAC Fee Waiver will be valid for up to two years and will cover the following LSAC services only:

Two LSATs $ 264.00
Credential Assembly Service (LSDAS) $ 169.00
(4 reports, LOR)
The Official LSAT SuperPrep $ 28.00

Total $ 461.00

To be considered for a fee waiver, you'll need to be a US citizen, a US national, or a permanent resident alien of the United States with an Alien Registration Receipt Card. Fee waivers are intended for only the most needy applicants, and you'll need to demonstrate this by including some of your income information on the application. You should only apply if you really can't afford the fees.

You can apply through the LSAC or through an ABA-approved law school, but all allplications must go through the LSAC. To apply online, go to the LSAC's Fee Waiver website. If you apply through a law school, you should make sure to allow enough time for the school to process and return the form to the LSAC before the registration deadline for the LSAT you'd like to take.

New LSAC Information Book Available

The new Law School Admission Information Books for 2009-2010 have arrived in Dr. Wood's office. These books include the newest information about the LSAT (including rules and dates) as well as the LSDAS. Pick up a copy in Dr. Wood's office or in the Political Science Department's main office.

New LSAT Identification Requirements

New ID Regulation for Admission to LSAT

Beginning with the June 2008 exam, only government-issued photo IDs with signatures, such as passports and photo drivers licenses, are acceptable IDs for admission to the LSAT. Student IDs are no longer allowed.

Diversity Campaign

DiscoverLaw.org Campaign Targets Diverse Early College Students

DiscoverLaw.org is an intensive, integrated campaign designed to encourage racially and ethnically diverse first- and second-year college students to discover career opportunities in law and to choose a path in undergraduate school that helps them get there.
The cornerstone of the DiscoverLaw.org campaign is http://www.discoverlaw.org/, which features examples of the need for lawyers worldwide, access to law school experts who can answer students’ questions, profiles and advice from diverse law school graduates, and a timeline outlining steps undergraduate students can take to prepare themselves to be a successful law school applicant.

Scholarship Program

Minority Corporate Counsel Association, Inc.'s Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Program

With the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, Inc.'s Lloyd M. Johnson, Jr. Scholarship Program, students can receive up to $30,000 ($10,000 for each year of their legal education)! Some students will also receive mentoring and access to summer employment opportunities. To be eligible: a student must have a GPA of at least 3.2. For more information and application materials, please visit: http://www.uncf.org/forstudents/scholarDetailSGA.asp?id=305
You may direct questions concerning the Minority Corporate Counsel Association’s Scholarship Program to Alice Sykes at 703.205.3514 or alice.sykes@uncf.org.