The University of Southern California's annual Law Fair was held in November, and I was fortunate enough to be in attendance. Over the course of the day, I spoke to dozens of prospective law students about their LSAT plans, several other test prep companies about their various offerings, and, most central to this blog, an incredibly gracious admissions officer from UC Hastings College of Law.*Our conversation was largely free-wheeling and … [Read more...]
How to Be an LSAT Hero
This blog comes to you from special guest, Pamela Adewoyin, Esq. Former PowerScore student Pamela Adewoyin experienced a terrific score increase after taking a prep course. Here's her story. Putting in the Effort Pamela bounced from place to place as a child but learned to call the Bronx, New York, home. From a very early age, she knew that she wanted to be an attorney. Ambitious and dedicated, Pamela focused on her schoolwork throughout her … [Read more...]
Should You Wait for Your Fall Semester Grades to Apply to Law School?
As you contemplate a timeline for sending in your law school applications, the first (and most important) piece of the puzzle is your LSAT score. Assuming you did well, you'll be ready to click that ominous "Submit" button as soon as you receive your score. Hopefully, you followed our advice and polished your personal statement to the point of perfection, had your transcripts sent in, double-checked if your UGPA is consistent with the GPA on your … [Read more...]
Why Does Your LSAT Score Matter So Much?
If your LSAT administration is swiftly approaching, you’re likely frantically trying to get your LSAT skills honed as sharp as can be. With all the stress, have you stopped to ask yourself why this test matters so much in the first place? Probably not. Not many students do, in fact. In the Great LSAT Score Race, it's easy to miss the forest for the many, many trees. However, asking and answering this question can help you refocus why you're … [Read more...]
I Have a Good GPA and LSAT Score, What Else Do I Need?
It's hard, given how much of your law school application rides on your LSAT/GPA combo, to see the forest for the trees. Many students with excellent LSAT scores and GPAs are lulled into a false sense of confidence about their application. I already have an awesome profile. I can just wing the rest of this application stuff, and I'll be fine. Sure, you'll be fine with some schools, but not with all. And if you're looking to get into an elite … [Read more...]
GPA Addenda Effectiveness Against the T14
We're now entering application season, and one question that often comes up is at this time of year is: should I submit an addendum to explain my low GPA or LSAT score? And if so, how long should it be? Our resident law school admissions expert, Dave Killoran, talks with a student about her addendum, and provides some handy rules for putting together an explanation. Here's a quick preview. Make sure to check out the full thread to read the … [Read more...]
The LSAT is Unfair
The LSAT is a great test in many ways, but some students complain that the test is not entirely fair, and they do have some valid points: The LSAT is Not Like Other Tests There are a lot of test takers who are very smart who nonetheless find the LSAT quite a bit more challenging than expected. It can be a very frustrating experience, even for good students (who also often tend to be particularly self-critical). The LSAT tests a set of skills … [Read more...]
Considering an LSAT Retake? Here’s What the Experts Say!
Whenever scores release, we consistently get the same question. Should I retake the LSAT? And that's understandable. Some will receive their scores and know immediately that they need another shot. Others are fortunate enough to not have to take the test ever again. But, a large segment of students will be in the middle. The scores are solid, but not slam-dunk and give a chance at target schools, but do not guarantee admission. This leads to a … [Read more...]
Help! My LSAT Scores Were Held!
We've heard our fair share of panicked LSAT takers all with the same frenzied query: "LSAC says that my LSAT scores are on hold! I don't know how I did on the test! What happened? What can I do?" Thankfully, with a little research, we found out what was going on and have guidance on what to do.Let's first start with how LSAC defines "held" scores: [A] hold will prevent the release of your LSAT score(s) and all LSAT and Credential Assembly … [Read more...]
Who Should Retake the LSAT?
Whether or not you should retake the LSAT is one of the most common questions we receive. Students want to know if they should and how they should approach it differently for the retake. In this post, we will cover who should retake the LSAT and why. Already know you’re going for a retake? Check out this post on how to properly prepare for a retake. So... Who Should Retake the LSAT? There are several different scenarios that should almost … [Read more...]
Have You Retaken the LSAT? Here Are Some Statistics for You
Have you ever wondered whether you should re-take the LSAT? Or how many people actually do take the LSAT more than once? Well, even if you haven’t, we’re here to provide some insight into just how many people do take the LSAT multiple times. The Numbers According to an LSAT Research Report covering the period of 2010 to 2018, the average percentage of first-time test takers was 68%. So, on average, almost 7 out of 10 test takers yearly are … [Read more...]
The Value of Work Experience to a Law School
Work Experience on Your Application LSAT score and GPA generally constitute the most important factors in law school admissions decisions. Historically, post-college work experience has not been emphasized, and students often go directly from college into law school. Over the past few years, however, many top law schools have increased their focus on work experience when making admissions decisions.Dean Martha Minow brought this type of … [Read more...]
How Are Older LSAT Scores Reported?
One point of confusion among test-takers is how LSAC reports older LSAT scores. Currently, LSAC reports any LSAT score from the past five years. They report an average score if two or more LSAT scores appear on your record. However, even though LSAC reports those scores, most schools want to see a score within the past three years.Some test-takers applying to law school take advantage of this and wait to retake the LSAT until a past poor … [Read more...]
What Are Splitters, Reverse Splitters, and Super Splitters?
If you are applying to law school, you will come across an unusual and somewhat confusing term: Splitter. And no, it has nothing to do with baseball pitches, cutting trees, or a certain San Antonio Spurs/Philadelphia 76ers basketball player. A "splitter" is someone who has LSAT and GPA numbers that are split between high and low marks. Often, the medians for a law school play a role in determining if one is truly a splitter. While this concept is … [Read more...]