Transcript Application Components - University of Nebraska–Lincoln

PREPARING FOR LAW
SCHOOL APPLICATION
Explore Center
Love South 127
Application Components
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LSAT
CAS (Credential Assembly Service)
 Secondary
 Personal
 Letters
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Applications
Statement
of Recommendation or Evaluations
Dean Certification/Recommendations
LSAT
What is the LSAT
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The Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
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Standardized, multiple-choice examination
Assesses SKILLS, not KNOWLEDGE
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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
Reading Comprehension
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Comparative reading
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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
Reading Comprehension Continued
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All questions measure ability to read lengthy and
complex passages
Comparative reading questions reflect nature of law
school work
 Understanding
applying skills
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arguments from multiple texts by
Comparison
Contrast
Generalization
Synthesis
 Determine
inferences
relationships and draw reasonable
Reading Comprehension Continued
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More than one choice could be correct
 Need
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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
Reading Comprehension Continued
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Approach
 Passages
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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.
Reading Comprehension Continued
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Use reading strategies that work best for you
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Strategy must be effective under timed conditions
 Options
 Read
entire passage first
 Read questions first
 Skim selection and questions, then reread
Analytical Reasoning
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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
Analytical Reasoning continued
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Common question structures
 Assignment
 Ordering
 Grouping
 Spatial
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Structures can be either fixed or variable
Some relationships are implied
No formal training in logic is required
Analytical Reasoning continued
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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
Logical Reasoning
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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
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Questions do not require outside knowledge
 Use
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to choose the BEST
the information that is presented
2 scored LR sections = 50% of exam!
Logical Reasoning continued
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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
Logical Reasoning continued
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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
Writing Sample
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1 writing prompt
 Decision
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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
Preparing for the LSAT
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Understand the different question formats
Full-Length Practice Test
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Learning style
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Individual v. Commercial
Methods to practicing
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Assess where you are without practice
Understand weaknesses
Each section or question type
Mix in full length exams under timed conditions
Practice develops
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Skills
Time Management
Study Resources
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LSAC.org Website
 Free
question descriptions and explanations
 Full-length exams – Free and for purchase
 The Official LSAT Handbook
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Library Reserves
 LSAT
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Strategies, Practice & Review – Kaplan 2011
Test-prep books (include full-length exams)
Commercial courses (Kaplan, etc.)
Practice LSATs on Campus
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Free! Full length proctored exams
Sponsored by the Explore Center
Register at cas.unl.edu/appointments
Taking the LSAT
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When to take…Ideally
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June between Junior/Senior year
June the year before you wish to start law school
Allows for
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Modify application cycle for the LSAT you choose
Register early for preferred test sites
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Multiple tests, if needed
Early application to schools
On-line
Release scores to advisers
www.lsac.org
CAS
Credential Assembly Service
CAS
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Centralized application service used by all law
schools
Fill out one application
Letter of Recommendation/Evaluation Service
Transcript request form
CAS
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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
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Apply at time of LSAT or later
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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
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Plan enough, but you can purchase more
http://www.lsac.org/
Choosing Schools
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3 Tier Approach
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Comparable Schools
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Comparable LSAT/GPA
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Use Official ABA Guide (Searchable, On-Line)
Interest areas
Geographical
“I’m In” Schools
 Long Shots or Dream Schools
CAS Web Applications
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Look for fee waivers or discounts
Choosing Schools
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Start thinking about possible schools
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Review resources
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The Official Guide to U.S. Law Schools
Speak to law school representatives
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Attend open houses – 2 law schools here in Nebraska
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University of Nebraska College of Law
Creighton University School of Law
MINK – first week of September
 LSAC Forums
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Choosing Schools
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Part-time vs. Full-time
Geographic considerations
School reputation
Areas of specialization
Placement rate
Financial aid
School size
Joint Degree programs
Student body
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Library/Facilities
Student organizations
Student services
Academic rigor
Faculty/Staff
Clinical programs
BAR pass rate for first time
takers
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WIDE range among schools
Personal factors
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Personal Statement
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An essay and an advertisement
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Not much time to make an impression
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3-5 minutes for reader first time through
Approach as you would an interview
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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.
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Expand information only
Personal Statement
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Possible Themes
 Unique
 Adversity
 Stories
 From past
 Characteristics
 Motivation
3 Drafts Minimum
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The Unknown Reviewer
2 – 2 ½ pages
 Will depend on school
Personalize or not?
Resources
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Explore Center
Writing assistance center
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Addendums
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Accepted by most law schools
 Check
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to be sure before sending
Provide explanations
 Concerns
or issues
 Trends
 Exam
performance
 Legal issues
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Do not make excuses – tell it as it is
Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation
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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
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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
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Someone who knows you well
Ask personally, early, AND often
How to request
In person
 Set follow-up meetings
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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
Letters of Recommendation/Evaluation
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Provide ALL of the necessary materials (resume,
copy of personal statement, etc.)
Include necessary documents
 CAS
matching form
 Stamped envelopes
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Waive your right to read the letter
Send a thank you note
Additional Considerations
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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
THE EXPLORE CENTER
LOVE SOUTH 127
402-472-3605
[email protected]
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