Pre-Law Advising Services Blog – Publishing pre-law news, events & opportunities every Monday and Wednesday!

LSAT Fee Waivers–NOW is the time to apply!

We’ve been talking a lot about upcoming LSAT changes, and we know that there will be high demand for this summer’s LSAT exams. Did you know that you can obtain an LSAC fee waiver that will cover the cost of the Law School Admission Test? This blog post will share what it is, why it is important, and how to get it–as well as why you need to apply for it NOW if you plan to take the June or July exam.

What is the LSAC fee waiver?

The Law School Admission Council oversees both the LSAT and the law school application process. Applicants can apply for a fee waiver which, if granted, will waive any fees for:

Two LSAT exam registrations (currently valued at $190 each) (plus $15 for the writing section)
Credential Assembly Service (required for applying to law schools; currently valued at $195); and
Four Law School Reports (one is required for each law school application; currently valued at $45 each for a total of $180).
Total value of the LSAC fee waiver (if LSAT is taken twice) = $755

And it’s even more valuable than that. Why?

The LSAC fee waiver is even more valuable than the amounts listed above. Why? Many law schools will waive their application fees (generally $75-100 per school) for applicants who have received an LSAC waiver. Some LSAT prep companies will also offer scholarships to students with an LSAC waiver.

How can you apply? What’s the timeline?

The application process is entirely online. The LSAC advises applicants to apply at least six weeks prior to the registration deadline of the LSAT you wish to take. For this June’s LSAT, the registration deadline is April 24, and six weeks before that is March 13–the application deadline for a June LSAT waiver.

HOWEVER, applying early will be important this year. We expect the June LSAT to fill VERY QUICKLY (registration is already open) this year because it is the last paper and pencil LSAT ever–so it would be wise to register ASAP if this test site is your preferred location.Getting your application materials in early will help ensure that you get the waiver in time to get a seat at the June LSAT.

We also expect the July LSAT to fill quickly (registration is already open) because test takers for this test only will have the opportunity to cancel their score and retake for free. So applying now for the fee waiver will allow you to get the waiver in time to get a seat at the July exam.

You will need tax documents, so make sure you collect those.

The entire application process is explained here: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-dates-deadlines-score-release-dates/lsat-fees-refunds/fee-waivers-lsat-credential

Mark Your Calendars–Week of January 21

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UIUC is hosting many events to celebrate the life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., including the Day of Service. Click on the following link to find out more. http://www.diversity.illinois.edu/mlk/calendar.html.

Pre-Law Advising Services Workshops and Programs

We have updated our Spring Semester calendar of events on our website here.

Pre-Law 101 — Wednesday, January 30, 4:00pm, 514 IUB

Are you new to pre-law at Illinois? Then this event is a great opportunity for you! This workshop will cover: What it means to be pre-law at Illinois; what law schools are really looking for; what pre-law students can do to maximize their undergraduate years; how to build a strong pre-law resume; what resources are available to assist pre-law students at Illinois. For more details and to register, click here.

LSAT Bootcamp—Mark your calendars for Feb. 11 at 4:00 pm. What’s covered on the LSAT? What is it really like? How can test takers best prepare? Which LSAT should you take, and how can you plan ahead for a retake? All of this will be covered at LSAT Bootcamp! Visit this website for workshop schedules and more details.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Holder Law Group, LLP, a young law firm in Champaign-Urbana, is looking for interns who want to be involved in a fast paced, high-tech, multi-area, legal environment. Holder Law Group engages in personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil litigation. Attorneys at Holder Law Group have had experience in both public and private sectors of work, including small and large law firms and are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Interns jobs will vary, and be assigned based on capabilities, but may include medical record organization, filing, abstracting depositions, assisting in trial preparations, Court filings, and attending depositions and Court hearings and legal marketing. Work times are flexible and we are willing to work around your academic schedule. Positions are available for fall, spring, and summer semesters as well as during breaks. Please email resumes and cover letters to Ms. Betsy Holder: Betsy@holderlawllp.com

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2019-2020 — Applications due March 1, 2019!

Environmental Humanities is environmental studies from a humanistic standpoint. Envrionmental Humanities pulls from different movements (environmental philosophy, environmental history, ecocriticism, cultural geography, anthropology, and others) to study the relationship between humans and non-human nature, past and present. The IPRH-Mellon Environmental Humanities Research Group is composed of professors, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates from different disciplines who are united by their desire to understand the human place in nature, as well as to examine critically the way people make meaning of it.

The research group seeks three undergraduate interns who will work with the group on their seminars, workshops, and programs for the academic year 2019-2020. Interns will also work with the research group director, Professor Bob Morrissey, to develop their own research projects as well as a research symposium for undergraduates at the end of the spring semester.

Interns will work approximately 10-11 hours per week, paid at the rate of $15.75 per hours, and will have up to $600 to support their research. Applicants must be juniors or seniors the year of the internship. For more information and to apply, go here. Remember: The application deadline is by 5:00pm on Friday, March 1! Please address questions to: Dr. Nancy Castro, at ncastro@illinois.edu.

LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Diversity Law Day – Indiana University Maurer School of Law – February 9, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Diversity Law Day is dedicated to the idea that the legal profession must reflect the expanding diversity of our society. Joining efforts with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), we hope that this day will encourage student from underrepresented and underserved communities to discover career opportunities in law. This day is particularly tailored towards high school juniors and seniors, as well college freshman and sophomores.

Diversity Law Day is free to attend, but registration is required for planning purposes. To attend, simply complete the registration form at www.law.indiana.edu/diversity-day

Contact Kendra Abercrombie at klabercr@indiana.edu or 812-855-2704 if you have any questions.

The Wisconsin Statewide Pre-Law Diversity Day is set for Friday, February 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, Wisconsin. This event is open to all students. For more information and to register, visit their website here. Cosponsored by the University of Wisconsin Law School and Marquette University Law School, this FREE event includes lunch and:

an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools;
breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and
law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country. Click here for a list of law schools that participated in last year’s event.

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Summer Program – Application Due March 1!

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars (MPLS) is a program that offers a select number of students a free LSAT prep class each summer at the University of Minnesota Law School. Admission is highly selective and based on a holistic review of the MPLS application material.

College students considering law school, especially rising seniors and those from groups historically underrepresented in law school, are encouraged to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates from any undergraduate institution.

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class, taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided. The program will run from early June to mid-August 2019.

To learn more about MPLS or to apply, click on this link:

https://www.law.umn.edu/admissions/minnesota-pre-law-scholars-mpls-program

Law School Open Houses and Admitted Students Days

As we first mentioned in several of our fall blog posts, many law schools host open houses for prospective applicants and all law schools strongly encourage students to visit their campuses. Note: spring semester is a time when many law schools will host events specifically for admitted students. Make sure you check the law school websites to see what types of events the schools in which you have an interest are offering. Listed below are upcoming events for four Illinois law schools.

Chicago Kent Law School Open House, Saturday, February 2, 9:00am-2:00pm. For more information or to register, go here.

DePaul University College of Law Open House, Saturday, January 26, 10:00am. For more information and to register, go here.

John Marshall Law School Open House, Saturday, February 2, 9:00am-Noon, or Tuesday, February 5, 5:30pm-8:30pm. For more information or to register, go here.

other campus opportunities

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The Pre-Law Honors Society is currently accepting applications, due Jan. 25 at midnight. Click on the document above for more details.

Get a free passport–Apply by Jan. 25! Illinois International Programs was recently awarded 200 U.S. passports to give to Illinois students by CIEE, a study abroad organization. As part of their CIEE Passport Caravan Initiative, CIEE covers the full cost of a U.S. passport ($145) in hopes of making study abroad possible for students by breaking down one initial barrier.

The eligibility requirements that CIEE has set for passport recipients are as follows:

Must be a first time passport holder (no renewals)
Must be a first year student, sophomore, or junior (no seniors)
Must be a U.S. citizen
Although not an official requirement, they also ask us to give particular consideration to students who are of high financial need and who are historically underrepresented and underserved in study abroad. Apply by January 25th at go.illinois.edu/passportcaravan

International Holocaust Remembrance Day event–Jan. 24 from 5-7 pm
Illini Hillel and the University YMCA will observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 24, 2019 with an exhibit from Yad Vashem: The World Holocaust Remembrance Center called Besa: A Code of Honor – Muslim Albanians that Rescued Jews During the Holocaust.

The exhibition will be on display in the Murphy Gallery as part of Art @ the Y at the University YMCA and will kick off with a welcome reception on Thursday, January 24 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. featuring speakers, special guests and desserts.

Senate Committee on Student Discipline Vacant Seats--The Senate Committee on Student Discipline and the Office for Student Conflict Resolution are now seeking to fill vacant student and faculty seats on the Subcommittee on Undergraduate Student Conduct and the Subcommittee on Graduate Student Conduct, and vacant faculty, student and staff seats on the Subcommittee on Sexual Misconduct. Applications are due on Feb. 28, 2019. For more information contact January Boten at botenja@illinois.edu. Apply at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/774201

Career Center–For information about events and workshops at The Career Center, check out their spring calendar at: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events. Now is a great time to update your resume, plan your job search or summer internship, and get to know their office and resources.

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is now accepting submissions for the 2019 Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), set for Thursday, April 18. Deadline for submitting an application to the URS is Friday, February 1, 2019, at 11:59 pm. The application can be found here.

The URS is the signature event of Undergraduate Research Week (April 14-20), and brings together students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, as well as corporate partners and sponsors, to learn more about undergraduate research and its potential to change the world. Students are encouraged to apply even if titles or abstracts have not yet been finalized – they can be edited. Just make sure the application is successfully submitted by February 1!

Digital LSAT Updates, Resources and LSAT Bootcamp!

As you already know from our previous posts, registration for the June and July 2019 LSAT administrations is now open. In addition, LSAC has announced that the LSAT will be converted from a paper exam to a digital tablet exam by this September. To assist test takers with this transition, LSAC has posted videos that explain the mechanics of taking the LSAT on the Microsoft Surface tablet. Go here to review these videos and other LSAT prep materials. LSAC will be adding more information over the coming months about this conversion.

LSAC also recently announced that, beginning with the June 2019 exam, test takers will no longer be required to complete the writing section of the LSAT on the exam day. Rather, starting with the June 2019 LSAT administration and for subsequent administrations, candidates will be eligible to take the LSAT Writing on the day of their LSAT administration and for up to one year thereafter. The LSAT Writing portion will cost applicants an additional $15. For more information about LSAT Writing section changes, go here: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/taking-lsat/lsat-writing-faqs.

With these changes on the horizon, many of you are now trying to decide which LSAT to take and how to best prepare for the test. Our blog post from December addresses many of those questions. In addition, we will be hosting an LSAT Boot Camp on Monday, February 11, 4-6pm, on the 5th Floor of the Illini Union Bookstore Building. This event will feature tutorials by LSAT commercial test prep companies TestMasters and Blueprint, as well as a workshop by PLAS Director Jamie Thomas-Ward, providing more information about how to decide which LSAT to take.

Finally, PLAS will be offering a FREE PRACTICE LSAT on Friday, March 1, 8:30am-11:30am. This is a great opportunity for those of you planning to take the test in the next several months to evaluate where you are in your preparation. Note: this will be a paper and pencil practice exam as practice digital materials are not yet available. If you are interested, go to our events calendar now to register as space is limited.

As always, PLAS will continue to share updates either via the PLAS Blog or Facebook page so keep checking back. We also strongly encourage you to check LSAC.org regularly for information related to the LSAT digital transition, registration updates and other important LSAT-related news. With so many changes ahead, it is very important for future law school applicants to be on top of everything related to the LSAT.

Mark Your Calendars – January 11/14, 2019

Welcome back to spring semester! LOTS of excellent opportunities are coming up, including the Illini Union Winter Week of Welcome, campus events honoring MLK Day, Pre-Law 101, Illinois in Washington, information on paid internships, an internship with a local law firm, a summer pre-law program and scholarships. And as we already posted, the LSAC has opened up the registrations for both the June and July 2019 LSATs. Go here for more information or to begin the registration process: https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-dates-deadlines-score-release-dates. This is a long blog post full of good information so scroll all the way to the end!

Pre-Law Advising Services Workshops and Programs

We have updated our Spring Semester calendar of events! Our schedule begins in two weeks with Pre-Law 101. Check out other upcoming events on our website here.

Pre-Law 101 — Wednesday, January 30, 4:00pm, 514 IUB

Upcoming Campus Events

UIUC is hosting many events to celebrate the life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., including the 34th Annual Dr. MLK, Jr. Service of Celebration at Krannert on Sunday, January 20, starting at 5:00pm. Click on the following link to find out more. http://www.diversity.illinois.edu/mlk/calendar.html.

The Illini Union is hosting the Winter Week of Welcome featuring all kinds of fun events this week and next week. Check out the list here, and mark your calendars for the RSO Involvement Fair on Wednesday, January 23, 11:00am-3:00pm, Illini Union Rooms A, B, C, Courtyard Café, and South Lounge!

Illinois in Washington Information Session – Thursday, January 17, 5-6pm, David Kinley Hall, Room 119

Illinois in Washington (IIW) is an academic internship program open to all U of I undergraduates. Participants live and intern in Washington, DC, while taking U of I classes. IIW offers an exceptional opportunity to gain rewarding work experience while enjoying the political, intellectual, and cultural experiences that only the nation’s capital can offer. Student internships have included positions with members of Congress, think tanks, social justice organizations, and government agencies. Join us for an unforgettable semester in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Apply for Summer Semester 2019 by February 1, 2019, at http://washington.illinois.edu/

Career Center

For information about events and workshops at The Career Center, check out their spring calendar at: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/events. Now is a great time to update your resume, plan your job search or summer internship, and get to know their office and resources.

Ilinois Leadership Center will host several upcoming I-Programs. For more information and to register, visit their website here.

Rolls Royce Innovation: Saturday, January 19
Intersect: Saturday, January 26
Petrullo Insight: Saturday, February 2

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is now accepting submissions for the 2019 Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), set for Thursday, April 18.

Deadline for submitting an application to the URS is Friday, February 1, 2019, at 11:59 pm. The application can be found here.

The URS is the signature event of Undergraduate Research Week (April 14-20), and brings together students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, as well as corporate partners and sponsors, to learn more about undergraduate research and its potential to change the world. Students are encouraged to apply even if titles or abstracts have not yet been finalized – they can be edited. Just make sure the application is successfully submitted by February 1!

For more information on Undergraduate Research Week, the URS, and OUR programs, please visit our website at: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/

Questions may be addressed to ugresearch@illinois.edu; please put “URS Application” in the subject line.

The Office of Undergraduate Research announces its Spring 2019 calendar for the Getting Started in Research Workshop!

PLEASE NOTE – These workshops fill up quickly, so if you are interested, sign up now!

During the workshop, we will discuss the various forms of undergraduate research that take place on campus, guide students to develop a plan of action to locate research opportunities on campus, and discuss ways to contact faculty research mentors. Students will leave the workshop with (1) a better understanding of undergraduate research and how it takes place on our campus, (2) increased confidence to contact faculty research mentors, and (3) a list of faculty mentors to contact. For more information and to register, go here.

The first three workshops will be held during the next two weeks:

Value of Undergrad Research Workshop, January 18, 2019

Date/Time: Friday, January 18, from 3:00-4:30pm
Location: Lincoln Hall Room 1065
Registration is available at:https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/5552337?referrer=https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6175?eventId=33328415

Getting Started in Research Workshop, January 22, 2019
Date/Time: Tuesday January 22, 2019 from 3:00-4:30pm
Location: English Building, Room 160
Registration is available at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/10880?referrer=https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6175?eventId=33328020

Getting Started in Research Workshop, January 24, 2019
Date/Time: Thursday January 24, 2019 from 3:00 – 4:30pm
Location: Mechanical Engineering Building, Room 218
Registration is available at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/3523231?referrer=https://calendars.illinois.edu/detail/6175?eventId=33328022

Study Abroad

The Institute for Field Education offers semester-long study abroad programs in France and Belgium for students with advanced French language skills that feature internship and research opportunities tailored to student interests. Students earn resident Illinois credit in this program, arranged through LAS Global Studies.

The 18-week academic semester includes

– An intense five weeks of preparatory courses covering political history, sociology and cultural foundations of French or Belgian society to prepare students for working in-country

– A week for travel and rest before starting the internship

– A three-month full-time internship related to each student’s studies and goals.

– Guided field research on a topic important to the student’s host organization.

– A weekly seminar on the key moments in European history for understanding European integration.

More information and the application can be found here:

https://app.studyabroad.illinois.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=10127

Questions? Interested students may contact Timothy Wedig, Ph.D., Associate Directory, LAS Global Studies, at: twedig@illinois.edu.

Internship and Scholarship Opportunities

We hope you have been utilizing our 20 page Internship Newsletter over on our Pre-Law Compass page that we posted in December! (Click here for instructions on how to access our Compass page.) It’s got lots of job and internship listings for spring, summer and long-term opportunities from Champaign to D.C. and beyond. In addition, you should regularly check Handshake via the Career Center’s website to see if summer internships have been posted.

Undergrad PAID Internship at UIUC in Environmental Humanities for 2019-2020 — Applications due March 1, 2019!

Legal Internship Opportunity — Holder Law Group, LLP

Scholarships

Fulbright UK Summer Institutes – Info Session Tuesday, January 15, 3:30-4:30pm, Room 514 Illini Union Bookstore Building

Attention Freshmen and Sophomores! Do you want to study in the United Kingdom this summer for free? The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes offer nine programs for 2019:

Interested in global leadership? Join the Future Leaders of a Global Age summer institute at the University of Westminster in London.
Interested in the environment? Study climate change issues at the University of Exeter.
Interested in social justice or education policy? Explore these in the post-conflict setting of Northern Ireland at Queen’s University Belfast.
Interested in the performing arts? Practice combat and swordplay, movement, dance and design at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.
Interested in arts as activism? Consider how social policy, philosophy and the arts have been combined to promote social change at the University of Bristol.
Interested in technology and design? Explore Scotland’s creative and technological industries through study at the University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art.
Interested in media? Explore film and media culture in the UK at the University of Birmingham
Interested in British or Irish studies? Explore British culture at the University of Sussex or Irish studies at the Queen’s University Belfast.
Interested in international politics? Study identity and nationhood at the Aberystwyth University in Wales.

The Summer Institutes cover the majority of the participant costs (round-trip airfare from the US to the UK, tuition and fees at the university, room and board, and social programs). Students must be US citizen freshmen or sophomores with a GPA of 3.7 or above.

More information about the institutes and their application can be found at: http://www.fulbright.org.uk/going-to-the-uk/uk-summer-institutes

Our info session will tell you everything you need to know about the benefits of attending a Fulbright UK Summer Institute and how to be a competitive applicant. We’ll also hear from previous Illinois recipients. Don’t forget – the info session is Tuesday, January 15, 3:30-4:30pm, Room 514 IUB.

Upcoming Law School Events–OPEN TO ALL PRE-LAW STUDENTS

Penn State Law – Online Info Session: Wednesday, January 16, 11am-Noon CST

This online information session will provide information about Penn State Law and its J.D. program. The format of the session will be a presentation followed by an opportunity to chat online with the Director of Admissions, Julian Morales. Click here to register!

Diversity Law Day – Indiana University Maurer School of Law – February 9, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Diversity Law Day is free to attend, but registration is required for planning purposes. To attend, simply complete the registration form at www.law.indiana.edu/diversity-day

Contact Kendra Abercrombie at klabercr@indiana.edu or 812-855-2704 if you have any questions.

an update on law school admissions in Wisconsin featuring the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools;
breakout workshops featuring a mock class for students ; and
law school fair featuring admissions representatives from law schools around the country. Click here for a list of law schools that participated in last year’s event.

Minnesota Pre-Law Scholars Summer Program – Application Due March 1!

Students will learn about law school admissions preparation from Minnesota Law School staff. The remaining portion of class taught by an instructor from The Princeton Review, will be dedicated to LSAT preparation and practice exams.

There is no cost to participate in MPLS. However, participants must submit a $100 seat deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the program. All books and study materials will be provided. The program will run from early June to mid-August 2019.

To learn more about MPLS or to apply, click on this link:

https://www.law.umn.edu/admissions/minnesota-pre-law-scholars-mpls-program

Law School Open Houses and Admitted Students Days

Chicago Kent Law School Open House, Saturday, February 2, 9:00am-2:00pm. For more information or to register, go here.

DePaul University College of Law Open House, Saturday, January 26, 10:00am. For more information and to register, go here.

John Marshall Law School Open House, Saturday, February 2, 9:00am-Noon, or Tuesday, February 5, 5:30pm-8:30pm. For more information or to register, go here.

Northern Illinois University College of Law Open House, Saturday, January 19, 10:00am-1:00pm. For more information or to register, go here.

How to decide which LSAT to take

First, take a look at our previous post here, which carefully considers the details of each 2019 LSAT.

How can you determine which LSAT is right for you? Here are key questions to ask yourself.

When do you want to apply to law school? If you want to enter law school in 2020, then you will want to apply in the fall of 2019. Law schools use rolling admission–that means that the application opens in September and they will admit people until the class is full or until the hard deadline of April. Applying early–as a general rule, by Thanksgiving–is greatly beneficial both for admission and scholarships. So IF you plan to apply to law school to enter in 2020, ideally you should plan to be finished with the LSAT completely by Thanksgiving or (preferably) earlier. Find a list of all LSATs through April of 2020 here.

If you don’t plan to enter law school until 2021 or later, you have a lot more flexibility in which LSAT you choose because you have another year (at least) of LSAT options. In that case, you can choose which LSAT suits your schedule. Sometimes people wish to be done with the LSAT before entering the working world post-graduation.

Do you want to provide time for an LSAT retake? About half of Illini LSAT takers retake the exam. It makes many test takers less anxious to know that they have time for a backup rather than “one shot” at the exam. It is wise to build in time for an LSAT retake, even if you end up not needing it. Take a look at this blog post for advice about which 2019 exams offer adequate retake options.

Which LSAT will interfere less with school? OR, if you are a working professional: Which LSAT will interfere less with your professional obligations/work flow? Whichever LSAT you choose, the general recommendation is to prep for about 4-6 months. Ideally you would choose an LSAT with the least amount of interference with your other obligations.

For 2019 takers only:

How important is it to you to take the paper version of this test? Some people are very anxious about taking the “known quantity” paper LSAT versus the new digital format. (Others feel just fine about the digital version and the new format does not stress them out given that the content of the test will remain the same.) If you decide that the paper format is important to you, then the March and June tests are your last options. Many people who were planning on taking the LSAT later in 2019 figure that they may as well move it up to summer in order to take a known format rather than an unknown (digital) one.

A Guide to ALL of the 2019 LSAT Options

Thinking of taking the LSAT in 2019? This blog is a must-read to consider all of your LSAT options, along with the pros and cons of each. As you know, the LSAT is experiencing lots of changes in 2019, from the schedule to the digital transition, which may impact your choice(s).

January 26, 2019 LSAT–Paper exam
January LSAT takers have already been preparing, although registration is still open here until Dec. 17. This LSAT has some advantages: 1. It is right after winter break, allowing test takers who are still in school to maximize winter break study time. 2. This exam is one of the few remaining paper exams that allows a retake (in March or June) that is also in the paper format.

This LSAT is nondisclosed, meaning that test takers will ONLY receive a score and not their answer sheet showing which questions were correct and incorrect. So those who wish to retake will not have that data to improve their study for a retake. This LSAT takes place on a Saturday morning.

This LSAT is the last realistic option for those who plan to apply this cycle (to enter law school in the fall of 2019).

March 30, 2019 LSAT NOTE: SOME TEST SITES ARE ALREADY FULL–REGISTER SOON FOR THIS ONE
Timing-wise, this LSAT could be a great option for LSAT takers who are still in school but plan to apply to law school in the fall of 2019 (to enter law school in 2020), allowing you to use both winter break and spring break to crank up the LSAT prep. And this LSAT will be over long before spring finals, allowing students to focus completely on those exams. Registration is still open for this exam until February 20, although some test sites are already full.

This is also a good option for students graduating in May who plan to apply to law school in the fall of 2019 (to enter in 2020) or later–because it allows you to “bank” an LSAT score now (which remains good for 5 years) in order to avoid having to study for the LSAT while working full time after graduation. Alums tell us all the time how difficult LSAT prep is while working full time, so this one is really worth considering for May grads who are fairly certain that you’ll apply to law school in the next few years.

However, this LSAT is not a good option for those who wish to enter law school in the fall of 2019–many deadlines for law school applications will have already passed, and April is very, very late in a rolling admissions cycle that begins in September.

June 3, 2019 LSAT–The final paper option
This is the final paper and pencil LSAT, and many people are anxious about taking it in this tried-and-true format. As such, demand is high, and if this LSAT interests you then you’ll want to register ASAP when registration opens. UPDATE: Registration opened January 10 here.

Timing-wise, the June LSAT is great for those applying in Fall 2019 because it allows retake options in September (July will be too soon), October, or even November while still applying by the preferred early law school application timeline of Thanksgiving. This LSAT is also early enough in the summer that afterward test takers can turn to other pursuits–internships, summer study abroad programs, or summer classes–without too much LSAT study interference.

For current students, studying for this LSAT will take place throughout spring semester, so it is helpful if you can lighten your academic load by taking slightly fewer credit hours or not taking five of your most challenging courses at the same time while you’re LSAT prepping.

The final piece of good news: This LSAT is disclosed, meaning that test takers will receive not only their score but also their answer sheet with correct and incorrect answers. That information can be very helpful to study from if you wish to prepare for a retake. This LSAT takes place on a Monday afternoon, so you may need to take the day off of work or your internship.

July 15, 2019 LSAT–The “transition” LSAT
The format of this exam could be considered good or bad news, depending on your perspective. For this exam–and ONLY this exam–half of the registrants will be assigned to the paper LSAT and the other half will take the digital (tablet based) LSAT. Test takers will not know which format they are taking in advance. However, the LSAC–for this test only–will allow the July LSAT takers to view their score with the option of canceling it and retaking a future LSAT for free.

The “surprise” nature of this LSAT–not knowing which format you’ll have until test day–could be stressful for some, although note that the content of the two tests will be exactly the same.

Because many view this LSAT as a “freebie” (due to the option to cancel the score and retake for free), demand is high. Therefore, if you are interested in taking this LSAT then you will want to register ASAP when registration opens. UPDATE: Registration opened January 10th here.

Timing-wise, the July LSAT can be good for students because it provides nearly two full months after the spring semester ends to crank up the LSAT prep. However, it may also interfere with any summer plans such as study abroad or internships since it takes place in the middle of the summer. Taking this LSAT will also provide time to retake in October (September will likely be too soon to re-prep) or even November and still apply to law school in the fall of 2019.

September 21, 2019 LSAT–The first “all digital” LSAT
This LSAT is the first one that will be administered entirely in the tablet format. It takes place on a Saturday morning.

Timing-wise, this LSAT can be good because it allows test takers to devote the entire summer to LSAT prep, and for current students it only overlaps one month with the fall semester. However, it may also interfere with any summer plans–especially study abroad or a time consuming internship–since test takers will need to be LSAT prepping all summer. Taking this LSAT will also provide time to retake in November (October will likely be too soon to re-prep) and still apply to law school in the fall of 2019. Takers of this exam can also turn to prepping other elements of their law school applications as soon as this exam is over, allowing plenty of time to finish applications by Thanksgiving.

This LSAT is disclosed, meaning that test takers will receive not only their score but also their answer sheet with correct and incorrect answers. That information can be very helpful to study from if you wish to prepare for a retake.

October 28, 2019
This LSAT–and every subsequent LSAT–will be administered entirely in the tablet format. It takes place on a Monday afternoon, so takers may need to miss work or class to take it.

Timing-wise, this LSAT allows test takers to devote the summer and first half of the fall semester to LSAT prep. It does require balancing school and LSAT prep for the first eight weeks of the fall semester, though. It may also interfere with any summer plans–especially study abroad or a very time consuming internship–since test takers will need to be LSAT prepping most of the summer. Takers of this exam can also turn to prepping other elements of their law school applications as soon as this exam is over, allowing adequate time to finish applications by Thanksgiving.

Taking this LSAT does not provide many opportunities to retake IF you want to apply in the fall of 2019. The November LSAT will likely be too soon to provide ample time for re-prepping, and the next LSAT after November is mid-January, which is getting late in the application cycle.

November 25, 2019–The final LSAT of 2019
This digital LSAT will take place on a Monday afternoon, so takers may need to miss work or class to take it.

The timing of this LSAT is not ideal for most students…taking the September or October options would be a better choice. This LSAT will require a careful balance of classwork with LSAT prep for most of the fall semester. Test takers who plan to apply in the fall of 2019 would be wise to work on other elements of the application throughout the fall as well so that they can submit their law school applications as soon as November LSAT scores are released (likely in early December). Students who plan to take the November LSAT may want to lighten their academic load by taking fewer credit hours so that they can devote adequate time to LSAT prep.

This LSAT will not allow time for retaking the LSAT and still applying in the fall of 2019 because the next LSAT won’t take place until January 2020…and that is getting late in the law application cycle (which opens in September).

Those are all of the 2019 LSAT options. Take some time to really think about which one will work best for you, and make sure to read our next blog entry about How to Decide Which LSAT to Take.

Just got your LSAT score? Pre-Law appointments are available!

With November LSAT scores arriving this weekend, now is a great time to come in and see a Pre-Law Advisor! Appointments ARE available for both the week of Dec. 10 and the week of Dec. 17th. We will be here through December 21. We encourage you to come in early so that we can discuss your options and next steps.

The office will close Dec. 24 through Jan. 1, reopening on Jan. 2. If you’re not on campus, you can still schedule a phone or Skype appointment (either before Dec 21 or after Jan 2). All appointments can be made by calling 217-333-9669.

New PAID spring legal internship–Applications due Dec. 12!

We are happy to share a new paid legal internship opportunity for undergrads in University Legal Counsel’s Office starting in the spring semester. Note that applications are due Dec. 12.

Legal Administrative Intern Opportunity
The Office of University Counsel seeks 1-2 undergraduate student interns for 2018-2019. This PAID position will provide administrative support to the office, with specific duties outlined below. Hours per week will depend upon intern availability. Interns will gain experience working in a legal environment
and will also be introduced to legal procedures with the possibility of increased responsibilities over time.

Required: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing; minimum 3.0 GPA; consistent weekly availability. Preference will be given to candidates with availability over breaks.

About the office: The Office of University Counsel (OUC) provides legal advice and representation to the university, its administrators/employees, University Related Organizations and others who seek legal advice arising from their official university responsibilities. OUC attorneys provide advice on an extremely wide variety of subjects. The office staff consists of attorneys and staff with unique skills and specialized training, as well as generalists who are well versed in multiple areas of law and policy. For more information, please visit: legal.uillinois.edu

Specific intern duties will include:
• Responsible for review of legal invoices to verify compliance with contract requirements
• Maintains electronic files of invoices, approvals and any supporting documentation. Record must be accurate and complete for auditing and reporting purposes
• Completes data entry and ensures the data integrity of legal services invoices in OUC systems (Legal Files eBill)
• Provide backup support for answering main phone line and directing calls to appropriate personnel (attorneys, support staff and business staff)
• Copying/scanning/shredding projects as needed including highly confidential legal documents
• Assisting with legal and business document compilation, organization and delivery
• Other duties as assigned

To apply: Submit a resume and cover letter to Ms. Teresa Temples at ttemples@uillinois.edu. Cover letters should include: 1) Relevant experience; 2) Weekly availability; 3) GPA and class standing; and 4) Availability over breaks.
Deadline to submit applications is Wednesday, December 12.

2018 Internship Newsletter Has Been Posted!

Hello Pre-Law Students! The 2018 PLAS Internship Newsletter is available on the PLAS Compass Page. Winter break is the perfect time to find a summer internship so please check it out! Go here to access Compass. If you need information on how to add our Compass page, go here.

Our Favorite Pre-Law Things: Winter Break Edition

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…wait, those are from the Sound of Music. Here are a few of our favorite pre-law things–just in time for you to explore them over winter break.

Taking a break
After a long semester, we all need a break! (Hamilton fans will remember Eliza begging Alexander to take a break…with disastrous results when he did not.) Note that Pre-Law Services will be closed from December 24 until January 2, when we will open again for appointments. We will be available for appointments over winter break again starting on January 2, so if you are working on your law school applications or personal statement over break, you can still schedule a phone appointment by calling 217-333-9669! On January 14 we will be back to our regular semester schedule.

Reading for fun with Goodreads and NPR’s Book Concierge
Most lawyers enjoy reading, especially when it’s a great novel and not the Tax Code. (Side bonus: Reading widely and often is recommended by the writers of the LSAT to improve performance.) Goodreads makes reading even more fun by allowing its users to document and review the books you’ve read, get book recommendations, and set and track your personal reading goal with its yearly Reading Challenge. Looking for some interesting and recent book recommendations? Check out NPR’s Book Concierge, which lets users search by your favorite genres to find recently published recommendations. And speaking of recent books…

Becoming by Michelle Obama
Regardless of your political affiliation, this book contains a thoughtful and thorough reflection of Mrs. Obama’s entry into and ultimate exit out of the legal profession. A successful Princeton undergrad, upon reflection she concludes that applying to law school for her was more out of expectation than passion. She candidly writes about her legal career, including her lack of fulfillment at a law firm, and about how and why she ultimately left the practice of law. While she is certainly high profile, her experience is not uncommon in the legal world, and reading about her professional path provides excellent food for thought for those considering law school: What are you passionate about? How might law school lead to work in those areas? Is law truly your calling or just “the next logical step” for a smart and successful student? What steps can you take to find out more about the legal profession? What do other legal jobs look like beyond the traditional practice of law?

…And we recommend exploring the following websites

The Making the Most of Your Major Blog
We love the Department of English’s Making the Most of Your Major blog. Covering all kinds of topics, from how to reassure your family that you’ll be gainfully employed, to how to network with professors, to presenting professional paths you may have never considered, this is a great blog to read whether or not you are an English major. Winter break is a great time to catch up on previous entries. (And naturally we recommend catching up on this very Pre-Law blog…did you know that you can search for topics in the search box to the left and read about everything from internships to LSAT to course options?)

The Girl’s Guide to Law School
Many pre-law students are so focused on getting into law school that they don’t consider what it will actually be like once you’re there, or after you’re done. This website presents thoughtful, realistic perspectives on whether law is right for you (including their podcast, the article Should You Go to Law School?, and their series on Law School Myths), how to get through law school (with articles on law school pressures and exploring areas of law), and building a post-law school career (leaving litigation, non-traditional law careers). This is a great resource–not just for girls–for anyone considering law school.

Michigan Law’s Debt Wiz Calculator
While it may not exactly be FUN to calculate future law school debt, what we like about this debt wizard is that it allows future lawyers to consider what KIND of legal employment you’re seeking and in what METRO AREA for a nuanced view of what your debt repayment will look like. If nothing else, users can begin to see the distinctions between expected incomes and the impact of cost of living in a variety of cities (hint: the city where you live makes a huge difference).

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing over this winter break, we wish you a joyful holiday season and some fun and relaxing down time!