Check out important updates regarding the LSAT examination, newly released information on law school rankings, and a highlight of some new resources for students interested in patent law…

Updates for April LSAT!

Test Scheduling Requirements:

Effective with the April administration of the LSAT-Flex, test takers will be required to schedule their testing day and time by 11:59 p.m. ET of the Thursday prior to the exam.

For example, for the April administration of the LSAT-Flex, which begins on Saturday, April 10, scheduling will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 8. After that deadline passes, test takers could opt to request a date change for a future administration, but will not be able to schedule for the current exam.

New Icon For Online Test Format:

Effective with the April 2021 administration of the LSAT-Flex, a new icon for the “eliminate” button (displayed on the right side of each answer option) will be implemented which candidates may use to indicate for themselves which answers they do NOT wish to choose.  As a reminder, only explicitly selected responses (selections made with the bubble on the left side of the answer option) will be counted towards a candidate’s score.

The new “eliminate” icon will be implemented for Test Prep in LawHub this week so that test takers can get familiarize themselves with the new icon in LawHub prior to the April administration of the LSAT-Flex.  Below are samples of the current “elimination” icon in comparison with the new “elimination” button. The behavior is exactly the same, only the icon has changed.

Current Eliminate Icon – not selected:

Current Eliminate Icon – selected:

New Eliminate Icon – not selected:

New Eliminate Icon – selected:

We strongly encourage those sitting for the April LSAT to review the new icon on LawHub prior to the exam.

NEW Law School Rankings and Profile Data!

U.S. News and World Report (US News) recently released their annual updated graduate school rankings and evaluations for 2022, including their law school rankings.

Rankings and program surveys can provide helpful information and insights into the strength of academic programs and specialties,  LSAT/GPA expectations, and information on cost and financial aid.  These surveys are a valuable place to begin researching schools and to potentially discover schools you may not know about or have considered.    These surveys can also help provide useful evaluations on specific criteria that are most important to you in your law school.

UPDATE! This year US News has added additional data on the amount of debt incurred by law graduates at individual institutions.   Be sure to view this data in context to other factors including –  bar passage rates, placement rates, and median salary figures for students upon graduation!

Caveat Emptor! 

Remember rankings should never by the sole factor in your decision-making process and individual data points should be considered in context with additional information.    Be careful not to limit your considerations too narrowly by ranking alone.  There are many substantive factors that should be considered in your ultimate choice of law school as you will have many priorities, wants, and needs of the institution that is right for you!

Interested in the Patent Law?

PLI (Practicing Law Institute), a nonprofit that specializes in educational programs for attorneys and related professionals, has recently posted a series of informative videos online for engineering or science majors who may be considering an alternative career in law.  This is a great resource for those interested in Patent Law and who may be considering taking the Patent Bar in the future.  Don’t miss out on this great resource!

 

The arrival of March marks a significant point in the application cycle.  Many schools have final application deadlines, applicants begin receiving admissions decisions, waitlists are populated, and admitted student events begin.  It is an important time for applicants as you are now able to begin making the final decisions in your law school admission journey!

Below we have provided some helpful tips and insights on common aspects on the post-admissions process to assist you as you navigate this next stage.

Making the Final Decision

Tip #1: Get organized!  There is a lot of information to keep track of in the post-admission process from deadlines to details of your admissions offers.  It is important to have this information well organized, not only to keep track of important obligations, but to also assist you in fairly evaluating each school and making your final decision.  We HIGHLY recommend summarizing and organizing information and details into one document.  Consider creating a spreadsheet that includes the follow information for each school you have applied to:

• • • • Name of School
      • Admission Decision/Status
      • Seat Deposit Deadline
      • Admitted Student Event(s) Dates
      • Admissions Office Contact
      • Scholarship Offer
      • Tuition
      • Cost of Attendance (COA)
      • Any admissions process/steps/deadlines specific to the school.

In addition, you should personalize your spreadsheet to include details about the different aspects of law school that are important to you – distance from home, ranking, placement information, bar passage, clinic and curriculum offerings, class sizes, etc.  Remember to check out the ABA 509 Reports to gain helpful information about each school.

Tip #2: Make connecting with schools a priority. Some students have strong preferences for law schools and making final decisions after being admitted is clear and easy.  For most students, law school preferences may change as you learn more information about the schools, receive scholarship offers, or your personal goals become more defined.  If you are having difficulty making decisions about schools, or there is important information that you feel you are missing, reach out!

• • • Participate in a virtual visit – ask about virtually attending a class!
    • Ask about opportunities to speak with current students, professors, career advisors, or alumni!
    • Research the website and other sources to find answers to your questions!
    • Ask how to learn more about the community where the law school is located if you are not familiar!

Tip #3: Create a roadmap for your decision-making process.  If you are juggling multiple offers of admission, or are currently waitlisted, this can be overwhelming.  You do not have to make every decision at the same time.  Break the decision-making process into manageable steps, set a personal timeline, and consider the following:

• • • • Make easy decisions first. It might be hard to make the final decision on what school you will ultimately attend, particularly if you are still waiting on admissions decisions or have been waitlisted.  However, it can often be easy to eliminate a few schools that you know you will not attend.  If you have an offer of admission that you know you will not accept over another school – eliminate the school you know you will not attend from consideration.  Be sure to inform the schools that you are withdrawing from consideration.  Congratulations your decision-making circle just got smaller!

• • • • Be mindful of deadlines. You should be sure to calendar any deadlines that might be upcoming – including seat deposits.  The seat deposit is your method of committing to a school and holding your offer of admission/seat.  DO NOT MISS THIS DEADLINE!  Seat deposits typically occur in April meaning you still have several weeks to gather information and make some decisions.  Keep the following in mind:
        • • Confirm the amount of your seat deposit and budget accordingly.
          • The Seat Deposit Conundrum: Paying seat deposits at multiple schools is generally not advisable. Although most schools will not prohibit this practice, there are some negative aspects to this strategy.  In addition to being costly, some schools may have specific guidelines and restrictions related to multiple seat deposits. Ask yourself why you would employ this strategy? If there are factors that you feel will make it difficult for you to make a final decision, spend the next several weeks evaluating and gaining more insights.  If this relates to scholarship offers, make inquiries now (more on that below).  Law schools expect you to be negotiating in good faith in all matters, if you know you will not attend a school you should not pay a deposit.  Also, waitlist status is not the same as paying multiple seat deposits. Remaining waitlisted while paying a seat deposit at an alternative school is perfectly acceptable. Visit our prior blog post about seat deposits to learn more insights.

• • • • • Consider how long you will remain waitlisted. Some schools will maintain waitlists up to fall Orientation (and indeed a few students are offered admission during this time each year).  You may remain on a waitlist and pay a seat deposit at another school, however, consider how long you are willing to remain on a waitlist.  For most students, remaining on a waitlist through the summer is impractical and stressful – logistically you may be relocating to a new community across country, the stress of uncertainty may be too great, or financially you may not be able to afford to lose seat deposits at your initial school of choice. Set a personal deadline for yourself on when you will withdrawal from a pending waitlist – keeping in mind your deadline might vary between schools.  If you choose to stay on a waitlist past your initial seat deposit, try to narrow to one waitlisted school.

Cost and Evaluating Scholarships

We hear from many students each year that affordability is one of the most important factors in their choice of law school.  As you consider multiple scholarship offers or costs between differing institutions keep in mind the following:

• • • Differences in tuition and fees.  Is tuition fixed for all three years?
    • Cost of living/Cost of Attendance
    • The specifics of scholarship terms: Is it renewable for all three years? Is it conditioned in some way?
    • Consider other factors such as travel cost to see family and friends.

Negotiations: While some schools do have non-negotiation policies, most schools are open to requests for reconsideration of initial scholarship offers.  It is important to approach these conversations in a professional manner, keeping in mind the goals for your request. Consider the following in your efforts…

• • Make sure you know the school’s policy. If a school allows requests, they may have a defined process for submitting requests.  They may ask you to complete a form or that you submit documents to support your request, including proof of alternative offers – be prepared to do so.  If you are uncertain of the process just ask via email or phone.
  • Be reasonable and realistic. Scholarship offers from peer schools, with similar costs will be most comparable. Difference in tuition, COA, reputation, and your comparative credentials should all be considered when evaluating offers.  The value of a $25,000 at one school may cover a much greater portion of your expenses than a $35,000 scholarship at another school.  Focus on your primary goal of affordability, not dollar amounts.
  • Be Positive and Professional. Even if you are disappointed by an offer or feel it is not fair, be professional and positive in your interactions. Keep in mind that schools have spent a great deal of time considering your initial offer and by offering you admission they see you as someone who will be a great addition to their class.  Be positive and avoid framing your request in defined absolutes, accusations, or threats.  Focus on your goals and why the initial offer is concerning to you.
  • Remember your long-term goals. You are making a long-term investment.  Looking at the potential total dollar amount can be very overwhelming, but remember you will pay this debt back over time.  If you are concerned, reach out to financial aid experts to understand better the likely repayment costs per month and loan forgiveness programs, take advantage of resources like AccessLex, ask schools about loan repayment support or future scholarship opportunities once you are a law student.  If a school costs more, but you feel it will better support your goals and long-term success – focus on the long-term benefit.

Waitlisted

Being waitlisted can be very discouraging, particularly if it is at one or more of your preferred schools.  Waitlists can be evaluated similarly to offers of admission – maintain waitlist status only for schools that you would realistically attend if offered admission. Below are a few tips for waitlisted students.

• • Continue interacting with the school to learn more. Set-up a virtual visit and seek additional information that would be helpful in your consideration.
  • If you have new, positive, and substantive information to provide, do so now. This may be new details on your resume or an updated transcript for your fall grades.
  • Consider writing a letter of continued interest if you remain on the waitlist for several weeks.
  • Decide how long you are willing to remain waitlisted at a school.
  • Determine your best choice among the schools you have been offered admission and plan to pay the seat deposit at this school by the deadline.  The waitlist is uncertain, you will want to be sure to have secured your best choice with your seat deposit, even if you remain waitlisted at your top choice.

• For more tips and insights, visit our prior blog posting.

 

Bonus:  Some schools will conduct spring interviews.  Be sure to check out our prior blog post regarding interviews and reach out to our office for some general insights!

Still Struggling with Questions?

If you are struggling with your final admissions decisions or navigating the process, do not hesitate to set-up an advising appointment.  We are here to help you with advice and insights on any aspect of your final decision-making process.  You can set-up an advising appointment at any time through our online system.

Below please find important updates regarding the upcoming LSAT administrations for June 2021 through June 2022 released today by LSAC.

Administration Dates:

LSAC has announced the upcoming LSAT administration dates through June 2022.  The LSAT will be offered at the following times:

• • • April 2021 – beginning April 10 & 11
    • June 2021 – week starting June 12
    • August 2021 – week starting August 14
    • October 2021 – week starting October 9
    • November 2021 – week starting November 13
    • January 2022 – week starting January 15
    • February 2022 – week starting February 12
    • March 2022 – week starting March 12
    • April 2022 – week starting April 30
    • June 2022 – week starting June 11

Additional schedule information can be located online at:  https://www.lsac.org/lsat/lsat-dates-deadlines-score-release-dates.

Exam Format: 

The LSAT will continue to be provided in an online, live remote-proctored format through June 2022.  The current three-section exam (LSAT -Flex) will be offered for the upcoming February 2021, April 2021, and June 2021 administrations.  Beginning with August 2021, changes to the online format will be implemented.

Format for August 2021 and future administrations: 

Starting in August 2021, LSAC will return to the pre-COVID practice of including an unscored variable section along with the three scored sections of the LSAT-flex.  The unscored section will provide LSAC the opportunity to validate new test questions for future use.  LSAT formats prior to the LSAT-Flex also included an unscored sections.

With the addition of a fourth, unscored section, the online LSAT will include a short break between the second and third sections of the exam starting with the August 2021 administration.  This break is similar to the break mid-way through the traditional in-person LSAT that was used before the COVID-19 emergency.

The LSAT will continue to have three scored sections (Reading Comprehension,  Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning) and one unscored variable section for the next several years, and you can learn more about the LSAT for August 2021 and beyond on the LSAC website.

The LSAT Writing will continue to be a required part of the LSAT.  Visit the LSAC website to learn more about the LSAT Writing.

Scoring:

Scores will continue to be reported on the 120-180 LSAT range, along with a percentile ranking.  Question type and methodology will remain the same, and the expectation is that scores from the current LSAT-Flex and the LSAT beginning in August will be aligned.

Resources:

• • • To learn more about the LSAT visit the LSAC website.
    • The LSAC Fee Waiver program remains available to students and includes financial assistance for exam fees, application fees, and study prep resources.
    • LSAC offers equipment and location assistance for students.  Learn more about these services on the LSAT Q&A page.

The Legal Studies Minor is administered by the College of Law as part of its Undergraduate Legal Studies Program under the direction of Professor Jennifer Pahre.  The Minor is designed to provide undergraduate students with an understanding of how the law operates in our society and helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills.

The minor requires completion of 18 hours of credit including:

• • 9 hours of core courses taught by College of Law Professors and affiliated faculty, and
  • 9 hours in one of three tracks:
    1. 1.  Law & Politics;
       2. Law & Cultures; or
       3. Law & Economics of Food Security and Sustainability.

How to Enroll:

• You must have completed at least 30 credit hours to apply.
• You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher.
• You must be in good standing.

Applications for the minor are currently open for the Spring 2023 semester. Enrollment is limited, interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

For more information on the minor, including specific course requirements and how to apply, click here.

Individual questions can be directed to: law-undergrad@illinois.edu  

Legal Studies Minor Information Session

Watch the brief video below to learn more about the Legal Studies Minor directly from Professor Jennifer Pahre, College of Law Director of Undergraduate Studies!

Winter Break provides a perfect opportunity to research and prepare applications for internship opportunities.  To help with your process, we have compiled a collection of internship opportunities and resources – as well as a wide variety of information about pre-law programs, gap-year opportunities, and general tips and advice in the 2020 Internship Newsletter.  You can access the newsletter through the Pre-Law Compass page.

• • • Haven’t joined the Pre-Law Compass page?  It only takes a few minutes – find instructions on the Pre-Law Resources page.

Be Proactive!

Cast your net wide and look for opportunities in a variety of settings… 

• • Consider opportunities close to home at local organizations or offices – such as legal aid, city offices, or non-for profit organizations.  Contact bar associations or local/state agencies to see if opportunities are available.
  • If you have limited flexibility in your location this summer – don’t rule out opportunities in long-distance locations.  Many organizations may have adapted opportunities for remote experience or may be willing to do so.
  • If available, check with the career services office in your college of department for opportunities.  Talk with your professors about your interest – ask for their recommendations.
  • Research professional organizations related to your interests – many have scholarship or internship opportunities for college students!

Keep in mind logistics of applying…

• • Some opportunities may have deadlines prior to the beginning of next semester or in early February.  You may need letters of recommendation or transcripts.  Check these requirements and schedule time before the end of semester to reach out to professors or make requests for records before break.
  • Start prepping your materials.  Plan to review and update your resume over winter break so that you are ready to apply as applications come due.  Some applications may require brief essays – identify these and begin writing drafts.
  • Take advantage of services through the Pre-Law Advising Office, The Career Center, and Writers Workshop to prefect your application materials.
  • Create a calendar and timeline with all relevant dates.  Include dates for completion and due date (be mindful of rolling applications).  Make a spreadsheet that includes application items needed, deadlines, methods for submissions – update as you complete items.

Freshman or Sophomore? Many opportunities are limited to juniors and seniors – research now and think ahead to opportunities that you are interested in…

• • Identify opportunities you may wish to apply for in future years.  Consider the qualifications they are looking for in their applications.
  • Look for volunteer or work opportunities this summer that will build relevant credentials and help prepare you for applications in a future summer.
  • Consider courses that can enhance your skills and knowledge.  Courses can also demonstrate interest in particular fields or areas of work.

Good Luck!

This year the Pre-Law Advising Services Office will be featuring law students, admissions deans, and attorneys as guest bloggers to help provide unique and valuable perspectives on law school, the application process, and the legal profession.   Stay tuned throughout the year for our guest blogger spotlights!

Guest Blogger: Martin Kiernan 

Law School:  University of Iowa College of Law

Class Year: 1L

Undergraduate Institution:  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Hometown: Libertyville, IL

Undergraduate Major/Minor: I have a B.S. in Agricultural & Consumer Economics with two concentrations in Public Policy & Law and Consumer Economics & Finance.

 

Why did you decide to attend law school and pursue a legal career?

Law school was a great fit for me because I have many interests and the legal implications that arise in most every industry fascinate me. Also, the conceptualizing of justice, the rule of law, and societal inhabitance as foundations to the success of nations I believe is a worthwhile academic pursuit.

Do you know what type of law you will practice?

Currently, I have interests in securities, banking, family, criminal law. I’ve done some work in personal injury and I found that to be intriguing as well.

Why did you choose the University of Iowa College of Law?

The University of Iowa College of Law displays a proven history of fostering prepared and conscientious attorneys. The decision to attend has afforded its students the opportunity to become competent leaders in the field. I chose to attend because under its instruction I can prepared for whatever is to come in my professional career.

What surprised you the most about law school?

I was surprised about the varying approaches professors take to teaching a class. There is a wide spectrum.

What has been your favorite class in law school?

I really enjoy my American Property Law course. My professor is experienced and passionate about the material.

What type of activities, programs, internships, or extracurricular activities did you participate in prior to law school?

While at UIUC, I volunteered at a couple Champaign elementary schools as a mentor/tutor, and sat on the Undergraduate Student Advisory Board. I worked at Parkland College’s Counseling Department and then at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center. After graduation, I worked as a paralegal and then as a court reporter doing criminal background checks. Outside of work, I volunteered at a courthouse helping pro se litigants and I coached my sister’s middle school basketball team.

What are some of the best aspects of living in the Iowa City community?

It is a really fun and kind community of people. Whenever I want a study break there is always something to do.

What do you like best about being a law student?

I like the challenge it presents. Some of the more abstract concepts can be difficult to comprehend, but engaging with the material is rewarding. Also, the opportunities that are available during school and after graduation are exciting.

How did you prepare for the LSAT?

I took the Testmasters LSAT Prep Course.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to a student applying to law school?

For the applications, focus on highlighting strengths, but just as significant is explaining inconsistencies or negatives in application materials. Try not to leave important questions left unanswered.

 

University of Iowa College of Law Snapshot*:

• • Total JD Enrollment: 460
  • First Year Class Size: 166
  • Median LSAT/GPA: 161 / 3.64
  • Application Deadline: May 1, 2021
  • Website: https://law.uiowa.edu

*The enrollment and profile data listed above are as of October 5, 2020 and include information for the Fall 2020 entering class.