If you’re planning to submit a law school application in the coming year, you need to be aware of some law school application trends. Some law schools have modified their application requirements and there have been changes to the LSAC’s rules regarding the LSAT. Read on to ensure you’re aware of the recent changes and submit the best application possible.
Changes to law school applications
There are a couple of major trends happening regarding law school applications. First, one more law school, in addition to the University of Arizona, decided to accept the GRE instead of the LSAT as part of its application process. And not just any law school. Harvard Law announced it would begin accepting the GRE as part of its admission process beginning in the fall of 2017. Since Harvard Law is a leader in the academic world, it seems likely that other law schools will follow suit in the coming years and allow GRE scores in lieu of LSAT scores.
Another change to law school applications is that some schools have begun to include additional optional essays. For example, Stanford Law’s application now includes an optional essay on diversity and the option to complete two of four short essays. Like Harvard, Stanford is positioned as a leader in the world of law schools, so it’s quite likely that other law schools will modify their applications as well. Be sure to check each of your potential law school’s admission requirements to see if they have made any changes to the their application process for the coming years.
Increased number of LSAT test takers
June 2017 saw a 20.9% increase in the number of test takers compared to the June 2016 administration. There are a couple of possible reasons for this jump in the number of people taking the LSAT. For one, there could simply be more interest in law school.
More likely, it could be a result of law schools remaining very selective in their admissions process. Beginning with the September 2017 LSAT, the LSAC will no longer have a limit on the number of times you can take the LSAT. And since most law schools look only at an individual’s highest LSAT score, more and more students may be retesting to get the highest score possible. There will likely be an increase in the number of test takers at the new few administrations of the LSAT as a result of this change, and this may result in greater competition for higher scores and spots at top law schools.
Takeaway
With more students taking and retaking the LSAT and law schools modifying their application process, the law school admissions process is definitely seeing some big changes. However, the LSAT itself is staying the same. So, while law school admissions definitely depend on a variety of factors, focusing a good deal of time on preparing for the LSAT will always be a worthwhile use of your time. To learn more about how best to prepare for the LSAT, check out these LSAT study plans.
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