Law School Admissions Committees Prioritize LSAT, Holistic Review
As prospective law students prepare applications, admissions deans across the country are emphasizing the continued importance of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) alongside a holistic review process. This comes as institutions navigate evolving admissions landscapes and strive to build diverse and successful incoming classes.
The LSAT remains a critical component of the application process, according to Owen, Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of Idaho College of Law. The LSAT, combined with your undergraduate GPA, remains the best indicator of success for your first year in law school,
he shared during a forum in September 2024. This underscores the test’s enduring role in predicting academic performance.
However, test scores and grades are not the sole determinants of admission. Law schools are increasingly adopting a holistic review approach, considering applicants’ experiences, passions and goals. As relayed by Mark Hill, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Duke University Law School, Your grades, your test scores tell us something…the most interesting part of applications is hearing directly from you: your experiences, your passions, your goals.
This emphasis on the individual narrative allows admissions committees to assess applicants beyond traditional metrics.
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) is actively working to support law schools in these efforts. LSAC provides data, insights, and strategic solutions to help institutions recruit effectively and achieve enrollment goals. According to LSAC, their resources aim to help deans Build your pipeline, assess applicants, and support your teams in those efforts. Foster an inclusive law school environment. Analyze data and meet your unique enrollment goals. Support the professional development of your staff.
LSAC also offers a Deans’ Handbook with frequent updates to assist law school leaders.
LSAC’s commitment extends to expanding access to legal education. The organization invests in initiatives designed to connect prospective applicants with law schools, including digital marketing campaigns, Law School Forums, and a generous fee waiver program. They also provide resources for prospective students to prepare for law school, such as LSAT prep courses and 0L preparation materials, all delivered through the LawHub® platform.
For law school hopefuls, understanding what admissions committees prioritize is crucial. A recent webinar, , featured insights from deans of admission, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the current application cycle. Speakers included Katya Valasek, LSAC director of prelaw advising, Gerald Heppler, assistant dean of admission at Seattle University School of Law, and Monique McCarthy, assistant dean for law admissions at Georgia State University College of Law. The webinar focused on qualities and experiences that stand out to admissions committees and how applicants can best position themselves.
The admissions process is complex, and prospective students are encouraged to seek guidance. The Reddit Law School Admissions Forum provides a platform for applicants to ask questions and receive advice from experienced individuals.
Shane Cooper, Senior Associate Dean for Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Services at Cornell Law School, leads recruitment efforts and supports student retention at his institution. His role also includes overseeing counseling and student case management.
LSAC’s resources and the insights shared by admissions deans highlight a dynamic landscape where both academic credentials and individual qualities are valued. As applicants navigate the application process, a strong LSAT score combined with a compelling personal narrative remains a key to success.
