Law School Information, Ball State University

Law School Information Night:

Visiting a Law School:

Find a law school in the place where you would ultimately like to practice.
Talk to an attorney in the field you are thinking about practicing in and find out information and opinions regarding not only the field, but the area schools, job information, and recruitment information.
Schedule a law school tour, and find out if it is possible to sit in on a class
Talk to actual students to get candid and valid information. Keep in mind that Admissions officials are paid to sell their school, but students will tell you what the school is actually like.
Talk to officials about Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Career Services
Rankings: You can look to the US News and World Report or the Princeton Review
Keep in mind: Clinics, Law Review, Library, Specializations, Placement Stats

LSAC & LSDAS:

Must-have. Compiles and sends law school reports that they need for Admissions. Registering comes with one report free, but each additional report is $12.
Use this service for Letters of Recommendation.

Find professors! At least 2, but 3 or 4 are recommended. Be sure to ask them politely and early so that you can have it sent in to LSAC in early fall.
Can use employers or community officials, but law schools really like to see academically related letters.
Use a Targeted or General form.

Fill out biographical and academic information online to have info sent out to law schools and financial institutions.

LSAT--The Test:

Half day, standardized test that is required for admission to all ABA approved law schools that is offered four times a year: February, June, October, and December
Broken down into four categories: Logical Reasoning, Logic Games, Reading Comprehension and a Writing Sample to test
Six sections with a short break in the middle: 2 Logical Reasoning, 1 Logic Games, 1 Reading Comprehension, 1 Writing Sample and 1 experimental section (will not be indicated on the test and can be a LR, LG, or RC section)

Studying:

Effective, if you stay disciplined and on a schedule.
LSAC offers books of 10 previously administered LSAT exams on the website for $30.
Powerscore.com offers books targeted to the specific sections of the exam $42 each: these books are incredibly effective
Kaptest.com has an extensive site dedicated to every aspect of the test – highly recommended

Expensive, but a structured environment to help you keep a steady pace
Kaplan offers private tutoring (about $4,000), classroom instruction (about $1300), and LSAT Premium (a classroom course offered online – about $1100)
You may enter your zip code or city to locate a course/tutor in your area and find a time that best fits your schedule on kaptest.com
Powerscore.com also offers classroom instruction (about $1200) and an intensive weekend course ($350).

Study Tips:

Take a diagnostic before you even start studying so that you can find your problem/strong areas and get an idea of where you stand.
Find the method that works best for you, create a structured study plan for yourself and stick to it.
Know the test inside and out – become comfortable with the timing of the sections and staying within that limit.
Do not become too comfortable with your practice test scores; they are good indicators, but not completely telling of how you will perform on test day.
The night before the test, make sure you have your identification, test ticket, and know how to get to the location. Make sure you get a full night's rest, eat breakfast, and pack snacks for the test.

APPLICATIONS:

Paper or Electronic Application options. Look online to see what schools prefer.

Attach electronic addendums, resumes, and personal statements.
LSAC will electronically send your application and attached forms. Some forms may need to be printed and mailed personally, and some schools may use online payment, while others make a mailed check and certification letter necessary.
Applications range from being free to costing close to $80.