Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any comments or suggestions, contact Earlene Camarillo.

1. What factors do law schools consider for admissions?

Law schools will consider many factors, including a students entire resume, work history extra curricular activities, and life experience. In addition most law schools require a personal statement, as well as recommendation letters. That being said, the two most important factors considered are a student’s LSAT score and GPA. A few schools now accept the GRE in place of the LSAT. Check the schools website to find out if they will accept a GRE score.

2. What is the LSAT?

The LSAT is an exam designed to test a students skills that will be important to law school success. It is also an important factor considered by law schools when choosing students for admission. Some detail on the LSAT can be found on this site. Go to LSAC.org for more info, as well as a past copy of the exam.

3. How should I prepare for the LSAT?

Each individual should prepare differently for the LSAT, depending in their personal needs. Many students prepare through self study.  Purchasing an LSAT prep course is also an option. There is a great variety of courses available depending on the students needs. No matter what, you need to take practice exams. There is a past test available on the LSAC website. The rest of the past exams can be purchased online. More information can be found on the LSAT/LSAC section of this website.

4.How do I decide which LSAT prep course to buy?

Each course is different, and there are many companies to choose from. Students should consider what type of course will be most beneficial to them, depending on their needs. Many companies provide online courses for those students who require a flexible schedule, want to save money, or don’t have a in class course available nearby. Students who struggle with online courses may consider a live in class course. Students should also consider price, as the cost of these courses can vary significantly. Before deciding on a company to purchase a course from, students should do their own research and determine which course fits what they need. To find more information on how to choose a prep course, as well as a list of popular companies, go to the LSAT/LSAC section of our website.

5.When should I register for the LSAT?

This depends on when a student plans on applying to law school. Students should not wait any longer than the December test the same year they plan on applying, but typically it is suggested to take the September/October test, or the June test. Keep in mind if you plan on taking a year or two off between your undergraduate degree and law school, take the LSAT before you leave school, the scores remain valid for five years.

6.Where can I register for the LSAT?

The LSAT is administered by the LSAC, and students can register for the exam on the LSAC website.

7.Does my choice of major increase/decrease my chances of getting into law school?

No. Law schools generally don’t care what a students major in, so long as they have a bachelors degree. Students should consider taking classes that will improve skills that are essential in law school, such as writing, logic, and reading comprehension. Many students with little previous connection or experience with law, find the following courses especially useful, PS 479 Constitutional Law, PS 484 American Jurisprudence, and PS 485 Legal Reasoning and Writing.

8.What does it take to get accepted to a law school?

A high GPA and LSAT score are the two most important factors. Law schools will take other factors into account as well, such as extra curricular activities, work experience, volunteer work, and anything else that sets you apart from other candidates. To give you a better idea of what kind of GPA/LSAT scores are required to get into law school, here is both the national average as well as what two local schools average accepted students looked like for 2017.

National Average:

Average GPA- 3.27

Average LSAT- 152.9

University of Oregon:

Median GPA- 3.33

Median LSAT- 157

Willamette University:

Median GPA- 3.18

Median LSAT- 151

Lewis and Clark:

Median GPA- 3.32

Median LSAT- 158

9. What if I have a low GPA?

It’s important to note that your last two years matter the most. If you can show a trend upward, then you will have the opportunity to explain this to the law schools you apply to. Be aware though that you must show significant improvement in those last two years, you must do better than Cs and have at least some As.

10. How do I pay for law school?

Law school can be very expensive. You must treat this as an investment in your future. Most students must take out loans to pay for school. The best loans you can receive are from FASFA, who offers the best interest rates and most flexible repayment programs. If necessary, you may have to take out private loans to supplement this. You should always try to keep these loans to a minimum, but some loans will probably be necessary.