New Policy on Multiple LSAT scores

Many of you may have heard rumors about a change in policy by the LSAC regarding the reporting of multiple LSAT scores. In the past, law schools reported the average score if an applicant had multiple scores. This past December, the LSAC Board voted to change this “cautionary policy,” and to require instead the reporting of the highest score only. The ABA has gone along, and as of July 1 law schools now only report the highest LSAT score for admitted students.

This is significant, because about 90% of a law school’s all-important rank is determined by the LSAT average of the first year class (as reported to the ABA). In the past, when an average of multiple scores was reported, law schools often hesitated before admitting a student who had a very low score (even though it was clearly an aberration) along with a higher score. Why? Here’s an (admittedly poor) example: a student has LSAT scores of 140 and a 166. The law school is convinced that the first score is unrepresentative of the candidate’s true abilities. Under the prior rules, if the law school admitted this student it would report the score as a 153. If that school wanted to attain an average LSAT score of 158 for the incoming first-year class, they might hesitate to admit this applicant in favor of one who had a single score of 160. Under the new rules, they would be free to ignore the low score and admit the first student without fear of affecting their LSAT average—and rank. That’s the theory.

Law schools remain free to use any criteria they choose in deciding whether to admit an individual applicant, including still using the average of several scores. However, most professionals believe, and anecdotal evidence from the law schools themselves suggests, that most (if not all) will now consider only the highest LSAT score for admissions purposes. This will be the new policy for IUB Law, for example. Again, individual schools may vary, but the “institutional pressure” will be on them to use only the highest score. At this point, the student should check with individual schools to see how they will be handling this development. The LSAC has announced that it will retain this policy for at least the next few years.

Bottom line: unfortunately, and incredibly, the LSAT score (i.e., receiving a relatively good score) will be even more important than it has been in the past. Average LSAT scores will undoubtedly rise across the board. It will pressure students to take the exam multiple times. Thus, (unless they want to go through this grueling experience several times) it is crucial that students begin to prepare early, and that they develop individualized plans for achieving their true potential on this exam the first time they take it. Remember that HPPLC has copies of all past disclosed LSAT exams, which students may borrow free of charge, and that we sponsor LSAT preparation classes prior to every official exam. However, many students will do quite well preparing for this exam on their own. If any student would like to discuss their situation and available options, or has any questions, they should not hesitate to contact HPPLC and set up an appointment with a Prelaw Advisor.

FYI, please read the articles on pages two and three of the most recent LSAC newsletter:

http://www.lsacnet.org/publications/lsac-report/ReportJuly2006.pdf.