U n i v e r s i t y o f C o l o r a d o
S c h o o l o f L a w
W E L C O M E
| Welcome the the "Thinking about Law School" section of the University of Colorado BLSA's Home Page. We've created this section to answer the questions and address the concerns of African-Americans considering law school. This section is for those who have not yet applied. Those further in the process might want to also look at our other sections. In any case, we wish you the best, whether or not you decide to attend law school. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail us. |
T H I N G S T O C O N S I D E R
| The first year of law school is usually an agonizing experience for everyone. However, there are additional challenges that African-American students must face. First, while many students get financial aid, there is almost no source of financial aid that covers more than tuition. Since most schools don't allow students to work during their first year, this brings about an almost universal financial crises for most African-American students. Those of us without previous savings or other source of financial support usually subsist on student loans. These provide a meager existence at best, and accumulate quickly. Before entering law school, students should carefully consider the financial consequences. Student loans can easily lead to monthly repayments of more than $400. This number is particularly concerning since the average law student at the University of Colorado will graduate to a job that pays $38,000/year. African Americans must also face racism in the law school. This racism can take many forms. There are students who question our qualifications as law students, and consider our presence a direct result of Affirmative Action. This leads to the popular "bottom ten" myth: that in any entering law class, African Americans constitute the ten least qualified. Because the law school is a rigid and somewhat isolated institution, professors are sometimes racist in ways that would be unacceptable in other forums. African Americans at CU have complained about feeling isolated in class. Conservative professors have sometimes participated in propogating "bottom ten" myths when opposing Affirmative Action. Some African American law students feel that professors do not call on them in class because they are Black. Finally, African American law students, unlike many of our Anglo counterparts, are often entering the legal establishment from the outside. We are at a disadvantage in forming informal relationships with professors, getting important advice about tests, and networking for jobs after graduation. In no way do we want to discourage African Americans from applying to law school. If anything, we would like to see a legal establishment more representative of the nation that it's meant to serve. However, African Americans thinking about law school should keep their eyes wide open. This is not a level playing field. |
P R E P A R I N G F O R L A W S C H O O L
| There is no "magic" formula for preparing for law school. Preparation will vary from person to person. Each individual should devise a plan that best suits his or her own personality. There is also no particular major course of study that guarantees admission and law schools do not require a pre-law course of study before admitting someone. Hence, a Fine Arts major has the same chance of being admitted as a Political Science major. Law schools look to the difficulty of all courses taken when evaluating applicants. A person who performed well in more difficult courses will likely be admitted before someone who performed well in less difficult courses. Once you have decided to attend law school, you should approach the remainder of your college career with an eye toward law school. Take as many courses that develop writing and analytical skills as possible. Take pre-law courses if they are offered because, it won't hurt to get an introduction to the subject matter that you will be studying for the next three years. If you are unable to take courses designated as "pre-law", don't panic or be discouraged. The most important thing is to take courses that develop the skills. Courses in English, Political Science, and Philosophy are especially helpful in developing your writing and analytical skills. While admissions are based heavily on GPA and LSAT scores, other factors influence the final decision. At the University of Colorado, for example, the Admissions Committee tries to structure an entering class with a mixture of backgrounds, experiences, interests, goals, and talents. In sum, well-rounded individuals stand the best chance of being admitted to law school. |
P R E P A R I N G F O R T H E L S A T
| The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test required for admissions to law school. It consists of five 35 minute sections. Only four of the sections count toward to your final score but you have now way of knowing which section does not count so approach each section equally. The sections that count will include, reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and two logical reasoning sections. The LSAT also includes a 30 minute writing sample which does not affect your score in any way. However, writing samples are sent to law schools to which you apply along with your test scores.
The LSAT is scored ranging from 120 to 180. It is offered four times during the year and should be taken as early during the application process as possible. The absolute best way to prepare for the LSAT is to practice, practice, practice! The more familiar you are with the test the better you will perform. If you can afford it, you can take an LSAT Prep course offered by Kaplan or The Princeton Review. Both courses teach helpful techniques for taking the test and give several practice tests to help prepare you. Most students who have taken them have found them to be very helpful. The average cost of an LSAT Prep course is about $750.00. There are other ways to obtain LSAT Prep materials if you don't want to go the course route. The Princeton Review publishes books with practice exams and hints for taking the test. These books are available in your college library and bookstores. You can also purchase Official LSAT Prep Tests directly from the Law School Admissions Council. Each test costs around $7. For information on the LSAT obtain a current LSAT/LSDAS Registration Form from your college advisor's office or write to Law School Admission Services, Box 40, 661 Penn Street, Newton, PA 18940. |
A P P L Y I N G TO L A W S C H O O L
| Admission committees generally look at only two things: LSAT and GPA. Some schools, such as CU, put more emphasis on the LSAT score, while some schools seem to put more emphasis on the GPA. Most admissions committees judge applicants first and foremost on their ability to survive law school. Concerns about diversity of experience and background come later. Application essays should be written accordingly, emphasizing why you will succeed in law school as opposed to what contribution you will make to the school, why you deserve to go to law school, etc. |