LSAC UPDATE
2012 PLANC NATIONAL CONFERENCE
WASHINGTON, DC
TOPICS
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Online Services Simulation Site
LSAC International Initiatives
Applicant Study
Forums
Electronic letters of recommendation
Statement Good Admission and Financial Aid
Practices
• LSAT score cancel codes
• ABA/LSAC Official Guide
TOPICS
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Dean’s Certification=LOR-type Document
Test administration policies
Test Prep E-books
LSAC National Recruitment Work Group
Financial Aid Advisory Group
ABA/LSAC Official Guide
Fee Waiver Report
New paper documents policy
APPLICANT STUDY
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Last study was 2006
Effort to assist law schools in reaching out to applicants
What do applicants want?
What kind of information do applicants need?
Different formats for communication
Heightened concern about cost, debt
10,000 applicants for Fall 2011
Factors that influenced where to apply
Types of outreach from schools
Consulting with prelaw advisors, family, friends
APPLICANT STUDY
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Rankings
Job market projections
Schools’ job placement
Phase II
Applicants admitted to at least two schools
Conducted by telephone
Questions directed at choice among law school offers
Similar content
Tracking trends from previous studies
Expect changes based on communication formats
FORUMS
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Financial Aid Consultant
Change in hours to 11:00-4:00 to visit with schools
Two hours of workshops prior to forum—9:00-11:00
Three summer workshops in 2012
Washington, Chicago, Oakland
Revisiting this format for future years
Boston converting to mini-forum in 2013
LSAC arranges meeting space, drayage
Schools pay for travel, hotel
No pre-registration or post forum outreach through LSAC
Minimize cost, offered during weekdays
FORUMS
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No workshops
Cities with applicant volume too small for forum
Denver will be test market in 2013
Law school panelists must complete training
Law school career service director will participate
Provide context for What Do Lawyers Do? Panel
Continuing Application Process, Paying for Law School
Diversity Issues, Forum 101
Continuing Toronto forum
LSAC NATIONAL RECRUITMENT
SUBCOMMITTEE
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Meets annually
One representative from each APLA
One representative from a law school in each APLA region
Coordinate national recruiting calendar
Discuss all issues related to law school recruiting
Report back to APLAs
Goal is to maximize applicants meeting law school reps
Minimize cost and travel time for law schools
LSAC NATIONAL RECRUITMENT
SUBCOMMITTEE
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Current members:
NAPLA—Heather Struck, Joe Campion
MAPLA—Gwyn Wallender, Pam Bloomquist
SAPLA—Rodia Vance, Dexter Smith
SWAPLA—Gary Keith, Jamie Dillon
WAPLA—Verlaine Walker, Cristina Arteaga
PCAPLA—Precious Robinson, Sharon Pinkney
S&P Chair, Sandy Williams
FINANCIAL AID ADVISORY GROUP
• Law school experts on financial aid
• Review and revise LSAC website materials
• Revise LSAC brochures for applicants related to paying for
law school
• Conduct training for admission professionals
• Monitor legislation
NEW LSAC CANCEL CODES
Cancel Code Descriptions—will display on the
back of Candidate Item Response Reports
Alpha Symbols (new)
• Security Cancel—score cancellation by LSAC
following a security or irregularities investigation.
S replaces
* (asterisk)
• Absent or Delay—candidate is absent or there is a
delay in the reporting of the score.
A replaces
- (dash)
• Candidate Cancel—score cancellation at the request
of the test taker
C replaces
/ (slash)
• LSAC Cancel—score cancellation due to
circumstances beyond the control of the candidate.
LSAC determined it impossible to obtain a valid score
(example—LSAC cancellation resulting from a badly
printed test book or non-receipt of test materials after
the test has been administered.
N replaces
+ (plus)
• Accommodated Cancellation—score cancellation at
the request of the test taker
C replaces
/ (slash)
NEW LSAC CANCEL CODES CONTINUED
Cancel Code Descriptions—will display on the back
of Candidate Item Response Reports
Alpha Symbols (new)
• Other Test Center Violations—score cancellation by
LSAC. Test taker was dismissed from the test due to a
violation of the test center procedures, not involving a
prohibited electronic device. For example, test taker
observed working in the wrong test section or
continuing to work on a section after time has been
called.
V (New)
• Possession of Prohibited Electronic Device—score
cancellation based on possession of a prohibited
electronic devise at a test center.
P (New)
• Statistical Cancel—for statistical reasons, the score
cannot be reported.
I (New)
NEW BANNER PAGE
PAPER DOCUMENTS FOR ONLINE ACCOUNTS
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More than 98% of candidates have online accounts
Candidates have the option to receive paper copies
LSAT disclosure materials
LSAT score reports, admission tickets
Additional fee of $25.00
March 2013, that option no longer available
Candidates who have no online access
Paper will be provided in those rare cases
DEAN’S CERTIFICATION DOCUMENT
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Burden for undergraduate schools
Regular updates required
Law schools have different forms
Request LSAC create LOR-type process
Usage will be optional for law schools
Applicants submits one form to college/university
Completed by appropriate official and sent to LSAC
Applicant assigns the document to schools that require the
form
DEAN’S CERTIFICATION DOCUMENT
• Applicant responsible for updating any change through
questions on the law school application form about character
and fitness—requires updates as necessary
• Despite parallels with LOR, complicated process for LSAC
• Schedule for release in August 2014
ABA/LSAC OFFICIAL GUIDE
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No hard copy after 2013 edition
Front matter on LSAC.org
UGPA-LSAT search retained
Still in talks with ABA about content
LSAC SERVICES FEE WAIVERS
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Fee waiver applications down 9%
99% online
Approved waivers= 59%
Denied applications=41%
Waiver appeals, 44% approved
Related primarily to income changes
62% of approved waivers are women
Total commitment approximately $3.2 million
STATEMENT OF GOOD ADMISSION PRACTICES
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Set of guidelines used by all schools
Available on LSAC.org
Sent to every applicant who registers for CAS
Responsibilities of both schools and applicants
Applicants should be aware of the Statement
Common commitment deadline, for example
Revised by Services and Programs Committee
Highlight for prelaw candidates
E-PREPTESTS
• Coming this summer to Amazon.com, iTunes, and
the Barnes and Noble Nook store.
ELECTRONIC LORS (E-LORS)
PROTOTYPE 02/23/2012
LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION COUNCIL
IN THE LSAC ONLINE CANDIDATE ACCOUNT,
CANDIDATES CAN CREATE EVALUATORS AND
RECOMMENDERS AS THEY DO TODAY…
…AND MANAGE THEIR INFORMATION
IN ADDITION TO THE TRADITIONAL PAPER, CANDIDATES
WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO SEND AN EMAIL REQUEST
FOR A LOR
SIMILAR TO EVALUATIONS (DEPICTED BELOW),
CANDIDATES WILL CHOOSE TO WAIVE OR NOT WAIVE
THEIR ACCESS RIGHT ONLINE, NOT ON PAPER
SIMILAR TO EVALUATIONS, CANDIDATES WILL VERIFY
THE RECOMMENDER AND RECOMMENDATION
INFORMATION BEFORE REQUESTING THROUGH EMAIL
Similar to Evaluations (depicted below), an email will
be sent to the recommender requesting the LOR
containing a Recommendation ID and URL link
In addition, the request email will have the LOR
Request Form attached to it
The candidate can request the recommendation from the
recommender in two ways…
1. Through the traditional Request Form that is printed and
delivered to the recommender
2. By emailing the recommender a request (through LSAC’s
website) with the Request Form attached
Regardless of how the recommender received the
recommendation request, the recommender can complete the
recommendation in 2 ways…
1. Print the paper LOR and attach to the Request Form that
was received (either in paper or as an attachment in an
email) and mail it to LSAC
2. Go to the Assessment Website and complete the E-LOR
online
The Evaluation Website will be modified to include the E-LORs.
The new site is known as the
LSAC ONLINE ASSESSMENT SITE
RECOMMENDER WILL LOGIN OR CREATE AN
ACCOUNT…
USE UNIQUE ID LOCATED ON REQUEST FORM AND IN
THE EMAIL TO ADD CANDIDATE TO YOUR ACCOUNT…
…ENTER IT HERE
AFTER ACCOUNT IS CREATED AND CANDIDATE ADDED
TO THE RECOMMENDER/EVALUATOR’S ACCOUNT,
THERE ARE JUST 3 STEPS TO SUBMIT AN LOR…
STEP 1 – UPLOAD LOR
STEP 2 – VERIFY INFORMATION
STEP 3 – PREVIEW AND SUBMIT
RECOMMENDER MUST PREVIEW THE LOR
BEFORE BEING ALLOWED TO SUBMIT
STEP 3 – PREVIEW AND SUBMIT
PREVIEWING WILL OPEN THE LOR IN A NEW
WINDOW
STEP 3 – PREVIEW AND SUBMIT
ONCE THE LOR IS PREVIEWED, THE RECOMMENDER
MUST CHECK A CERTIFICATION STATEMENT
AFTER LOR IS SUBMITTED, THE RECOMMENDER MAY
VIEW, EDIT OR RESCIND THE LOR BY ACCESSING THEIR
ACCOUNT
SOME SIMPLE
STEPS TO AVOID
BEING DENIED
ADMISSION TO
THE LSAT
LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION COUNCIL
DISCUSSION POINTS
There are several things that LSAT candidates can do to meet
the requirements for admission to take the LSAT.
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Register by the deadline
Confirm that the LSAC ID requirements are met
Obtain the required passport-type photograph
Do not bring any prohibited items to the test
• Electronic devices (including cell phones)
• Other prohibited items
• Locate test center location and report on-time
• Print Admission Ticket upon registration and confirm the
reporting address AGAIN the evening before the test
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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REGISTER BY THE DEADLINE
• Deadlines are listed at LSAC.org and also display in the
online registration process.
 http://www.lsac.org/jd/LSAT/test-dates-deadlines.asp
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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CONFIRM THAT THE LSAC ID
REQUIREMENTS ARE MET
Registrants are denied testing if they
report to the test center without
acceptable ID
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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CONFIRM THAT THE LSAC ID REQUIREMENTS
ARE MET
Acceptable common forms of ID include, but are not
limited to:
• Passport book or Passport card
• Driver’s license
• State or province-issued ID card (non-driver license)
• US military ID card (Common Access Card, or CAC)
• US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card
• National ID card
• Consular ID card
• Canadian healthcare benefit card
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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TO BE ACCEPTABLE THE ID MUST:
• be government issued
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contain a recent and recognizable photo
display the registrant’s first and last name
display the date of birth
be current (or has not expired within 90 days of the test)
The first and last name on the ID must match EXACTLY the first
and last name on the LSAT Admission Ticket.
OBTAIN THE REQUIRED PASSPORT-TYPE PHOTOGRAPH
Requirements:
• a recent passport-type photograph (taken within
the last six months) showing only the registrant’s
face and shoulders.
• must be clear enough so that there is no doubt
about the registrant’s identity
• must be no larger than 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 cm) and
no smaller than 1 x 1 inch (3 x 3 cm)
• the registrant’s face in the photo must show
him/her as they look on the day of the test.
LSAC provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos at
LSAC.org
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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http://www.lsac.org/JD/LSAT/photo-requirements.asp
Examples of Unacceptable Photographs:
HTTP://WWW.LSAC.ORG/JD/LSAT/PHOTOREQUIREMENTS.ASP
DO NOT BRING ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES TO
THE TEST:
• cell phones
• electronic timers of any kind
• beeping watches, alarm watches, calculator
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watches
personal computers
personal digital assistants (PDAs), beepers,
pagers,
calculators, headsets, ipods, photographic or
recording devices, listening devices
any other media or electronic device of any
kind
Possession of an electronic device at a test center is grounds for dismissal and
cancellation of the score.
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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DO NOT BRING ANY OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS
TO THE TEST:
Examples of other prohibited items include,
but are not limited to:
•books, dictionaries, rulers
•mechanical pencils, mechanical erasers
•briefcases, handbags, backpacks
• ear plugs
•papers of any kind
•hats/hoods may not be worn on the head
(except items of religious apparel)
LSAC permits a 1 gallon ziplock bag
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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Items that ARE permitted in the test center and must
be contained in a sealed 1 gallon zip-lock bag
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valid ID
wallet
keys
hygiene/medical products
No. 2 or HB pencils
erasers, pencil sharpener
a highlighter
tissues
beverage in a plastic container or juice box
(max. size 20 oz.)
• snack
The zip-lock bag may be accessed only at the break between test sections 3 and 4.
LOCATE TEST CENTER AND REPORT ON-TIME
• A reporting address is provided by the test center and is
….printed on each LSAT Admission Ticket.
• LSAT Admission Tickets contain the test reporting time.
• In the United States and Canada:
 October, December and February - 8:30 am
 June – 12:30 pm
Registrants who report late to the test center may be denied
admission to the test .
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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RECONFIRM THE REPORTING ADDRESS THE
NIGHT BEFORE THE TEST
• Registrants are notified by e-mail of any change to
their reporting address.
• They are advised to access their on-line account
the night before the test or, in the case of the June
test, the morning of the test.
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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LSAT Checklist: page 2 of the LSAT Admission Ticket
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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LSAT Candidate Information Sheet: available as pages 3 – 5 of
the LSAT Admission Ticket.
Copyright © 2011 by Law School Admission Council, Inc.
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LSAC ACCOUNT SIMULATION SITE
HTTPS://OS2TRAIN.LSAC.ORG
LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION COUNCIL
Intended Use
Account needed
Logon
Understanding navigation and tools available
Calendar
Understand CRS
Find Prelaw Advisor
Know what’s needed for Fee Waivers
Understand the LSAT
Find useful information about the LSAT
Understand Transcripts
Look at necessary documents
Understand LORs and Evaluations
Find useful information
Assigning Letters/Evaluations to schools
Understand the application process
Managing schools
Finding the right schools
Using LSAC’s Official Guide
Looking at schools’ requirements
Looking at actual applications
Understand Forums
Getting more information about Forums
Seeing what is available, how much it costs
LSAC
International
Initiatives
LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION COUNCIL
REACH OF THE LSAT
Traditional market has been JD admissions in US and Canada,
but there has been recent expansion
• Central European University, Budapest (2001)
• Melbourne University, Australia (2007)
• American University of Armenia (2008)
• Peking University School of Transnational Law, Shenzhen,
China (2008)
COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS
Collaboration has occurred in contexts where the primary
language is not English
• Japan Law Foundation (2001)
• National Institute of the Magistracy, Romania (2006)
• Korean Association of Law Schools (2010)
LSAT—INDIA
Adaptation of the LSAT, better to fit local context
• Undergraduate and graduate programs, in English
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Operations challenges
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Business-model challenges
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One law school in 2009; five in 2010; 30 in 2011
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Modest adaptation
LSAT—INDIA
THE FUTURE
• Be Ready for Expansion in Australia and China
• Develop Next Steps in Korea
• Assess the Future of the LSAT—India (2013)
• Assess Other Markets
• Growth in Number of Overseas LSAT Centers (44 to 85)