LSAT Requirements: The Debate Continues
Over the past couple of months, we have published several blogs discussing the ongoing debate over LSAT requirements. If this issue has caused you any confusion, then you are not alone! It is a confusing debate. Here, we will attempt to break down the issues and clarify both sides of the argument.
The debate is whether or not to require the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and/or the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) to be administered to all students applying to law school. At this point, either test can qualify a candidate based on the individual requirements of the school. This debate is happening amongst members of the American Bar Association (ABA). As of now, the ABA is fairly split on the issue with both sides arguing that the issue is a matter of diversity.
Those in favor.
Proponents of eliminating the requirement argue that the elimination will allow more creativity and flexibility for schools in their admissions process. They point to research conducted in 2019 that shows that the LSAT is one of the leading causes in the low admissions rates of aspiring Black law students. Black lawyers make up 5 percent of the legal profession, a figure that has been stagnant for over a decade. Proponents are optimistic that eliminating the admissions test will help boost that figure moving forward.
Those opposed.
On the other hand, opponents of the elimination argue the exact opposite will happen. They are not swayed by the idea of flexibility arguing that it opens the door to much more subjectivity. Without the concrete materials, such as test scores, the criteria by which a school admits students will vary more broadly depending on the school leading to more bias, perhaps even unintentionally. Factors such as undergraduate university status and letters of recommendation could hold more weight under these circumstances which opponents argue would benefit students from privileged backgrounds.
The undecideds.
So while both sides are arguing for greater diversity, their respective approaches lie in opposition. Meanwhile, law professionals who are undecided on this issue say that more studies should be performed before any decisions are made. They claim that both sides lack the concrete evidence needed to prove their claims.
Eliminating the LSAT requirement was first proposed in early 2022 by the ABA’s Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, the national organization that is in charge of accreditation. Currently, accredited schools must require admissions test scores, either the LSAT or the GRE, from all prospective students in order to remain accredited.
In February, the House of Delegates, the policy-making branch of the ABA, voted against the proposal of elimination. Another vote is expected in August. Meanwhile, the Council of the Section and Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar is preparing to move forward with their plans to eliminate the tests. After all, after two votes, policies can be moved forward without the approval of the delegates.
The verdict?
For now, the requirement remains in place. We will continue to update you as more information comes forth. In the meantime, Ivy Links wants to emphasize that we encourage all prospective students to take admissions tests, whether graduate or undergraduate. Even if the school claims to be test-optional, the test scores can only help your chances of admission.
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