An out-standing LSAT score substantially in-creases an applicant’s likelihood of being admitted to a law school of his choice. And especially for the applicant whose GPA is less than a 2.7, the LSAT offers the best opportunity to demonstrate your ability to succeed on a more demanding level and becomes an ally when taken seriously Preparing for the LSAT is not difficult, it just takes time. It’s amazing to see the number of students who would do anything to get into law school, but who are unwilling to make a serious commitment to preparing for the LSAT. Today’s preparation fulfills tomorrow’s dreams. Preparing for the LSAT requires long-term training in a number of different skills. Logical structure, vocabulary, and the ability to think clearly under pressure are all tested on the LSAT, and all can be improved with extended and regular practice. For a large number of students who have a fear of standardized tests, a more disciplined approach is needed to overcome the anxiety and develop the skills, stamina, and confidence necessary to compete. Now you may be asking why, after graduating from college with a 3.5 GPA in political science, you should spend such a large amount of time and money preparing for a test that many people believe is culturally biased. Here are a few good reasons: As a first year law student, you will be required to study at least four to six hours daily. Studying for the LSAT is a good way to prepare yourself for the challenge ahead. Law school challenges you to think in a new way, to consider issues you never knew existed. The LSAT requires you to think in some of these same ways. The skills you hone spending long hours preparing for the LSAT increase your ability to think onyour feet and respond under pressure. What if you don’t find any of these reasons to be compelling? Well, the fact still remains that all ABA-accredited law schools require the LSAT as part of the admissions process. Since you have to take the test to achieve your goal, isn’t it worth giving it your best? Many applicants make the mistake of choosing a test date, registering for the exam, and then beginning their preparation. When test day arrives, they know they’re not ready and cancel the test, or take it unprepared, panic, and get a bad score. This is especially true of people who are intimidated by standardized testsI f you know that standardized tests pose a problem for you, allow at least six months to prepare for the LSAT. Look for a prep course that allows for feedback from the instructor and extra help if you need it. These courses are often more expensive than one or two-weekend intensive preparations, but are usually well worth the extra expense. Besides, if you can’t afford the cost to adequately prepare for the LSAT, then law school is certain to be a financial disaster. Consider these suggestions to prepare for the LSAT: Design a disciplined, long-term approach to preparing for the exam. Take a prep course, but don’t rely solely on that course for your success. Plan to take the exam only once and wait until you have developed the skills, stamina, and confidence to excel on the exam. Visualize your success. Relax. It’s not that difficult. It just takes time. Fee Waivers Fee waivers are available for the LSAT as well as for application fees. Your request may be approved either by Law Services or by a law school. Get the form you need to request a fee waiver, complete it carefully, and return it either to Law Services or to your local law school. Note that Law Services has an earlier deadline for processing fee waivers than the law schools do, so allow extra time to assure that your request can be processed. Special Test Accommodations Law Services allows special accommodations for the following: Saturday Sabbath observers to take the LSAT on the Monday following a regular Saturday administration. Your request must be accompanied by a letter from your minister or rabbi. People unable to attend a regular test center, either because they are not in the United States or because they cannot travel to their nearest test center. Law Services charges an extra fee, and a fee waiver will not cover this charge (which is more than the cost of the LSAT registration itself). If you have any type of disability you may be entitled to special testing conditions. People with reading disabilities are often entitled to readers, transcribers, or extra time. People with any physical disability may be entitled to extra time, either for the test itself or for breaks. If you take the test under special circumstances, Law Services will notify the law schools receiving your score. They will not provide the reason why this was done unless you authorize them to do so. In general, it helps to include a statement outlining the reason you needed special circumstances and what accommodations were made. The admissions committee can evaluate your score more accurately, and (should they accept you) can begin planning to meet your needs once you enroll. For more information on the LSAT, fee waivers, and special accommodations, contact: Law Services at 215-968-1001, or visit their web site at http://www.lsac.org.