LexScholars FAQs

LexScholars uses a cohort-based model of engaging and tracking participants. In 2021, LexScholars will consist of 250 participants in the following two groups:

LSAT Prep and Admission Counseling Group (50 participants):

• Online Kaplan LSAT course, starting on August 1, 2021
• Ongoing admission counseling throughout the application process, starting on July 1, 2021
• Ongoing access to financial education and law school informational resources 

LSAT Prep Only Group (200 participants): 200 participants will receive:

• Online Kaplan LSAT course, starting on August 1, 2021
• Ongoing access to financial education and law school informational resources 

In 2020, there were 114,520 law students enrolled in the almost 200 ABA-approved law schools in the U.S. (not including the three law schools in Puerto Rico). Students who identified as Black, Latino/Hispanic, Native American and other groups were underrepresented among law students, relative to their overall population.

These trends are longstanding and reflect the unequal access that has typified legal education since its inception. It is no surprise that the legal profession is one of the least diverse professions in the U.S., with Black, Latino/Hispanic, Native American people collectively comprising just 11% of U.S. lawyers despite comprising a third of the overall population.

The socioeconomic backgrounds of law students are not systematically tracked, but the available evidence suggests that lawyers tend to come from relatively affluent backgrounds. Therefore, people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are considered underrepresented as well. LexScholars applicants are socioeconomically underrepresented if they are either first-generation college graduates or if they received Pell Grants in college.

Yes. LexScholars recruits underrepresented applicants who possess potential for success in law school but have standardized test scores and/or grades that suggest they would have difficulty gaining admission to almost every law schools.

In order to be eligible for LexScholars, applicants must have an LSAT score no higher than the 25th percentile. For applicants who have not taken the LSAT, scores on the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT may be submitted. To be eligible, either the overall score or the score on sections testing reading/English proficiency must be no higher than the 50th percentile.  

You should report your highest standardized test score. To be eligible for LexScholars, applicants must have an LSAT score no higher than the 25th percentile. For applicants who have not taken the LSAT, scores on the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT may be submitted. To be eligible, either the overall score or the score on sections testing reading/English proficiency must be no higher than 50th percentile.  

Yes. You may report a score on the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT. You should report the highest score on the most recent test you took. To be eligible for the program, the score cannot be higher than the 50th percentile. We will consider the overall score on the exam or the reading/English section.

If you have previously enrolled in a JD program at an ABA-approved law school, you are not eligible to participate in LexScholars.

LexScholars is rooted in the belief that there is much untapped potential among law school applicants who are least likely to gain admission, due to unfavorable LSAT scores and undergraduate grades. We believe that with adequate information, resources, and support, many of these applicants can be successful as law students and lawyers. LSAT scores and undergraduate grades have value in predicting law school success, but aptitude and potential are not fully captured by these measures.

There are no fees associated with LexScholars. All stipulated resources will be provided at no cost. 

Eligible LexScholars applicants will be selected for the program in the order in which they submit all required application documents, including two recommender assessments.

• LSAT Prep and Admission Counseling Group: The first 50 applicants to submit all required documents and select this Group as their preference will receive a Kaplan online LSAT course and comprehensive law school admission counseling. 
• LSAT Prep Only Group: The first 200 applicants to submit all required documents and select this Group as their preference will receive a Kaplan online LSAT course. Applicants who are not chosen for the LSAT Prep and Admission Counseling Group will also be considered for these slots.

The sooner you submit all required documents, the better your chance of being selected for LexScholars.

Past LexScholars participants will be considered for any remaining program slots beginning June 1. Selection will be made in order of submission of all required application components.

In lieu of traditional letters, applicants are required to have two recommender assessments submitted on their behalf. Recommenders are asked to provide specific examples of applicants demonstrating the following ten qualities and characteristics that research has associated with effective lawyering skills:

1. Analysis and Reasoning: Uses analytical skills, logic, and reasoning to approach problems and to formulate conclusions and advice.
2. Problem Solving: Effectively identifies problems and derives appropriate solutions.
3. Speaking: Orally communicates issues in an articulate manner consistent with issue and audience being addressed.
4. Writing: Writes clearly, efficiently and persuasively.
5. Community Involvement and Service: Contributes skills to the community.
6. Integrity & Honesty: Has core values and beliefs; acts with integrity and honesty.
7. Stress Management: Effectively manages pressure or stress.
8. Passion & Engagement: Demonstrates interest in law and/or the goal of completing law school.
9. Diligence: Committed to and responsible in achieving goals and completing tasks.
10. Able to See the World Through the Eyes of Others: Understands positions, views, objectives, and goals of others.

The assessments will be delivered electronically to the recommenders you list in your application. Recommenders will complete and submit the assessments online. You can download a copy of the assessment here.

Yes. You should try to find recommenders who can assess you on as many of the listed qualities and characteristics as possible. But they will be able to mark ‘N/A’ for those qualities and characteristics on which they are unable to provide specific examples.

The purpose of LexScholars is two-fold: to maximize participants’chances of acceptance into law school, and to explore and develop sustainable models for increasing law school diversity by addressing common disadvantages faced by applicants from underrepresented backgrounds. In order to conduct analyses of the impact of the program components, participants must agree to allow AccessLex researchers to track their law school admission experiences and outcomes. 

LexScholars participants will be required to submit monthly reports and complete surveys detailing their experiences and outcomes during the law school admission process. An online reporting form will be forwarded to participants via email each month, beginning in September and continuing through August of the following year. Participants will complete and submit reporting forms and surveys online. The participant research agreement will outline the complete scope of ongoing obligations and responsibilities associated with LexScholars participation. You may download a sample survey here. Questions on the actual surveys may be different.