On June 12, 2006, the American Bar Association voted to change the way it asks law schools to report data regarding their entering classes. The ABA accredits U.S. law schools and, as part of this process, collects data on admissions.
How Schools will Report Scores to the ABA
Law schools are now required to report LSAT data for their entering classes based on the highest LSAT score received by those students—schools previously reported only students' average LSAT score. The LSAC will continue to report all scores and law schools will continue to have complete discretion in how they evaluate these scores.
How This Affects Schools' Score Evaluations
Currently, some schools average LSAT scores and some schools take the highest score. Given the recent change, however, we predict that many schools will move to using a student's highest score when evaluating an application. Prospective applicants should contact law schools to determine how they will evaluate their scores.
More Information on How Schools Will Evaluate Your Score
Kaplan surveyed all ABA approved law schools in the Summer/Fall of 2006 and asked admissions officers which standard—highest score or average score—they planned to use for applications. Use our Law School Search tool to see how your scores will be evaluated at the schools you're considering.