Module 3 - LSAC / LSAT/ GPA/Inclusive Thinking Flashcards
What is inclusive thinking
- understanding of multiple issues from different perspectives/ open-minded analysis
- as lawyers, we must look at problems from many different perspectives in order to map a plan for resolution
- take into consideration societal differences/ diversity in legal anaylsis
Inclusive thinking is using
the representation of diverse perspectives to create a collective intelligence that is > any one individual’s intelligence
Diversity is
the representation of different perspectives
Individual expertise and adversarial thinking must be
combined with inclusive thinking to lead to a competitive advantage in the workplace
What are the challenges to thinking inclusively?
- the conscious choice to think inclusively does not align with he unconscious patterns of thinking (default); most thought patterns gravitate toward what feels similar, easy and predictable; especially when STUFF is involved
- main barrier between conscious choice and inclusive thinking are implicit biases
What does STUFF mean?
S - stress T - time constraints U - uncertainty F - fear F - fatigue
What are implicit biases?
unconscious decisions made about people, events, or things that are based in stereotypes, cultural expectations, or other cognitive shortcuts that brains take to think faster
Seven steps to think inclusively
- examine your personal network
- examine your professional network
- fuse your problem solving style with inclusive thinking
- create productive conflict in your thought process
- identify a time when you were unable to achieve something you really wanted to achieve
- pay attention to surprises
- meet someone new once a week
What transcripts must be sent to LSAC
All transcripts (post-high school, except study abroad/short duration program)
Applications will not be deemed complete, and will not be reviewed, if
the schools do not have all transcripts
How long can it take for transcripts to be processed?
3 weeks
Why are undergrad and Law School GPA’s different?
grades are counted and calculated differently in law school –> grades with +/-, repeated, and pass/fail courses may be counted differently so no one can be at an advantage
LSAC cumulative GPA will be your
official GPA that schools will use
What do law schools do with GPA?
- Most schools take your LSAC cumulative GPA and highest LSAT score and assign an index number to your file according to a formula (based on how previous students have fared in law school/bar exam) they use to determine who is most likely to succeed at their law school
- Some schools use 25th and 75th percentile as starting point for initial file categorization based on previous student’s academic performances + 1st bar attempt
What is GPA considered subjectively on?
- quality of undergraduate school
- difficulty of major
- explanations (any explanation you provide about less impressive grades)
- upward trend
- grades (recent or reflect younger version of you)
Major has to show
you developed critical thinking, writing, and research skills + intellectual curiosity
Overcome major weaknesses (aka having a soft degree) by
making up for this weakness with other work –> writing for school newspaper, published work, thesis
Caliber of university attended also matters because
prestigious universities»_space;
ex. Harvard will view a 4.0 from Dartmouth differently than a 4.0 from Kaplan University
Post-graduate and graduate degree grades
Do NOT count toward GPA (unfair to non-graduate applicants)
Your file will be put into on of three files based on your numbers
- presumptive admit
- presumptive deny
- committee
What is the LSAT?
aptitude test, not based on the memorization of facts, but requires preparation to learn the question types/skills being tested
Two ways around the LSAT
- Northwestern’s accelerated JD program that allows a GMAT instead
- few undergraduate programs that allow you to combine a bachelor’s and a JD in a 6-year program
How many sections on the LSAT?
Five sections total, only 3 actually scored and an unscored writing sample that needs to be completed separately from the exam; one section will be experimental, another will be given twice
What does the LSAT test?
Command for the English language –> reading and vocabulary are at premium
What are the three types of sections on the LSAT?
- Logical reasoning sections; ask you to support, attack, or analyze short arguments
- Reading comprehension sections; ask you to read long, dense passages and then answer questions about what you read
- Analytical reasoning sections; “logic games” ask you to solve puzzles
