Black Students: Overcoming Law Scores For College Admissions

Racial and ethnic preferences in college admissions have been a topic of discussion for many years, with a focus on the serious gaps in access for Black and Hispanic students. While most research suggests that attending a higher-quality college is associated with higher earnings later in life, regardless of race, Black and Hispanic students are less likely to graduate from college and are more likely to receive their credentials from for-profit schools. In the admissions process, Black and Hispanic applicants have historically enjoyed an advantage at the most selective four-year colleges, with race or ethnicity sometimes being considered as much as a grade point average. However, this preference is much less evident at non-elite schools, and within these schools, the average Black or Hispanic student has been found to have lower SAT scores. The impact of race on admissions calculations has been highlighted by individuals who have shared their experiences, with some indicating that changing their race to Asian resulted in a dramatic decrease in their chances of admission.

Black enrollment limited by LSAT scores

A 2019 study by Aaron N. Taylor, executive director of the AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence, argues that law schools' use of the LSAT is effectively limiting black enrollment in law schools. The study, which appears in the Florida International University Law Review, reveals that in the 2016-17 admission cycle, it took about 1,960 black applicants to yield 1,000 offers of admission, compared to only 1,204 white applicants for the same number of offers. The average LSAT score for black test-takers is 142, while the average for white and Asian test-takers is 153.

The study also highlights that among black applicants with LSAT scores between 135 and 149, 55% received no admission offers, compared to 39% of similar white applicants. This disparity in admission offers based on LSAT scores leads to a significant impact on the enrollment outcomes for black applicants. They are more likely to enroll in law schools with less desirable job placement and other outcome measures. Additionally, black applicants who secure admission to law schools are less likely to receive non-need-based aid, as LSAT scores are a factor in awarding scholarships.

Taylor's study questions the validity and value of the LSAT as a primary admission criterion. While the sponsors of the LSAT claim that it predicts first-year academic success, Taylor's research found that it does not correlate with performance on bar exams. For instance, Texas Tech found that the LSAT explained only 13% of the variance in bar exam scores of its law graduates. The University of Cincinnati also concluded that LSAT scores did not correlate with Ohio bar exam performance among its graduates. These findings suggest that the LSAT may not be an accurate predictor of long-term legal education goals and that law schools should reconsider its dominant role in admissions.

The Law School Admissions Council, which sponsors the LSAT, has responded to these criticisms by reminding law schools to use the LSAT correctly and not overly rely on it as the sole admissions criterion. They attribute the overreliance on LSAT scores to a focus on rankings rather than a comprehensive evaluation of applicants. Despite these responses, the study's findings underscore the need to address the factors contributing to lower acceptance rates for African American candidates, including late applications and lower LSAT scores, to improve representation in law school student bodies.

LSAT scores and race

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is the standardised test required to get into an ABA law school. The test costs $200 to take and is a significant barrier to entry for many aspiring law students, particularly those from minority backgrounds.

Data from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) shows that, between 2011 and 2018, Black/African American test-takers and Puerto Rican test-takers had the lowest average LSAT scores. In contrast, Caucasian/White and Asian test-takers had the highest average scores. The data also shows that the percentage of test-takers who did not indicate their race and ethnicity had the highest average LSAT scores for 6 out of the 7 reporting years.

The LSAT is not the only factor in law school admissions, and it is known that historically underrepresented minorities (URMs) perform significantly worse on the test as a group. However, the LSAC does not want to advertise this fact, as it may jeopardise the LSAT's place as the biggest factor in law school admissions. Despite this, the percentage of Black lawyers has remained stagnant over the last 10 years, with Black people making up 13.4% of the US population but only 5% of all lawyers.

Some sources suggest that this disparity is due to inequalities in education and a lack of mentorship and networking opportunities for minority applicants. For example, many law schools begin accepting applications between August and October and continue to accept applications until February or June. However, as space in the entering class shrinks, competition increases, and admission offers diminish over time. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 43% of Black applicants applied in March or later, compared to only 29% of White applicants.

Additionally, the cost of applying to law school is a significant barrier for many prospective students. After the initial $200 LSAT fee, the LSAC charges students an additional $195 to aggregate application materials and $45 for each school they apply to. Each school also has its own application fee, which can range from $15 to $100. With the average applicant applying to six schools, fees can quickly add up to $1,000 or more.

To address these disparities, some organisations offer free or low-cost LSAT prep courses and mentorship programs for minority and first-generation college students. For example, the LEAP program offers an expensive and reputable LSAT course cost-free and provides mentorship from lawyers, which has been critical for many participants.

Black students underrepresented in law schools

Black students are underrepresented in law schools. In 2019, about 62% of law students were white, roughly in line with the overall American population. In contrast, Black students made up only 7.8% of law students, despite accounting for 13.4% of the population. This discrepancy is not due to a lack of interest among Black applicants. In fact, law school enrollment among students of colour increased for the third year in a row in 2022. However, Black applicants continue to face barriers to admission.

One significant barrier is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is the dominant test in law school admissions, and there are concerns that its use may be limiting Black enrollment in law schools. Studies have shown that among those with scores in the band of many Black law applicants, white applicants are more likely to be admitted. For example, among Black applicants with LSAT scores between 135 and 149, 55% received no admission offers, compared to only 39% of similar white applicants. Furthermore, the average LSAT score for Black test-takers is 142, while the average for white and Asian test-takers is 153.

The LSAT has also been criticised for failing to predict academic success in law school. Several studies have found that LSAT scores do not correlate with performance on bar exams or lawyering skills. Despite this, law schools continue to rely heavily on LSAT scores in their admissions decisions, which may disproportionately impact Black applicants.

Some law schools have made efforts to increase the enrollment of underrepresented groups, including Black students. For example, Howard University School of Law, a historically Black college, enrolled the highest percentage of Black students in fall 2023 (82.2%). Other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with high percentages of Black students include Florida A&M University College of Law, North Carolina Central University School of Law, and the University of the District of Columbia's David A. Clarke School of Law.

To address the issue of underrepresentation, law schools should consider ways to increase diversity in their admissions processes. This may include evaluating the weight given to LSAT scores and considering other factors that may contribute to a student's success in law school. By actively seeking applicants with unique perspectives and diverse backgrounds, law schools can create a more inclusive and representative student body.

LSAT's ability to predict lawyering skills

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardised test used in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries to assess candidates for law school admission. It consists of multiple-choice sections testing logical reasoning and reading comprehension skills, as well as an unscored writing section. The test is designed to predict academic success in law school, specifically during the first year.

However, the LSAT's ability to predict lawyering skills and success beyond law school has been questioned. While LSAT defenders argue that it is the "single best predictor for law school success" and an objective measure, critics point out that it does not necessarily translate to success on bar exams or in law practice.

For example, studies from Texas Tech, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of California, Berkeley, found a weak or non-existent correlation between LSAT scores and performance on bar exams. Taylor, in his study on LSAT's impact on black enrollment, also questions the test's value, noting that it does not predict long-term legal education goals well enough to be the primary admission criterion.

Additionally, internal data from top law firms suggests that LSAT scores have a low correlation with on-the-job performance, explaining only 0.9% of the variance. This has led to concerns about the adverse impact of the LSAT on diversity in the legal industry, as it may disadvantage underrepresented candidates.

While the LSAT can provide some insight into a student's potential for academic success in the first year of law school, its ability to predict lawyering skills and long-term success is limited. Other factors, such as problem-solving, collaboration, and deep-level personality traits, may be more indicative of future performance and should be considered in the admissions process to create a more equitable and effective evaluation system.

Colleges' race-based programs

Colleges have long considered race and ethnicity when deciding whether to admit or reject students. However, this has been a highly controversial topic, with some arguing that it amounts to discrimination against white and Asian applicants.

In 2023, the Supreme Court banned colleges from considering race in admissions, leading to the end of many race-based programs. These programs, such as the Minority Student Recruitment and Orientation Program (MSROP), aimed to support underrepresented students, particularly Black and Hispanic students, in navigating post-secondary institutions and achieving success. Despite this, conservative groups have criticised these initiatives, prioritising "equality" over "equity".

The Trump administration has also targeted colleges with race-based programs, threatening to withhold federal funding if they do not align with the administration's priorities. This has resulted in some universities altering or discontinuing their race-based scholarships and admissions criteria to avoid legal repercussions.

The use of standardised tests, such as the LSAT for law school admissions, has also been criticised for limiting black enrollment. Studies show that black applicants with LSAT scores between 135 and 149 are less likely to receive admission offers than their white counterparts, and those who are admitted enrol in less prestigious law schools. Furthermore, black applicants are less likely to receive non-need-based financial aid.

While the debate around race-based programs in college admissions is complex and ongoing, it is clear that addressing the underrepresentation of racial minorities in higher education requires a nuanced approach that ensures equal opportunities for all.

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