Law School Admissions
Applying to law school can be an overwhelming and complicated process. We have broken down some of the main components of law school applications on this page, although we encourage you to learn more from other sources, and research the Admissions Application Process of your desired law school, as soon as you’re thinking of applying to Law School.
In our experience, Canadian undergraduate students typically apply to law schools in one of the following locations:
Canada;
U.S.;
UK; and
Australia.
For the past few years, we have hosted an event which highlighted the differences between these locations and the application process for each location. At our Law Week (2021) event, we discussed with representatives from various Canadian Law Schools (i.e Western, Queens, McGill), as well as a variety of US Law Schools (i.e UCLA) about what type of students their respective law schools are looking for!
In 2019, our Law Day we had four speakers attend, and discuss their personal experiences with Careers in the Legal Field;
Lucian Wang (University of Toronto [BSc], New York University [J.D]);
Anna Southall-Millward (Wilfred Laurier University [BA], University of Toronto [BEd], Yorkville University [MA]);
Allison Stroz (McMaster University [BA], University of Sydney [J.D];
Heidi Schulze (Wilfred Laurier University [BA], Durham University [MA])
A video copy of the event is available here. A text transcription of the event is available here.
For all information on events regarding Law School Admissions, and Careers in Law Events, check our upcoming events page.
The LSAT
According to the Law School Admissions Council: “The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an integral part of law school admission. The purpose of the LSAT is to test the skills necessary for success in the first year of law school.”
Commencing in 2019, The Law School Admissions Council has altered the format of the LSAT to now be fully digital. As a result, test-takers no longer use the traditional method of completing the test with pen and paper accomodations, but rather write it through a tablet or a desktop/laptop computer. While applicants now have the comfort of writing at home, LSAC enforces ProctorU; a proctoring platform to ensure all test-takers are following guidelines. More information about the digital format can be found below.
Applicants should note that the cost to write the LSAT is approximately $200 CAD, per test. If you are unable to make your test day, LSAC may charge you an additional fee if you are not within a suitable time frame to cancel/defer registration. Please refer to the LSAC website for more information.
LSAT Testing
The LSAT consists of four 35-minute sections of multiple choice questions. three of the four sections contribute to your score. The fourth section (commonly referred to as the “experimental” or “variable” section) is designed to test new questions for future use. When writing the LSAT, you will not know which sections count towards your score and which is one is the unscored section. Test-takers will write two sections consecutively, and take a ten minute break before writing the final two sections.
These include:
1 Reading Comprehension section,
1 Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) section, and
1 Logical Reasoning section
The fourth experimental section is subject to be any of the three sections above.
The LSAT also includes a 35-minute writing section, administered separately from the multiple choice section. You have the optional of writing this portion of the LSAT anywhere from eight days before your test date, to a year after the test date. However, you are required to complete the writing portion in order to obtain your score. There is no score for this section. It is primarily designed to test test-taker’s ability to develop and argue a position. Law schools are able to use this writing sample to ascertain applicant’s writing and argumentative skills. Please note: registration for an upcoming LSAT test date requires registration at least 6-weeks in advance (e.g for the August 2022 LSAT, administered August 12, 2022, registration closed on June 28, 2022).
If you are planning to write your LSAT, make sure you visit http://www.lsac.org/ for current registration and preparation information.
LSAT Preparation Tools
There are many ways to prepare for the LSAT. Different strategies work for different individuals. Below, we have outlined some of the options available. This is not an entirely comprehensive list. It is merely meant as a basic guide for those completely unfamiliar with the test and unsure where to start.
LSAT Courses
There are many different companies that offer courses on the LSAT. These courses are administered in-person and online.
Our sponsors offer exclusive discounts to UTPLSA members on LSAT preparatory materials and courses. In order to access these discounts, you must be a registered Member for the current year. Once you do so, you will receive these promotional codes via email. For more information on how to register as a member, click here.
The University of Toronto Faculty of Law also offers a free LSAT Prep course, Law School Access Program (LSAP), annually in the summer, for high-potential students taking their LSAT. Click here to learn more about this program.
Osgoode Hall Law School also offers an LSAT Prep course, Access to Law and Learning (A.L.L). This is a course that “prepares students for the LSAT and provides insight into law school and the legal profession.” Study materials, practice tests, and online support, and networking with current law students and legal professionals are additional features of this course. Click here for more information and to apply.
Note: Applications to The University of Toronto’s L.A.W.S Program, and Osgoode Hall Law School’s A.L.L. Program requires a separate application including transcripts, and a supplementary personal statement to be considered for admissions into their programs.
Information Sessions
If you are not ready (or able) to shell out on an LSAT Prep Course, don’t worry! Many of our sponsors and partners offer free events and sessions that will break down basic information you should know before you write. Some sessions are designed to introduce students to study habits and tips. Stay up to date on all our upcoming events here (which include all LSAT-related events)!
Pictured: UTPLS Members at the Toronto Law School Symposium (2018)
Independent Study
Some students prefer to study independently. They may do so with the use of prepatory textbooks or video instruction. Students who chose this route should be able to regulate their own time and schedule; students who require more guidance and structure to their learning may encounter difficulty. Those who use this method may work their way through textbooks or online materials (such as instruction videos). They will typically practice with real practice tests from previous LSAT administrations. These are sold individually and in packages (10 tests to a book) by LSAC.
UTPLS works with many organizations who offer prepatory materials, such as explanatory videos, practice questions, and text explanations, all of which students can work through at their own pace. Materials may be paper-based or online (especially in light of the switch to the digital tablet).
Private Tutoring
For the students who are able to afford it, private tutoring can be beneficial in addressing the specific areas students are struggling with. Students can find private tutors through some large LSAT Prep companies (such as our partners) or through freelance teachers. Freelance teachers can be located through a number of online buy-and-sell platforms.
Note: Private Tutoring costs can range from $50/hour- $900/hour, depending on the Company.