American Bar Association Endorses Dropping LSAT For Admission To Law School

The American Bar Association (ABA) has endorsed dropping the standardized test required for admission to law school in a newly released memo from the organization.

The potential removal of the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) could significantly change the admissions process used in the nation’s law schools.

“Eliminating the requirement of a ‘valid and reliable’ admission test also eliminates some of the challenges inherent in determining which tests are in fact valid and reliable for law school admissions, although of course law schools must still show that their use of an admission test, should they choose to require one, is consistent with sound admission practices and procedures,” ABA’s memorandum said.

Not everyone was pleased with the new recommendation. The Law School Admission Council, the organization that administers the LSAT, shared its concern in a Friday statement.

“Studies show test-optional policies often work against minoritized individuals, so we hope the ABA will consider these issues very carefully,” it said.

The recommended change follows a move to decrease the emphasis on standardized testing for admissions in recent years. For example, in March the California State University system said it will be eliminating the SAT and ACT from its undergraduate admissions process.

“This decision aligns with the California State University’s continued efforts to level the playing field and provide greater access to a high-quality college degree for students from all backgrounds,” CSU acting Chancellor Steve Relyea said in a statement, according to CBS.

“In essence, we are eliminating our reliance on the high-stress, high-stakes test that has shown negligible benefit and providing our applicants with greater opportunities to demonstrate their drive, talents and potential for college success,” the report added.

FairTest, a national organization for fair and open testing, reported in October that more than 1,785 schools were test-optional for fall 2022, representing more than three-fourths of all colleges and universities.

“The record number of admissions offices waiving testing mandates reflects widespread satisfaction with those policies,” FairTest Executive Director Bob Schaeffer said in a statement. “Schools that did not mandate ACT/SAT submission last year generally received more applicants, better academically qualified applicants, and a more diverse pool of applicants.”

Harvard announced in December that it would no longer require the SAT or ACT as part of its admission process through 2026.

“Consistent with Harvard’s whole-person admissions process, standardized tests are one factor among many considered. Accomplishments in and out of the classroom during the high school years — including extracurricular activities, community involvement, employment, and family responsibilities — are considered as part of the admissions process,” the school stated in December.

“Students who do not submit standardized test scores will not be disadvantaged in their application process. Applicants will be considered on the basis of what they have presented, and students are encouraged to send whatever materials they believe would convey their accomplishments in secondary school and their promise for the future,” Harvard added.

The University of Chicago went test-optional in 2018, according to a New York Times report, starting the process before the pandemic. The university has reported the admission “of a more diverse class without a standardized testing requirement.”

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